No — flat is the default
Is The Midnight Walk VR only?
No. You can play the whole game on a television or a monitor. A headset is an extra way in, on two platforms, and it is missing on the third.
Source notes
PlayStation explicitly marks PS VR2 optional, and Steam describes both flat and VR play. Quest via Link means running the PC game through a computer, not installing a native Quest release.
Play it flat
PS5, Windows (Steam and GOG), and Switch 2 all run the game without a headset. That has been true since the 8 May 2025 launch on PS5 and PC, and since 26 March 2026 on Switch 2. If someone told you the disc or the download is a VR-only package, the store pages disagree.
Controls in flat mode are a pad or, on PC, mouse and keyboard. Steam marks it gamepad recommended. Closing your eyes is a button, not a headset gesture. The controls page has the binding notes, including the L1 conflict I will not paper over.
If you do own a headset
PS VR2 is optional on the PS5 version. PC VR on Steam lists Index, Quest via Link, Rift S, and Rift. GOG’s page says the PC copy includes flat and VR. I am not claiming a comfort rating from my own session. Road to VR reviewed the VR build; that is the published note.
There is no native Meta Quest store app in the listings I checked. A Quest 3 reaches this game by Link or streaming to the PC version. That is a PC VR session, and Steam discussions include a June 2025 report of a black screen over Steam Link. Treat that as a community report, not a fix from the studio. Steps live on the troubleshooting page.
Which copy to buy
Buying any current copy gets you the flat game. Buy PS5 if you want PS VR2. Buy Steam or GOG if you want PC VR. Buy Switch 2 if you want a handheld and you have accepted there is no VR. Prices and PS Plus are on the download page.
Common questions
Can I play on PS5 without PS VR2?
Yes. PS VR2 is optional.
Is there a Quest version?
No native Quest app showed up on the stores I checked. Quest via Link uses the PC version.
Does Switch 2 support VR?
No.