Into the Radius 2 Arrives in Early Access on Meta Quest 3
A New Chapter in VR Survival Shooters
On May 21, 2025, VR enthusiasts welcomed the early access launch of Into the Radius 2 on Meta Quest 3 and 3S. Developed by Estonia’s CM Games, this sequel builds on the acclaim of the original 2020 release, plunging players back into the eerie, surreal reaches of the Pechorsk Security Zone. Here, lethal anomalies and hostile forces await at every turn, demanding skill, strategy, and nerves of steel. With authentic weapon mechanics, customizable gear, and cooperative play, Into the Radius 2 promises an unforgettable, spine-tingling adventure for both veterans of the series and newcomers alike.
Atmospheric Story and Setting
Drawing inspiration from the 1971 science-fiction classic Roadside Picnic, Into the Radius 2 casts players as daring “Stalkers” who scour the forbidden Zone for rare artifacts. Returning to the charred, overgrown ruins of Pechorsk, you navigate dreamlike landscapes warped by gravity-defying anomalies, all while piecing together a narrative shaped by the mysterious relics you uncover. Dynamic weather shifts, the passage of day into night, and haunting ambient sounds immerse you fully in this post-apocalyptic world, where every shadow could conceal a deadly surprise.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
The game retains its predecessor’s beloved strengths while introducing fresh mechanics. Realistic firearms—from vintage bolt-actions to modern tactical rifles—require careful upkeep, with every scope, stock, and magazine upgrade offering a tangible edge in combat. Inventory management forces tough choices as you balance ammunition, food, and medical supplies against the weight you can carry. Anomalies themselves become both risk and reward, granting strange powers or inflicting sudden peril. Hidden artifacts grant unique abilities such as temporary invisibility or enhanced stamina, while cooperative mode—currently supporting two players in early access and expanding to four in the full release—lets friends unite to tackle the Zone’s most dangerous sectors together.
Meta Quest 3 Early Access Details
While the core experience mirrors the PC VR version that debuted on Steam in July 2024, Quest 3 players should note a few differences at launch. Some Zone areas and distortion fields remain pending, but CM Games has already rolled out the “Ghost Town” update (v0.13) to equip Quest users with the essential features. Future patches will continue closing the gap, and cross-platform co-op with PC VR is on the roadmap. By focusing exclusively on the powerful Quest 3/3S hardware, the game achieves smoother performance and higher fidelity, leaving older headsets unsupported to maintain stability.
Community Response and Early Feedback
Though comprehensive reviews are still forthcoming, reaction to the Quest 3 release has been enthusiastic. PC VR players lauded the original’s blend of horror and authenticity, and the Quest version has inherited that praise despite a few missing areas. On Reddit’s r/intotheradius, fans applaud the intense gunplay and cooperative tension, while social posts on X hail the game as “a new peak in VR survival horror.” CM Games maintains active communication via Discord, Reddit, and social channels to address feedback and deliver regular improvements.
Why You Should Play
Into the Radius 2 stands out as a benchmark for immersive VR survival shooters. Its blend of realistic weapon handling, strategic resource management, and surreal environmental threats keeps every expedition tense and unpredictable. The portable Quest 3 platform brings this harrowing world into your hands anywhere you choose to play. Early access may have a few rough edges, but with CM Games’ commitment to updates and a dedicated community shaping the experience, Into the Radius 2 is already on course to become a VR classic.
Available now on the Meta Quest Store for $40, Into the Radius 2 invites you to step back into the Zone. Uncover its secrets—and survive its horrors—one anomaly at a time. For the latest in VR news and reviews, keep reading at vrgamenews.com.