Is there Rock climbing in VR?

By: Jake Rajala

Rock climbing is unequivocally the most dangerous sport on this green earth. Hence, it’s bloody entertaining. We’ve been blessed with witnessing elite rock climbers hell-bent on success. Alex Honnold has set records as a free solo climber and then Tommy Caldwell pushed to get over The Dawn Wall. With that said, it’s less certain if there are other versions to witness the adrenaline that comes with rock climbing. The best console for the height and effort that comes with rock climbing is undoubtedly virtual reality.

Well, there are VR rock-climbing games! There is “The Climb” and then there is “The Climb 2”. The Climb 2 has gained a heap of attention since it came out in 2021. The game allows the user to not only climb with a vest but also free solo. Furthermore, it’s possible to climb skyscrapers! It’s safe to say it’s better to have a death wish in the game than in real life.

The graphics outdo the visual effects in the first game, as well. The length of the main story is 4 hours and 2 minutes. The length helps the game have decent exercise. The game garnered 4.2 stars/5 stars from The Meta Store. Per “The Road to VR”, The Climb 2 offers a more diverse experience than The Climb. There is also a VR game by the name of “Everest”, but it’s a mediocre 2016 game, and it garnered a mere 6/10 stars on Steam.

There is a lot of meat on the bone with rock climbing in VR. A rise in quality graphics with rock climbing will increase the thrill. Perhaps it can be possible to sleep in a tent on the side of a cliff. On the dark side of things, it may also be plausible in the future to have injuries on the screen that can hinder strength, too.

If you love sports and haven’t participated in rock climbing behind or in front of the camera, I beg you to branch out and rock climb! Rock climbing has blossomed in films on NetFlix and Disney+. It’s time for people who aren’t terribly scared of heights to garner more climbing features in VR to shine.