Four of the best free experiences on Vive
Metaverse
5 minutes read
Sometimes, the best things in VR are free!
This editorial is written by Felicia Miranda, a freelance technology journalist. Follow her on Twitter @FeliciaVagabond. We hope this editorial helps you find the best VR content available!
You might be surprised to find that there are dozens of amazing VR experiences for the Vive that don’t require you to pull out your wallet. Don’t believe me? Check out some of the best free experiences on Vive – and don’t forget to thank me later!
Rec Room
Developer: Against Gravity
Available on Steam
Rec Room is a VR recreational experience that lets you socialize, play, and chill out with your friends online. Activities include paintball, 3D Charades, disc golf, and the Rec Room Quests, which are mini adventures that you can go on with a friend. If you’re not in the mood for playing games, you can also start a private room in The Lounge for a more intimate experience with close friends.
Rec Room is still in Early Access, but it’s one of the VR experiences that’s changing the way people make friends and stay in touch online. It lets me spend time with my loved ones in a world where it feels like they’re actually there. How amazing is that!?
Free Viveport apps similar to this: AltspaceVR
The Lab
Developer: Valve
Available on Steam
The Lab is a great app for Vive newcomers because it features a variety of room-scale experiences that demonstrate the potential of VR. There are eight in total, which range from using archery to defend a castle, to repairing robots at Aperture’s science labs to even exploring the solar system.
This was one of the first apps for the Vive that introduced me to the concept of quality, polished VR experiences available for free. Since it’s made by Valve, there are some awesome references to the Portal franchise, including guest appearances by Atlas and GLaDOS. A definite must-have for anyone with a Vive!
Google Earth VR
Developer: Google
Available on Steam
Originally, Google Earth VR featured a series of cherry-picked locations that Vive owners could explore in 3D, such as the Grand Canyon, Eiffel Tower, Swiss Alps, and more. In a recent update, you can now search specific locations and explore them as if you were actually there, all in 3D and with amazing detail.
Visit memorable spots from your childhood, revisit favorite vacation spots, and explore exotic locations you’ve always dreamed of traveling to all through your VR headset. My favorite part? Flying around Earth like a superhero and visiting random locations at will.
Belko VR: An Escape Room Experiment
Developer: Top Right Corner
Available on Viveport
Escape rooms are so much fun. Taking themes from the recent movie, Belko VR: An Escape Room Experiment challenges players to escape a corporate office by solving a variety of puzzles in under 15 minutes or else.
Belko VR really does ratchet up the suspense. I frequently found myself fumbling with objects and drawing blanks on puzzles due to the intensity of the situation. Not only will you have to solve complex puzzles, but this game also challenges you to make difficult choices in the heat of the moment. Choose wisely as there is more than one ending, and it won’t always work out in your favor.
- Read our interview with the developers behind Belko VR
Rec Room, Google Earth VR and The Lab are available on Steam. Belko VR: An Escape Room Experiment is available on Viveport.
