Kayak VR: Mirage is a relaxing panoramic simulator

Relax with free ride mode or compete for the best times (and get a workout)

Kayaking is amazing – it’s a very rewarding way to spend time outdoors and see a part of nature that many of us don’t get to see on a regular basis. That said, loading up a kayak with all your gear, driving to a nice (not too busy) destination, taking it out, and knowing you have to do it all over again once you’re done? Sometimes it can be too complicated.

While a simulation game isn’t going to replicate the real thing, a recently released VR game for PC called Kayak VR: Mirage captures the scenic beauty and relaxing vibes of kayaking.

The visual fidelity really sells this kayak simulation experience, and I appreciate the variety of locations with tropical, cold, and even stormy settings; You can make trips to Costa Rica, Antarctica, Norway and Australia. There is also wildlife. Don’t worry about the killer whales.

It’s a relaxing game if you want it to be, or, as the trailer shows, you can also go HAM with competitive time trials. The game has asynchronous multiplayer, including global leaderboards, so if you’re looking for faster training, the race is on.

To make it even more immersive, the developers recommend attaching the controllers “to a stick or mount” to create an impromptu palette; here is an example of a controller holding stick that Quest players often use to beat saber. You may have to be cunning.

Kayak VR: Mirage is available on Steam with support for Valve Index, HTC Vive, Windows Mixed Reality, and Oculus Rift VR. It normally costs $22.99, but is currently $19.54.

_{Competing for the fastest time with asynchronous players.}

future updates

The Better Than Life team has bigger plans for Kayak VR: Mirage, though I imagine the frequency and scope of future content updates will come down to how well the game sells. There is a public roadmap with potential ideas like a paddle board, fishing, whitewater, and garbage collection. There is already a solid foundation on which to build.

In other VR on PC news, Steam is hosting a VR Fest on Monday, July 18 starting at 10:00 AM PST. The event will have game deals and demos of upcoming VR titles.