Gorilla Tag

Gorilla Tag

Gorilla Tag: The Ultimate Review of a VR Movement Revolution

We’ll also dive into how the game has evolved over time and its reception across different platforms. Whether you’re a new player or a returning veteran, this extensive review will help you better understand why Gorilla Tag remains such a unique and addictive VR experience.

Gorilla Tag's Origin and Development

Gorilla Tag was developed by indie developer Another Axiom, with lead creator Kerestell Smith (also known as LemmingVR) behind the concept. The game was launched on Steam and Oculus platforms as an experimental project in early 2021.

One of the key strengths of Gorilla Tag is its simplicity. Smith wanted to create a game that was fun and accessible while showcasing the possibilities of natural movement in VR. With no reliance on sticks or teleportation, the result was a game that pushed the boundaries of physicality and presence in virtual reality.

The initial version had a few basic maps, limited graphics, and no monetization. Yet it attracted thousands of users, and a thriving community formed almost instantly. The early Gorilla Tag review by users consistently praised its unique concept and addictiveness.

Gameplay Mechanics and Physical Movement

At the core of Gorilla Tag lies its innovative locomotion system. Instead of walking or teleporting, players move by swinging their arms and pushing against the ground, much like a real gorilla would.

This form of movement leads to:

• Greater immersion

• Physical exertion and exercise

• Unique strategies and skill expression

The simple controls create a surprisingly deep learning curve. At first, players may struggle to climb or maintain speed, but with practice, the movement becomes fluid and instinctive. Gorilla Tag gameplay stands out as one of the most intuitive and physically engaging in VR today.

Moreover, the mechanics encourage creative exploration and parkour-like movement, especially across maps with vertical challenges.

Maps and Environments

Since its launch, Gorilla Tag has expanded from a single forest map to multiple environments, each offering a unique gameplay experience. These include:

• Forest: The original map, open and tree-filled

• Canyon: A more vertical space with cliffs and ropes

• City: Featuring buildings, mini-games, and a marketplace

• Mountains: A snowy slide-filled playground

• Basement: An RPG-inspired map with maze-like design

Each map tests different aspects of movement and strategy. The diversity keeps the experience fresh and encourages players to adapt. Developers continuously experiment with new themes, seasonal events, and hidden secrets across the environments.

Multiplayer and Community Experience

Gorilla Tag is fundamentally a social VR game. Players can join public or private lobbies to play tag, hide and seek, or simply hang out and chat.

Voice chat is proximity-based, meaning players have to be near each other to hear conversations, enhancing immersion. The VR community in Gorilla Tag is known for being energetic and, at times, chaotic—especially in public lobbies.

For those who enjoy custom rules and private games, Gorilla Tag offers room codes. This fosters a deeper level of interaction, enabling content creators, friend groups, and competitive players to build their own experiences.

Cosmetics and Customization

Although the base game is free, Gorilla Tag offers cosmetic items such as hats, sunglasses, and skins. Players can purchase or earn shiny rocks (the in-game currency) to buy these accessories.

Some highlights include:

• Seasonal cosmetics (e.g. Halloween masks, Christmas outfits)

• Themed packs during updates or collaborations

• Limited edition and event-based items

Importantly, these cosmetics are non-pay-to-win. They’re purely aesthetic, and this model has helped maintain the game’s integrity. Players can express themselves uniquely without impacting competitive balance.

Accessibility and Platform Support

Gorilla Tag is available on:

• Meta Quest (native app)

• SteamVR for PCVR headsets

• SideQuest for experimental builds

One of the standout features is its low barrier to entry. Players with a Meta Quest can download and play without a PC, while PCVR users benefit from enhanced performance and community mods.

The game is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, though it does require physical movement, which may not be suitable for all players. That said, it remains one of the few VR games that genuinely feels open and welcoming to newcomers.

Updates, Mods, and Custom Maps

The Gorilla Tag development team frequently rolls out new game updates, events, and fixes. Notable additions have included:

• New maps and environmental changes

• Seasonal events with themed cosmetics

• Bug fixes and anti-cheat measures

On the PC side, players have access to modding tools and custom maps. These mods include game modes (e.g. paintball, infection variants), enhanced graphics, and user-created environments.

While mods are only officially supported in PCVR, they have dramatically extended the game’s lifespan and helped foster a vibrant modding community.

Player Base and Popularity Growth

Gorilla Tag reached a massive milestone with over 1 million daily active users and millions of downloads across platforms. Its rise can be attributed to:

• Streamer and YouTuber promotion

• Word-of-mouth growth

• Cross-platform compatibility

• Engaging, movement-based gameplay

This growth has made it one of the most played VR games worldwide. Despite being free, its monetization through cosmetics has reportedly generated millions in revenue, proving that indie success in VR is possible.

Competitive Scene and Game Modes

Though it began as a casual experience, Gorilla Tag now includes competitive elements. Players can enable Competitive Mode, which includes ranked lobbies and skilled matchmaking.

There are also several game modes:

• Tag (default)

• Infection

• Hunt

• Paintbrawl (introduced as a shooter-style mini-game)

Some lobbies introduce custom challenges like obstacle courses or parkour races. The emergent gameplay has made the competitive scene lively, especially on Discord servers and livestream events.

Gorilla Tag Review: Pros and Cons

Let’s break down the major strengths and weaknesses:

Pros:

• Unique and intuitive movement system

• Active and loyal community

• Constant updates and developer engagement

• Free to play with fair monetization

• Cross-platform support

Cons:

• Can be physically demanding

• Toxicity in some public lobbies

• Lacks traditional objectives or progression

• Limited mod support for Quest users

Despite its flaws, Gorilla Tag reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Players often cite it as the most fun they’ve had in VR, and its longevity is a testament to its core design philosophy.

Future Outlook and VR Impact

Gorilla Tag isn’t just a successful game—it’s a catalyst for VR innovation. By showcasing what’s possible with minimal controls and maximum physicality, it has inspired other VR developers to think differently.

There’s speculation about:

• Future collaborations with IPs

• Esports potential and tournament organization

• Expanded modding tools for all platforms

• Support for new VR hardware and accessories

As VR continues to grow, Gorilla Tag will likely remain a benchmark for immersive social games, especially for younger audiences and fitness-focused players