Few things in life open up one’s mind to possibilities, exploration, and creativity, like psychedelics. But what would happen if substances like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT were combined with the power of Virtual Reality? Could psychedelic VR games allow us to explore hidden worlds, wander through museums dedicated to unreality, travel the depths of dark and wondrous seas, and encounter alien life on far-off worlds and universes?
Some research, such as a study in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, suggest that psychedelic drugs and virtual reality share particular capacities. For example, both psychedelics and VR can help disrupt mental rigidity and break down certain limitations or mental constructs. Another similarity comes in the form of the “evocation of awe.” Essentially, psychedelics and virtual reality can inspire feelings of profound joy, and awe by allowing us to visualize places, concepts, and images that we would otherwise be unable to. Furthermore this study found that both recreational and therapeutic psychedelics users can benefit from the use of virtual reality during psychedelic trips.(1)
This quest to discover how virtual reality games could alter psychedelic experiences was inspired by a 2020 study published in Clinical Neuropsychiatry. In this study, researchers examined the possible synergetic effects of virtual, or augmented reality, with psychedelic-assisted therapy as a possible treatment for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), certain phobias, eating disorders, gambling addiction, anxiety, and interestingly, schizophrenia. To do this, researchers prepared a systematic review of 23 psychedelic and VR studies.(2)
What they found was as interesting as it was astonishing. Virtual reality and psychedelic medicine were shown to significantly improve symptoms for patients with the above-mentioned conditions, and others, often at rates much higher than traditional treatment modalities. All this to say that it appears that psychedelics and VR show promise as potential new tools to combat serious mental health disorders.(2)
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Other researchers, such as the authors of Virtual Reality as a Moderator of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy, suggest that the success of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PP) hinges largely on the participant’s mindset and the therapeutic environment. To enhance these factors, researchers are exploring supplementary methods such as meditation and visualization. They propose that virtual reality could be a powerful tool to combine with PP, given its ability to induce relaxation, reduce anxiety, promote mindfulness, and even evoke mystical states. VR could help patients detach from their usual reality, alter their self-perception, and enhance sensory experiences, all of which can be therapeutic in the context of PP.(3)
These discoveries left us with a question. If psychedelics and VR can effectively help people heal, what can they do for someone who’s interested in self-exploration?
The answer was simple. Psychedelics and virtual reality create doors to the profound, open paths to the deepest reaches of the mind, and lend themselves well to enhanced creativity, and deeper understanding of the human experience.
With that in mind, here are our top ten psychedelic VR games that may support a psychedelic trip.
(Note: All of the games on this list require or are enhanced by a VR Headset)
The Top Ten Virtual Reality Games to Play on Psychedelics
Subnautica – (Energetic, Exploration, Highly Aesthetic, Can be Frightening)
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Subnautica is likely one of the most visually appealing games ever created, and not just for virtual reality. From the onset, the game “has you hooked,” starting with its explosive (in this case, literally) opening cinematic, to the first few hours spent exploring the alien beauty of a distant ocean world.
There are some points of the game that can be a little frightening, such as your first encounter with Subnautica’s ocean-dwelling predators, but this can be circumvented by playing exclusively in Creator Mode.
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Subnautica was, of course, not designed as a psychedelic game. Instead, it’s simply an extremely visually appealing medium that psychedelics can enhance. If your goal is to scratch that itch, we humans have for adventure and to experience the sort of underwater beauty that one can only find on an expensive snorkeling trip. Then this game is for you.
In Creator Mode, it can be used as a tool for contemplation and relaxation, allowing you to become immersed in its gentle, yet stunning underwater audio and visual sensations. This experience lends itself to experiencing multiple sensations simultaneously.
However, if you’re looking for something that pairs well with higher doses of psychedelics like psilocybin or LSD, this may not be the one for you. Some of its missions require solid analytical skills and puzzle-solving abilities that you may be lacking during the peak of a trip. Furthermore, the deeper you go into the game, the more likely you are to encounter adversarial creatures. We suggest that you either play in Creator Mode or err on the side of caution and use lower doses of your preferred psychedelic.
No Man’s Sky – (Relaxed, Exploration, Adventure, Serene)
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No Man’s Sky is one of the most interesting games to come out in the last decade, despite its initially rocky release. The game seeks to astound players with its massive scope, alien vistas, and sense of vast, cosmic freedom. One can spend hours exploring beautifully forested jungle planets with pink-to-purple gradient skies, crystal rock outcroppings, and emerald seas.
The only somewhat tense experiences may come in the form of the game’s many species of alien creatures that can decide to become aggressive if players stray a little too close for comfort. Thankfully, No Man’s Sky equips stellar…
Top Ten Psychedelic VR Games
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