Jump to content

Beat Saber: Difference between revisions

From VR & AR Wiki
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
No edit summary
 
(16 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{| class="infobox" style="font-size:89%; width:21em; -moz-border-radius: .2em; -webkit-border-radius: .2em;display:inline-table!important;"
{{App Infobox
|-
|image=[[File:beat saber1.jpg|350px]]
! colspan="2" style="background-color: #254b72; color: #FFFFFF; font-size:120%; padding:0.5em;" | {{{name|{{PAGENAME}}}}}
|VR/AR=[[Virtual Reality]]
|-
|Developer=Beat Games (Oculus Studios)
! colspan="2" |{{#if:{{{image|}}}|{{{image|}}}}}
|Publisher=Beat Games / Oculus Studios
|-
|Platform=[[SteamVR]], [[Meta Quest]], [[PlayStation VR]], [[PlayStation VR2]], [[Windows Mixed Reality]]
! colspan="2" style="background-color: #254b72; color: #FFFFFF; padding:0em;" | Information
|Device=[[Meta Quest 3]], [[Meta Quest 2]], [[Oculus Quest]], [[Oculus Rift S]], [[HTC Vive]], [[Valve Index]], [[Windows Mixed Reality]], [[PlayStation VR]], [[PlayStation VR2]]
|-
|Operating System=[[Windows]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]]
{{#if: {{{VR/AR|}}}|
|Type=[[Game]]
{{!}} '''VR/AR'''
|Genre=Rhythm, Fitness, Indie
{{!}} {{{VR/AR|}}} }}
|Input Device=Tracked motion controllers (dual sabers)
|-
|Play Area=[[Standing]], [[Room-scale]], optional seated
{{#if: {{{Developer|}}}|
|Game Mode=Single-player, Online multiplayer (private & public lobbies)
{{!}} '''Developer'''
|Comfort Level=Generally comfortable (no artificial locomotion); intensity scales with difficulty
{{!}} {{{Developer|}}} }}
|Language=English, French, German, Spanish (Spain & LatAm), Japanese, Korean
|-
|Version=v1.40.5 (Steam/Quest, May 15 2025)
{{#if: {{{Publisher|}}}|
|Rating=E
{{!}} '''Publisher'''
|Purchases≈10 M units (Quest alone, 2025 est.); 4 M+ cross-platform sales by 2021
{{!}} {{{Publisher|}}} }}
|Release Date=Early Access – May 1 2018; Full release (Steam/Rift) – May 21 2019; PS VR – Nov 19 2018; Quest – May 21 2019; PS VR2 – May 24 2023
|-
|Price=US $29.99 (base game)
{{#if: {{{Director|}}}|
|App Store=[[Steam]], [[Meta Quest Store]], PlayStation Store, Humble Bundle
{{!}} '''Director'''
|Website=https://beatsaber.com
{{!}} {{{Director|}}} }}
|Infobox Updated=June 2025
|-
}}
{{#if: {{{Producer|}}}|
{{see also|VR Apps|VR Games}}
{{!}} '''Producer'''
[[Beat Saber]] is a neon-soaked VR rhythm slasher in which players wield dual energy sabers to slice “beat blocks” as they surge toward the player in sync with music.
{{!}} {{{Producer|}}} }}
 
|-
__TOC__
{{#if: {{{Platform|}}}|
 
{{!}} '''Platform'''
== Description ==
{{!}} {{{Platform|}}} }}
Beat Saber challenges players to cut color-coded blocks in the indicated direction while dodging obstacles and maintaining flow. Songs are hand-mapped by Beat Games’ design team to encourage broad, dance-like movements that feel intuitive even to first-time VR users. The base game ships with 38 tracks spanning EDM, rock, and pop; additional licensed packs (e.g., Queen, Green Day, BTS, Timbaland, Daft Punk) are available as DLC, each introducing its own themed environment and light-show.
|-
 
{{#if: {{{Device|}}}|
== Design & Scoring ==
{{!}} '''Device'''
Unlike classic rhythm titles that reward millisecond-perfect timing, Beat Saber employs an '''“Instructed Motion”''' system. Optimal score per block (115 points) is awarded for a ≥100° pre-swing (70 pts), a ≥60° follow-through (30 pts), and a straight cut through the block’s center (15 pts).<ref name="design2025" /> This design nudges players into choreographed arcs and body-scale gestures, generating what '''Road to VR''' calls “motion-driven flow.” Over time, mappers exploit this by pairing musical phrasing with specific motion “flavors” (robotic jabs in *Harder Better Faster Stronger*, or sweeping power-cuts in *Radioactive*) to evoke distinct emotions.
{{!}} {{{Device|}}} }}
 
|-
== Key Features ==
{{#if: {{{Operating System|}}}|
* 200 Hz sabers with sub-millimeter tracking fidelity 
{{!}} '''Operating System'''
* Eight official environments plus “The Second” anniversary arena 
{{!}} {{{Operating System|}}} }}
* Online leaderboards, lobby multiplayer, and cross-platform quick-match 
|-
* 90-, 180-, and 360-degree rotating modes for room-scale setups 
{{#if: {{{Type|}}}|
* Built-in one-hand, no-arrow, and small-room modifiers 
{{!}} '''Type'''
* Campaign with progression goals and fitness-calibrated challenges 
{{!}} {{{Type|}}} }}
* Mod support (PC & sideloaded Quest) for custom songs, sabers, HUDs
|-
 
{{#if: {{{Genre|}}}|
== Development & Legacy ==
{{!}} '''Genre'''
Beat Saber began life as a spare-time prototype by Czech indie duo Hyperbolic Magnetism before composer Jaroslav Beck joined to provide the iconic soundtrack. Meta acquired the studio in 2019, pledging multi-platform support and funding over 20 licensed music packs since. The game won '''Best VR/AR Game''' at '''The Game Awards 2019''' and remains a mainstay in “Best of VR” lists.
{{!}} {{{Genre|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Input Device|}}}|
{{!}} '''Input Device'''
{{!}} {{{Input Device|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Play Area|}}}|
{{!}} '''Play Area'''
{{!}} {{{Play Area|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Game Mode|}}}|
{{!}} '''Game Mode'''
{{!}} {{{Game Mode|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Comfort Level|}}}|
{{!}} '''Comfort Level'''
{{!}} {{{Comfort Level|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Language|}}}|
{{!}} '''Language'''
{{!}} {{{Language|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Version|}}}|
{{!}} '''Version'''
{{!}} {{{Version|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Rating|}}}|
{{!}} '''Rating'''
{{!}} {{{Rating|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Review|}}}|
{{!}} '''Review'''
{{!}} {{{Review|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Downloads|}}}|
{{!}} '''Downloads'''
{{!}} {{{Downloads|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Release Date|}}}|
{{!}} '''Release Date'''
{{!}} {{{Release Date|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Price|}}}|
{{!}} '''Price'''
{{!}} {{{Price|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{App Store|}}}|
{{!}} '''App Store'''
{{!}} {{{App Store|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Website|}}}|
{{!}} '''Website'''
{{!}} {{{Website|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Infobox Updated|}}}|
{{!}} '''Infobox Updated'''
{{!}} {{{Infobox Updated|}}} }}
|-
|}<includeonly>[[Category:Apps|{{PAGENAME}}]] {{#set:VR/AR={{{VR/AR|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Developer={{{Developer|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Publisher={{{Publisher|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Director={{{Director|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Producer={{{Producer|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Platform={{{Platform|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Device={{{Device|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Operating System={{{Operating System|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Type={{{Type|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Genre={{{Genre|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Input Device={{{Input Device|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Play Area={{{Play Area|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Game Mode={{{Game Mode|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Comfort Level={{{Comfort Level|}}} }} {{#set:Language={{{Language|}}} |+sep}}  {{#set:Version={{{Version|}}} }} {{#set:Rating={{{Rating|}}} }} {{#set:Review={{{Review|}}} }} {{#set:Downloads={{{Downloads|}}} }} {{#set:Release Date={{{Release Date|}}} }} {{#set:Price={{{Price|}}} }} {{#set:App Store={{{App Store|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Website={{{Website|}}} }} {{#set:Infobox Updated={{{Infobox Updated|}}} }}</includeonly>
<noinclude>
Designed for use on [[App]] pages.


== Community, Mods & Esports ==
The '''Beat Saber Modding Group (BSMG)''' maintains open-source tools for custom songs, sabers, and score submission. Although Meta enforces Content-ID on paid packs, the original OST is cleared for streaming, and Meta allows sideloading on Quest via Developer Mode. Competitive scenes include the ScoreSaber global ranking ladder and the annual Beat Saber World Cup.


{| class="infobox" style="font-size:89%; width:21em; -moz-border-radius: .2em; -webkit-border-radius: .2em;display:inline-table!important;"
== Soundtrack (selected DLC) ==
{| class="wikitable"
! Year !! Pack !! Tracks !! Notes
|-
|-
! colspan="2" style="background-color: #254b72; color: #FFFFFF; font-size:120%; padding:0.5em;" | {{{name|{{PAGENAME}}}}}
| 2023 || Queen || 11 || Launch tie-in with PS VR2
|-
|-
! colspan="2" |{{#if:{{{image|}}}|{{{image|}}}}}
| 2024 || Daft Punk || 11 || Debuted new “Daft Club” stage
|-
|-
! colspan="2" style="background-color: #254b72; color: #FFFFFF; padding:0em;" | Information
| 2024 || Hip-Hop Mixtape || 10 || Curated by Jaroslav Beck
|-
|-
{{#if: {{{VR/AR|}}}|
| 2025 || Anniversary Free Track || “Danger” – Teminite × Boom Kitty || v1.40.5 update
{{!}} '''VR/AR'''
|}
{{!}} {{{VR/AR|}}} }}
 
|-
== Reception ==
{{#if: {{{Developer|}}}|
Upon exiting Early Access in 2019, Beat Saber was Steam’s highest-rated title. Critics continue to laud its “instant VR evangelism” quality, and Sony listed it as the #2 most-downloaded PS VR2 game of 2023. Players routinely log it for cardio; academic studies report low average motion-sickness scores even after 50 minutes of play.
{{!}} '''Developer'''
{{!}} {{{Developer|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Publisher|}}}|
{{!}} '''Publisher'''
{{!}} {{{Publisher|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Director|}}}|
{{!}} '''Director'''
{{!}} {{{Director|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Producer|}}}|
{{!}} '''Producer'''
{{!}} {{{Producer|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Platform|}}}|
{{!}} '''Platform'''
{{!}} {{{Platform|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Device|}}}|
{{!}} '''Device'''
{{!}} {{{Device|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Operating System|}}}|
{{!}} '''Operating System'''
{{!}} {{{Operating System|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Type|}}}|
{{!}} '''Type'''
{{!}} {{{Type|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Genre|}}}|
{{!}} '''Genre'''
{{!}} {{{Genre|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Input Device|}}}|
{{!}} '''Input Device'''
{{!}} {{{Input Device|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Play Area|}}}|
{{!}} '''Play Area'''
{{!}} {{{Play Area|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Game Mode|}}}|
{{!}} '''Game Mode'''
{{!}} {{{Game Mode|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Comfort Level|}}}|
{{!}} '''Comfort Level'''
{{!}} {{{Comfort Level|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Language|}}}|
{{!}} '''Language'''
{{!}} {{{Language|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Version|}}}|
{{!}} '''Version'''
{{!}} {{{Version|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Rating|}}}|
{{!}} '''Rating'''
{{!}} {{{Rating|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Review|}}}|
{{!}} '''Review'''
{{!}} {{{Review|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Downloads|}}}|
{{!}} '''Downloads'''
{{!}} {{{Downloads|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Release Date|}}}|
{{!}} '''Release Date'''
{{!}} {{{Release Date|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Price|}}}|
{{!}} '''Price'''
{{!}} {{{Price|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{App Store|}}}|
{{!}} '''App Store'''
{{!}} {{{App Store|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Website|}}}|
{{!}} '''Website'''
{{!}} {{{Website|}}} }}
|-
{{#if: {{{Infobox Updated|}}}|
{{!}} '''Infobox Updated'''
{{!}} {{{Infobox Updated|}}} }}
|-
|}<includeonly>[[Category:Apps|{{PAGENAME}}]] {{#set:VR/AR={{{VR/AR|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Developer={{{Developer|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Publisher={{{Publisher|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Director={{{Director|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Producer={{{Producer|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Platform={{{Platform|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Device={{{Device|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Operating System={{{Operating System|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Type={{{Type|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Genre={{{Genre|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Input Device={{{Input Device|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Play Area={{{Play Area|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Game Mode={{{Game Mode|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Comfort Level={{{Comfort Level|}}} }} {{#set:Language={{{Language|}}} |+sep}}  {{#set:Version={{{Version|}}} }} {{#set:Rating={{{Rating|}}} }} {{#set:Review={{{Review|}}} }} {{#set:Downloads={{{Downloads|}}} }} {{#set:Release Date={{{Release Date|}}} }} {{#set:Price={{{Price|}}} }} {{#set:App Store={{{App Store|}}} |+sep}} {{#set:Website={{{Website|}}} }} {{#set:Infobox Updated={{{Infobox Updated|}}} }}</includeonly>
<noinclude>
Designed for use on [[App]] pages.


==Usage==
== System Requirements (PC VR, 2025) ==
<pre>
*'''OS:''' Windows 10 64-bit 
{{App Infobox
*'''CPU:''' Intel Core i5-4590 / Ryzen 5 2600 
|image=
*'''RAM:''' 8 GB 
|VR/AR=
*'''GPU:''' NVIDIA GTX 1060 / Radeon RX 580 or better 
|Developer=
*'''Storage:''' 500 MB free 
|Publisher=
*'''VR:''' SteamVR-compatible HMD & tracked controllers
|Director=
|Producer=
|Platform=
|Device=
|Operating System=
|Type=
|Genre=
|Input Device=
|Play Area=
|Game Mode=
|Comfort Level=
|Language=
|Version=
|Rating=
|Review=
|Downloads=
|Release Date=
|Price=
|App Store=
|Website=
|Infobox Updated=
}}
</pre>


==Parameters==
== References ==
'''<nowiki>|image=</nowiki>'''
<references>
: Image of instance in normal <nowiki>[[file:name|size]]</nowiki> format.
<ref name="design2025">Road to VR, “VR Design Unpacked: The Secret to Beat Saber’s Fun Isn’t What You Think,” May 1 2025.</ref>
: E.g. [[]]
</references>
'''<nowiki>|VR/AR=</nowiki>'''
: [[Virtual Reality]]
'''<nowiki>|Developer=</nowiki>'''
: Beat Games
'''<nowiki>|Publisher=</nowiki>'''
: Beat Games
'''<nowiki>|Director=</nowiki>'''
: ?
'''<nowiki>|Producer=</nowiki>'''
: ?
'''<nowiki>|Platform=</nowiki>'''
: Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest, Steam, Playstation 4
'''<nowiki>|Device=</nowiki>'''
: Devices the app runs on: [[Oculus Quest 2]], [[Oculus Quest]], [[Oculus Rift S]], [[Oculus Rift]], [[HTC Vive]], Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality
'''<nowiki>|Operating System=</nowiki>'''
: PlayStation 4, [[Windows]]
'''<nowiki>|Type=</nowiki>'''
: [[Game]]
'''<nowiki>|Genre=</nowiki>'''
: Rhythm, Indie https://store.steampowered.com/app/620980/Beat_Saber/
'''<nowiki>|Input Device=</nowiki>'''
: 2 hand controllers, each represents a light saber in the game
'''<nowiki>|Play Area=</nowiki>'''
: [[Seated]], [[Standing]], [[Roomscale]] https://store.steampowered.com/app/620980/Beat_Saber/
'''<nowiki>|Game Mode=</nowiki>'''
: ?
'''<nowiki>|Comfort Level=</nowiki>'''
: ?
'''<nowiki>|Language=</nowiki>'''
: English, French, German, Spanish - Spain, Japanese, Korean, Spanish - Latin American https://store.steampowered.com/app/620980/Beat_Saber/
'''<nowiki>|Version=</nowiki>'''
: v1.15.0 https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/620980?updates=true
'''<nowiki>|Rating=</nowiki>'''
: E https://www.esrb.org/ratings/35899/Beat+Saber/
'''<nowiki>|Review=</nowiki>'''
: How well the App is received by critics and players
'''<nowiki>|Downloads=</nowiki>'''
: Number of Downloads
'''<nowiki>|Release Date=</nowiki>'''
: May 21, 2019
'''<nowiki>|Price=</nowiki>'''
: Price of the App
'''<nowiki>|App Store=</nowiki>'''
: [[Steam]], [[Oculus Store]], Playstation, Humble Bundle
'''<nowiki>|Website=</nowiki>'''
: https://beatsaber.com/
'''<nowiki>|Infobox Updated=</nowiki>'''
: Date the information in the infobox was last updated


<br><br>
[[Category:Templates]]
</noinclude>


==Parameters==
[[Category:Games]] [[Category:Manually Edited Games]]
'''<nowiki>|image=</nowiki>'''
: Image of instance in normal <nowiki>[[file:name|size]]</nowiki> format.
: E.g. [[]]
'''<nowiki>|VR/AR=</nowiki>'''
: [[Virtual Reality]], [[Augmented Reality]] and/or [[Mixed Reality]]
'''<nowiki>|Developer=</nowiki>'''
: Developer of the app
'''<nowiki>|Publisher=</nowiki>'''
: Publisher of the app
'''<nowiki>|Director=</nowiki>'''
: Director of the [[experience]]
'''<nowiki>|Producer=</nowiki>'''
: Producer of the [[experience]]
'''<nowiki>|Platform=</nowiki>'''
: The main Platform(s) for the App. For example: [[Oculus Rift]], [[SteamVR]], [[Project Morpheus]], [[Google Glass]], [[OSVR]] etc.
'''<nowiki>|Device=</nowiki>'''
: Devices the app runs on. For example: [[DK1]], [[DK2]], [[HTC Vive]] etc.
'''<nowiki>|Operating System=</nowiki>'''
: Operating System(s) the app runs on. For example: [[Windows]], [[Mac]], [[Linux]], [[iOS]], [[Android]] etc.
'''<nowiki>|Type=</nowiki>'''
: Type for the app. Types include [[Game]], [[Experience]], [[Demo]], [[Pre-Release]], [[Mod]].
'''<nowiki>|Genre=</nowiki>'''
: Genre of the app. Genres are include [[360 Video]], [[Action/Adventure]], [[Casual]], [[Educational]], [[Exploration]], [[Fighting]], [[Horror]], [[Puzzle]], [[Racing]], [[RPG]], [[Shooter]], [[Simulation]], [[Sports]], [[Strategy]].
'''<nowiki>|Input Device=</nowiki>'''
: Input Device(s) or controllers
'''<nowiki>|Play Area=</nowiki>'''
: Play Area of the App: [[Seated]], [[Standing]], [[Roomscale]]
'''<nowiki>|Game Mode=</nowiki>'''
: Game Mode of the App
'''<nowiki>|Comfort Level=</nowiki>'''
: Comfort Level of the App
'''<nowiki>|Language=</nowiki>'''
: App Language
'''<nowiki>|Version=</nowiki>'''
: App Version
'''<nowiki>|Rating=</nowiki>'''
: ESRB Rating for the App
'''<nowiki>|Review=</nowiki>'''
: How well the App is received by critics and players
'''<nowiki>|Downloads=</nowiki>'''
: Number of Downloads
'''<nowiki>|Release Date=</nowiki>'''
: Release Date of the App
'''<nowiki>|Price=</nowiki>'''
: Price of the App
'''<nowiki>|App Store=</nowiki>'''
: App Store where the app is sold or distributed. I.E. [[Steam]], [[Oculus Store]] etc.
'''<nowiki>|Website=</nowiki>'''
: App Website
'''<nowiki>|Infobox Updated=</nowiki>'''
: Date the information in the infobox was last updated


<br><br>
[[Category:VR Games]]
[[Category:Templates]]
[[Category:Rhythm Games]]
</noinclude>
[[Category:Dance Games]]
[[Category:Motion Games]]
[[Category:Meta Quest Games]]
[[Category:PSVR Games]]
[[Category:Steam VR Games]]
[[Category:Fitness Games]]
[[Category:Manually Edited Games]]

Latest revision as of 05:24, 5 June 2025

Beat Saber
Information
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Developer Beat Games (Oculus Studios)
Publisher Beat Games / Oculus Studios
Platform SteamVR, Meta Quest, PlayStation VR, PlayStation VR2, Windows Mixed Reality
Device Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 2, Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift S, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality, PlayStation VR, PlayStation VR2
Operating System Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Type Game
Genre Rhythm, Fitness, Indie
Input Device Tracked motion controllers (dual sabers)
Play Area Standing, Room-scale, optional seated
Game Mode Single-player, Online multiplayer (private & public lobbies)
Comfort Level Generally comfortable (no artificial locomotion); intensity scales with difficulty
Language English, French, German, Spanish (Spain & LatAm), Japanese, Korean
Version v1.40.5 (Steam/Quest, May 15 2025)
Rating E
Release Date Early Access – May 1 2018; Full release (Steam/Rift) – May 21 2019; PS VR – Nov 19 2018; Quest – May 21 2019; PS VR2 – May 24 2023
Price US $29.99 (base game)
App Store Steam, Meta Quest Store, PlayStation Store, Humble Bundle
Website https://beatsaber.com
Infobox Updated June 2025
See also: VR Apps and VR Games

Beat Saber is a neon-soaked VR rhythm slasher in which players wield dual energy sabers to slice “beat blocks” as they surge toward the player in sync with music.

Description

Beat Saber challenges players to cut color-coded blocks in the indicated direction while dodging obstacles and maintaining flow. Songs are hand-mapped by Beat Games’ design team to encourage broad, dance-like movements that feel intuitive even to first-time VR users. The base game ships with 38 tracks spanning EDM, rock, and pop; additional licensed packs (e.g., Queen, Green Day, BTS, Timbaland, Daft Punk) are available as DLC, each introducing its own themed environment and light-show.

Design & Scoring

Unlike classic rhythm titles that reward millisecond-perfect timing, Beat Saber employs an “Instructed Motion” system. Optimal score per block (115 points) is awarded for a ≥100° pre-swing (70 pts), a ≥60° follow-through (30 pts), and a straight cut through the block’s center (15 pts).[1] This design nudges players into choreographed arcs and body-scale gestures, generating what Road to VR calls “motion-driven flow.” Over time, mappers exploit this by pairing musical phrasing with specific motion “flavors” (robotic jabs in *Harder Better Faster Stronger*, or sweeping power-cuts in *Radioactive*) to evoke distinct emotions.

Key Features

  • 200 Hz sabers with sub-millimeter tracking fidelity
  • Eight official environments plus “The Second” anniversary arena
  • Online leaderboards, lobby multiplayer, and cross-platform quick-match
  • 90-, 180-, and 360-degree rotating modes for room-scale setups
  • Built-in one-hand, no-arrow, and small-room modifiers
  • Campaign with progression goals and fitness-calibrated challenges
  • Mod support (PC & sideloaded Quest) for custom songs, sabers, HUDs

Development & Legacy

Beat Saber began life as a spare-time prototype by Czech indie duo Hyperbolic Magnetism before composer Jaroslav Beck joined to provide the iconic soundtrack. Meta acquired the studio in 2019, pledging multi-platform support and funding over 20 licensed music packs since. The game won Best VR/AR Game at The Game Awards 2019 and remains a mainstay in “Best of VR” lists.

Community, Mods & Esports

The Beat Saber Modding Group (BSMG) maintains open-source tools for custom songs, sabers, and score submission. Although Meta enforces Content-ID on paid packs, the original OST is cleared for streaming, and Meta allows sideloading on Quest via Developer Mode. Competitive scenes include the ScoreSaber global ranking ladder and the annual Beat Saber World Cup.

Soundtrack (selected DLC)

Year Pack Tracks Notes
2023 Queen 11 Launch tie-in with PS VR2
2024 Daft Punk 11 Debuted new “Daft Club” stage
2024 Hip-Hop Mixtape 10 Curated by Jaroslav Beck
2025 Anniversary Free Track “Danger” – Teminite × Boom Kitty v1.40.5 update

Reception

Upon exiting Early Access in 2019, Beat Saber was Steam’s highest-rated title. Critics continue to laud its “instant VR evangelism” quality, and Sony listed it as the #2 most-downloaded PS VR2 game of 2023. Players routinely log it for cardio; academic studies report low average motion-sickness scores even after 50 minutes of play.

System Requirements (PC VR, 2025)

  • OS: Windows 10 64-bit
  • CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 / Ryzen 5 2600
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / Radeon RX 580 or better
  • Storage: 500 MB free
  • VR: SteamVR-compatible HMD & tracked controllers

References

  1. ↑ Road to VR, “VR Design Unpacked: The Secret to Beat Saber’s Fun Isn’t What You Think,” May 1 2025.
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/index.php?title=Beat_Saber&oldid=35895"