Virtual reality eSports is a rising trend, with competitive VR headset games available everywhere. In this guide, we break down the top eSports games, tournaments, and leagues using virtual reality games.

Virtual Reality eSports Introduction

Unlike regular eSports games on the computer like League of Legends or Dota 2, virtual reality eSports use the top VR headsets to play on. You use hand and body movement to navigate around in virtual reality with an immersive headset. VR is one of the fastest growing gaming industries and is expected to grow tenfold over the next five years. Similar to the computer, virtual reality eSports put you on a team or as an individual to battle against others. More and more tournaments are popping up for virtual reality players.

Best VR eSports Games

Solaris: Offworld Combat

Solaris: Offworld Combat is a fast-paced, arcade-style multiplayer shooter. You and 3 teammates pilot virtual combat suits, called Athlons. This contest sees two teams of four players battle to occupy a shifting Control Point.  Solaris has focused its effort on becoming a professional e-sports game for VR players. The Solaris development team is organizing VR eSports tournaments using Solaris in the future.

Echo Arena

Echo Arena is the most popular multiplayer game for virtual reality players. You play in zero gravity and have to score goals against your opponent. The game is a combination between Soccer and Quidditch. Echo Arena is a multiplayer game that forces you to work with your team, strategize, use your surroundings, and be resourceful. The game pits two teams of 4-players against each other.

Onward

Onward is a realistic first-person shooting game for virtual reality. You play on a team of 5 in different game modes like Deathmatch and Capture the Flag.

Unlike a lot of shooter games which are fast paced, high energy, and arcade style, Onward is more realistic and tactical. Either way, team communication is key to success in this game.

Population: ONE

Population: ONE is a battle royale game built for virtual reality eSports. Similar to Fortnite or PUBG, Battle Royale takes place on a vast map that shrinks over time as the game progresses. ONE contains a team mode suited and similar to other eSports games.

The game was just released at the end of 2020 and is one of the most polished virtual reality games available. Unlike PUBG, there is a vertical climbing component where you have to use your hands to climb buildings in real-time. These types of game mechanics are suited for virtual reality.

Beat Saber

Beat Saber is a VR rhythm game where you have to swing your arms to the tune of a song while trying to rack up a high score. Perfect cuts and consecutive swipes gets you a higher score as you play.

The game includes over 30 original songs in a variety of difficult levels. You can also load real life custom songs into the game in order to make the game’s soundtrack unlimited. It is one of the top selling VR game of all time and is available for all headsets. Beat Saber is one of the most popular virtual reality eSports games. It is easy to learn, but hard to master.

VR eSports Leagues

There is a growing list of eSports leagues and tournaments that use VR headsets. The VR Master League was created in 2017 and hosts tournaments in a variety of games like Echo Arena, Onward, and others.

Collegiate VR eSports (CVRE) is one of the top leagues for VR and hosts Beat Saber and Echo Arena tournaments. Other leagues are popping up with new 2021 schedules. A wide variety of games are being hosted as leagues are trying to find which ones work the best for eSports. As a growing trend, virtual reality eSports are worth keeping an eye out for as popularity grows.

Source: Ryan is the Senior Editor with AR/VR Tips, an online company that showcases the latest augmented reality apps and virtual reality products. AR/VR Tips showcases new mixed reality hardware and software that you can buy today and offers tutorials and guides to help you play.