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VARCADE PvP ARENA

VARCADE PvP ARENA

Reviews Summary

The reviews overwhelmingly praise this VR arcade as an exceptional entertainment destination with a perfect 5-star rating. Customers consistently highlight the high-quality VR experiences, rare game selection (including Japanese rhythm games and classics), and immersive multiplayer options. The owner and staff are repeatedly commended for being friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Reviewers emphasize the clean, welcoming environment, easy payment system, and unique offerings like private event rentals. Many note it's a standout attraction in Oakland Mall, with some calling it Michigan's best VR experience. First-time visitors and regulars alike rave about the fun, addictive gameplay and plan to return frequently. The arcade's community vibe and rare game cabinets (like MVC2 and music games) receive special appreciation.

About This Listing

Has Tournaments
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Virtual Reality
Wheelchair Accessible

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

What to Expect from Virtual Reality in Arcades

Step into virtual reality for a breathtaking adventure! Arcade VR stations boast advanced headsets (like Oculus or HTC Vive), motion controllers, and sometimes full-body tracking or treadmills. You’ll dive into games like Beat Saber or VR shooters, swinging, dodging, or aiming in 360-degree worlds with vivid visuals and immersive sound. Gameplay spans solo quests to multiplayer battles, with intuitive controls for all levels. Arcades offer vibrant, social VR zones, delivering a thrilling, cutting-edge experience in 2025.

Features

Has Tournaments
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Virtual Reality
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

Oakland Mall, 664 W 14 Mile Rd LEVEL 2

Troy, Michigan 48083

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 3-8PM
Thursday 11AM-9PM
Friday 11AM-9PM
Saturday 11AM-9PM
Sunday 12-6PM

Customer Reviews

Oakland Mall was in desperate need of a new game room, and Varcade PVP arena is just what the doctor ordered! Not an only is it a great place to game, it's also an amazing hangout spot. If you haven't checked this place out yet and you can, you are missing out!

Very fun place with a wide selection of different things to do. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. It has it's own unique vibe, and is very welcoming. The VR has a great selection of games, and is fun alone, or with friends. I thought it was cool they have local leader boards you can see your high score on. Oakland Mall level two is coming up with different entertainment spots, and I couldn't be more excited. Varcade is becoming one of my favorite spots to hang out at. Highly recommend if you're look

Clean and coordinated lineup of VR Gun Game kiosks, played a bunch of time crisis as a kid and it made me remember how much I missed time crisis. There's also a bunch of JP imported sitdown "Candy Cabinet" arcade games and an unusually rare selection of 2000's imported rhythm games. The layout is a little more unique than a single kiosk location, The selection of VR kiosks and Import Cabs is split between two different storefronts, with a DDR machine hiding in the pinball museum across the hall independent

We had a date night and had such a great time!! We are looking forward to taking our children next time. Jim is such a fantastic host. He is kind and attentive.

For the best VR gaming in Michigan check this place out. Great owner. Amazing community. Easy to load your game card and the walk threw instructions from Jim are simple and encouraging. Always a great time.

Great for teens and adults of all ages! Clean establishment! Great place for a birthday party or gathering with friends! Nice changes for the Oakland mall entertainment!

Fantastic gaming space in Oakland mall, the first of its kind in many years. All machines are in great condition and between varcade and the rhythm lounge across the hall they have some great rare games like Flash Beats, Chunithm, and Beatstream.

My friends and I always have a great time here. Reasonable prices. Great selection. Kind staff. Great vibes. Machines and gaming area are very clean. 10/10

absolutely appealing layout, nice and clean. management was amazing upon my visit, very helpful, humorous and informative. thank you for diving in and bringing something major, magnificent and new to the table; other arcades cannot compare. now all we're missing is beanbag chairs for breaks or to watch haha. I play competitive rhythm games, I started playing when I was 5. I was looking for a comfortable spot for practice. majority of machines have the songs I am looking for. for the games I tried, new to m

Extremely clean facility Great Staff (Jim is the best) first VR arcade I have tried and it was fantastic. Price can seem high but the play time is 3X what your expectations.

My friends and I had a fantastic time at Varcade! We paid $25 each for an hour of VR, and it was totally worth it. The experience was super fun and immersive. We loved playing Infinity Overkill was a blast! Jim, the owner, was incredibly friendly and made sure we had everything we needed. The equipment was high quality and the space was clean and well set up. Highly recommend checking this place out. We'll definitely be back!

Crazy place to come for those who love VR and pinball! My brother loved this Blockade VR shooting game, my boyfriend and I played a 3 player match with. Boyfriend says this is the most populated he's seen this mall. Definitely will be back.

A great cabinet lineup (it helps that I really like MVC2 & music games), with some excellent and unusual/rare games that I'd typically have to go to conventions or friends' private collections to otherwise play Glad to see Oakland Mall getting more arcade action again!

Absolute 10/10!! I have a meta quest 2, but gaming on his set up with the VR games he has, totally tops it! The environment is super chill, the owner is totally chill, gets involved, and makes it so easy to have fun. I'm also super thrilled for the pinball arcade to open up too! Must take a look, but HIGHLY recommend bringing friends to amp up the experience!

Was wandering around the mall when I caught a glance at this place. Played one round and it was really cool. The zombie game was super realistic,very good quality video graphics and the gun lined up perfectly compared to other VR games. The owner was very welcoming and explained the games to us.

This was the most fun I've ever experienced in an arcade! 10/10, Highly recommend to give it a try. My boys and I are making this and the new pinball section our go to place! The VR experience was awesome having everyone in the room communicate during group battles. Seriously need to give this place a solid try! You won't regret it!!!

Jim is awesome!! This place is clean and fun for all! I do not play video games please understand.... However, my experience here with the children made me book our family event because yes... YOU CAN RENT IT FOR A PRIVATE EVENT!!!

It was a great experience for me and my girlfriend! The staff was very nice and helpful and we had a lot of fun playing the zombies game together. I would recommend anyone to stop by and try it for themselves.

Gaming is back at Oakland Mall! Great games covering different genres. The games use a rechargeable card system that is easy to understand and it shows dollar amounts instead of token amounts so you don't have to do any math in your head. Owner seems very nice and supportive of the local game communities!

So I was kidnapped by a few friends against my will(all jokes) and forced to play these vr games(all willingly) and gotta say it was absolutely amazing. As someone who loves vr I love finding places like this for a good time!!

Very fun experience. Will definitely be back. Have fun for my anniversary with you guys Jim

Had a great time here today! Really enjoyed the rhythm and arcade games. Excellent selection of classic and new games in a location that used to house the old American Fun Center.

I've never played a VR game. Went there and it was so much fun! The staff were super helpful. Highly recommend.

An amazing place to go to have fun with your friends. VR tried it for the first time today was awesome.

First time playing a VR Arcade game and it's an absolute blast of a place to be! Owner is VERY knowledgeable and super nice. Looking forward to visiting more!

Very good and excellent swrvice I would come back in a heartbeat

I had the pleasure of a sneak preview at this new player vs player arcade and it's going to be a blast when it opens. The space is comfortable and the owner is very knowledgeable and entertaining. Check it out, you're going to have a great time!

Had a BLAST playing it for the 1st time at Oakland Mall. Check it out and play VarBox Zombie game. It was awesome ??

An insanely addicting and fun time! Friendly staff and just an overall good time! I can't stay away!

This was an awesome experience. Will definitely return again soon

I love this place! So much fun and amazing events too!

Great place with fun VR and some classics and Japanese music games. The people are very friendly also!

as THE mr driller fan in Michigan, I appreciate the mr driller 2 cab so much

Should 100% come here with friends very good time playing VR

It's got Pop'n Music! Best place in Michigan!

Dude this place is SICK! DEFINITELY a great place for a guy's night!

This is the best place yet I have experienced at an arcade! I would highly recommended to give this place a try 10/10.

Tons of fun and the coolest owner

So lit, definitely recommend 10/10

This place knows what a customer wants.. and they deliver!

Fantastic place I had so much fun

So Fun! Can't wait to go back!!!

Lots of fun. Jim the owner is great.

Love this place had so much fun can't wait to come back

Really awesome and fun place! Very community oriented. The owners are friendly/welcoming.

(Translated by Google) First of all, I'm happy that I can play rhythm games at this mall. The payment system is simple, and I got the impression that anyone can drop in casually. I'd like to go again because there are games that are no longer available at other arcades in Michigan. The staff are also friendly, and if you have any problems or questions, they will kindly explain them to you! (Original) ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”

Are virtual reality games in arcades worth playing?

Yes, virtual reality (VR) games in arcades are a top attraction in 2025! Titles like Beat Saber and Half-Life: Alyx deliver immersive thrills with cutting-edge headsets, motion tracking, and responsive controllers. High-resolution displays and spatial audio create heart-pounding experiences, from slashing rhythms to battling zombies. Arcades feature multiplayer VR zones and tournaments, fostering lively communities. VR booths are regularly packed, proving their captivating, next-level gameplay makes them a must-try arcade experience.