The Best Strategy Virtual Reality Games, Ranked

With headsets like the Metaquest or VizionZone are increasing in popularity, it’s of no surprise that players are interested in finding a variety of genres of games to play on the headset that allow players to immerse themselves in an entirely different world. One of the most popular genres that players may be interested in trying with virtual reality is the genre of strategy.

These games vary in activities, from players commanding a fleet of soldiers on the battlefield, getting involved in a card-battler game, or even playing against others in a board game. Either way, these sorts of titles have worked wonderfully in VR. Here are by far the best strategy VR games a player should enjoy. The ratings for these titles that can be played in VR were found on Steam.

8 Catan VR

Mostly Positive Reviews (71% of 84)

• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, and Android
• Release Date: 21 March 2018
• Developer: Experiment 7

Catan is a classic board game many players are likely to have played at family events. However, now players don’t even need to be in the same room as those they are playing the strategy game with, since it can now be enjoyed digitally through virtual reality.

Catan VR plays exactly like the original title, though now players are immersed through their VR headset. Now players can even enjoy Catan solo, as players can play the classic strategy title against the AI, watching the board come alive in front of them.

7 URBO

Very Positive Reviews (95% of 261)

• Platforms: PC
• Release Date: 13 September 2023
• Developer: Door 407

Players tend to believe that strategy titles need to be a slight bit stressful, but city-building simulators like URBO have their fair mix of puzzles that players are sure to enjoy solving while creating a wonderful dream-like city. Players will watch the small town buildings that were once built gradually transform into taller towers.

Through trial and error, players will discover ways of solving the various puzzles through experience and time with URBO, which requires players to think strategically if they hope to solve the riddles ahead of them.

6 Townsmen VR

Very Positive Reviews (80% of 320)

• Platforms: PC and PC
• Release Date: 8 February 2018
• Developer: HandyGames

Players become god in Townsmen VR as they help a medieval town develop and expand. The game may at first appear peafowl as players build new homes, create farms, and encourage their townsfolk to work harder with a firm slap of a fish.

However, eventually, these peaceful lands will become dangerous as there are enemies to be spotted on the horizon. While building a scenic town may come to mind, it’s still important to hire soldiers and build strategic defenses to keep the precious town alive.

5 Cosmic Trip

Very Positive Reviews (87% of 407)

• Platforms: PC
• Release Date: 24 May 2017
• Developer: Funktronic Labs

Cosmic Trip is a real-time strategy title that can be played entirely in VR. Players are tasked with first building a base of operation where they will control their flying drone army. They will then be tasked with either attacking or defending the various deadly enemies on different alien planets that wish to destroy the players’ base while also collecting resources to build more.

The real-time strategy game has not only impressed players but also critics, as the game created by Funktronic Labs has done enough to see it even win awards.

4 Cards & Tankards

Very Positive Reviews (91% of 667)

Cards & Tankards is a one-of-a-kind social card collector and battle strategy title that entertains players by allowing them to hang out and chat in a medieval tavern while testing their recently collected cards against any worthy opponent.

What makes Cards & Tankards an even better strategy title for players to try is that it is completely free on the Steam store, meaning players are able to play a couple of card games while also enjoying a digital drink with friends in the cozy virtual tavern.

3 Demeo

Very Positive Reviews (91% of 1,317)

Turn-based strategy games are another popular strategy genre that players have enjoyed across a variety of platforms. It was only a matter of time before this genre also made its way onto other mediums, such as virtual reality. Demeo is essentially a digital tabletop RPG.

Players must work together with their friends to battle the dark forces that have overtaken the world, taking turns to move their pieces across varying dungeons. What makes Demeo even better is its cross-platform potential, which means even those who don’t have VR can still play with their friends and be part of the action.

2 The Lab

Overwhelmingly Positive Reviews (95% of 5,925)

Unsurprisingly, one of the best strategy titles that players can enjoy on their VR headset is a game that Valve has created to allow players to test out the capabilities of their chosen VR headset. The Lab is entirely free and provides various games for players to enjoy.

Set in the pocket universe of Aperture Science, players are sure to be entertained by this little game. While not all the games are strategy-based, some are, as players may be tasked with fixing robots or defending a castle.

1 Brass Tactics

Metascore: 78 (Not on Steam)

• Platforms: PC
• Release Date: 22 February 2018
• Developer: Hidden Path Entertainment

Created by the lead designer of Age of Empires 2, it’s of no surprise to see Brass Tactics being one of the best real-time strategy games available. With a six-hour plus campaign available, players are free to customize their army with various units as they witness the battles ahead in full VR.

Unlike the other VR strategy games mentioned, Brass Tactics is the only one that cannot be purchased on the Steam store. Players will only be able to enjoy this strategic title if they have a Metaquest VR headset. This aside, it still makes Brass Tactics one of the best strategy games players can enjoy in virtual reality.

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