As 2025 draws to a close, it's hard not to feel a sense of awe at the incredible virtual and mixed reality experiences we've been treated to this year. But here's the shocking truth: the line between reality and fiction has never been blurrier, and it's only going to get more complicated. Today, we're diving into the UploadVR editorial team's top picks for the year, spanning four major platforms: Apple Vision Pro, PC VR, PlayStation VR2, and Meta Quest. And trust us, this is just the beginning – we've got three articles lined up to cover the best of the best.
In this first installment, we're exploring the most captivating games and immersive entertainment experiences that pushed the boundaries of what's possible in VR. But before we get into that, let's set the stage for what's to come. Our next article will shine a spotlight on mixed reality apps and games, with a special focus on the innovative use of hand tracking this year. And because we know you're eager to hear about everything, we'll also be covering early access titles that have yet to see a full release.
And this is the part most people miss: our final article will be a grand celebration, featuring the biggest awards of 2025. We're talking Best VR Game of the Year, Best VR Hardware, Best Developer, Best Multiplayer, Best Virtual Place, and the highly anticipated Most Anticipated VR Game for 2026. But for now, let's kick things off with our first round of awards.
Best Exploratory Experience: Where Storytelling Meets Immersion
2025 has been a groundbreaking year for filmmakers leveraging immersive technology to tell compelling stories. Apple Vision Pro's Immersive Video platform, in particular, has been a game-changer, hosting projects like the Metallica concert experience, Bono's Stories of Surrender, MotoGP Tour De Force, and D-Day: The Camera Soldier. These experiences not only entertain but also provoke thought, much like The Reality of Hope, which uses VRChat to tell a heartwarming story of a life-saving friendship, or Reflections of Little Red Dot, which delves into Singapore's rich history.
But here's where it gets controversial: while some experiences focus on entertainment, others dare to tackle heavier themes, like Soul Paint, which encourages introspection. Is VR the future of therapy, or is it overstepping its bounds? We'll let you decide. Among the standout projects, Touching The Sky, Alien Perspective, and Black Cats & Chequered Flags also deserve a mention. However, our award for Best Exploratory Experience goes to The Clouds Are Two Thousand Meters Up, a free-roaming VR adaptation of a Taiwanese short story. It's like stepping into a movie, but with the added layer of immersion that only VR can provide.
Favorite New Apple Vision Pro Game: Redefining Interaction
Apple Vision Pro took a giant leap forward in 2025 with the introduction of tracked controllers, paving the way for games like Pickle Pro and Glassbreakers. But it's Gears & Goo from Resolution Games that stole our hearts. This tower defense game reimagines the genre for Apple's gaze and pinch interface, offering a challenging multi-hour campaign that we can't get enough of. But here's the question: is this the future of gaming, or just a passing fad? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Favorite New Quest Game: A Year of Supernatural Adventures
Despite the absence of a new Quest headset, 2025 has been a banner year for Meta's standalone ecosystem. From Marvel’s Deadpool VR and Thief VR to Glassbreakers and Arken Age, the latter half of the year has been a whirlwind of releases. Yet, it's Ghost Town from Fireproof Games that claims the title of Quest Game of the Year. This supernatural VR adventure combines strong gameplay design with stunning visuals, making it a must-play on Quest 3. But is it enough to keep Quest relevant in an increasingly crowded market? Let us know what you think.
Favorite New PC VR Game: The Platform That Keeps on Giving
While all eyes are on Valve's upcoming Steam Frame, 2025 has still delivered some exceptional PC VR releases. From exclusives like Vertigo 2: Into The Aether and BattleGroupVR2 to multiplatform hits like Of Lies and Rain and Demeo x D&D, there's been no shortage of quality content. Our PC VR Game of the Year, however, goes to Roboquest VR, an exhilarating FPS roguelite that feels like it was born for VR. But with the rise of standalone headsets, does PC VR still have a place in the future of gaming? Weigh in below.
Favorite New PlayStation VR2 Game: Third-Party Triumphs
PlayStation VR2 has once again relied heavily on third-party publishers, but that hasn't stopped it from delivering a strong lineup in 2025. Titles like Hitman, Maestro, and Arken Age have showcased the platform's potential. Speaking of Arken Age, VitruviusVR's sci-fi action-adventure takes our PlayStation VR2 Game of the Year award. Its tactile, VR-first design, coupled with strong haptic feedback and PS5 Pro enhancements, makes it an essential buy for action fans. But is Sony doing enough to support its VR platform, or is it falling behind the competition? Share your opinions in the comments.
As we wrap up this first article, we can't help but wonder: what does the future hold for VR and mixed reality? Will these platforms continue to push boundaries, or will they plateau? One thing's for sure – 2025 has been a year to remember, and we can't wait to see what 2026 has in store. So, what's your take? Are we on the cusp of a VR revolution, or is it all just hype? Let the debate begin!
