Yanira D. Kivi 
We’ve explored the outer reaches of the virtual world to bring you our roundup of the best virtual reality experiences.
Virtual reality has grown in ways we never imagined thanks to technology that made it possible like the Oculus Quest 2 and Valve Index. Whether for gaming, watching movies, or education, VR technology continues to develop into a versatile system and a factor in our daily lives.
There are so many experiences that allow VR to become a space where everyone can immerse themselves in what is happening in front of them, especially when using the best VR headsets. There are many VR experiences that promise users an incredible journey into the virtual world. Technology evolves every year as virtual reality continues to make new advances with tons of experiences around the world that take users into something unimaginable.
With virtual reality becoming more accessible, it has widened the scope in many different circles like cinema, theater and even art. There is a growing landscape of possibilities as many developers continue to use this technology to give users a way to experience things they may not be able to do live and in person.
The number of VR experiences keeps growing, so the only question is which one to try? To give you an idea of what you can take part in, we’ve picked out some of the best virtual reality experiences that will help you get out of this world and get lost in a whole new space of reality.
1. Space Explorers: The ISS Experience
- Platforms: Oculus
- Price: $2.99 for each of 4 episodes (via Oculus Store)
If someone is looking to experience the wonders of space, this VR experience may be close to what you’ll get to see what it’s like on board a space station. Shot over two years, the VR experience was filmed on the International Space Station. It’s a gorgeous look at life aboard the station, told in four parts as you follow eight astronauts on a journey through select missions. This will give viewers an intimate insight into life in orbit.
There won’t be much interaction, but the experience takes a deep dive into space exploration through the eyes of these astronauts. With these extreme close-ups of these workers in space together, you’ll feel like you’re with them through the joys and perils of their craft.
2. VR sky map
- Platforms: Oculus, Steam, Google Play
- Price: $9.99
Speaking of space, this VR experience is also out of this world as it lets you explore the solar system in a beautiful rendition of a real-time space simulation. You can take a closer look at all the planets in our galaxy, whether it’s Saturn’s rings or the moons that orbit it. It’s a great way to learn about what the solar system has to offer and see how these constellations form in the night sky. Choose from different Star Chart modes to give you some choices in your stargazing activity.
There are also tons of experiences like Moments in Time that take you through space expedition history like the moon landing and Mars rover exploration. No matter which you choose, you’ll enjoy what our solar system has to offer through this one-of-a-kind VR experience.
3. Inside – cinematic VR
- Platforms: Oculus, Steam, Google Play, Apple
- Price: Free
For those who need a cinematic experience at home, Within VR can make it happen. Immerse yourself in amazing stories in different genres like documentaries, horror, music videos, animation and more. What’s great is that these are viewed at no cost.
You can see the best from independent filmmakers and studios around the world. These videos are also available for download in high resolution, so you can take them wherever you go if you don’t have an internet connection to stream them. If you’re up for video content, you’ll find plenty of it thanks to Within.
Best of all, there are no platform limitations, as the Within website proudly states that it’s “available wherever VR is well served.”
4. National Geographic Explore VR
- Platforms: Oculus
- Price: $9.99
There are a lot of discoveries to be made in this world, and National Geographic is helping to make that possible with its app called Explore VR. There are countless experiences to discover and it’s a great teaching tool to see what this world has to offer when it comes to culture and exploration.
Users can explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu or even climb icebergs in the remote region of Antarctica. It’s perfect for the whole family to travel the world without ever leaving home. The main objective is to capture photos on these exhibits, so the National Geographic Explore VR experience is a nice way to discover these vast places to know the landscape and learn its history.
5. All Kinds of Limbo XR
- Platforms: All
- Price: £6/$8
The live theater always draws a large crowd with Broadway shows, concerts, and other types of entertainment. If you prefer to catch live performances from home, look no further than the artists behind All Kinds of Limbo. The musical performance is developed by artists Raffy Bushman and Nubiya Brandon alongside the NuShape Orchestra in the UK
By simply using a VR headset on a mobile device or PC, audiences can take part in this immersive experience that brings Caribbean culture to life in the story of a life in limbo through different genres of music. Called All Kinds of Limbo XR, this special National Theater production uses VR technology to create a place for audiences to watch these musicians perform to Caribbean tunes.
