Virtual reality games were initially designed to be a fully immersive experience that would simulate whole body experiences. However, over time, the whole gaming community decided at the same time that they didn’t want a whole body workout every time they played a game!
Nowadays, there are plenty of VR games that you can play completely seated and will often only require some movement from your arms.
With so much choice in this ever expanding market, it can be difficult to decide which game you want to devote your time to next. That’s why we’re here to help with our list of the best seated VR games!
OUR TOP PICK
The first game on our list is a classic of the VR genre. Beat Saber was one of the first big VR games that did a great job of showing off the main features of the new technology.
The premise is simple: the player has a different colored saber in each hand that they use to swipe away the corresponding colored blocks as they fly towards them. It’s an easy enough game to play, regardless of age or ability so pretty much anyone can enjoy this one.
The game is themed heavily around music, with the colored blocks arriving at the player in time with the beat of a certain song. This allows players to keep a rhythm as they move through each level and it almost feels like dancing!
Of course, because music is such an important part of this game, it has songs from some of the most well known artists in the world.
However, one of the coolest things about this game is its moddability. Players with enough computer skills can create their own custom levels with whatever song they want and publish the level online for others to download.
Even if you don’t have the technical knowledge to do this (don’t worry, most people don’t know how to do this either), you can still find levels created by others on the internet to add even more fun to this game.
Pros
- Simple mechanics - It’s really easy for anybody to start enjoying this game without any practice
- Famous artists - Some of the biggest names in music are on this game, including Billie Eilish and Justin Bieber
- Moddability - Players can mod this game easily and create their own custom levels
Cons
- Requires a lot of movement - While it’s true that you can play this game completely sitting down, it does still require a lot of movement from your arms
EDITORS CHOICE
This adorable little action/adventure/puzzle game has a charming enough story and aesthetic to keep you captivated for hours of gameplay.
The game is based around a series of puzzles that take the player through an enchanting story with a small, fluffy companion.
These puzzles make great use of VR features and encourage the player to interact with their environment in a variety of ways; pushing and pulling objects, fighting enemies and interacting with their furry friend.
Even aside from the mechanics of the game, this is still an aesthetic and atmospheric masterpiece. The graphics of each location make you feel as if you’re actually in a wonderful, fantastical land.
This game is also pretty inclusive of some lower end PC specifications, with the recommended system requirements only at 8GB of RAM and 12GB of storage space. This isn’t nearly as CPU intensive as some of the other games on our list.
The only real downside to this game is that it contains only one storyline that can only be played solo.
Once you’ve finished the story on your own, there’s nothing left to do but play it again and look for some hidden details or Easter eggs. Still, at least you’ll have no problem playing it fully sat down.
Pros
- Enchanting story - Even if this was a movie, it would still be very enjoyable just for the story
- Adorable companion - The little mouse that accompanies you through the story will make you fall in love!
- Great graphics - Makes you feel like you’re in a fantasy world
- Low end system requirements - Even an average PC will able to run this game smoothly
Cons
- Single player only - Unfortunately, there’s no multiplayer, online or co-op game modes in Moss
BEST VALUE
This game was another pioneer of the early VR gaming days. Star Trek fans will all have had the same dream of taking control of a Starfleet ship as a crew member and now is your chance!
You and your friends will be placed into the bridge of the U.S.S. Aegis and tasked with whatever missions the game throws at you. This is a fantastic game for those who love role playing and don’t mind taking on the persona of a few different characters.
In co-op mode, for example, you and your team will have to operate your different roles and perform various tasks to get through each level.
Of course, there is a single player mode with plenty of missions to keep you occupied, but most of the fun of this game comes from working together with friends or strangers online and enjoying it together.
There is very little physical movement required for this game as characters remain seated for pretty much the whole duration of each mission.
The only movement needed from you will be operating the control panel in front of your character, which can definitely be done whilst seated.
Pros
- Star Trek - If you’re a fan of the Star Trek franchise, this is just about the best way to feel immersed in the universe
- Great multiplayer and co-op experience - You can have the most fun in this game when playing with other people, online
- Single player mode - Even if you don’t want to play with others, there are plenty of missions to keep you occupied
Cons
- Simple features - There isn’t much you can do in this game other than the set tasks that it provides you with, limiting the experience somewhat
RUNNER UP
This game takes us back to the classic first person shooter game with a slight sci-fi twist. In a world where robots have turned evil and are trying to take over the world, you and your arsenal of weapons are what’s needed to save the day.
It’s a very old storyline that we’ve all seen a million times before but it certainly makes for an entertaining game.
Robo Recall was developed by Epic Games, the same company that made Fortnite, one of the most successful games of all time- showing just how good they are at producing fun games.
Probably the most enjoyable aspect of this game is its combat mechanics. It feels super satisfying to pull a variety of different weapons from your inventory and watch them tear through the metallic bodies of your enemies.
Despite how graphic that might sound, the cartoon-style graphics of the whole game and the lack of blood and gore make it look somewhat child friendly. It’s rated PEGI 7, so it definitely is suitable for kids, despite the inclusion of guns and weapons.
Of course, the fact that the game only supports single player game modes is a bit of a let down. However, if you don’t care about playing online, you’ll find hours of fun in the arcade and story modes of Robo Recall.
Pros
- Combat mechanics - Everything about combat in this game, from pulling out your weapons to shooting your enemies, feels really satisfying
- Graphics - The cartoon style makes each locations and character look vivid and exciting
- PEGI 7 rating - The age rating standards have determined that this game would be suitable for a 7 year old to play, despite it containing a lot of weaponry
Cons
- Single player only - It would be nice to be able to play this game online but at least the single player modes are well made
RUNNER UP
This game is the sequel to a very popular seated VR game and takes place in a secretive spy universe. The game is based around a single, linear story which continues from the end of the first game.
Therefore, if you want to experience the full extent of the game, it’s probably worth checking out the first one before playing the sequel.
One of the best things about VR games is how immersive they feel and that’s why this cinematic spy world makes the perfect setting for a VR game like this one.
Epic Games boasts of their newly revamped intro sequence with a brand new theme tune and 360° audio and visual experiences.
This game was also designed specifically with accessibility in mind, meaning everything can be done standing, seated or even with one hand. That means you can sit back, relax and enjoy some entertaining stories.
The gameplay itself revolves mainly around a series of puzzles that encourage the player to interact with objects in the environment and search for clues to progress them through the story.
The story doesn’t take itself too seriously and is definitely less of a thriller and more of a comedy that can be enjoyed while relaxing.
That’s not something you’ll see as often with VR games, as companies will often try to make the immersive experience as intense as possible, so this game provides a nice change of pace.
Pros
- Fun story - An exciting, yet silly story keeps this game fun and interesting
- Interesting puzzles - You’ll have to meticulously search through the whole environment to find the solutions to the puzzles in this game
- Accessibility - You can easily play this game sitting down or even with one hand
Cons
- Single player only - This is another game based around a single player story, which sucks if you enjoy playing online
RUNNER UP
Many people will be familiar with this cartoon-style arcade game from playing it on a mobile device or tablet.
Well, it’s now been redeveloped and adapted for play with a VR headset to make the experience of slashing through fruit with a huge samurai sword even more exciting.
The bright, vivid colors of the scenery and obstacles flying towards you make this game a visual masterpiece that will keep you captivated for hours of gameplay.
It’s the sort of thing that’s great to play with friends. You can take turns trying to get the highest score possible in classic mode and even those watching will have fun laughing along.
One game mode that was added exclusively for VR is survival mode, which sees you take on a bunch of helicopters that shoot fruits at you as you try to survive for as long as possible.
Naturally, much like the mobile version of this game, it’s fairly simple and restricted to single player arcade-style game modes. However, it’s a really fun way to play with friends and anyone can enjoy it, regardless of age or ability.
Pros
- Graphics - The bright, vivid colors make this game great to look at
- Survival mode - Exclusive game mode for virtual reality, this sees you take on helicopters that shoot fruit and obstacles at you
- Accessibility - Absolutely anyone of any age or ability can play this game sitting down or standing up
Cons
- Simple features - Other than the arcade-y game modes, there isn’t much to do in this game
RUNNER UP
The DiRT series has been a staple of the racing game community for years now. These games are well known for incorporating the excitement of rally driving with a fun gaming experience.
This game can be played with a controller, mouse and keyboard, and a VR headset. Of course, being a racing simulator, it is also very much recommended that you play this game sitting down.
The game has licensing for some of the world’s most famous racing cars and iconic tracks to allow players to experience, first hand, what it’s like to be a real rally driver.
Their handling and collision models have been developed over years of game design, making this one of their most realistic and satisfying driving experiences yet.
Similarly, the interaction between the car and the terrain it’s driving on is completely realistic and forces players to adjust and adapt to new environments.
In this game, you can even take part in career style story modes as you work your way up the ladder in the world of rally racing. As well as plenty of cool offline game modes, you can enjoy DiRT Rally online and race against friends or the rest of the world, online.
Essentially, this game is a racing fan’s dream and the addition of virtual reality support makes it even more exciting if you’ve always wondered what it’s like to drive in a rally race.
Pros
- High level car physics - Over several years, DiRT games have been developed to make this one feel super realistic
- 40+ cars and 70+ tracks - This gives players the chance to try out races and vehicles they’ve seen in real life and keeps the game fresh
- Great for VR - Racing games work very well in VR, giving players a literally first person perspective of what it’s like to be a racing driver
Cons
- Learning curve - If you’re not very experienced with racing games, this one might take some time to get used to which can be frustrating at first
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play VR games while sitting?
Yes, generally you can play most VR games while sitting down. Some will only require the use of your arms in a fairly limited capacity so you don’t have to worry about being stood up and bumping into things in your room.
However, there are some games that require players to stand, so make sure you check the game description first to make sure.
What’s the best way to play VR games sitting down?
The important thing to remember when arranging your setup to play a VR game sitting down is to give yourself plenty of space. If your monitor and the rest of your setup is on a desk in front of you chair, make sure you push the chair far enough away from it all that you won’t accidentally swipe at it.
Similarly, make sure your chair isn’t too close to any walls or furniture in your room as these can easily be damaged by a player wearing a VR headset, who isn’t fully aware of their surroundings.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of VR games available on the market today that can be played seated as well as standing. In fact, some genres of games that we've looked at (like racing games) are much easier to play while seated.
There are plenty of VR games out there that work even better sitting down than they do standing up, we just couldn’t mention them all on our list!
However, we’re pretty sure that if you choose to play any of the games from our list, you’re in for a captivating, exciting and immersive gaming experience.
Happy gaming!
I want to share my passion for VR gaming with others through Moggles. This site is dedicated to providing others with all of the information they need to know about VR. From the best zombie games, the most suitable headsets, and how to successfully mod games, we have got you covered.
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