5 Warnings to Heed Before Playing VR Horror Games

VR Horror Games, Warnings before playing VR games

Updated:

22 Aug 2024

Want to try out your first VR Horror game, but don’t know if you should?

There are many reasons why we should be particular as to whom we allow to play VR horror games, and here are a few of them:

You Must Be Careful with the Younger Audience

Dolls, photos, puppets, open cabinets…what could possible go wrong?

Despite the many child-related subjects in these games, such as dolls, carnivals, board games, and other such things, the VR in general is not recommended for children under the age of 13. So, that being said, imagine the suitable age for these “horror” themed games.

Surely these restrictions will not stop parents, children, and caregivers from allowing children into the twisted world of VR horror, but the warning the makers give says something about the intensity.

When Playing Indoors, Furniture Becomes an Obstacle

Falling while saving a kitten from a plank hanging over the top of a building may result in heart attack.

This is one of the reasons I recommend not using the VR alone. It is nearly guaranteed, if used correctly, that you will get lost in this world. If you decide to play standing up, which is necessary to reach the full potential of some apps and games, then you may want a spotter, or an open space.

When you bring horror to the mix, the likelihood of falling from a good scare or precariously rotating room can increase the casualty rate tenfold.

More intense than scary movies

If The Ring was scary, imagine it without the dose of reality the TV set gives you.

If you’re not a fan of scary movies, then please, do not try VR horror. The intensity of this world is so great that you can easily convince yourself it is real, more so than a nightmare. You can cover your eyes while watching frightening scenes in movies, but somehow your brain cannot think quick enough to simply close your eyes to the images right in front of you.

Besides, the voices and music alone are enough to sling the VR set from your head, costing you hundreds. You’d think years of Silent Hill and Dead Space would prepare you for simple VR games with lesser graphics, but this isn’t the case. You give a pro-gamer a popular VR horror game and dark room to be alone together in, and trust me, they will fight the urge to close their eyes and their heart will beat faster than it has in years.

Non-VR games and scary movies will no longer measure up

Ghostface is no longer the threat he once was.

Whether it’s a pro or a con, it is still a fact that VR games will higher your standards for movies and non-VR video games alike. Remember the “Scary Movie” series? You see, after your experience with this new type of horror, you might find your average horror movie to now be on the level that those spin-offs were and this may both higher your expectations as well as give those jittery viewers a calmer heart when they compare their usual nightmares to their last VR experience.

The simplest things beome incredible

Epilepsy warnings

People prone to seizures should never play horror games.

When you involve medical advisories, you know things are getting serious. Sure, the VR in general, with the flashing screen and sudden movement, has a slight risk. But the horror games that are created to make you jump and get your heart racing, there are bound to be difficulties for those with specific medical problems.

But it’s not only epilepsy that has doctors worried, it’s also not recommended for pregnant women, people with high blood pressure (for obvious reasons) or even claustrophobia (which could cause panic attacks). In fact, it is highly recommended that you do not play horror games, or even use the VR, if you are under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or are even overly tired.

Really sticks with you

Some images you just can’t shake.

There are times when you will see something disturbing and it just won’t leave your head as it flashes over and over again at the most inopportune times. Unlike the seizures, this can happen to anyone, regardless of OCD or an anxiety disorder.

This can cause your average, sane person, to feel anxious, nervous, frustrated, and annoyed. It can also lead to sleepless nights, or nightmares you haven’t experienced since you were a child.

Although there are many warnings that are out there for VR horror games, don’t let that stop you from attempting them if you’re up for it. Just don’t be surprised when you find yourself asking a friend to come over so you won’t be alone during the experience, and frankly, that’s nothing to be ashamed of. Plus, you’ll have someone to share this amazing experience with as you let them give it a go as well!