Virtual reality gaming has steadily grown over the past decade, but certain titles stand out for their creativity and fresh mechanics. One of the latest examples is UnLoop, a puzzle game developed by Estonian studio CM Games. Released on September 5, 2025, for Meta Quest headsets and Pico devices, UnLoop introduces players to a futuristic space-station setting where time loops and self-cloning mechanics create a unique and mind-bending gameplay experience.

Instead of fighting monsters or exploring open worlds, players must use clever planning and cooperation with their own past actions to progress. This mix of storytelling and problem-solving has quickly gained attention as one of the most innovative puzzle games in the VR space.

Cloning Yourself to Solve Puzzles

In UnLoop, the player steps into the role of a spy sent to explore a space station filled with strange disruptions in time. The game’s main idea is built around solving puzzles using time loops. Every action can be recorded, and once the loop resets, a clone of the player repeats those same movements. This creates unusual ways to approach challenges. For instance, when two switches need to be pulled at the same time, the player can record themselves pulling the first one, reset the loop, and then pull the second while the clone takes care of the first. As the game progresses, more clones can be created, each acting like a teammate, even though they are simply past versions of the same character.

The mechanic opens the door to creative problem-solving. A clone can hold a door open so the real player can move through, distract a hazard while another clone slips by, or line up movements so that several versions of the character work together to complete a complex task. With more than fifty levels designed around this idea, the game keeps pushing the player to plan ahead and coordinate with their own past actions. The puzzles grow steadily more complex, ensuring that the experience stays engaging while highlighting the unique concept of turning time itself into the most important tool.

Style, Story, and Features

UnLoop offers more than just smart puzzle mechanics, it also stands out for its striking visual style. The game adopts a retro-futuristic “Atompunk” theme, mixing Cold War-era design with futuristic science fiction. Every environment is carefully detailed to fit its espionage-driven story, with atmospheric music and voice acting that deepen the sense of immersion. The game is built using Unreal Engine, which gives it a modern and polished appearance. It also supports hand tracking, allowing players to interact with puzzles in a more natural way. For those who enjoy competition, leaderboards are included so that speedrunners can compare times and push for faster solutions, adding extra replay value.

Comfort has been made a priority. Players can choose between different movement styles, such as teleportation or snap-turning, which help prevent motion sickness. Priced at $19.99, UnLoop is more affordable than many larger VR titles, making it easier for new players to give it a try. A release for SteamVR is also planned later in 2025, which will make the game available to PC-based VR users in addition to those on Meta Quest and Pico headsets.

Early reviews have been positive, especially highlighting how approachable the game feels for VR newcomers. The puzzles are challenging but not overwhelming, making it an experience that can appeal both to experienced VR players and to those exploring the medium for the first time.

CM Games is best known for Into the Radius, a survival-horror VR game. With UnLoop, the studio has shifted gears, focusing on puzzles rather than combat. This pivot shows how VR studios are experimenting with new ways to immerse players beyond traditional gaming genres. In a Reddit AMA, the developers explained that the cloning mechanic draws inspiration from real-time strategy games, where efficiency and planning matter. This design encourages replayability, as players refine their timing and loops to complete levels faster and more effectively.

Future Plans and Community Involvement

CM Games has hinted at future expansions for UnLoop. A major update could include community-created levels through mod support on PC, allowing players to design and share their own puzzles. This approach would give the game a longer lifespan and create a dedicated community around it, similar to how modding keeps other titles fresh for years.

The game’s development timeline shows how it built momentum:

• June 2024: Demo released on SideQuest, letting early players test the core mechanics.
• July 2024: Steam page launched, introducing trailers that showcased avatar cloning.
• August 2025: Narrative-focused trailers revealed, building excitement.
• September 2025: Official release on Meta Quest and Pico platforms.
• Later 2025: Planned SteamVR launch with possible cross-platform features.

UnLoop’s debut highlights how VR technology is moving beyond novelty into sophisticated gameplay experiences. By combining self-cooperation mechanics with a strong story, it delivers something rarely seen in gaming: the player becomes both the puzzle-solver and their own teammate. Industry experts see UnLoop as a possible benchmark for puzzle design in VR, inspiring other developers to experiment with time manipulation, cloning, and cooperative mechanics in single-player games. Some have even speculated about its esports potential, as speedrunners compete to complete puzzles with the most efficient loops.

Final Thought

UnLoop is more than just another VR release, it represents a new step forward for immersive puzzle games. By blending time-loop mechanics, retro-futuristic style, and accessible gameplay, it shows how VR can provide experiences that traditional gaming cannot replicate.

As VR adoption continues to grow and platforms like Meta Quest expand their reach, titles like UnLoop are setting the stage for the next generation of interactive entertainment. Whether players are new to VR or seasoned veterans, UnLoop offers a clever, challenging, and deeply satisfying adventure that makes them their own best ally.