Virtual reality is no longer just for gaming; it has blossomed into a legitimate and exciting fitness tool. Among the many ways you can get fit in VR, VR boxing games stand out. They combine a heart-pumping cardio workout with engaging gameplay that makes exercising feel less like a chore and more like an exciting challenge.
If you're ready to get in shape while having a blast, you've come to the right place. This guide will break down the best VR boxing games you should be playing in 2026 to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Why VR Boxing Is Your Next Fitness Obsession
VR boxing is more than just a game—it's a fun and effective way to work out that offers incredible benefits for your body and mind. It's an experience that can get you hooked on fitness, even if you've struggled to stay consistent before.
Full-Body Workout
Don't let the name fool you; VR boxing is a workout for your entire body. To succeed, you need to do more than just throw punches. You'll be dodging, weaving, and ducking, which engages your arms, shoulders, core, and legs. This comprehensive workout helps improve your cardiovascular health, stamina, coordination, and reflexes all at once.
Scientifically-Backed Calorie Burn
Swinging and dodging in a virtual ring is a high-energy activity, and science backs this up. A 2024 study that measured the energy spent during VR fitness games confirmed they are an effective way to exercise [7]. Research has classified many VR workouts as moderate to vigorous physical activity, meaning they can burn a significant number of calories, sometimes on par with jogging or other traditional exercises [6].
Fun and Motivation
The biggest challenge with any fitness routine is sticking with it. VR boxing turns your workout into a game, complete with scores, challenges, and progression that keep you coming back for more. This gamified approach not only helps you stay consistent but also offers fantastic benefits for your mental health, serving as a great way to relieve stress. By making exercise fun, VR helps you build a healthy habit that lasts, which is a key benefit across many types of VR HIIT workouts and apps [1].
The Contenders: Top VR Boxing Games for 2026
Ready to lace up your virtual gloves? Here are our top picks for VR boxing games in 2026. Each offers a unique experience, from realistic boxing simulations to all-in-one fitness platforms, so you can find the perfect fit for your style.
FitXR: The All-in-One Fitness Studio
FitXR isn't just a game; it's a complete VR fitness service with a massive library of on-demand workouts. While it excels at boxing, it also offers HIIT, Combat, Sculpt, and Dance studios, providing a well-rounded approach to your fitness. With FitXR, you get total-body training options all in one place.
Key Features:
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Expert-Led Classes: Work out with real, world-class trainers who guide and motivate you through every session. The roster includes high-caliber instructors like aspiring Olympian Zion Clark.
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Multiplayer Fun: You can join workouts with friends or other members of the global community, adding a social element that keeps you motivated.
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Endless Variety: With hundreds of classes set in exciting virtual environments, your routine will never feel stale or repetitive.
FitXR is fitness for the rest of us, making it easy and enjoyable to get real results.
The Thrill of the Fight: The Authentic Boxing Simulator
If you're looking for a pure, no-frills, realistic boxing experience, The Thrill of the Fight is the champion. This game focuses on authenticity, forcing you to use proper form, footwork, and strategy to win your bouts. It’s as close to real boxing as you can get in VR.
Key Features:
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Incredible Realism: The game's physics are so authentic that it has earned "Overwhelmingly Positive" reviews on Steam, cementing its reputation among players [2].
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An Intense Workout: Widely considered one of the best workouts in VR, this game delivers an intense challenge that will leave you sweating [3].
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High Immersion: With intuitive controls and advanced physics, you'll feel like you’re actually in the ring. The main trade-off for this pure simulation is that the original game is a single-player-only experience.
The Thrill of the Fight 2: The Highly Anticipated Sequel
Building on the incredible success of the original, The Thrill of the Fight 2 is the next evolution of the beloved VR boxing series. It aims to deliver an even more realistic boxing simulation that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in VR [4].
Key Features:
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Multiplayer Action: The most significant new feature is the addition of multiplayer, allowing you to finally test your skills against friends and other players from around the world [5].
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Enhanced Realism: Expect major upgrades to graphics, physics, and overall gameplay, making the experience more immersive than ever.
Boxing Underdog: The New Challenger
Boxing Underdog is a newer and grittier contender in the VR boxing world. Formerly known as VRSO Bareknuckle Fighting, this game is perfect for those looking for a different and more intense style of virtual combat.
Key Features:
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Bare-Knuckle Style: This game sets itself apart with a unique bare-knuckle fighting system that feels raw and visceral.
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A Promising Newcomer: While it's a newer title that may still be in development, Boxing Underdog shows great promise with its fresh gameplay and aggressive style, making it one to watch [1].
How to Choose the Right VR Boxing Game for You
With so many great options, how do you pick the right one? This table breaks down the key differences to help you decide.
| Game | Best For | Key Features | Price Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| FitXR | All-Around Fitness & Variety | Trainer-led classes, multiple workout types, multiplayer | Subscription |
| The Thrill of the Fight | Realistic Solo Simulation | Authentic physics, intense workout, single-player | One-time purchase |
| The Thrill of the Fight 2 | Realistic Multiplayer Bouts | The realism of the original, plus multiplayer | One-time purchase |
| Boxing Underdog | Gritty, Intense Combat | Bare-knuckle fighting style, fresh gameplay | One-time purchase |
Here's a quick summary to guide your choice:
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If you want a guided fitness journey with endless variety: Choose FitXR.
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If you are a boxing purist who wants a realistic single-player challenge: Choose The Thrill of the Fight.
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If you want that same realism but with friends: Wait for The Thrill of the Fight 2.
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If you're looking for a fresh, more intense combat style: Keep an eye on Boxing Underdog.
Conclusion: Knock Out Your Fitness Goals in 2026
VR boxing is a powerful and enjoyable tool for improving your health. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, there's a VR boxing game out there that can help you meet your goals in a way that feels exciting and new.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to start—one that offers structure, motivation, and a world of fitness beyond just boxing—your search is over. Step into the FitXR virtual studio and discover how fun it can be to crush your fitness goals.
