14 Best VR Games You Can Play Without A Controller
The 2023 Ultimate list of VR Games You Can Play Without a Controller
This year is a massive year for virtual reality. The technology and experience of virtual reality is not only improving but it’s also becoming more accessible to people than ever before. Instead of dropping several thousand dollars on a high-tech VR headset with all the bells and whistles, you can hop online and buy a VR cardboard headset for the price of a combo meal at your local burger joint. This way you can experience a taste of VR gaming and see if it’s for you or not.
The awesome thing is for anyone just breaking into the world of VR there are tons of amazing games out that can help you get your feet wet and see what the virtual reality hype is all about.
This list is for people who have a headset of some kind, but haven’t pulled the trigger on fancy controllers, or for someone who's just looking to play some chill games that they can give their controller hands a rest.
Just an important note: While none of these games require your typical touch controllers, you will need a headset that has a button built in or basic gamepad like this, to play some of them, and the ones on the list are good enough, that if you don’t have a gamepad, it’s worth grabbing one just to play them.
Why play a VR Game without a Controller?
The awesome thing is for anyone just breaking into the world of VR there are tons of amazing games out that can help you get your feet wet and see what the virtual reality hype is all about.
One of the major benefits of playing VR games without a controller is that it allows for greater immersion in the virtual world. Without the need to fumble around with controllers, users can immediately jump into their gaming experience and become more engaged with what’s taking place in the game. This makes it easier to feel like you’re truly part of the action and it helps players to better invest their emotions and energy into the game.
Furthermore, using a controller-less VR gaming experience can make it more accessible for those who may not be familiar with traditional gaming controls. This is especially beneficial for younger gamers who may not yet be comfortable using all of the buttons, sticks, and triggers found on typical video game controllers. With no controller needed, these gamers can enjoy immersive gameplay experiences without having to worry about getting up to speed on controlling their character or vehicle in-game. Additionally, some VR experiences may require users to use movements such as kicks or arm gestures, as opposed to button presses, which can reduce user fatigue since they don’t have to constantly press buttons throughout long play sessions.
Finally, playing games without a controller can lead to higher levels of physical activity during playtime. As opposed to sitting down in front of your TV or monitor while playing on a console or PC, most VR experiences require at least some level of movement from the user which can promote greater physical engagement than traditional gaming methods. Not only are these games physically stimulating but they also allow users to explore virtual worlds while exercising their body – something that simply isn’t possible when using a purely controller-based system.
What are VR Games?
VR or Virtual Reality games are a type of video game that is designed to be played with a specially designed headset. As the user plays, they are immersed into an entirely different world; a world with its own graphical environment and rules. VR games can range from simple puzzle-solving or story-based titles to more complex simulations, such as flight simulators or first-person shooters.
Virtual reality (VR) games are a type of video game that requires the use of a headset in order to be played. Unlike traditional video games, where the player is restricted to their screen or console, VR games offer an entirely new level of immersion. By using a headset, players are able to feel as though they have stepped into the world and environment of the game itself. This allows them to become fully immersed in the game, offering an unparalleled level of realism and escapism.
Aside from providing a unique experience through immersive visuals and sound, VR games also provide unique and varied forms of inputs that let players interact with their environment. Traditional video games often require players to press buttons on their controller as a means of interacting with the game; however, with VR games this is not necessarily so. With headsets like Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, players are able to control their avatar by looking around and speaking directly into the headset’s microphone. Additionally, some headsets come equipped with motion sensors which allow for even more precise movement tracking within the virtual world.
In addition to providing gamers with an experience that goes beyond traditional gaming boundaries, VR technology is also used for other applications such as education and training simulations. For example, military personnel can use virtual reality simulations in order to practice drills without putting themselves at risk in real-life situations. Similarly, medical professionals can use VR technology for things such as creating 3-D models for surgical planning or practicing procedures before operating on patients.
The possibilities offered by virtual reality are endless - from exploring distant galaxies far away from Earth or simply wandering through a simulated cityscape - it is clear that there is something special about this new form of gaming and entertainment technology. As its popularity continues to grow over time, more people will be encouraged to explore what makes this medium so captivating; thus bringing us ever closer to unlocking its true potential - both inside and outside of gaming realms.
So, now that we know what VR games are, let’s jump into the top VR games that you can play today that don’t require fancy shmancy controllers.
1. VR Roller Coaster
I was a little hesitant when the first game someone introduced to me was a roller coaster game, it sort of seems like a cliché VR gimmick because it’s not an actual game. But, I have to admit, I actually got a kick out of “playing” VR roller coaster the first time.
I think it’s a great way to introduce new people to the simple thrills of just being along for the ride in the virtual world. The awesome thing is the game does feel pretty immersive and you can experience a lot of the same sensations you would if you were riding a roller coaster at your favorite amusement park.
I’ll admit this isn’t a game that I pull out and play when I feel like gaming, but it is an awesome starter for anyone who wants to give VR a try with even a simple smart phone and cardboard headset.
2. Epic Roller Coasters
As the title suggests this game is a much more “epic” take on the traditional VR roller coaster ride. It feels basically like a day at the amusement park if there were no rules! Instead of just riding casually on loop after loop, you’ll be blasting away at targets and racing coasters with your favorite zombie pals.
This is an awesome VR game and it can totally be enjoyed without needing an expensive controller. Like a lot of the VR games made for mobile devices you can pay a couple bucks extra to unlock more add-ons to experience all the features of the game.
The studio behind the game does a pretty good job on making updates and fixes, so it’s a game that will continue to get better with time.
3. VR x-Racer
Get behind the wheel of a futuristic space racer that would make Anikan Skywalker jealous. This super addicting VR game brings out the speed racer in all of us.
Race your way through a series of constantly moving buildings and hazards as you swerve to collect points by going through hoops like one of those insane Red Bull air racers.
This game has been wildly popular and is great for all ages. No need for a controller on this one, just put your headset on and use your head to control your flight path.
4. Smash Hit
Let out all your destructive tendencies in this sweet infinite run and gun style game. I had to include Smash Hit in here because it’s a favorite of people just getting into VR, it does require a simple game pad, that you can get here for about the price of lunch at your local café.
You basically cruise your way through these virtual worlds blasting away at barriers and shooting crystals to increase your score. Although it sounds like a simple concept the game is super dope and actually gets really challenging, especially as you get to the later levels.
5. End Space for VR Cardboard
This is another awesome game you can play with a simple cardboard headset and gamepad. In this cool first person space shooter, you’re a lone Starfighter on the edges of space gunning down any bad guys that come your way.
This is a fairly action packed first person shooter and as the game becomes more difficult it can be hilarious to watch your friends and family spinning around as enemies are attacking from every angle.
You’ll be dogfighting for hours in what some consider the top space first person shooter game available for VR cardboard users.
6. Snow Strike VR
Get ready for a snowball fight! You’ll feel like a kid growing up in the great white north in this awesome VR shooter style game.
Defend your snow fort from the other neighborhood kids and keep an out for the army of snowball throwing snow people. This is a VR game I could play daily. It’s just such a fun simple game and the gameplay is really well done for an entry level game.
You’ll need at least one button for this one, just for throwing, so if you’ve got a basic headset with one button or a cheap game pad you’re in business.
7. Trooper 2 VR
I like this game probably more than I should! It is a super simple shooter game, where you take center position and spin around 360 shooting any “green things” that are closing on your position.
It’s honestly a blast and the simplistic gameplay means a super quick learning curve, so anybody, even total newbs will have a blast taking aim at all the green baddies that come hobbling their way.
Like a lot of these shooter games you’ll need just one trigger button. But no need for full on controls.
8. VR Racer - Highway Traffic 360
Got a need for speed? This racing game is just what the doctor ordered. This no frills racing game was made specifically for cardboard users and is an awesome intro into the thrills of racing through busy highways at top speeds.
I was pleasantly surprised with the graphics, and the gameplay is cool, the further you go the more money you can collect for upgrading your ride. Once you get the hang of steering with your head, it’s a great way to kill a few hours trying to save up money to unlock the other cars.
You can use the most basic cardboard headset and your smartphone to get behind the wheel on this VR joyride.
9. VR Street Jump
This game definitely feels like a throwback ode to the original Frogger arcade games. Only now you really get the feeling you are the frog in this first person car dodger.
This is a fun and challenging game for all ages. The graphics are great, they’re cartoony but very cool in my opinion, it feels almost like a poppy Minecraft or 3D old school Mario style. This is another one that is very addicting and will challenge you
You’ll need one button for jumping, so if you’ve got a basic headset with a button or a gamepad you’ll be good to go.
10. Deep Space Battle VR
The thing that stood out to me on this action space shooter was the awesome graphics. When you’re seated in the realistic looking cockpit you get the sense that you’re really manning your own spacecraft taking out the enemy gunners.
The game is a little spendy for what you get, just because you can advance through the campaigns pretty quickly. It’s still one of the better action space shooters though and it will definitely leave you wanting more.
You don’t technically need legit controllers for this but it’s helpful to have a gamepad or at least a trigger button.
11. Darknet
If you’re into puzzle games this VR game is for you. You start out as a basic hacker and use your hacking/puzzle solving skills to take over a highly protected computer network. As you advance you gain in-game money that allows you to level-up your skills and take on bigger and badder challenges.
It’s a fun and surprisingly addicting game for puzzle lovers and VR enthusiasts alike.
The game does require the use of just one button, so the one on the headset or a little game pad is all you need to start your VR hacking career.
12. Death Sky Walk
Thinking of joining the circus? Wanna see what it’d be like to walk on a tightrope from a few hundred feet off the ground? Well here’s your chance! Try your hand at walking the high wire while looking down at the tops of skyscrapers in this first person virtual reality balance game.
The game can get a little tricky when you add in a little wind and ever increasing heights. It’s a great game to play with family and friends to see people scream when they start to lose their balance.
Death Sky Walk is a purely VR cardboard experience you can do without any controls so just grab your headset and mobile device and you’ll be on your way.
13. VR Fantasy
If you're a fan of adventure games and are new to VR, you’ve gotta try VR Fantasy. Make your way through a virtual castle that’s got something cool around every corner. As you explore you come across all sorts of fantasy baddies, and cool loot to plunder.
Adventure lovers will get a kick out of this game and the amazing graphics really help you feel totally immersed while playing. It definitely has a Zelda-esque vibe, and has enough excitement to keep you entertained for hours.
You can use the button on your cardboard headset or a basic game pad for interacting with the environment, picking up weapons etc.
14. Zaccaria Pinball
You can almost smell the pizza and feel the sticky floor of your local pizza joint or arcade in the amazing pinball simulator. Zaccaria is one of the biggest pinball creators in the real world and now you can play loads of their most famous pinball machines from the comfort of your own living room. The graphics and gameplay are so realistic in this game that even if you’re not a huge fan of pinball you can still play for hours just enjoying the sense of realism the creators were able to capture in this VR simulator.
You will need a basic gamepad for this one, but once you’re set up you’ll be time-warped back to simpler times playing the OG arcade game.
Conclusion
These 14 VR games without a controller offer something for everyone, whether you’re into intense action-packed space shooters or a relaxing pinball simulator. With VR technology you can explore new worlds and experience adventures that would have been impossible before. So grab your headset and take off to explore all the amazing things virtual reality has to offer! Who knows? You might even find yourself taking up residence in an alternate universe where anything is possible - now that's what I call living life to the fullest!
Well that's our list! Be sure to bookmark this page, as we’ll be updating our list with the best new games for cardboard and play without controllers as they come out.