Hibow

Hibow is a free hero-based archery shooter from Chesstar Studios, mixing action with team strategy. You choose a hero and fight alongside teammates on a futuristic bow-combat battlefield. It came to the Meta Horizon Store on May 11, 2021, and it is still in early access.

How it plays

Combat is built on simulated archery that the developer says it refined over three years. Movement is tied to the bow as well: the studio designed a locomotion system based on archery motions, meant to become second nature through muscle memory once you get the hang of it. In each match you pick a hero, collect weapons and gear, and use hero skills, so decisions during the fight matter as much as aim.

• 7 bows
• 6 arrow types
• 4 attachments
• 3 melee weapons

All of these can be upgraded during a battle to boost your combat strength. The developer says it adds new modes, heroes, maps, weapons and seasonal features over time, and offers support through Discord and email.

Multiplayer

The game has a social lobby where a handshake with another player is enough to become friends, and you can invite friends to fight on your side. The store lists co-op as well as multiplayer, and an internet connection is required.

Comfort

Meta rates it as intense. Hibow supports sitting, standing and room-scale play with controllers. Archery-based movement and fast team fights add up, so if you are new to VR, read up on motion sickness in VR first.

Platforms and what to know before buying

• Price: free on the Meta Horizon Store.
• Headsets: Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 3S, Meta Quest Pro, Meta Quest 2 and the original Meta Quest.
• Internet: required.
• Ads: no in-app ads.
• Early access: yes, it is still in early access.
• Languages: English, Chinese, French, German and Korean.
• Age rating: 3+.
• Also listed on: SideQuest.