The Best Xbox Games for Virtual Reality Fans

21 July 2025

Let’s face it—virtual reality is like teleportation for gamers. Who doesn’t want to be fully immersed in the heart of the action, sword in hand or deep in space, dodging asteroids like a galactic daredevil? But here’s the catch: Xbox doesn’t officially support VR… yet. So, where does that leave Xbox gamers itching for that virtual rush?

Good news: there’s a ton of high-octane, mind-bending, VR-inspired content on Xbox that scratches that immersive itch—without needing a headset strapped to your face. These games may not be technically "VR," but they deliver a jaw-dropping, edge-of-your-couch immersive experience that’ll trick your brain into thinking you're right there in the action.

Curious? Buckle up, because we're diving deep into the best Xbox games that will blow the minds of even the most hardcore VR fans.

Can You Get Virtual Reality on Xbox?

Okay, let’s clear the air first. No, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One don’t have official VR support.

I know—bummer, right? While PlayStation has its PSVR and PC gamers are out there living in The Matrix with their Oculus Rifts and HTC Vives, Xbox fans are still waiting for their turn at bona fide VR.

But here’s the kicker: some Xbox games are so immersive, so beautifully crafted, and so deeply interactive that they give off major VR vibes—without needing the actual gear. If you’ve got a solid TV and sound system (or a good headset), these games can give you that “feel-it-in-your-bones” experience that VR fans crave.

Let’s break down the top Xbox games that practically scream “virtual reality” without needing the goggles.

1. No Man’s Sky

Let’s kick things off with a game that’s literally out of this world.

If you dream of flying through space, discovering alien species, exploring colorful planets, and crafting your own sci-fi adventure—No Man’s Sky is your golden ticket. While originally plagued by letdowns, the developers turned it around big time. Today, it’s one of the most immersive, expansive titles out there.

On PlayStation and PC, you can play it in full VR. On Xbox? While there’s no headset gameplay, the experience is still jaw-dropping. You’ll feel like an astronaut every time you fire up your ship’s hyperdrive.

Why VR Fans Will Love It:
- Endless exploration (literally infinite planets)
- Satisfying base-building and crafting systems
- Calming yet immersive ambient environments
- First-person view options that make you feel like you ARE the explorer

2. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

Want something a bit more intense? Let’s dive into Hellblade.

This game isn’t just immersive—it’s haunting. You play as Senua, a Celtic warrior battling through a mythological underworld... and her own inner demons. Sound design is a HUGE part of this game. With headphones on, it feels like the voices in Senua’s head are whispering right into your ears.

It’s not in VR on Xbox, but honestly? It doesn’t need to be. The visuals, audio, and storytelling are so powerful that it grips you like a psychological thriller in 3D.

Why VR Fans Will Love It:
- Deep first-person psychological experience
- Chilling and hyper-realistic sound design
- Mesmerizing fusion of reality and myth
- Narrative-driven gameplay that feels cinematic

3. Subnautica & Subnautica: Below Zero

Ever wanted to explore the ocean floors like Jacques Cousteau—if he were trapped on an alien planet filled with bioluminescent sea monsters?

Subnautica and its icy sequel bring a level of immersion that rivals any VR deep-sea simulator. The first-person perspective, eerie sound design, and mysterious underwater environments make you hold your breath IRL over and over again.

Pro tip: Play in a dark room with headphones. You'll forget you're not actually underwater.

Why VR Fans Will Love It:
- First-person exploration that feels super real
- Survival gameplay with crafting, oxygen meters, and a ticking sense of dread
- Gorgeous alien oceans teeming with life and danger
- Tension and suspense that mimic VR horror titles

4. The Forest (Coming Soon to Xbox)

Okay, technically The Forest isn’t on Xbox yet, but it’s heavily rumored to drop soon—and fans are hyped. If you’re into survival horror with a heavy dose of immersive gameplay, this one will be worth the wait.

You crash on an island, search for your missing son, and—oh yeah—you’re not alone. Creepy cannibals stalk you at night. The crafting system, exploration, and intense atmosphere make it feel like you're living a "VR version of Cast Away meets The Descent."

Why VR Fans Will Love It:
- Realistic crafting and building mechanics
- Gritty first-person perspective
- Terrifying encounters that feel too close for comfort
- A deep solo or co-op experience with friends

5. Microsoft Flight Simulator

Whoa, this one’s a big deal.

Even without VR on Xbox, Microsoft Flight Simulator is the closest you can get to piloting a real plane without leaving your couch. The game uses actual satellite data and real-time weather systems to let you fly anywhere in the world.

Whether you want to circle the Eiffel Tower or buzz your childhood home, it’s all there. In VR on PC, it's mind-blowing. On Xbox, with a good setup, it's still one of the most visually and emotionally immersive games out there.

Why VR Fans Will Love It:
- Ultra-realistic environments and cockpit views
- Real-world weather conditions and time sync
- Chill, meditative gameplay (unless you try storm chasing…)
- A strong sense of presence, control, and scale

6. Thumper

Ever feel like you’re an intergalactic beetle racing through a void while dodging demons in rhythm?

No? Well, that’s Thumper for you.

This rhythm violence game, as the devs call it, is a minimalist, trippy, high-speed ride through chaos. It’s pulse-pounding and hypnotic, with tight gameplay and surreal visuals that feel like you're blasting through a neon tunnel in VR.

It’s playable on Xbox One and Series X|S, and while not VR native—it absolutely FEELS like it should be.

Why VR Fans Will Love It:
- Fast-paced, immersive gameplay loop
- Stunning audio-visual feedback
- Feels more physical than most rhythm games
- Sensory overload at its finest

7. Star Wars: Squadrons (Backwards Compatible)

Imagine strapping into an X-Wing or TIE Fighter and heading into space battles that look straight out of the films. That’s Star Wars: Squadrons.

Sure, the full VR experience is on PC and PlayStation, but Xbox players still get a highly immersive, first-person cockpit fighter sim full of Star Wars magic. Add a good surround system or headset, and suddenly you're dodging lasers like you're in a galaxy far, far away.

Why VR Fans Will Love It:
- First-person dogfighting in iconic Star Wars ships
- HUD inside the cockpit, not on a screen overlay
- Epic space battles in detailed environments
- Multiplayer with high stakes and cinematic flair

8. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (Cloud Gaming and Backwards Compatible)

VR horror is a whole genre of its own. But guess what? Resident Evil 7 brings that same sweat-down-your-back feeling even without a headset.

With its first-person view, claustrophobic environments, and next-level sound design, it’ll have you checking over your shoulder IRL. Play it in a quiet room with the lights off and a headset on. You’ll regret it. And you’ll love every second.

Why VR Fans Will Love It:
- Nerve-wracking immersion
- Tight, realistic first-person horror gameplay
- Detailed environments that feel too real
- Survival tension that keeps your heart racing

9. The Outer Wilds

Let’s flip the script a bit. The Outer Wilds isn’t action-packed or horror-driven, but it delivers a uniquely immersive experience that’s brilliant in its own right.

You explore a small solar system trapped in a time loop. Each loop lasts 22 minutes, and every run teaches you something new. It’s emotional, beautiful, and deeply interactive—perfect for players who love that “existential awe” only VR games provide.

Why VR Fans Will Love It:
- Open-ended exploration with a sense of wonder
- A world that changes subtly with each loop
- First-person navigation through space and planets
- Strong narrative that pulls you emotionally

10. SUPERHOT: Mind Control Delete

You, bullets, slow motion, and a room full of red polygon enemies. Welcome to SUPERHOT, where time only moves when you move.

It started as a VR showcase and evolved into a full-blown first-person strategy shooter. The Xbox version might lack the physicality of VR, but the slow-mo matrix-style gameplay and stylish design still deliver big time.

Why VR Fans Will Love It:
- Super immersive slow-fatigue gunplay
- Strategic movement-based combat
- Minimalist aesthetic that keeps you focused
- Adrenaline-pumping moments that feel physically impactful

Will Xbox Ever Support VR?

That’s the million-dollar question.

As of now, Microsoft hasn’t committed to any VR hardware for Xbox. Their focus has been on cloud gaming, Game Pass, and universal accessibility.

But… they haven’t said “never.” With increasing demand and VR gaining traction, there’s always a chance. Until then, the immersive gems on this list will hold you over.

Final Thoughts: Immersion Without the Goggles

So, yeah—Xbox might not have plug-and-play VR, but that doesn’t mean VR fans are left out in the cold. These Xbox games bring the heat when it comes to immersion, presence, and emotional impact. Whether you're swimming with alien fish, flying a plane across continents, or fighting your way through messed-up dreams—you’re in the game.

All you need is a good setup, a bit of imagination, and a passion for getting lost in the experience.

Who says you need a headset to feel like you're really there?