Beat Saber Review on the Valve Index

Introduction

Beat Saber is a virtual reality rhythm game which is massively popular since its release in 2018. Players are immersed in a neon-lit world and wield virtual swords to slice through blocks in time with music, creating a unique and exciting gameplay experience. In total we spent 23 hours playing Beat Saber on different difficulty levels with the Valve Index.

Pros and cons Beat Saber in table 

These are some of the pros and cons that we found interesting.

General information about Beat Saber

Here is some general information about Beat Saber:

Gameplay and visuals

When starting up Beat Saber, you will immediately notice that the environment is quite dark, with the exception of the menu area right in front of you. However, as you play a song, the environment dynamically lights up with unique patterns for each track. 

Beat Saber boasts a high level of detail, which allows for clear and sharp visibility of all elements in the environment. While the textures may appear slightly pixelated on lower quality settings, they remain very clear on the highest settings. 

Slicing the blocks feels natural and satisfying, and the game’s low hardware requirements allow for high refresh rates and smooth gameplay, reducing the chance of motion sickness. While Beat Saber may not be particularly realistic, its colorful and music-filled world still manages to be immersive. 

The physics surrounding the blocks are accurate, slicing at a certain angle results in the blocks separating precisely where it was hit. We appreciate that the game offers a high level of customization, including the ability to set your own colors and environments. Overall, the game runs smoothly without any noticeable glitches, and each direct hit on a block is properly registered.

Story, levels and challenge

If you are a new player, it’s recommended to start with the campaign that includes 31 levels ranging from easy to expert, and up to 51 if you include a, b and c versions of the same levels.

Beat Saber offers six free soundtracks including Beat Saber OST Vol.1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Additionally, there are free extras available, and if you want to play more songs, you can purchase DLCs from specific creators such as Imagine Dragons, Billie Eilish, and The Weeknd.

If you’re feeling creative and want more control, you can use the built-in Level Editor to create your own levels to the songs of Beat Saber. While placing the blocks and other elements, you can immediately test them out.

Beat Saber can be a challenging game, providing a workout for both new and hardcore players. The game allows you to set a difficulty level ranging from Easy to Expert+. If you crave even more of a challenge, Beat Saber offers one-saber mode, 90° and 360° degree game modes. For these modes, make sure your play area is clear around you as the blocks will come at you from different directions.

Gameplay experience

Beat Saber is an enjoyable yet physically demanding game that requires you to swing your arms around in an attempt to set a new high score. The feeling of euphoria when completing a previously impossible song is immense and provides a significant mental boost. However, failing a song repeatedly can be incredibly frustrating. We have found that taking a break and trying again the next day significantly increases the chances of success. Alternatively, playing a lower difficulty level or an easier song can provide more time to appreciate the mesmerizing light show and the various elements in the environment that interact with the music.

Replayability

With all the DLCs, game modes and difficulty levels Beat Saber is highly replayable. The game has a global leaderboard where you can compete against other players from around the world. This adds an extra layer of challenge to the game, as you try to beat the high scores of other players. Although we didn’t find the campaign to be of much replay value, the multiplayer aspect of the game allows you to challenge up to 4 other friends. This makes it a lot more enjoyable and exciting.

Alternative games

Here are some alternative games that we think you will enjoy.

Conclusion

Beat Saber is an exciting and highly addictive VR rhythm game that challenges players to swing their arms to the beat of the music. With its engaging gameplay, diverse selection of music, and high replayability, Beat Saber has become a true VR classic. On the immersion scale we rate this game a 7.5/10. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore Beat Saber enthusiast, this game is sure to provide hours of entertainment and a great workout.

FAQ 

I like Beat Saber but would like to play more songs?

The community has created mods to play custom songs that are not natively available since mods are not officially supported/allowed by Beat Games.

I am stuck on certain songs and don’t make any progress, what can I do?

The best way to improve your Beat Saber skills is by regularly playing the game for about 30 minutes to an hour.

I want to play the best looking VR game?

Half-Life Alyx is still the best looking VR game ever made.