Last Update on December 26, 2025
In 2025, Rec Room remains one of the most popular social virtual reality experiences in the world. Developed by Against Gravity since 2016, this free social metaverse has evolved considerably to become much more than just a VR game. It is now a true platform for creation and social interaction that brings together millions of users worldwide. In this complete 2025 guide, we analyze in depth the recent evolutions of Rec Room, its strengths, its weaknesses, and we help you determine if this application still deserves its place in your VR library.
Whether you own a Meta Quest 3, a PCVR headset, or simply play on mobile, Rec Room offers a unique cross-platform experience. Accessible for free, it positions itself as a serious alternative to paid metaverses and is among the best free VR games on Quest. But in the face of growing competition and moderation challenges, does Rec Room still manage to convince in 2025? That’s what we’re going to find out.
Rec Room in 2025: Still the King of Social VR?
Nine years after its launch, Rec Room has undergone multiple transformations. In 2025, the platform has over 75 million accounts created and maintains an impressive active user base. But what has happened since 2024 to justify a new review?
The main evolutions of 2025 include a significant improvement of the graphics engine with native support for the latest technologies like advanced foveated rendering on Quest 3 and Quest 3S, a complete overhaul of the avatar system finally allowing for full bodies (no more ‘floating torsos’ that long characterized the game), and the integration of artificial intelligence tools in Rec Room Studio to facilitate content creation.
The platform has also strengthened its security measures with the widespread deployment of Junior Accounts, accounts specifically designed for minors with communication and content restrictions. This evolution responds to recurring criticisms regarding the toxicity of certain public spaces.
According to data from Wikipedia on Rec Room, the platform continues to attract new players daily, notably thanks to its free-to-play model and multi-platform accessibility. But this growth comes with challenges: sometimes unstable servers during peak hours, moderation issues in some community rooms, and an in-game economy that divides the community.
Gameplay and Game Modes: Beyond Paintball
Rec Room offers a diversity of game modes that make it so rich. In 2025, the application features over 50 million community-created rooms, ranging from simple chat spaces to elaborate quests worthy of AAA games.
Must-Play Official Modes
Official activities developed by Against Gravity remain staples:
- Cooperative Quests: Narrative adventures like ‘Isle of Lost Skulls’ or ‘Crimson Cauldron’ where you fight enemies with your friends. In 2025, three new quests were added with more sophisticated puzzle mechanics.
- Paintball: Rec Room’s iconic PvP mode, constantly updated with new weapons and maps. Competition remains fierce with a seasonal ranking system.
- VR Sports: Disc golf, basketball, soccer, and dodgeball offer fun physical experiences, perfect for warming up or relaxing.
- Laser Tag and Showdown: Accessible FPS modes that work particularly well in VR with precise collision detection.
The Explosion of Community Rooms
The true strength of Rec Room lies in its user-generated content. Here are the most popular categories in 2025:
- Battle Royale and FPS: Creators have replicated experiences similar to Fortnite or Call of Duty, sometimes with surprising quality.
- Roleplays: Persistent universes where players embody characters (schools, hospitals, fantasy universes).
- Horror Games: Community-created horror experiences that rival some paid titles.
- Parkour and Obstacle Courses: Courses of increasing difficulty that test your VR agility.
- Social Clubs: Themed meeting spaces (dance clubs, cafes, chat lounges).
Among the most visited rooms in 2025 are ‘Cyberpunk City RP’ with over 15 million visits, ‘Ultimate Horror Mansion’ (10 million), and ‘Battle Royale Supreme’ (8 million). These figures testify to the engagement of the creative community.
Rec Room Studio: The Creative Revolution for Users
While Rec Room was already appreciated for its Maker Pen (the in-game creation tool), the year 2025 marks a turning point with the evolution toward Rec Room Studio, a considerably enriched suite of tools.
New Creation Tools 2025
Rec Room Studio now integrates:
- Circuit V3: An improved visual programming system that allows for creating complex game mechanics without coding. Creators can now manage inventory systems, RPG progressions, and custom in-game economies.
- AI Asset Generator: A controversial but powerful tool that uses AI to generate basic 3D objects from text descriptions. This significantly speeds up prototyping.
- Advanced Physics System: A more realistic physics simulation that allows for complex interactions (functional vehicles, fluid mechanics, environment destruction).
- Collaborative Building: Up to 8 creators can now work simultaneously on the same room, revolutionizing large-scale projects.
Monetization and Creator Program
One of the most discussed aspects of Rec Room in 2025 concerns monetization for creators. The program allows eligible creators (over 10,000 monthly visits to their rooms) to generate income via:
- Creator Tokens: A share of the tokens spent in your room goes to you (about 30% after fees).
- Sponsorships: Rec Room connects popular creators with brands for sponsored integrations.
- Invention Sales: You can sell your creations (objects, gadgets, prefabs) to other creators via the Store.
Some professional creators now earn more than $2,000/month through their Rec Room creations, giving birth to a true creative economy. However, controversy exists: some denounce excessive ‘tokenization’ that pushes for the creation of pay-to-win or overly monetized rooms.
Tutorials and Learning Resources
For beginners, Against Gravity launched the Rec Room Academy in 2025, a series of interactive tutorials directly in the game that progressively teach you the basics of the Maker Pen, then Circuit V3. Established creators also offer their own training via YouTube and Discord, creating a rich learning ecosystem.
Graphics and Immersion: Test on Meta Quest 3 and PC
Rec Room has long been criticized for its simplistic ‘low-poly cartoon’ graphic style. While this artistic choice was initially a technical constraint to ensure cross-platform fluidity, it has become a recognizable visual identity.
Performance on Meta Quest 3 (2025)
We tested Rec Room on the Meta Quest 3 with optimized 2025 graphic settings:
- Resolution: Native 90 Hz with dynamic upscaling to maintain performance
- Graphics: Notable improvement in dynamic lighting and shadows compared to Quest 2
- Fluidity: Stable at 90 FPS in the majority of official rooms, some drops to 72 FPS in complex community rooms
- Loading Times: Reduced by 40% thanks to asset streaming optimization
The foveated rendering on Quest 3 is well-implemented and imperceptible in-game. The improvement in textures and level of detail makes a real difference compared to older versions.
PCVR vs Standalone Comparison
In PCVR (tested on Valve Index and Meta Quest 3 via Link), Rec Room benefits from:
- Increased rendering distances (less ‘pop-in’ of distant objects)
- Denser particle effects
- Superior antialiasing (less aliasing on edges)
- Support up to 120 Hz depending on your headset
However, the difference is not drastic. Rec Room remains optimized for the standalone experience, and the majority of players will not feel an imperative need to switch to PCVR.
The New Full-Body Avatars
One of the major visual novelties of 2025 is the transition to full-body avatars. No more floating avatars without legs! Now, your avatar has:
- Legs with IK (Inverse Kinematics) for natural movements
- A body that reacts to physical movements (leaning, crouching)
- More customization options (clothing, accessories, idle animations)
This evolution considerably improves immersion and social presence in interactions. Seeing the body language of other players (posture, gestures) enriches non-verbal communication.
Economic Model: Can You Have Fun Without Paying?
Rec Room adopts a free-to-play model with optional purchases. The big question: is it truly free, or is it a disguised ‘pay-to-win’?
Tokens: The Virtual Currency
Tokens are the in-game currency that allows you to buy:
- Cosmetic clothing and accessories for your avatar
- Decorative items for your Dorm Room (personal room)
- Access to certain premium community rooms
- Consumables (potions, temporary boosts in some games)
You can earn tokens for free by:
- Completing daily and weekly challenges (about 500-1000 tokens/week)
- Participating in seasonal events
- Leveling up (progression rewards)
- Creating popular content (if you are in the Creator Program)
Or buy them with real money: packages from 2,000 tokens ($4.99) to 120,000 tokens ($199.99).
Rec Room Plus (RR+): The Subscription
Launched in 2021 and refined in 2025, Rec Room Plus is an optional subscription at $7.99/month that offers:
- 2,000 monthly tokens ($5 value if bought separately)
- Access to exclusive monthly clothing
- 4 saved favorite outfits (vs 1 for free users)
- Gold badge next to your name
- Direct support for the game’s development
Our verdict: RR+ is not necessary to fully enjoy Rec Room. It is aimed at regular players who want to support the game and access more customization. Unlike some free-to-play games, there is no paid competitive advantage, which is appreciated.
Beware of Excessive Spending
A point of caution concerns young players. The token system and social pressure to have the ‘best’ cosmetics can lead to impulsive spending. Parents must absolutely set up parental controls and limit in-app purchases.
Security and Moderation: Is Rec Room Safe for Kids?
This is THE question all parents ask. Rec Room is rated PEGI 12+ / T for Teen, but in practice, many younger children play it. What is the reality of safety in 2025?
Junior Accounts Mode
Against Gravity deployed Junior Accounts in 2024-2025, mandatory for those under 13. These accounts benefit from:
- Restricted Communication: No voice chat with strangers (only with friends approved by parents)
- Automatic Filtering: Inability to access rooms flagged as ‘mature’ or containing inappropriate content
- No Purchases Without Parental Validation: Every transaction requires confirmation via parental email
- Easier Reporting: Simplified report button and priority moderation team for juniors
Persistent Issues
Despite these efforts, issues persist:
- Age Bypassing: Some children lie about their age to avoid Junior restrictions
- Toxicity in Public Rooms: Inappropriate language, harassment, and troll behavior remain common
- Uneven Moderation of Community Rooms: Some rooms escape surveillance with borderline content
- Exposure to Strangers: Like any online social space, the risk of negative interactions exists
Recommendations for Parents
If you are considering letting your child play Rec Room, here is our 2025 advice:
- MANDATORILY activate the Junior Account with your child’s real age
- Play with them initially to understand the environment and select appropriate rooms
- Set up parental controls on your device (Quest, PlayStation, etc.)
- Discuss online safety: do not share personal information, how to block/report
- Prioritize official rooms which are better moderated than community rooms
- Regularly monitor interactions and ask your child to talk to you about their experiences
Our opinion: Rec Room can be a positive experience for mature teenagers (12+), but requires active parental guidance for younger ones.
Accessibility and Cross-Play: A Major Strength
One of the undeniable assets of Rec Room is its cross-platform availability with full cross-play. In 2025, you can play on:
- VR Headsets: Meta Quest 2/3/3S/Pro, PlayStation VR2, Valve Index, HTC Vive, Pico 4
- Consoles: PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S
- PC: Via Steam (VR or flat screen mode)
- Mobile: iOS (iPhone/iPad), Android (in expanded 2025 beta)
This accessibility means you and your friends can play together regardless of your hardware. A Quest 3 player can team up with a PlayStation player and a mobile player in the same room, which is technically remarkable.
Experience Differences by Platform
Naturally, the experience varies depending on your hardware:
- VR: Optimal experience with total immersion, precise hand/controller tracking, natural interaction
- Flat Screen (Console/PC): First/third-person gameplay with a controller, less immersive but more accessible
- Mobile: Reduced graphics, sometimes frustrating touch controls for complex games, but ideal for social interactions and building
Most impressively: cross-progression works perfectly. Your account, items, and creations follow you across all platforms.
Ease of Access for New Players
Rec Room excels in onboarding newcomers:
- Interactive Tutorial: The ‘Welcome Center’ teaches you the basics in 10 minutes
- Dorm Room: Your private space to familiarize yourself without pressure
- Mirror: The avatar customization tool is intuitive and fun
- Welcoming Community: Many veterans spontaneously help beginners
Unlike other more complex social VR platforms, Rec Room puts you at ease immediately. In less than 30 minutes, you can already participate in your first game of Paintball or a quest.
Community and Events: The Beating Heart of Rec Room
Beyond the game itself, it is the community that brings Rec Room to life. In 2025, the social ecosystem is richer than ever.
Clubs and Communities
The Clubs system allows players to create organized groups around interests:
- Competitive clubs (Paintball teams, Basketball leagues)
- Creator clubs (sharing techniques, collaborations)
- Social clubs (friend groups, language communities)
- Themed clubs (fans of a universe, roleplayers)
Some clubs have over 10,000 members and organize weekly events, tournaments, and creation showcases.
2025 Events
Against Gravity and the community regularly organize events:
- RecRoyale Tournament (February 2025): Battle Royale competition with $50,000 in prizes
- Summer Festival (July 2025): Seasonal event with challenges, exclusive cosmetics, and virtual concerts
- Halloween Haunt (October 2025): Transformation of Rec Room into a giant horror park
- Creator Showcase (Monthly): Highlighting the best community creations
- RecCon (December 2025): Annual virtual convention with announcements, developer meetups, and contests
These events create highlights that unite the community and constantly provide reasons to return.
Community Impact on Development
Against Gravity actively listens to its community via:
- Canny Board: Suggestion platform where players vote for desired features
- Official Discord: Direct communication with developers
- Beta Program: Players can test new features before their release
- Creator Feedback: Influential creators are consulted for creation tools
This collaborative approach has allowed for the implementation of many community requests: full-body avatars, Circuit improvements, new sports activities, etc.
Rec Room vs. Competition 2025
How does Rec Room position itself against alternatives in 2025?
VRChat
VRChat remains the main competitor:
- VRChat Advantages: Total creative freedom (custom model import), more mature community, ultra-customizable avatars
- Rec Room Advantages: More accessible to beginners, better performance on standalone Quest, structured activities (sports, quests), better moderation
Verdict: VRChat for advanced creatives and adults, Rec Room for families and casual players.
Horizon Worlds (Meta)
Horizon Worlds is Meta’s alternative:
- Horizon Advantages: Native Quest integration, massive investment from Meta, simplified creation tools
- Rec Room Advantages: Established community (9 years of existence), richer content, real cross-platform (not limited to Meta), better reputation
Verdict: Rec Room largely dominates with a much higher user base and content volume.
Roblox
Roblox shares the UGC (User Generated Content) philosophy:
- Roblox Advantages: Gigantic ecosystem, highly developed creator monetization, accessible on almost all devices
- Rec Room Advantages: Native and immersive VR experience, superior graphic quality, gameplay better suited to VR
Verdict: Two different audiences; Roblox is more oriented toward kids/teens on screens, Rec Room is the VR choice.
Verdict 2025: Should You Install Rec Room Today?
Undeniable Strengths
- Free and accessible: No entry barrier, available everywhere
- Near-infinite content: 50 million rooms created, always something new
- Social and friendly: Make friends, play in teams, live shared moments
- Powerful creative tools: Rec Room Studio opens up immense possibilities
- Universal cross-play: Play with anyone, anywhere
- Constant updates: New content every week
Weaknesses to Know
- Occasional toxicity: Like any online social space, presence of trolls and negative behaviors
- Variable quality of community rooms: A lot of mediocre content alongside gems
- Present monetization: Cosmetic pressure, incentive for token purchases
- Sometimes unstable servers: Lag, disconnections during peak hours
- Simple graphics: The cartoon style won’t appeal to players seeking photorealism
- Learning curve for creation: Mastering Circuit V3 takes time
Our Final Recommendation
YES, Rec Room absolutely deserves to be installed in 2025, with these nuances:
- For VR newcomers: It’s an excellent first social experience, free and welcoming. Rating: 9/10
- For families: Ideal for playing together remotely, but parental supervision is necessary for those under 13. Rating: 8/10
- For creatives: A fantastic playground if you love creating and sharing. Real monetization potential. Rating: 9/10
- For hardcore gamers: Pleasant but may lack long-term depth. Excellent free supplement. Rating: 7/10
- For competitors: Emerging esports scene, active Paintball community. Rating: 7/10
In conclusion, Rec Room remains in 2025 the benchmark for free Social VR. Its evolutions (full-body avatars, Rec Room Studio, reinforced security) show that Against Gravity continues to invest and listen to its community. Despite its inherent flaws as a social platform, the experience offered is unique, regularly renewed, and above all, accessible to all.
Whether you’re looking to relax playing disc golf with friends, explore community-created worlds, start creating your own games, or simply socialize in a virtual environment, Rec Room offers all that without asking for a cent. For this reason, it remains a must-have in any VR library in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Rec Room really free in 2025?
Yes, Rec Room is entirely free-to-play. You can download the game, create an account, and access all main features without paying. Optional purchases only concern cosmetics (avatar clothing, decorations) and the Rec Room Plus subscription which offers minor benefits. No gameplay content is locked behind a paywall. You can earn tokens for free by playing regularly.
How to earn tokens in Rec Room without paying?
Several free methods exist: complete daily and weekly challenges (500-1000 tokens/week), participate in seasonal events that offer generous rewards, level up to unlock reward tiers, create popular content if you are in the Creator Program, and log in regularly for loyalty bonuses. By playing actively for 1 hour a day, you can reasonably accumulate 3,000-5,000 tokens per month without spending.
Is the game compatible with the Meta Quest 3S?
Yes, Rec Room is fully compatible with the Meta Quest 3S released in October 2024. The game has been optimized to take advantage of the headset’s capabilities, with 90 Hz refresh rate support and adapted resolution. The Quest 3S offers an excellent standalone Rec Room experience without needing a PC. Performance is stable, and loading times benefit from the 3S’s improved processor compared to the Quest 2.
At what age can you play Rec Room?
Rec Room is officially rated PEGI 12+ / Teen. A Junior Account is mandatory for those under 13 and imposes communication and content restrictions. Our recommendation: from age 12 with active parental supervision, or 14+ for more autonomous use. Young children (under 10) should avoid public spaces and limit themselves to official rooms in the presence of a parent.
Does Rec Room work without a VR headset?
Yes! Rec Room is playable in flat screen mode on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox, PC (Steam), and iOS/Android mobile devices. The experience is less immersive than in VR but remains fully functional. You can participate in all activities, create rooms, and interact with VR players thanks to cross-play. Controls are adapted to the controller or touch screen depending on your platform.
Can you really earn money by creating on Rec Room?
Yes, via the Creator Program launched in 2022 and improved in 2025. Eligible creators (rooms with over 10,000 monthly visits) receive about 30% of the tokens spent in their creations. Top creators generate between $500 and $5,000/month, with some professionals exceeding $10,000/month. However, reaching this level requires talent, perseverance, and an understanding of mechanics that attract players. It is not ‘easy money’ but a real opportunity for serious creators.
