Best Meta Quest games 2023, according to a hardcore VR gamer

The best Meta Quest games whisk you away to action-filled, fantastical virtual worlds that drag you into wild adventures.

Or maybe you prefer calming, relaxing, mind-stimulating puzzle games. If so, the Meta Quest Store has plenty of incredible games for you.

Whether you prefer to "run and gun," or you want to play beat-based games that challenge your coordination, I've got something for everyone.

As someone who's had a Meta Quest 2 headset since 2020 (back then, it was called the Oculus Quest 2), here are my suggestions for the best Meta Quest Games of 2023, whether you have a Meta Quest 2 or Meta Quest 3.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Meta Quest 3 SEE ALSO: Meta Quest 3 vs. Quest 2: Here are the differences, according to a gamer who tested both

The best Meta Quest games of 2023

Don't get me wrong, Beat Saber is a fun, addicting game for people who love Guitar Hero-esque games, but come on, people act as if that's the only game to exist on the Meta Quest platform.

If you enjoy beat-based games, or you have a taste for titles that compel you to shake your groove thang, I have a suggestion or two for you.

1. Pistol Whip

Pistol Whip is an action-rhythm game that I find to be more intriguing than Beat Saber. You're thrown into hostile environments that ironically have a striking, beautiful abstract art style.

Pistol Whip is an exhilirating VR shooter with a beat-based twist Credit: Cloudhead Games, Ltd. / Meta

Enemies pop out of nowhere, pointing their weapons at you threateningly. However, it's up to you to take them down before they kill you.

What I love about this game is that it tests your reflexes. Only users with fast-acting, zippy reflexes can excel at Pistol Whip. Plus, in addition to taking down antagonists, you'll need to dodge and duck — all while some sick beats are playing in the background.

Opens in a new window Credit: Steam / Cloudhead Games Pistol Whip

2. Supernatural

If you enjoy the likes of Beat Saber, but you want to focus on fitness, Supernatural is where it's at. Supernatural drops you into these breathtaking, exotic locations around the world, from a peaceful, sun-drenched beach to a wintry escape with snow-topped mountains.

Play 'Supernatural' in the middle of a lake. Credit: Within Unlimited, Inc./Meta

While you're taking in the gorgeous landscapes, you have virtual artifacts flying at you. But lucky for you, you're equipped with bats that let you smack 'em away. There are also prompts for squatting and side lunges, too. On top of that, the Supernatural library is filled with chart-topping hits for you to enjoy.

Supernatural is subscription-based, so it'll set you back $9 a month. On the plus side, it's regularly updated with new songs and fitness sessions.

Opens in a new window Credit: Within Unlimited, Inc./Meta Supernatural

If beat-based games aren't your thing, and you're seeking a thrilling action game,take a look at these two favorites:

3. I Expect You to Die 2

There are three installments in the I Expect You to Die series, but I Expect You to Die 2 is arguably the best (no, you don't need to play the first one).

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I Expect You to Die 2 is both exhilarating and brain stimulating Credit: Meta

Not only is I Expect You to Die 2 the best game in the series, but I'd go as far as saying that it's the best Meta Quest game I've played so far.

I Expect You to Die 2 is a spy thriller. It has brain-stimulating, escape room-like puzzles, but it's so action-packed, calling it a "puzzle game" feels reductive.

What I love about I Expect You to Die 2 is that you step into the shoes of an international super spy, and in the game, you're paired with a hilarious, tongue-in-cheek handler that adds a lighthearted feel to the experience. It's quirky and fun (in an Austin Powers kind of way).

The game is filled with booby traps, but it's up to you to think ahead and avoid them. Anything can kill you, from a poisoned slice of cake inside a fancy jet to sniper assassins out to get you.

Everyone that plays this game thanks me for making this recommendation; I'm sure you'll do the same.

Opens in a new window Credit: Schell Games I Expect You to Die 2

4. Superhot VR

Superhot will make you feel like a total badass.

'Superhot VR' still Credit: SUPERHOT

It's an incredible, action-packed game that lets you use weapons, bottles, ninja stars — and anything else in your environment — to take down the glassy red entities that come your way.

At the same time, you must duck and dodge enemy fire like you're Neo in The Matrix. This is one of the best-selling games for a reason.

Opens in a new window Credit: SUPERHOT Superhot VR

If you want a puzzler,or something that challenges your mind, I'd suggest the Moss series.

5. Moss and Moss Book: II

If you prefer a seated experience that is both engaging and mind-warping, consider adding the Moss series to the Quest library.

Quill gets into some trouble again. Credit: Steam

This game has an interesting twist to the traditional platform style, and takes you on a fantasy journey with a tiny, ultra-cute mousy protagonist called Quill.

With a top-down camera view, you get to play "god" as you guide the tiny creature out of sticky situations.

Opens in a new window Credit: Steam Moss Book: II

If you love sports and fast-paced Meta Quest games, I've got a few in mind for you.

6. Nock VR

I don't know what these developers were on when they conceptualized this game, but it's a weird mélange of both archery and soccer. However, it's so fun, you'll keep playing until your Quest headset runs out of juice.

Nock VR in action Credit: Nock VR

To sum it all up, you simply must shoot your arrow into a giant ball to guide it into your opponent's net. It sounds easy, but it's incredibly challenging. And you will work up a sweat.

For this game, I suggest getting everything out of the way and playing in a large room. It gets so intense, you forget that you're not actually inside a gigantic Nock arena.

Opens in a new window Credit: Steam/Normal Nock VR

7. 'Laser Tag' inside 'Rec Room'

Rec Room is like the Roblox of VR, which may not offer much information to you because, for the uninitated, Roblox is confusing in and of itself.

Cyberjunk City Laser Tag arena in the 'Rec Room' Credit: Rec Room

To put it succinctly, Rec Roomis filled with user-generated games and hangouts. However, one of the most popular games in Rec Room that I can play for hours is Laser Tag.

You get dropped into a team of up to four players, and you face off with another team inside an LED-lit, expansive laser tag room where you can hide from enemies and dodge fire. The best part is that you're playing with real people in real time — and they can hear you, too. So you can give directions to people on your team or taunt opponents to reduce their morale.

You can play with strangers or grab a private room with your friends. As a cherry on top, Rec Room is free.