ANIMAL RIVALS

ANIMAL RIVALS is a free multiplayer shooter from Doge Labs Inc in which you play as a monkey. It draws on classic shooters and on the arm-driven gorilla style of movement, and sets small-team duels next to bigger action modes. It arrived on the Meta Horizon Store on February 28, 2025, and is in early access.

How it plays

You get around with gorilla-style movement, using your arms, and fight with guns. Duels come in 1v1, 2v2 and 3v3 formats, Team Deathmatch opens things up to larger fights, and the Infected mode has players fending off a zombie horde.

• Foundation Coins earned in play unlock new weapons and gear.
• Contracts let you put together unusual loadouts.
• Weekly updates, according to the developer.

Multiplayer

All modes are online against other players, whether you invite friends to a duel or join a team match. The social side continues outside the game too: Doge Labs hosts a Discord server with updates, challenges and giveaways.

Comfort

Meta rates ANIMAL RIVALS as comfortable for most people. It is played standing, and it uses controllers. Arm-based locomotion can still be tiring or disorienting for newcomers, so take breaks and see our guide to motion sickness in VR if needed.

Platforms and what to know before buying

• Price: free on the Meta Horizon Store.
• Headsets: Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 3S, Meta Quest Pro and Meta Quest 2.
• Internet: a connection is required.
• Ads: no in-app ads.
• Early access: yes, the game is still in early access.
• Languages: English and Spanish (Mexico).
• Age rating: 7+.