What Is Pools VR?
Pools VR is a psychological horror walking simulator launched in 2025 on Steam. Priced at just $9.99, it places you in a vast, empty world of flooded corridors, glowing tiles, and distorted ambient sound. There are no enemies. No objectives. Just an endless space that feels familiar yet deeply wrong—a masterclass in liminal horror.
Why It’s Gaining Attention
1. Silent Horror That Builds Slowly
Unlike traditional horror games that rely on gore or loud jump scares, Pools VR lets its silence do the talking. The sense of dread builds not from what you see—but from what you feel.
2. Visual Atmosphere and Level Design
Drawing comparisons to The Backrooms and The Midnight Walk, the environments are both sterile and surreal. The lighting, reflections, and geometry trigger unease in subtle, psychological ways.
3. Optimized for High-End PCVR
This game isn't built for entry-level rigs. Players report stable performance on RTX 3080/4080 setups, especially with DLSS or FSR. Despite a few visual bugs (like one-eye reflections in some headsets), the technical execution is impressive for an indie release.
Real Players Say...
- “It’s not scary because of what’s there—it’s scary because of what isn’t.”
- “Like walking through a dream you barely remember.”
- “9/10 atmosphere. Worth the $10 without question.”
Reddit users on r/virtualreality praise its minimalist storytelling and immersive tension, calling it one of the most unique VR horror titles in years.
Our Take: A Perfect Match for Deep VR Immersion
If you’re into slow-burn, environmental horror, this is one of the most affordable yet effective VR titles you can try in 2025. That said, the deep immersion also means longer sessions, and that can get uncomfortable with stock gear.
🟢 Pro Tip: For uninterrupted sessions, try the Maecker Battery Headstrap for Meta Quest 3. It balances the headset and gives you the extra hours needed to fully sink into environments like Pools VR.
Summary: Who Should Play Pools VR?
If you enjoy:
- Liminal horror and dreamlike spaces
- Quiet tension over loud chaos
- A unique, contemplative take on fear
Then Pools VR belongs on your list. It’s a budget-friendly, high-impact game that pushes the psychological boundaries of what VR horror can be—without ever shouting.
🔗 Also Recommended: Check out A Wold in VR’s video to explore how Pools VR uses sound and space to create a haunting, immersive VR experience.
Ready to explore the deep end? Just bring a headset—and your nerves.
