Ahoy, VR mates! If you've been sailing the seven seas of the Steam store in search of your next PCVR adventure, Pirates VR: Jolly Roger might just be the treasure map you’re looking for. Developed by VRKiw and freshly launched with promises of gold, danger, and puzzles, this action-adventure VR title lets you step into the rugged boots of a pirate seeking the legendary hoard of Davy Jones. But is it a chest full of riches or just another mirage on the VR horizon?
Let’s dive in (and hopefully not get eaten by a panther) and find out.
What is Pirates VR: Jolly Roger?
Set on a mythical island filled with wild beasts, deadly traps, and cursed ruins, Pirates VR: Jolly Roger is a solo VR exploration game that blends light combat, puzzle-solving, and platforming. Your character, a nameless pirate rogue with a dry wit and zero regard for subtlety, is after Davy Jones’ treasure—but you won’t be sailing a ship or boarding enemy vessels here. Instead, you're on foot, exploring jungles, caves, beaches, and ruins across a cursed island filled with secrets.
And no, you’re not entirely alone. Your companion through this tropical nightmare is Ringo, a sarcastic parrot with a sharp beak and sharper tongue, who delivers helpful tips and comic relief along the way.
Gameplay: Climbing, Looting, Lighting the Way
Right off the bat, Pirates VR impresses with modern VR controls that feel smooth and responsive. You’ll climb, jump, dodge, and swim your way through danger. The journey begins at a sunlit beach—but don’t get too comfy. Big cats lurk nearby, and without a weapon early on, your best option is to run (or hide).
Soon, you’ll gain tools to fight back:
You carry your loot and tools in a backpack system—a bit oversized for the number of items available, but it works. Your belt holds your essentials like the pistol and lantern, and your health/stamina/oxygen bars are cleverly displayed on your hands for quick reference. It's a clean system that doesn’t break immersion.
The game also includes platforming challenges like axe throwing and wall climbing, with optional objectives for extra flair. Complete them, and you’ll earn achievements (but not much else—no in-game bonuses here).
Does the Island Hold Up Visually?
Here’s where some controversy set sail. Trailers for Pirates VR were so highly polished that a few players accused the game of looking nothing like the promotional footage. And yeah, that’s fair—the in-game visuals don’t match the cinematic trailers. Even on max settings with a Quest 2, you won’t be reaching that level of gloss.
That said, the game still looks great by VR standards. The environments are colorful and detailed, with strong lighting effects, immersive weather, and fun touches like surface-based footstep sounds. Sand sounds like sand, rock sounds like rock, and wooden planks echo just right. It’s not Half-Life: Alyx, but it doesn’t need to be. It captures the pirate atmosphere well, and that’s what matters.
A Few Soggy Planks
No pirate voyage is without a few leaks. Here’s what didn’t quite hit the mark:
Still, the good outweighs the bad. Bugs were minimal in the latest patched version (I only had one crash and a few audio hiccups), and it’s clear the developers are actively working to improve the experience.
Final Verdict: Gold or Fool’s Treasure?
Pirates VR: Jolly Roger is a fun, polished, and surprisingly charming addition to the PCVR library. With its engaging environments, satisfying progression, and pirate flair, it delivers on its promise of adventure—especially for VR players craving a bit more narrative than just arena shooters or wave-based slashing.
Is it perfect? No. But if you're a fan of immersive exploration, light puzzle-solving, and pirate-themed humor, this one’s definitely worth digging up. For VR newcomers, it’s approachable and intuitive. For veterans, it’s a short but satisfying trip worth taking.
You can find Pirates VR: Jolly Roger on Steam Here, and if you’re curious how it looks in action, I’ve got a video of my experience with it linked Here.
Now go, treasure hunters—may your aim be true and your parrot well-fed. Arghhh!