Have you been lucky enough to have a Meta Quest 3 (or 3S) for Christmas and want to know what to play? Or are you planning on buying a headset for a loved one and need an idea as to what games to purchase alongside it? Well, you’re in luck – we’ve put together a list of titles that the team here have loved from over the last few years, with both new releases and classic favourites included that are sure to put a smile on virtual reality gamers’ faces this holiday season.

Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of titles that you might think are criminally omitted (I know some of my favourites are), but with this from a team with varied taste, these are the titles that have been the most special to us.

If you’re lucky enough to play some of these games, you’re in for a real treat – but hey, don’t forget to take a browse of the Meta Quest store yourself… there are some wonderful games on offer that really highlight just how special virtual reality (and mixed reality) can be.

Rhythm Games

Maestro

Maestro is a unique rhythm game that redefines the genre by placing players in the role of an orchestra conductor. Using motion-based mechanics (including optional hand-tracking), players guide their orchestra through a variety of hand gestures, each of which is simple enough to do on its own but become more complex as you perform them in tandem. The gameplay is intuitive but challenging, offering a rewarding learning curve that’ll see players steadily improve their skills.

It features a diverse soundtrack of 17 tracks, blending classical staples like Swan Lake with jazz classics like Sing, Sing, Sing. A new DLC pack including songs from both the Harry Potter movies and Disney’s Fantasia is also releasing soon, giving players a rich and familiar selection of songs to play through that will go a long way in increasing the title’s prestige.

The game excels in immersion, and believe me, there’s nothing better than getting cheers from the audience at the end of each song. I’ll admit, I didn’t think Maestro would be for me before playing, but it’s a genuinely enthralling experience that gave me a greater appreciation for orchestra conductors.

Beat Saber

Beat Saber is one of the most prolific VR releases, offering an electrifying combination of rhythm, music, and immersive VR gameplay. Players wield dual lightsabers to slice through color-coded blocks in sync with a pulsating soundtrack, blending physical movement with precision timing as players nail those high scores. Its intuitive mechanics make it accessible for beginners, but believe me, it’s at its best when you hit those manic higher difficulties where the action REALLY ramps up.

The game’s soundtrack spans a variety of genres, including EDM, pop, rock, and hip-hop, with frequent updates and DLC song packs from popular artists such as Britney Spears, Billie Eilish, Queen, Imagine Dragons, Lady Gaga, and, most recently, Metallica, ensuring players always have fresh and varied tracks to enjoy.

Beat Saber also shines as a workout, with its high-energy gameplay providing a fun way to stay active. The vibrant visuals and responsive gameplay create a deeply engaging experience, cementing its place as a standout title in VR.

Synth Riders

Synth Riders blends music, movement, and immersive visuals into an engaging experience that feels different enough from Beat Saber to stand out as another must-play rhythm title. Players ride rails and punch orbs to the beat of a dynamic soundtrack, emphasizing flow and freestyle movement in a way that encourages player freedom.

Its soundtrack offers an eclectic mix of genres, including synthwave, EDM, rock, and pop, with optional DLC featuring hits from artists like Muse, Bad Religion, Gorillaz, and even a-ha (yes, you can play Take on Me). The variety ensures there’s something for every musical taste, whilst the newest DLC – which focuses on Barbie – will certainly appeal to a younger audience.

The game also offers multiplayer modes, allowing players to compete or enjoy co-op experiences with friends, adding an extra social appeal to the experience. The visually stunning environments, customizable settings, and the ability to play in freestyle mode or follow precise challenges make it highly versatile for casual fun, fitness, or competitive play, and hey – you can even experience its wonders in mixed reality.

Pistol Whip

Pistol Whip delivers a thrilling blend of rhythm and action, helping set it apart from similar titles by giving players guns to blast along with. Set in a neon-drenched world, players wield weapons synced to the beat, slashing and shooting enemies in time with a pulsating soundtrack. The gameplay merges precision and fast-paced action, requiring players to stay on rhythm while dodging, aiming, and executing stylish combos. Honestly, it’s as good as it sounds…

The soundtrack is diverse, featuring high-energy tracks across genres like synthwave, EDM, and rock, ensuring a captivating experience for music lovers where they’ll feel an immersive synergy between gameplay and sound. Admittedly, it doesn’t feature prolific tracks or artists like you’d see in some of the other titles we’ve included here, but it still has a good selection of bangers that perfectly fit the frantic action of the experience.

Unlockable weapons, skins, and power-ups will keep players coming back for more, whilst higher difficulty levels and competitive leaderboards will keep more seasoned players on board for the long term. It’s one of the most intense and exciting rhythm games that I’ve played, with it spinning the genre into something thrilling, unique, action-packed, and, most importantly, fun.

First-person Shooters

Arizona Sunshine 2

Arizona Sunshine 2 is a thrilling sequel that elevates its predecessor’s zombie-shooting action with refined mechanics, immersive visuals, and exciting new features. Set in a richly detailed world, the game puts players back in the shoes of its snarky protagonist, this time accompanied by a lovable canine companion who assists in strategic ways when dealing with the zombie threat. It has a pretty meaty campaign to play through too, offering intense set pieces, diverse weaponry, and satisfying combat that easily makes it one of the best story-driven titles on the Meta Quest. Plus, you can play in co-op with a friend… what more could you want?

Admittedly, I was a little torn whether to include this or the more recently released remake of the original game (which is also VERY good), but I think Arizona Sunshine 2 does enough to come out on top. With stunning visuals and exhilarating gameplay, Arizona Sunshine 2 is a must-play for fans of VR action, showcasing the medium’s evolution – and come on, who doesn’t want a canine companion to help them kill zombies in VR?

Vendetta Forever

Vendetta Forever is an exhilarating VR experience that blends fast-paced action with clever puzzling, anchored by its innovative LO-KILL-MOTION system. Players teleport between enemies by chaining kills, creating a unique gameplay loop that demands strategy, reflexes, and a killer aim. With a ton of diverse missions ranging from intense firefights to creative scenarios like skydiving and sound-based stealth, the game consistently keeps players thrilled.

The wide variety of weapons, from pistols and shotguns to katanas and even pencils, adds flair and excitement, evoking a John Wick-style thrill to the experience. While the momentum can falter if players struggle to maintain their kill flow, a rewind mechanic helps ease frustrations by enabling tactical adjustments without restarting.

Visually, the game’s minimalist yet vibrant art style and varied environments keep the experience fresh. Coupled with leaderboards, collectibles, and difficulty modifiers, Vendetta Forever offers plenty of replay value that’ll constantly keep VR thrill seekers coming back for more. Don’t sleep on this one – it’s one of the best titles you can play on the Meta Quest 3.

Metro Awakening

Metro Awakening is a gripping VR prequel to the Metro series, set in Moscow’s haunting subway system. Players assume the role of Serdar, a doctor on a personal quest in a post-apocalyptic world set five years before Metro 2033. The story explores survival, grief, and guilt, with it enriched by the same sort of atmospheric environments and immersive storytelling that long-time players have come to expect. Oh, and don’t worry if you haven’t played other entries in the series – whilst Metro Awakening is connected, it can be fully enjoyed as a stand-alone experience.

The game blends stealth, survival, and action to ensure it captures the same sort of vibe players expect from the series, and whilst it does omit some features players would be used to, it doesn’t make it any less enthralling to play – especially when navigating its dimly lit tunnels filled with scarce resources, monstrous creatures, and ruthless enemies. The lack of a HUD and manual weapon mechanics heighten immersion and tension, whilst its thrilling firefights and intense set pieces ensure that the VR debut for the series is a success.

Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4 VR is an exceptional adaptation of the 2005 classic for the Meta Quest platform, delivering a deeply immersive experience that manages to feel both familiar and fresh. The shift to a first-person perspective revitalizes iconic locations and battles, from the eerie opening where you discover the horrors of the village to the terrifying encounter with El Gigante (don’t forget to save the dog). VR mechanics like manual reloading, dual-wielding weapons, and holstered inventory add tactile depth, ensuring combat is exhilarating from start to end. As a long-time fan of the Resident Evil series, this has always felt like a special release to me… I just wish we’d see more classics gets a similar sort of revival on the Meta Quest platform.

Whether revisiting as a fan or exploring it for the first time, Resident Evil 4 VR offers thrilling action and unforgettable moments, making it a must-play for Meta Quest 3 owners. And sure, it might feel like it has been bettered by the PlayStation VR 2 version of Resident Evil 4 Remake but come on… sometimes you can’t beat the classics.

Puzzlers

The 7th Guest VR

The 7th Guest VR breathes new life into the 1993 classic, offering a creative reimagining of its eerie mansion mystery. Featuring a revamped narrative and all-new puzzles, the game embraces VR perfectly, allowing players to physically interact with their surroundings and soak in the haunting yet charming world. The clever puzzles, tied thematically to the game’s characters and spooky vibe, are engaging and enhanced by a special lantern that uncovers secrets and reveals the mansion’s past. It’s one of my favourite features in the game and looks all the more impressive thanks to the visual upgrade brought with the game’s Meta Quest 3 update.

The inclusion of real-life actors portrayed in-game adds authenticity and nostalgia, maintaining the quirky charm of the original. The mansion’s creepy yet campy atmosphere is masterfully recreated, with VR adding to the unsettling experience and ensuring that The 7th Guest VR is a captivating blend of nostalgia and innovation.

The Room: A Dark Matter

The Room: A Dark Matter successfully transitions Fireproof Games’ acclaimed puzzle series into VR, delivering an immersive and engaging experience. Players step into the shoes of a detective in 1908, unravelling the mystery of a missing museum expert across a variety of atmospheric locations. The game combines environmental storytelling with supernatural elements, creating an intriguing narrative that’ll keep players wholly invested as each plot beat unfolds.

The puzzles are the heart of the experience, featuring intricate designs and requiring logic, observation, and creativity to solve. True to the series’ roots, the puzzles offer a satisfying challenge, with a standout feature the inclusion of special glasses that reveal hidden supernatural elements. With its clever puzzles, atmospheric storytelling, and seamless VR integration, The Room: A Dark Matter is a must-play for puzzle enthusiasts.

Shattered

Shattered is a highly immersive mixed reality puzzle game for the Meta Quest 3, blending eerie storytelling with creative gameplay mechanics. The standout feature is its mixed reality integration, where players set up portals in their real-world environment to interact with objects and solve puzzles. Players physically bring items into their space, such as tools and objects, which are then used to unlock hidden secrets and progress through each level. Each area is accessed through these portals, making the gameplay dynamic and highly interactive.

While the experience is captivating, it requires ample room for effective gameplay – you’ll want a decent amount of space to make the most of it. Despite these minor issues with space, Shattered delivers a brilliant puzzle-solving experience with satisfying challenges and a wonderful implementation of mixed reality. I was tempted to include this in our mixed reality section instead because it is a brilliant demonstration of the technology, but it’d be nothing without the expertly crafted puzzling, so it deserves its place here.

The House of Da Vinci VR

The House of Da Vinci VR is a standout puzzle game for VR, offering an immersive experience set in the Renaissance era. Players assume the role of Leonardo da Vinci’s apprentice, tasked with solving intricate puzzles to uncover clues about his disappearance. The game excels in its presentation, with beautifully detailed environments and atmospheric lighting that help bring Florence and Da Vinci’s world to life. The puzzles, inspired by Da Vinci’s real-life inventions, are varied, creative, and masterfully designed, offering a satisfying mix of difficulty that requires careful observation and logical thinking to solve. It’s tantalising stuff.

One of the game’s unique features is the use of special gloves that reveal hidden details, such as secret writings or inner mechanisms of puzzles, enhancing the immersive puzzle-solving experience and adding an extra layer of interactivity to each obstacle in your path. It’s just a brilliant experience that easily stands out as one of the best Meta Quest 3 releases of 2024.

Action Adventure

Batman: Arkham Shadow

Batman: Arkham Shadow is a fantastic return to the world of Arkham, offering a AAA VR experience that perfectly adapts the series for the Meta Quest 3. The game delivers a compelling narrative where players hunt the mysterious Rat King, all whilst immersing them in an array Gotham’s gorgeous yet dark environments. With exhilarating combat, iconic gadgets, and plenty of investigative gameplay via the iconic ‘Detective Mode’, Batman: Arkham Shadow truly makes the player feel like they’re in the shoes of the world’s greatest detective.

The varied combat challenges keep the gameplay fresh and engaging (especially if you handle foes without being seen), whilst boss battles are grand in scale and difficulty. The recently released 1.2 update gives players a model viewer to appreciate the wonderful character designs, additional challenge maps to play through, and localised voice tracks for multiple languages, making for a more fleshed out and accessible experience. And hey, it just won ‘Best VR Game’ at The Game Awards too, so it’s obviously pretty special.

The best part of all? It’s free with all recent purchases of the Meta Quest 3|3S, meaning if you had the headset for Christmas, there’s a good chance you already own it. What are you waiting for… just play it, Gotham NEEDS you.

Moss and Moss: Book II

Ok, this is cheating a little because there are two games listed, but it was hard to pick between them both. Moss and Moss: Book II are both remarkable adventures, offering a masterclass in storytelling, immersive gameplay, and VR design. They combine platforming and puzzle-solving with an engaging narrative, placing players in a vibrant and enchanting world that’s an absolute delight to uncover.

In both games, players guide Quill, a charming mouse protagonist, on epic adventures. Through innovative use of VR, players take on the role of ‘The Reader’, a godlike presence who interacts with the environment to aid Quill. Teamwork makes the dream work as you find yourself interacting with the environment and controlling Quill at the same time, but you’ll also find yourself forging a special bond as you work together to overcome challenges, battle enemies, manipulate the environment, and solve intricate puzzles.

There’s a wonderful sense of attention to detail within its world, with the beautifully crafted environments rich with character and atmosphere. You’ll REALLY feel like you’re in a fairytale, whilst the sense of scale you’ll feel whilst looming over Quill and her surroundings adds a real sense of grandeur to the world.

The sequel, Moss: Book II, builds upon its predecessor with new mechanics, tools, and a more expansive narrative. The result is an experience that feels fresh yet familiar, cementing the Moss series as must-play titles on the Meta Quest 3.

Asgard’s Wrath 2

Asgard’s Wrath 2 is an incredibly epic VR adventure, offering one of the most immersive and thrilling experiences available on the Meta Quest 3. The game’s engaging narrative, which follows a Norse god in a quest to stop Loki, draws players in with its cinematic presentation and captivating storytelling, whilst the gameplay shines with its unique mechanic of possessing different characters, each with their own weapons and abilities. The game features large-scale set pieces, including intense battles with hordes of enemies and giant bosses that are visually stunning in VR, whilst the varied combat mechanics means you’ll always be doing something different.

The exploration in Asgard’s Wrath 2 is equally impressive, offering a massive world filled with detailed environments and rewarding side missions. The scope of the experience easily rivals traditional AAA titles on consoles, with Asgard’s Wrath 2 truly standing out as a blockbuster of VR.

Blade and Sorcery: Nomad

Blade and Sorcery: Nomad has been around for a while on the Meta Quest, but recently launched into 1.0, bringing the standalone version closer to its PC VR counterpart. The introduction of the Crystal Hunt mode adds a compelling progression-based element to the physics-driven sword-fighting gameplay, providing a rewarding challenge as players gather crystals to enhance their abilities. It feels like a more fleshed-out experience now that gives the player more purpose as they embark on their journey.

The game features various dungeons, new combat skills, and intense boss fights, whilst the sandbox mode still remains a standout feature – especially for those who just want to enjoy the robust sword fighting action of the experience. And sure, it might not look as impressive as its PC VR counterpart, but Blade and Sorcery: Nomad still delivers exciting and immersive action that’ll blow players away. If you’re interested in fantasy-themed sword fighting in VR, believe me, you’ll NEED to play it.

Mixed Reality

Wall Town Wonders

Wall Town Wonders is a delightful mixed reality experience that brings creativity, charm, and magic to your living space. The game allows players to build and expand a miniature town across their walls, complete with interactive townsfolk who go about their daily lives.

The immersive visuals and clever use of mixed reality technology on the Meta Quest 3 creates a magical experience, making it feel as though structures truly extend into your room. The game is accessible and casual, allowing players to either adopt a laid-back approach or dive into the mini-games for a more hands-on experience. With its emphasis on short, satisfying play sessions, Wall Town Wonders offers a unique and imaginative take on city-building and mixed reality gaming. Its recent holiday update has brought plenty of Christmas-themed fun to the world too, with additional mini-games and items on offer that’ll give your town a festive twist. Just make sure you unlock that snowman as soon as possible, he won’t be around forever…

Living Room

Living Room is a charming and relaxing mixed reality game that turns your living space into a vibrant wildlife ecosystem, allowing players to craft islands in their home and fill them with animals and plants from various biomes. The gameplay is accessible, making it perfect for both kids and adults, with a casual approach that encourages creative freedom. Players can unlock new animals, plant life, and objects as they progress, making for an experience that’s constantly giving players something new to play around with. The game’s appeal is in its simplicity and charm, with players able to customize islands and fulfil various objectives at their own pace.

One standout feature is the option to enlarge animals and let them roam freely around your living space, adding an extra layer of fun and immersion that younger players will love. Living Room also offers different modes, including a ‘Creative Mode’ for unrestricted play and a ‘Challenge Mode’ for more structured objectives. This has also had a holiday update, bringing with it festive décor for you to give your home and islands a festive makeover.

If you’ve got youngsters interested in giving your Meta Quest 3 a try, Living Room is a wonderful entry point.

Slot Car VR

Ever play with Scalextric as a kid and wonder what you could make if you had infinite track to use? Well, Slot Cars lets you live out that fantasy… in VR. Players are able to construct all sorts of creative tracks made up of a variety of pieces, all whilst customising their surroundings with different objects that add more personality to their design. And when you race across them? It’s always satisfying, especially when you see the cars whizzing past you in mixed reality (or flying off at bends if you’re as bad as I am).

You can share your tracks with others, compete to get the best times, or even work together to create your own tracks, with Slot Car VR proving to be a surprisingly social experience that’s easy to lose hours playing. And sure, I have no doubt that there are plenty of other mixed reality titles that could have easily been placed in this list instead of it, but as someone who loved Scalextric in my younger years, it felt really special to me.

First Encounters

First Encounters comes included with the Meta Quest 3 so it might be your first taste of mixed reality action, but believe me, it’s going to be memorable. With players having to blast away at alien creatures that are infesting their living space, it’s hard not to find yourself in awe of the immersion it offers – especially when they’re bursting through your walls, revealing an alien landscape around you. And seeing that ship crash down through your ceiling for the first time? Honestly, it’s magical.

There’s no doubting that there are more sophisticated mixed reality experiences out there and First Encounters is undoubtedly simple, but that doesn’t stop it from being a ton of fun. It’s accessible, it’s charming, and with a leaderboard to track your scores, a good way to compete with your family in mixed reality action this holiday season.

Multiplayer

Breachers

Breachers is an exciting 5v5 tactical FPS that draws inspiration from games like Rainbow Six Siege. It offers strategic team-based gameplay with an emphasis on verticality and thoughtful planning, with multiple game modes putting players’ skills (and teamwork) to the test as they use a variety of weaponry and gadgets to overcome their opposition.

The game’s controls and weapon handling are smooth, with intuitive holstering and satisfying gunplay. Sound plays a critical role in strategizing, as footstep volume varies with movement, adding an extra layer of tension… you know… just like Rainbow Six Siege. It has brought with it an abundance of updates since release, with graphical improvements, new game modes, and extra maps making for a more fleshed out and enjoyable multiplayer experience. It’s one of my favourite competitive titles to play on the Meta Quest 3 and I still find myself coming back for more Breachers action over a year on from its initial release.

Demeo

Demeo offers an engaging and accessible table-top dungeon-crawling experience in VR, making it an excellent choice for both solo and multiplayer gameplay. The game features easy-to-understand mechanics, where players explore a procedurally generated dungeon, all whilst using cards and dice rolls to defeat enemies and unlock treasures. Players choose from seven hero classes with each offering unique playstyles and abilities, ensuring there are plenty of ways to spice things up and bring unpredictability to each playthrough.

What truly shines in Demeo is its multiplayer aspect, where up to four players can join forces, either with friends or strangers, to take on the dungeon’s challenges. The cooperative nature of the game encourages communication and collaboration, making for memorable experiences where it takes just one wrong move to see everything fall apart. The VR environment makes everything all the more immersive, with an interactive board and intuitive controls on offer that replicate the feel of a real table-top game – mixed reality has also come into the game recently, allowing players to bring the action into the real world.

Just be warned: it’s tough as nails and will take a LOT of effort to succeed through, but hey, when you’ve got a good group of friends to play with, it’s easy to get hooked in.

Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord

Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord offers an exciting co-op multiplayer experience that brings the iconic franchise to VR. The game shines with its well-designed ghost busting mechanics, using motion controls for PKE meters, proton wands, and traps, which create an immersive and dynamic gameplay experience that can get VERY manic. It demands teamwork if you want to succeed, but hey… that’s what being a Ghostbuster is all about.

The VR combat mechanics, such as using proton streams to deplete enemy health and shields, encourage teamwork and strategic thinking, and whilst the gameplay can seem simple, things can go wrong fast if you don’t think things through carefully. Players can upgrade gear to help with the increasingly challenging missions, whilst the mission variety means there’s plenty of tasks to get stuck into. Admittedly, it can get a little repetitive at times, but when you’ve got a few friends to play with, it offers bursts of nostalgic fun that’ll make you really feel like you’re a bona fide Ghostbuster.

Oh, and you can play as Slimer, and we ALL know that Slimer is the Ghostbusters GOAT.

Walkabout Mini-Golf

Walkabout Mini Golf is simply one of the best titles available on the Meta Quest 3, offering an expansive and engaging mini-golf experience that has only improved since its original release. The game features an abundance of diverse 18-hole courses, with classic themed courses involving pirates, a scary castle, or the wild west joined by the more recognisable locales such as Jim Henson’s Labyrinth or Wallace and Gromit’s home… heck, there’s even an Elvis Presley themed course coming in the new year.

The multiplayer mode is a highlight, providing a perfect balance of competitiveness and social interaction that’ll constantly keep you coming back for more. All of us at here at Use a Potion have been playing it together for years now, and honestly? It hasn’t lost its charm, especially since the simple gameplay mechanics make it easy for everyone to be a competitive player.

With new modes, new courses (including the newly released and utterly brilliant Christmas course), and additional customisation items constantly added, it ALWAYS feels like there’s something new to do in Walkabout Mini-Golf. It’s my favourite VR game of all time, and it’s one that I’d recommend to ALL owners of a Meta Quest 3 headset.