It’s time to take phone based VR experiences to the next level with Google Daydream.
Google Daydream is now in its second iteration and it has brought a huge catalog of VR games to the mainstream. A lot of the free content can be bad, some can be awful but there are quite a few gems if you know where to look. The place to look is just below this sentence.
LEGO Brickheadz Builder VR
LEGO has made it’s arrival in VR in this simple, but fun game. You’ll be able to unlock new LEGOs by completing formulas in the big golden book, watch as your Brickheadz interact with each other, and even customize the way they look and act. Of course, you also have access to building items with LEGOs from within the app. You can free-build, or use patterns in order to create specific items for your Brickheadz to interact with.
LEGO Brickheadz brings the simple magic of building your imagination to VR. While it’s a simple game, it’s great for any age and can bring back the magic of LEGOs, no matter how old you may be.
Download LEGO Brickheadz Builder VR (free)
PolyRunner VR
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIaMKEPJixI?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]
If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced game on this list, then you’re in luck. PolyRunner VR is a space runner game that quickly becomes addictive as you fly through a variety of environments. The graphics are sweet and simple, allowing you to enjoy the experience without getting lost in the landscape as you go. The terrain changes as you go, and you’ll be able to pick up power-ups and boosts to help you along the way.
This is an easy game to pick up, but a difficult one to master. PolyRunner will have you hooked on flying before you even know it, especially in first-person mode.
Download PolyRunner VR (free)
Within
One of the easiest ways to experience new things in VR is with 360-degree videos, and that is exactly what Within delivers. You can watch great content from outlets like NBC, Vice Media, and The New York Times, as well as great music experiences from the likes of U2 and Muse. There’s a ton of content for you to enjoy and explore – plenty of which will introduce you to new and fantastic experiences.
If you enjoy using VR to experience new things, then Within has a great catalog for you to peruse and explore with hours of excitement waiting.
Download Within (free)
Fulldive VR
While there are plenty of different apps that will deliver you great 360 degree videos, however very few have as large of a library as Fulldive VR. There are dozens of videos, in multiple categories, making it easy to find the type of content that you are looking for. There is also a way to see what videos your friends have been watching, and even upload your own videos to watch from within Fulldive VR.
Whether you want something popular, funny, scary, or even sexy, there is a video here for you. With tons to explore, Fulldive VR has a video for everyone.
Download Fulldive VR (free)
Wonderglade
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq4aJQ1Ssjc?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]
Wonderglade gets amazing reviews on the Google Play Store, and they’re completely justified. The game transports you to a brightly colored, adorable carnival, where you can play zany mini-games. This a great game to show off the various capabilities of the Daydream headset and controller, as it uses a lot of different functions from both devices.
Particularly popular are the mini-putt game, and the basketball game “Hamster Hoops.” Overall, the game is extremely polished for a free offering and easily rivals a lot of the paid Daydream games. Beyond that, it’s simply fun to play.
Download Wonderglade (free)
The Turning Forest
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kKLm_9DrYA?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]
Don’t let The Turning Forest’s fairytale theme convince you that this game is for children; it’s a truly enjoyable experience for all ages. With bright colors and a deliberately simplistic style, the game is beautiful to look at. Where it really shines, though, is spatial audio. Break out a good pair of headphones and enjoy both the soundtrack as well as the music you’ll make with your Daydream controller. Then hand it over to the nearest child and watch their sense of wonder.
Download The Turning Forest (free)
Google Arts and Culture VR
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm0jpts023E?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]
We could easily devote an entire article to all the great Google apps for Daydream VR, but one of their less famous apps is actually one of their most interesting offerings. Arts and Culture VR allows you to explore artwork from around the world. In addition to being able to zoom in, and look from different angles, you get access to audio guides from museum curators.
This app is the perfect option for people who love art but hate crowds or leaving their house.
Download Google Arts and Culture VR (free)
Horizons
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_WFJPYgWfU?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]
Horizons is another interactive auditory experience for Daydream that will make you want to grab your good headphones. Use your Daydream controller to control a flock of birds in order to navigate the world around you. As you manipulate them, the music and visuals will change in real-time, giving you full control over the environment. In addition to flying over mountain ranges, you can dive under the water for a slower experience. Horizons is great mindless entertainment to unwind after a tough day.
Download Horizons (free)
Altspace VR
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esgZ8vBkV0U?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]
Tired of interacting in the real world? Give Altspace VR a try! Choose an avatar for yourself and interact with other people from around the world. Attend various in world events like comedy shows, DJ performances, and more. You can also play one of it’s over 30 in-game activities with your newfound VR friends. The app also works in non-VR mode, so you can keep in touch even when you’re not near your headset.
Download Altspace VR (free)
Twilight Pioneers
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atGf3xL7bmg?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]
Twilight Pioneers is an Eastern-style fantasy ARPG where the main character must use swords and spells to save the day. You are tasked with stopping a Dark Lord, who travels throughout time collecting the worst evils. When the magical being Longxia is imprisoned, it’s up to you to travel through time, collect Dragon Souls, save Longxia, and stop the Dark Lord.
Download Twilight Pioneers (free)
What are your favorite free Daydream games?
Do you think there is a fantastic free app for Google Daydream that we missed here? Drop us a line in the comments.
Google Daydream
- Daydream View review
- The ultimate guide to Daydream
- These phones support Daydream VR
- Every Daydream app you can download
- Catch up with Daydream in the forums!
