Among Us VR brings a new level of immersion to the popular social deduction game, transforming it into a first-person, 3D experience for virtual reality. Released in November 2022 by Schell Games and Innersloth, this VR adaptation of Among Us reimagines the classic space-based mystery game, allowing players to step into the shoes of their characters directly through VR headsets.
Among Us VR Game Background
Initially launched for Meta Quest 2 and Steam VR, Among Us VR has since expanded to other devices like Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest Pro, PICO, and PSVR2, enhancing its accessibility and reach.
Unlike the standard version, Among Us VR delivers a heightened sense of realism and presence, focusing on proximity chat, immersive navigation, and an interactive task system. Players enjoy familiar tasks and game mechanics from the original but also benefit from VR-exclusive adjustments that simplify certain tasks for the VR platform.
Among Us VR Gameplay
The gameplay in Among Us VR remains largely faithful to the original, involving two core teams: Crewmates and Impostors.
- Crewmateshave the task of completing various activities around the ship, both from the original game and unique VR-only tasks. The VR tasks emphasize interaction and realism, often requiring players to use hand movements to perform tasks.
- Impostorsaim to sabotage the mission by eliminating Crewmates. Using vents and performing stealth attacks becomes even more thrilling in VR.
A new role, Engineer, added diversity to gameplay. Engineers are expected to bring additional complexity to the traditional tasks and responsibilities, potentially leveling the field for Crewmates against the Impostors.
With the VR adaptation, Among Us VR allows up to 10 players in a lobby and introduces proximity voice chat. This feature makes communication more realistic, as players’ voices get louder as they approach each other, amplifying the sense of presence and suspense.
Among Us VR Tasks And Interactions
One of the standout features of Among Us VR is the hands-on interaction with tasks. The developers adjusted many tasks specifically for VR to reduce frustration while enhancing fun.
Simplified Tasks
Tasks that proved challenging in the original game, like the infamous card swipe, were either adjusted or removed to better fit VR gameplay.
Hands-On Mechanics
Fueling stations, interactive touch screens, and similar activities use VR’s hand-tracking capabilities, making gameplay more engaging. The immersive environment is particularly effective during tasks like fueling the reactor or recalibrating engines.
Alerts And Alarms
Flashing lights and alarm sounds add urgency and tension, creating a more immersive experience than the 2D version could provide. The VR version builds tension through visuals and audio cues, pushing players to react quickly.
Age Restrictions And Player Safety
To ensure a safer environment, Among Us VR implements age restrictions: players under 13 cannot access the game, and minors under 18 have limited access to voice chat. Despite these restrictions, underage players sometimes bypass these limits by using parental accounts.
This has led to occasional concerns about player behavior, particularly regarding bullying. Developers continue to explore solutions to keep the gaming environment safe for all players.
Challenges In Among Us VR
Navigating Among Us VR can be challenging initially. The VR controls allow for settings customization, enabling players to use head movements for navigation.
Navigation Options
Some players prefer head-based navigation to guide movement, while others stick with traditional control schemes. This flexibility helps players find their comfort zone within the VR controls.
Impostor Challenges
Playing as an Impostor can feel trickier in VR. Players must look down to monitor kill cooldowns and align their attacks carefully, particularly when teaming up with another Impostor. These added control layers make the Impostor role both thrilling and challenging.
Matchmaking currently pairs players of various age groups, leading some players to request an option to filter by age. In crowded games, voice chat can sometimes become noisy, leading players to mute others or leave lobbies.
Visuals And User Interface
The graphics of Among Us VR retain the iconic cartoonish style of the original, creating a recognizable yet fresh experience.
Graphic Design
Although it doesn’t aim for hyper-realism, the VR version's colorful, polished visuals add a lively element. The vibrant art style is perfectly suited to VR and enhances the game’s unique charm.
User Interface
The UI is designed for easy navigation. Whether you’re accessing settings, changing your character’s appearance, or voting in the cafeteria, the interface is intuitive, allowing both new and veteran players to get comfortable quickly.
Enhanced Voting Screen
During voting, players see a large screen displaying everyone’s icons, making the voting process more interactive. You point to accuse or skip, adding another layer of engagement to the decision-making process.
Proximity Chat
Among Us VR’s proximity chat elevates gameplay, making discussions more intense and strategy more complex. Voices get louder as players come closer to each other, making it easier for players to plan or react based on proximity. For Impostors, sneaking up on a Crewmate can become a heart-pounding experience as sounds amplify while approaching targets.
The ability to overhear other players builds a layer of tension and adds a new level of deception. When someone stumbles upon a potential crime scene, they might hear faint whispers or footsteps before seeing anything suspicious, creating an exciting atmosphere.
Among Us VR Maps
Skeld II and Polus Point maps are familiar to longtime fans, yet they offer new experiences in VR:
Skeld II
The original Among Us map, Skeld II, is a spaceship with multiple rooms. Players navigate through areas like the medbay, security, and reactor while completing tasks or hunting for suspects.
Polus Point
Set in a snowy, outdoor landscape, Polus Point offers a different ambiance, combining open areas with hidden rooms. Its unique layout requires players to adapt their strategies and adds variety to the gameplay.
Recommended Meta Quest Accessories
1. MaeckerVR Meta Quest 3 Battery Head Strap
2. MaeckerVR Meta Quest 3/3S Direct-Charge Controller Grips
Conclusion
Among Us VR serves as a thrilling reimagination of the original, allowing players to experience the suspense, strategy, and social elements in an entirely new way. From enhanced gameplay tasks and control options to the proximity chat feature and interactive maps, Among Us VR offers a unique experience within the VR gaming world.
