The Oculus Quest has been a revelation for fitness gaming as it provides the best virtual reality workouts without the need for an expensive gaming PC or any wires getting in the way of your movement. It has quickly become the headset of choice for many fitness enthusiasts. VR Fitness Insider has put together a list of the 10 best high-intensity Oculus Quest 2 games for burning calories for those looking to take their VR workouts to the next level. All of these titles (which are also playable on the original Oculus Quest headset) are fun to play and will push you to your physical limit after a lengthy session.
We’ve broken the list of the best high-intensity Oculus Quest 2 games into three categories: rhythm games, hardcore workouts, and action games. So, feel free to jump to that category if you have a preferred type of virtual reality fitness game. There is some overlap between them, though, so make sure to read the whole list.
If you’re looking for even more Oculus Quest releases, including less intense ones, we have a huge breakdown of all of the best Oculus Quest 2 fitness games.
High-Intensity Oculus Quest 2 Rhythm Games
Audio Trip
Kicking off our list is Audio Trip, a stellar dancing-based rhythm title with excellent music from the likes of Lady Gaga and deadmau5. You’ll constantly be moving your full body as you shake and duck through levels to match the choreography. The game has actually got even more intense recently as new cardio-focused levels were added in a free update that will be sure to test your cardiovascular abilities. Our reviewer burned 6.5 calories per minute.
It’s the right game for you: if you are looking for a great rhythm game that will focus on dancing.
Available on: the Oculus Store for $19.99.
The VR Fitness Insider Verdict: Audio Trip received an 8.5/10 fitness score and was awarded our Best Dance VR Fitness Game of the Year in 2019.
Beat Saber
One of the most famous VR titles can also be one of the most intense on its upper difficulties. To get the most out of playing Beat Saber, you should be fully extending your body motions to maximize movement. The higher difficulties are intense, and you will have to focus on each block in order to pass levels. Our reviewer burned 10.8 calories per minute and praised its versatility as it can be used “for cardio and conditioning workouts, as well as for warm-ups and full-on workouts.”
It’s the right game for you: if you want a rhythm game with a wide array of music (including great downloadable content) and a great high score chase.
Available on: Oculus Store for $29.99.
The VR Fitness Insider Verdict: Beat Saber received an 8.5/10 fitness score and was awarded our Best Rhythm VR Fitness Game of the Year in 2020.
Synth Riders
Synth Riders will have your arms constantly moving as you are blocking and punching targets to synthwave music. Developer Kluge Interactive has done an incredible job adding in content over time, including a great power-up update. What makes it such an intense workout is that you’ll be getting in a boxing-style workout while also having to jump and dodge objects as well, which means your full body is being used. Our reviewer burned 7 calories per minute while playing and categorizes it as “one of the more intense workouts you can experience in VR.”
It’s the right game for you: if you dig synth music and want to work your entire body.
Available on: Oculus Store for $24.99.
The VR Fitness Insider Verdict: Synth Riders received an 8.8/10 fitness score.
High-Intensity Oculus Quest 2 Action Games
Holopoint Oculus Edition
One of the earliest VR fitness titles received a great Oculus Quest port that proved that Holopoint is still an excellent workout. What’s unique about this archery title is that you’ll be ducking and dodging arrows as you play, which will engage your core muscles and help you build a strong core. Having strong core muscles is important for athletes as it leads to fewer injuries and can improve back pain. Our reviewer burned 7 calories per minute and praised the wireless gameplay as it allows players to work even harder than the original.
It’s the right game for you: if you love a healthy challenge and enjoy archery games.
Available on: Oculus Store for $14.99.
The VR Fitness Insider Verdict: Holopoint Oculus Edition received a 9.5/10 fitness score.
Pistol Whip
Pistol Whip has some rhythm elements, as you’re encouraged to shoot enemies to the beat of songs, but you’ll have to duck out of the way from attacks and use melee attacks in addition to shooting your pistol. You’ll also be getting a great leg workout as you are squatting and ducking regularly, which will really engage your legs. Our reviewer burned 5.6 calories per minute and praised how the shooter manages to deliver “measured interval workout sessions super organically.”
It’s the right game for you: if you enjoy shooters and getting fit while living out your greatest John Wick fantasy sounds appealing to you.
Available on: Oculus Store for $24.99.
The VR Fitness Insider Verdict: Pistol Whip received an 8.5/10 fitness score and was awarded our Best Action VR Fitness Game of the Year in 2020.
The Thrill of the Fight
The Thrill of the Fight stands out from other boxing titles as it focuses on realistic fights, and players will have to focus on technique rather than just swarming A.I. opponents with volume. As a result, it winds up working your core and legs rather than just your arms. Our reviewer burned 7 calories per minute, which shows that the game delivers all of the fitness benefits of boxing without any of the head trauma.
It’s the right game for you: if you love boxing and want to actually learn about the sweet science.
Available on: Oculus Store for $9.99.
The VR Fitness Insider Verdict: The Thrill of the Fight received a 9.5/10 fitness score and was awarded our Best VR Boxing Fitness Game of the Year in 2020.
High-Intensity Oculus Quest 2 Hardcore Workouts
FitXR
Perhaps the most fully-featured title on this list is FitXR, which was formerly known as BoxVR. Far outgrowing its boxercise roots, this rhythm workout title has you doing everything from dancing to punching color-coded objects and ducking out of the way. With plenty of great updates and DLC adding hours of additional workouts and music, this one title could keep you entertained and fulfill your fitness needs for months, if not years. Our reviewer burned 8 calories per minute and praised how the revamped title is even more demanding than BoxVR ever was.
It’s the right game for you: if you want a fleshed-out full-body workout that includes both dancing and boxercise modes.
Available on: Oculus Store for $29.99.
The VR Fitness Insider Verdict: FitXR received a 9/10 fitness score and was awarded our Best Cardio VR Fitness Game of the Year in 2020.
RealFit
If you’re looking to imitate having an actual gym within your living room, then RealFit is your best option. It has everything from intense exercises to fitness-oriented minigames, so there is plenty of variety despite it being an Early Access title. Our reviewer burned 8.2 calories per minute and complimented that no matter the difficulty you are on, you’ll be dripping in sweat by the end of an exercise circuit.
It’s the right game for you: if fitness mini-games will keep you coming back and you want to get traditional exercises in.
Available on: itchi.io for $19.99.
The VR Fitness Insider Verdict: RealFit received an 8.2/10 fitness score.
Supernatural
With new workouts daily, coaches that will help motivate you, and plenty of different destinations and music that enhance your experience, Supernatural is worth the subscription if you’re serious about staying fit. With plenty of customization and the recent addition of goals and streaks, Supernatural offers workouts that align with your fitness goals. Whether you’re looking to get in a high-intensity workout, strengthening your muscles, or want to increase your flexibility, you are covered. The game has a Yur.fit rating of 7.4 calories per minute, and players average 172 squats per hour.
It’s the right game for you: if a motivational coach will help you exercise more often, and you don’t mind paying a subscription fee after the trial is up.
Available on: Oculus Store for free (there’s a 30-day free trial, which then becomes $19 per month or $179 per year).
The VR Fitness Insider Verdict: Supernatural was awarded our Best VR Fitness Game of the Year in 2020.
VRWorkout
Wrapping up our list of the best high-intensity Oculus Quest 2 games is VRWorkout, which is an incredible project that is available for free. While it doesn’t check your surroundings, so you’ll have to make sure you have an open, safe space to play, it does have a variety of exercises for you to use, including jumping, squats, pushups, burpees, and more. Our reviewer burned 10 calories per minute and said it was “one of the most intense experiences” they’ve experienced in VR.
It’s the right game for you: if you have plenty of open space, want to focus on getting fit, and don’t mind not having a ton of bells and whistles.
Available on: SideQuest for free.
The VR Fitness Insider Verdict: VRWorkout received an 8.6/10 fitness score.
