With recent developments in hand tracking technology, users can now easily play VR games without controllers. Several VR games support gameplay without the need for a controller; we will discuss a few in this article.
VR gaming has become incredibly mainstream, with PwC predicting that the use of VR and AR could contribute up to a $1.5 trillion boost to the global economy by 2030.
By playing VR games, users can transport themselves into other worlds and experience engaging storylines from a first-person perspective. To experience virtual reality, users need a reliable VR headset that is compatible with the games that they would like to play.
What are VR Games?
VR gaming involves using a virtual reality headset to allow players to enter a first-person 3D perspective of a game and truly immerse themselves within the environment and storyline. The stunning visuals combined with 3D sound create an incredible experience for gamers.
Other accessories can also be utilized alongside headsets to make the experience more immersive. These include hand controllers, haptic feedback gloves, and much more! Companies are also working on sensor-based bodysuits that allow users to interact fully with their surroundings within the games.
These suits can track movements and provide haptic feedback when interacting with the game’s surroundings. However, since these suits and accessories are in very early developmental stages, they are expensive. Controllers, however, accompany the headset and are very affordable in comparison.
VR games can be played on PCs, consoles, standalone systems, and laptops. Popular headsets such as the MetaQuest2 can be connected to PCs wirelessly via Air Link or by using a connection cable that has to be purchased separately.
There are different types of VR games, including racing, combat-based, campaign-based, horror, etc. Players put on headsets to enter virtual environments to play the games. Nevertheless, you will never be alone in the Metaverse, so you can check out our article on the best multiplayer VR games out there.
There are several VR games without controllers that users can play, and with the freedom to move, VR gamers may feel like they’re experiencing the action right from the perspective of the character or avatar.
What Are The Benefits Of Playing VR Games Without A Controller?
Many players often prefer virtual reality games without a controller because holding controllers for long hours can be pretty cumbersome over time. With exciting features such as hand tracking and headset trigger buttons, many games can be played without using controllers.
Here are some of the benefits of playing VR games without controllers:
- More Immersive Experiences: Picking up controllers after putting on your headset gives a subconscious signal to your brain that the experiences are not real. If users can start playing as soon as they put on the headset, it’ll feel as if they’ve instantly stepped into another world.
- Easy To Manage: You don’t have to worry about changing batteries for controllers or picking them up after you’re done playing. All you have to do is put the headset on and start playing!
- No Need to Learn Buttons: You don’t need to learn any new buttons or how to operate joysticks. With your hands, you can move naturally and point where you want to go, select options, and much more!
- More Freedom To Move: Your hands offer more flexibility to move freely. With no restrictions, you can fully immerse yourself into VR games without controllers.
For example, MetaQuest2 has recently announced a new update for Hand Tracking that has proven to increase performance and accuracy in VR games. This feature allows users to use their hands to navigate the user interface. While hand tracking may not work with all VR games, many games can be played using the headset trigger. In the section below, we shall discuss some of the best VR games without controllers.
13 Best VR Games Without Controller
1. Unplugged: Air Guitar
This unique game was one of the first to allow “hand tracking” within its gameplay. The game is available on Steam and Oculus and allows players to use their hands instead of controllers for unrestricted movement.
If you like playing Guitar Hero, you’ll definitely love this game much more. The VR experience makes it much more immersive, and the incredible playlist creates a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
The most recent update for Hand Tracking 2.0 was in May 2022, thus increasing the reliability of the headset in tracking hand movements. The levels become incredibly challenging and complex as you progress through the game, but if you love rock music and playing the guitar, you’ll never get tired of this one!
2.Smash Hit
This VR game without a controller was popular because of its soothing sounds and interactive gameplay. The game was already widely popular before it added VR support. The game’s goal is to break 3D glass structures and obstacles in your path using limited spherical steel balls.
This has to be done accurately as if you do not break the glass properly; you will bump into it, thus reducing the number of steel balls by 10. The game ends when you run out of balls to throw. As you progress through levels, the speed gets much higher, and with different interactive levels within the game, this is definitely one of the top VR games without controller that you should definitely try out!
You can choose from over 50 glass rooms with different layouts. This is a great game to unwind and relax because there is something very satisfying about virtually breaking glass.
3. VR Roller Coaster
Want to enjoy the thrills of a roller coaster from the comfort of your home? Roller Coaster VR games without controllers are perfect for users to play on iOS and android. All you need to do is connect your mobile VR headset and let the game do the rest.
The sounds and stunning visuals make users feel like they’re actually on a roller coaster. With different scenario choices such as inversions, slow down, and slopes, this game has a lot to offer players and can be directly controlled by the headset.
Put on your headset, load up the game and step into a 3D virtual simulation of incredibly life-like amusement parks. Since you do not need a controller with this game, your hands are free to move about, giving you a greater range of movement.
4.VR Racer
Ready to unleash the racer within you? We all love driving fast, and such racing VR games without controllers allow users to drive as recklessly as they’d like. Individuals can utilize their headsets to navigate different streets. Even without the haptic feedback from the controllers, this racing game is highly immersive.
The game runs smoothly and even has very realistic traffic in different scenarios. You will have to tilt your head to steer since the game uses gyroscopic sensors to help users navigate. Also, selecting options is very simple; look at an element for a bit, and it will get selected.
The best part is that even though you’re moving at lightning-fast speeds, the gameplay is very smooth and doesn’t cause motion sickness. Players can play this game for hours and race throughout different scenarios without using controllers!
5.End Space VR
This game is available only for iOS users and has incredible visual effects that you definitely should experience. Put on your headset and step into a space station where the goal is to protect yourself from aliens.
You do not need a controller to play this game since you can shoot using a trigger button on your headset. Some headsets, however, do not come with trigger buttons, so there is an inbuilt option called ‘gaze shooting.’
You can gaze at objects to shoot at them, making the game extremely interactive. This VR game without a controller offers immersive battle scenarios enhanced by 3D sound. You can gaze into open space in virtual reality is also very surreal.
6,VR X-Racer
We all love good racing games, and this is one of the most immersive VR games without controller that offers stunning 3D visuals and an incredible storyline. This fascinating game involves battling with extraterrestrials to save planet Earth. You’ll be able to zip through different maps firing missiles at other spaceships,
Playing this game without a controller is extremely easy; you only have to enable motion sensing within your headset. You will then be able to tilt your head to steer within the game. One of the most exciting features of this VR game is that you also have many obstacles along the way that you must avoid.
7.Trooper 2 VR
Trooper 2 is one of the most entertaining VR games without controller available for android users that has gathered a lot of praise from its audience. While you do not need controllers, you require a headset trigger to play this game.
The game itself is fast-paced, and with the 360-degree view provided by the headset, the gaming experience is incredible. The game features several battle scenes where you can fight off enemies and complete levels. If you’re a fan of first-person shooter games, you’ll definitely love this one!
8.LiteBoxer
Want to work out while having fun? This unique VR fitness game allows users to throw punches and enjoy the game. However, it is recommended to ensure that your surroundings are clear and that you have enough space to move around while playing the game – we’re sure you wouldn’t want to punch your friend unintentionally.
Good fitness VR games without controllers are hard to come by, and this one offers users the option to utilize hand tracking to track fast-moving punches. Prior hand tracking algorithms used to work by detecting fingers; however, the recent update has enabled devices to track hands even when fingers are not detected (when punching, for example).
The game is available on all Quest devices and is a great way to stay on track with your fitness regimen.
9.Darknet VR
This paid VR game allows users to solve puzzles and experience the exciting life of a hacker. You can use your analytical skills to advance through the game. When you complete milestones such as taking over a network, you get rewarded with in-game money that you can use to level up.
This is one of the most addictive VR games without controller. You only really need one button, so if you have a headset with a trigger, you don’t need anything else. Steal cash and data by using viruses and other clever tactics. It is available on Playstation and Android and is worth its affordable price!
10.Snow Strike VR
Snow Strike VR is another first-person shooter VR game you can play without a controller. It is downloadable on your Oculus headset and is even available for android and steam. If you love snowball fights in winter, you’ll love Snow Strike VR.
Defend your snow fort from evil snowmen by firing snowballs at them. You do not need a controller to fire at them; you can use your headset trigger to fire and move your head around to aim.
Remember, the snowmen are also very good at throwing snowballs, so you’ll have to move your headset around to dodge their throws.
11.VR Zoo
Ever wondered what it would feel like to interact with exotic animals such as Zebras, Crocodiles, and Lions? With VR Zoo, you can step into the jungle and walk among elephants, bears, and much more! The game is a ‘virtual zoo,’ where you can have wildlife adventures with an immersive 360-degree view.
While there is not much you can do except walk among different animals, it is essential to remember that the game’s primary purpose is to offer users a unique experience. There are not many animal-related VR games without controllers that users can play, so it is recommended to try this one at least once!
12.Death Sky Walk VR
If you’re afraid of heights, this is probably not the best game for you. This is one of the most thrilling VR games without controller that you can play. When you put on your headset and open this game, you are instantly transported to an extremely high place where you walk across a tightrope between skyscrapers.
You do not need a controller to play the game; you can use your headset to navigate your way forward. The VR experience is incredible as the sounds and the visuals make the entire experience super life-like.
The game is a bit challenging because wind plays a significant role in throwing players off balance. The feeling of falling off of the tightrope is highly realistic, and it’s common to see players panic and scream since they were so immersed in the game.
13.VR Space
This fun VR game features ambient music and allows users to become astronauts to explore the galaxy. If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to gaze at the planets and stars from outer space, this game is perfect for you!
The game offers crisp graphics, and you can also shoot at spaceships while you explore what virtual space has to offer. The development team has added new galaxies for users to explore once they collect enough ‘warp’ points.
Users can use their headsets to navigate through space; there is no need for a controller or touchpad. Users can discover new stars, explore vast galaxies, and have an incredible time playing such VR games without controllers.
Are Virtual Reality Games Better with no Controllers?
The level of immersion and freedom that users experience by playing VR games without controllers is unmatched. While there is still a long way to go before all VR games incorporate hand tracking, there are still many games that can be played by pressing your headset triggers.
As technology evolves, the need for controllers is also declining. Companies are working on developing gloves with haptic feedback that can sense motions and provide feedback when users interact with the environment.
If you’d like to eliminate gloves from the equation, you can use hand tracking provided with headsets alongside ultrasonic speakers to provide haptic feedback. However, the gloves and the speakers are very costly because they are new innovations. Tech companies are working on bringing prices down to make these devices more obtainable by gamers.
In the meantime, you can try hand tracking or headset trigger modes to play VR games with no controller needed.
Conclusion
While handheld controllers have always been considered essential for playing VR games, many users are unaware of different headsets’ hand tracking and trigger button features.
Tech companies such as Meta, NVIDIA, and Microsoft have dedicated themselves to providing more immersive experiences to their customers. We can expect to see many more exciting gadgets and features in the future.
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