VR arena equipment for a free-roam arena comes down to headsets and controllers for every player, a tracking system, computers and a game server, a dedicated network, charging stations and hygiene supplies, plus a till and booking software. With Metaforce VR Arena, the partner buys all hardware from any supplier they choose; the subscription covers the games, maps adapted to the venue and a knowledge base on equipment setup and headset care.
What equipment does a VR arena need?
The list is longer than "headsets and a room". Here is what a free-roam arena typically needs, and what decides how much of each you buy.
| Item | What it does | How many | What decides the amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| VR headsets | Show the game to each player | One per player in a round, plus spares | Planned round size and how fast you can swap a faulty set |
| Controllers | Player input in the game | Depends on the headsets and games | Headset model and game requirements |
| Tracking system | Knows where each player is in the room | One system per play area | Play area size and the tracking type the games use |
| Game server | Runs the game and keeps all players in sync | Depends on the games | Game requirements |
| Operator workstation | Runs the operator app: staff start sessions, choose games and maps, watch the game | Usually one per arena | Arena setup |
| Network equipment | Connects headsets to the server | Depends on area | Play area size and number of headsets |
| Charging stations | Charge and store sets between rounds | Space for every set | Number of sets |
| Hygiene supplies | Clean headsets between guests | Consumable | Number of guests |
| Till, card terminal, CRM | Payments and bookings | One set | Local rules and your sales channels |
| Lounge and reception furniture | Where groups wait, rest and celebrate | Depends on the lounge | Lounge size |
| Video surveillance | Safety and equipment security | Depends on area | Venue layout |
We don't publish a single price for this list. The amount depends on the play area, how many people you want in one round and the supplier you choose. For arenas in Russia, the total investment to open, including venue, renovation and equipment, starts from RUB 2.5 million; the full picture is on the franchise cost page.
How do you choose VR headsets for an arena?
Arcade headsets live a harder life than home ones. They are put on and taken off dozens of times a day by different guests, in rounds where people run and duck. When you compare a VR headset for arcade use, look at:
- Freedom of movement. In free roam, nothing should get in the way of running. A cable to a fixed computer is a problem on a large play area.
- Battery life. A headset should last several rounds in a row, and you need a routine for swapping and charging.
- Durability and repair. Find out where headsets are repaired and how long it takes. While a set is in repair you need a spare.
- Comfort and hygiene. Straps and face pads that are easy to clean or replace save time between rounds.
- Compatibility with your games. This comes first. Hardware is chosen for the content, not the other way round.
Headsets broadly come in two classes: standalone (the computing happens inside the headset) and PC VR (a computer renders the image for each headset). Metaforce games run on standalone headsets: Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 3S, PICO 4 and PICO 4 Ultra.
Why does tracking matter so much?
Tracking is what lets several people run across one room, see each other in the game and not collide. It maps each player's real position into the virtual world.
Tracking can be built into the headset (it reads the room itself) or external (cameras or beacons around the play area). The right option depends on the games and headsets, so it's chosen together with the content. The room matters too: that is one reason a Metaforce venue needs a level floor and ceilings from 2.5 m. More on room requirements in our VR arena design guide.
What VR arena software do you need?
There are two layers of software in a VR arena.
Game software. The games themselves, plus an operator app to run sessions: staff use it to start sessions and choose games and maps. With Metaforce, partners get the operator app and access to all released games: TeamForce, StarForce, Elevators, Portals and Mini Games, with Zombies coming soon. Maps are rebuilt around the exact layout of your venue, and new maps or games arrive every 6 months at no extra cost. When the subscription ends, access to the games stops.
Business software. Bookings, customer records, schedules, gift certificates. Birthday parties and corporate events are booked days or weeks ahead, so you need to see the arena's calendar and each client's history in one place. Instead of buying separate VR arcade management software, Metaforce partners with the franchise package use the CRM the whole network works in, and they get a website for their arena.
Payments are handled by your own till and card terminal, chosen to meet local rules.
What else do you need besides headsets?
A dedicated network. If headsets lose their connection mid-round, the round falls apart. A common practice is a separate network for the game only, not shared with guest Wi-Fi or the till, with access points chosen for the play area and the number of headsets.
Charging and storage. A rack or cabinet where each set has its own place makes it easy for staff to see what is ready. Count charging when you plan power: a Metaforce venue needs 10–15 kW in total.
Hygiene. Disposable face covers, disinfectant for face pads and controllers, lens wipes, spare face pads. Guests notice a clean headset, and parents at kids' parties notice it first.
Video. Cameras in the play area help resolve disputes and protect equipment. A screen in the lounge showing the game is an optional extra: people waiting for their turn can watch the round.
What does Metaforce provide, and what does the partner buy?
| Item | Who is responsible |
|---|---|
| Games, maps adapted to the venue, updates every 6 months | Included in the subscription |
| Knowledge base: equipment setup, headset care, cash handling, staff routines, CRM | Included in the subscription |
| Launch support, staff training, a manager on hand | Included in the subscription |
| Website, network CRM, marketing kit | With the franchise package (not part of the games subscription) |
| Headsets, computers, tracking | Partner, from any supplier |
| Venue and renovation | Partner |
The subscription costs $4,990 for 6 months, $7,990 for 12 months or $14,990 for 24 months, paid upfront, taxes included; after the term, another fixed term or $799 per month. There is no franchise fee and no royalty; see why we chose a subscription.
What mistakes should you avoid when buying VR arcade equipment?
- Buying before you know the games. Compatibility first, then price.
- No spares. One broken headset on a Saturday means a smaller round or an unhappy group.
- Buying for an imaginary capacity. Your play area and round format decide the number of sets. On Metaforce arenas, 8 to 12 or more people play at once, depending on the venue.
- Treating headsets as a one-off purchase. Straps, face pads, controllers and cables wear out. Budget for repairs and replacements as a regular running cost.
- Untrained staff. A game master who can refit a headset and reconnect a player in seconds keeps rounds on schedule.
Apply now and send your floor plan: our manager will help you work out what equipment your venue needs.
FAQ
What equipment do I need to open a VR arena?
Headsets with controllers, a tracking system, a game server and operator workstation, a dedicated network, charging stations, hygiene supplies, a till with a card terminal, booking software, lounge furniture and video surveillance.
Do I have to buy equipment from Metaforce?
No. You can buy headsets, computers and tracking from any supplier. Our knowledge base covers equipment setup and headset care.
Which headsets work with Metaforce games?
Compatible headsets: Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 3S, PICO 4 and PICO 4 Ultra. Check the current list with your manager before you buy: hardware is chosen for the content.
How many headsets does a VR arena need?
One per player in a round, plus spares. On Metaforce arenas, 8 to 12 or more people play at once, depending on the size of the venue.
Is booking software included?
Yes, with the franchise package: partners use the network CRM and get a website for their arena. The games subscription alone does not include them.
Can I use VR arcade equipment I already own?
Tell us what you have in your application. Compatible headsets include Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 3S, PICO 4 and PICO 4 Ultra, so you can see what fits before you sign.