The Lab
Welcome to The Lab, a compilation of Valve’s room-scale VR experiments set in a pocket universe within Aperture Science. Fix a robot, defend a castle, adopt a mechanical dog, and more. Still not sold? It’s free!
Developer
Publisher
Release
April 5, 2016
10 years and 121 days ago
Steam Reviews
Very Positive6,657 reviews94.8%
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Game contextLatest: IGF Team
| ContextThe evidence factors used to assess whether this game belongs on IndieGame.Fan. | Status | Notes Latest Contributor: IGF TeamEdit notes |
|---|---|---|
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer. | Valve is a major platform holder and corporate-scale publisher. | |
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Publisher scaleThe operating scale of the game's publisher. | Valve is a major platform holder and corporate-scale publisher. | |
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Publisher statusHow the game's publishing relationship is classified. | ||
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Release statusWhether and how the game has been released. |
Media
8 itemsAbout the Game
Set in a pocket universe of Aperture Science, The Lab offers a wide range of ways to enjoy VR, all in one application.
Slingshot
Begin your career as a Calibration Trainee by recklessly destroying everything in the Aperture Storage Annex using the Core Calibration slingshot.
Longbow
Use your archery skills to defend your noble castle gate from a rampaging but adorable and equally noble horde of attackers.
Xortex
Are you a bad enough dude to become a Xortex ace? Relive the golden era of gaming -- only this time, it's all around you.
Postcards
Visit exotic, far-off locales from the comfort of your own head.
Human Medical Scan
Explore the intricate beauty of the human body through a highly detailed model created from a series of CT medical scans.
Solar System
Why watch shows about the vast majesty of space when you can jump in and see it for yourself? Have educational space-fun while putting Neil Degrasse-Tyson out of business.
Robot Repair
Can you repair a robot? Good, because Aperture Science's Human Diversity Outreach Program is now hiring.
Secret Shop
The fantasy equivalent of a twenty-four-hour convenience store is now open for business! Peruse artifacts, shop for familiars and cast a spell or two at Dota's Secret Shop!
Slingshot
Begin your career as a Calibration Trainee by recklessly destroying everything in the Aperture Storage Annex using the Core Calibration slingshot.
Longbow
Use your archery skills to defend your noble castle gate from a rampaging but adorable and equally noble horde of attackers.
Xortex
Are you a bad enough dude to become a Xortex ace? Relive the golden era of gaming -- only this time, it's all around you.
Postcards
Visit exotic, far-off locales from the comfort of your own head.
Human Medical Scan
Explore the intricate beauty of the human body through a highly detailed model created from a series of CT medical scans.
Solar System
Why watch shows about the vast majesty of space when you can jump in and see it for yourself? Have educational space-fun while putting Neil Degrasse-Tyson out of business.
Robot Repair
Can you repair a robot? Good, because Aperture Science's Human Diversity Outreach Program is now hiring.
Secret Shop
The fantasy equivalent of a twenty-four-hour convenience store is now open for business! Peruse artifacts, shop for familiars and cast a spell or two at Dota's Secret Shop!
