Games are fun and all, but some of the best experiences in virtual reality can just be walking through immersive worlds. VRChat, the VR social and games platform available on nearly every platform, has thousands of fantastic worlds to explore. Here are five of my favorites that you should check out.
You can visit these worlds for yourself: VRChat is a free download on Steam, Meta Quest, HTC Vive, and Android phones/tablets. The PC version on Steam doesn’t require a VR headset, but the worlds lose some of their appeal outside the intended virtual reality environment. Most of these worlds are compatible with both PC and Quest, though varying amounts of detail are lost in the Quest versions.
5
Super Kmart Center
Super Kmart Center
Kmart used to be one of the largest department store chains in the United States, but with increased competition and corporate mishaps, it started declining and shuttering stores in the 2000s. The final Kmart store closed in 2024, but you can still visit a shockingly-accurate recreation in VRChat.
Super Kmart Center is one of the most technically impressive VR worlds I’ve ever seen. I don’t have much nostalgia for Kmart, but the store has an incredible level of detail. Many of the items can be picked off the shelves and held under a price scanner to check the price. There are period-appropriate products, ads, and banners everywhere. The security television hanging above the entrance even has a functional camera. There are a few modern alterations as well, like boxes for Quest 3 VR headsets alongside the 2000s-era TVs and Windows retail boxes in the electronics department.
This world is best viewed on PC, since the Quest version removes some objects and interactive functionality. Still, it’s fun to explore, no matter what platform you’re using.
4
Sushi Aquarium
Sushi Aquarium
Sushi Aquarium is an aquarium world where you can explore freshwater fish from all over the world, with a total of 44 exhibits. Most of the creatures have models that move around in tanks, and they look close to their real-life counterparts. If you’re not a fan of real-life aquariums, this might not be all that interesting, but it’s still a fun project to explore in virtual reality.
Just like real-life aquariums, the exhibits are labelled with the creates in each tank. Unfortunately for me, the descriptions are written in Japanese. The Quest version also drastically limits the model and animation quality (that’s where I took these screenshots), so visit it on PC if possible.
3
Minesweeper
Minesweeper
Minesweeper in VRChat is a fun twist on the classic Minesweeper puzzle game, with the game area moved to a large floor you can walk around. Just like in the classic Windows version, you start with a large grid containing an unknown number of hidden mines. You must click tiles to clear them, and mark areas with a flag if you think they contain a bomb.
This version has functional multiplayer, so you can work with friends to clear a board… or get mad at them when they uncover a mine and ruin the game. The world also has a few fun easter eggs, like a mirror that gives you compliments. It works well on both PC and Quest.
2
District Roboto
District Roboto
District Roboto is one of the most visually stunning VR worlds I’ve ever visited. It’s a bustling town district with shops, restaurants, tunnels, back alleys, and other areas to explore. The area is also inhabited by various robots, giving it a slight sci-fi flair. There’s so much detail here to explore, and there’s a treasure hunt-like minigame, if you’re up for it.
Unfortunately, this world is not compatible with Quest or Android, so you’ll need to visit it on PC. The graphical detail is also taxing on hardware—my GeForce GTX 1080 is not happy about it, that’s for sure.
1
Hwabon Night
Hwabon Night
This world is based on the Hwabon station in South Korea, a small train station built in 1938 and known as “one of the most beautiful flag stations in Korea.” The real-life station stopped being used for trains in 2024, but the main building and its connected water tower are still local landmarks, and it remains open as a cultural center.
The VRChat version has a picturesque nighttime setting, complete with moving trains, chairs around a fireplace, and an outdoor stage for events. There are several buildings to explore, including a parked train car (it had an art gallery inside when I visited), the main station, and the roof of the water tower.
Hwabon Night is compatible with both PC and Quest/Android, but the latter version is a significant downgrade, with many missing objects, interactive elements, and environment details. Check it out on PC if you can.
There are many other impressive worlds I’ve seen in VRChat, but these five are great examples of VR as a medium for creating fun and interesting environments.
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