The Lab: Valve's Free VR Showcase of Aperture Science Experiments

7/20/2026, 4:48:50 AM

Release date: 4/5/2016

Tags: #free-to-play #vr #singleplayer #action #first-person #adventure #funny #sandbox

User Reviews

Score: 95%Very Positive
Review Count: 6,669 reviews
Fetched At: 8/29/2026, 12:47:01 PM

Reference prices

Japan

Free to Play (JPY)

Steam JP

Free to Play (USD)

Steam

Live Store Snapshot

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Japan Price: Free to Play
Global Price: Free to Play
Sale Status: Regular pricing
Price Checked At: 7/20/2026, 4:48:50 AM

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Key highlight

The Lab is a free-to-play VR collection from Valve, featuring diverse mini-games like slingshot physics, archery, and retro shooters within the Aperture Science universe. Released April 5, 2016, it's a VR-only experience

Who this is for

For a free and engaging dive into VR, The Lab is a must-try. Its varied mini-games set in the Aperture Science universe offer a delightful experience for all VR enthusiasts.

Details

Overview

Step into the peculiar world of Aperture Science with The Lab, a free-to-play virtual reality experience developed and published by Valve. Set within a unique pocket universe of the iconic Aperture Science facility, this application offers a diverse collection of VR interactions designed to showcase the capabilities of virtual reality.

Players can engage in a variety of mini-games and experiences, each offering a distinct taste of what VR can offer.

Highlights

Developed and published by Valve, The Lab offers a free-to-play VR experience.
Features a collection of distinct VR mini-games, including slingshot physics, archery defense, retro arcade action, and virtual tourism.
Supports VR Only gameplay with Tracked Controller support, released on April 5, 2016.

Who It's For

The Lab is perfect for anyone curious about virtual reality or looking for a fun, free way to experience VR. Its varied mini-games cater to a broad audience, from those who enjoy physics-based challenges and action-packed defense scenarios to players who simply want to explore interesting environments.

It's an excellent introduction to VR for newcomers and a delightful playground for seasoned VR enthusiasts.

Game Info

Developer: Valve
Publisher: Valve
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Genre: Free to Play, VR, Action, Adventure, Sandbox
Modes: Single-player
Platform: VR Only
Content: Cartoon violence, human medical scan.

From the chaotic fun of the Core Calibration slingshot to the strategic defense of your castle gate in Longbow, and the retro-inspired space shooter Xortex, The Lab provides a memorable VR journey. You can even take virtual trips to exotic locations with Postcards or explore the human body in detail with the Human Medical Scan.

It's a testament to Valve's innovation in VR technology.