The current study compared the psychophysiological effects of Virtual Reality (VR) exergaming ( Beat Saber ) and survival horror ( Resident Evil ). We assessed flow, cognitive workload, and cybersickness along with autonomic responses via heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV). The results showed that VR exergame and survival horror produced similar levels of flow experiences, but survival horror induced greater cognitive workload, while the exergame elicited stronger cardiovascular activation. Both genres showed autonomic engagement through distinct physiological pathways. Findings highlight specific cognitive and physiological demands across the two VR gaming genres.