If you've recently acquired a PSVR 2, you're likely eager to dive into some exciting gameplay. After finally purchasing mine at a great price, I quickly faced the challenge of finding engaging titles to play. Fortunately, there are free demos and several PS Plus Game Trials available for some of the best PSVR 2 games.
While PlayStation doesn't prominently advertise the availability of demos for PS Plus Premium subscribers, it's worth noting that there aren't dedicated demo collections for the PSVR 2 as there were for the original PlayStation VR headset.
Here are five demos to try as soon as you set up your new headset. Most of these are part of PS Plus Premium, so take advantage of any free trials you can. The first game listed below doesn’t require a PS Plus subscription and offers a substantial experience. Let’s get started.
My First Gran Turismo
One of the first games you should download on PSVR 2 is My First Gran Turismo. While technically a demo for Gran Turismo 7, it stands alone as a unique experience. You’ll engage in training and license tests to familiarize yourself with VR racing before progressing to full races. This demo offers several hours of content, allowing you to replay races or practice driving.
Gran Turismo 7 is among the top PSVR 2 games, and this demo is a free way to experience it without any commitments. Having not played a Gran Turismo title since the PS2 era, I found My First Gran Turismo to be the most comfortable and exhilarating PSVR 2 game I've encountered, convincing me to purchase Gran Turismo 7. You can even unlock 18 cars to carry over into the full game, and no PS Plus subscription is needed for this demo.
Moss Book 2
Both Moss and Moss Book 2 offer PS Plus Game Trials, allowing you to experience 30 minutes of each. These puzzle platformers showcase how VR can innovate a long-standing genre, making Moss an ideal introduction to VR gaming.
In Moss, you assist a small mouse in navigating beautifully crafted dioramas, solving puzzles while a captivating story unfolds. Accessing Game Trials requires PS Plus Premium, but it's a worthwhile investment to sample several games before making full purchases.
Arizona Sunshine 2
Both Arizona Sunshine titles feature Game Trials for PS Plus Premium members. I recommend trying Arizona Sunshine 2 to experience the PSVR 2 Sense controllers in action. The introduction is fantastic, allowing you to wield various weapons, navigate gaps, and even pet a dog. This game offers a vibrant and humorous take on the zombie genre, starting off strong.
The opening of Arizona Sunshine 2 highlights the unique controller technology of the PSVR 2, giving you full control over actions like reloading and throwing grenades. There are also comfort options to help you adjust between teleport movements and smoother aiming schemes.
Lumines Arise
Lumines Arise, developed by the creators of Tetris Effect, is another title enhanced by PSVR 2. Playing Lumines in VR is an engaging experience that can easily immerse you in a flow state. The puzzles pulse to an energetic soundtrack, and the visuals are among the best on the platform.
As a puzzle game, Lumines Arise minimizes the risk of motion sickness, allowing you to relax as the world transforms around you. This game is also available as a PS Plus Game Trial for Premium subscribers.
Metro Awakening
Metro Awakening offers a thrilling experience, focusing more on action than pure horror. The Metro series is known for its immersive world-building, and experiencing it in VR is exhilarating. While the first 30 minutes of Metro Awakening may lack action, it serves as a compelling introduction to a visually stunning environment.
If you have PS Plus Premium, be sure to try Metro Awakening’s Game Trial. The visual effects, particularly for fire, are impressive, and you can observe dust particles and insects in the dark.
Additionally, many games offer free PSVR 2 versions, modes, and updates. Titles like Resident Evil 7, Resident Evil Village, and Resident Evil 4 Remake feature dedicated VR versions at no extra cost, making them some of the best horror experiences on the platform. Hitman: World of Assassination offers a VR pack for around $10 / £10 extra, providing three games' worth of content playable in VR.
Lastly, No Man’s Sky continues to thrive, fully compatible with PSVR 2. Check your existing library for PSVR 2 functionality; you might already own some compatible titles.