Get your VR headset case dusted off because if you’re planning on catching up with family during the holiday season, there’s a whole array of fantastic VR games you might want to showcase to those who haven’t yet dipped their toes into virtual reality, regardless of their age.
Despite the fact that consumer VR headsets have been on the market for almost a decade, it’s surprising how many people haven’t given them a try. Worse still, some have tried and walked away without experiencing the truly amazing VR games available on modern headsets. There’s a vast collection of remarkable games, much more than can be highlighted here. When introducing VR to newcomers of various ages, it might be wise to avoid games heavy on story or those needing extensive explanations and advanced movement. Whoever you’re sharing with, make sure to cast what you’re seeing to a TV or monitor so everyone can watch along!
Walkabout Mini Golf
Walkabout Mini Golf is effortless to jump into, offering a delightful experience through its stunning mini-golf courses inspired by iconic places like Venice, Italy, and featuring collaborations with creators of Wallace and Gromit, MYST, and Meow Wolf, among others. The game is inclusive, as putters automatically adjust to fit players of any height, making it ideal for passing around among children, teens, and adults. Plus, it features cross-play with its mobile ‘Pocket Edition,’ amplifying the fun for local multiplayer.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, Pico, SteamVR
OhShape
Drawing inspiration from the Japanese TV game show ‘Hole in the Wall,’ OhShape is a VR rhythm game that gets players moving to the beat, dodging, and punching through walls. It’s simple to get started and plenty of fun to watch as everyone does their best to maneuver through the progressively challenging shapes.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Beat Saber
Beat Saber consistently makes it to our holiday picks because it’s incredibly engaging and easy to get into. This block-slashing rhythm game offers a fantastic introduction to VR for newcomers while providing enough complexity for all ages and skill levels. To keep things fresh, consider limiting each session to 5-15 minutes to allow for retries and different songs.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Pistol Whip
If you’re seeking something as addictive as Beat Saber, Pistol Whip is a great choice, with players shooting targets in a stylized, cinematic fashion. Given its design, it shouldn’t raise concerns about violence, making it a fun option for older kids, teens, and adults alike.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Tentacular
Tentacular is as humorous as it appears. In this whimsical game, you become a giant, goofy tentacled creature trying to understand its role in the world, solving puzzles or simply wreaking havoc. It’s possibly better suited for smaller gatherings rather than large crowds but definitely a hit with puzzle enthusiasts.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Blaston
In Blaston, a free-to-play room-scale duel game, players face off in the ring equipped with various weapons, setting the stage for an exhilarating shoot-and-dodge challenge. It’s entertaining for seasoned players online or for those with two VR headsets in a household. The single-player mode also offers great fun against AI, ensuring everyone will want a turn.
Available on: Quest, Pico, SteamVR
Puzzling Places
Puzzling Places elevates the traditional jigsaw puzzle to another level with its hyper-realistic 3D miniatures of stunning locations worldwide. It’s a calming, wholesome experience ideal for those who prefer a quieter and more seated activity. It may not be the flashiest for large groups, but it does a fantastic job of showcasing VR’s potential, especially to older relatives. Quest users also benefit from the mixed reality mode.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2
Superhot VR
A timeless classic, Superhot VR throws in some clever, time-manipulated action that’s likely to amuse even the older members of your family. In this game, time advances only when you move, allowing you to strategize each punch and shot while dodging crystalline foes in a very satisfying way.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 1, SteamVR
Wooorld
Wooorld is like experiencing Google Earth in VR. Explore immersive Street View photospheres and 3D city maps in both virtual and mixed reality modes. It’s perfectly suited for those looking to reminisce about familiar places, sparking conversations and trips down memory lane.
Available on: Quest
Racket NX
Post-feast, what better way to burn off calories than with Racket NX? This futuristic racket game has you swatting balls around a reactive dome, racking up combos and points. It’s accessible to everyone, from children to adults who love squash, and it’s even better with two headsets for competitive play.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs
Angry Birds flies into VR with intuitive controls that everyone knows how to navigate without needing a tutorial. It’s the perfect game to pass around as players compete to hit those pesky green pigs with the least shots, aiming for the highest scores.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
I Expect You to Die Trilogy
Each game in the I Expect You to Die trilogy is easy to get into and offers plenty of entertaining moments as VR players find themselves deftly navigating deadly escape rooms. These games are fun for smaller gatherings, perfect for younger audiences to gather and swap turns tackling missions.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Vader Immortal – Episode 1
For the Star Wars enthusiasts among your group, Vader Immortal offers a gripping journey into the Star Wars universe, perfect for solo exploration. It’s not designed for big audiences, but those who love watching others play will enjoy the spectacle. Episode one is most approachable with its shorter duration.
Available on: Quest
Space Pirate Trainer
A pioneer wave shooter, Space Pirate Trainer remains one of the easiest and most visually engaging games to introduce someone to VR. Despite newer titles expanding the genre, it requires little to no explanation, making it a simple pick for any VR novice.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Bigscreen Beta
Not exactly a game, Bigscreen turns your VR headset into a personal movie theater. It’s especially impressive for those unfamiliar with gaming, allowing them to sit in front of a huge virtual screen. You can make it social or enjoy it solo; let someone take the driver’s seat to explore live TV or connect it to a computer for existing media.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Special Mentions
- Demeo: This engaging board game may take some explaining but offers a rewarding experience of cross-platform play. Perfect for after-festivity fun.
- Gran Turismo 7 (PSVR 2): Bringing along a steering wheel controller allows for immersive racing experiences that cater to fans of all ages.
- Quest Intro Apps: Oculus First Contact, First Steps, and First Encounters are excellent starters for easing newcomers into VR.
- Half-Life: Alyx (PC VR): Considered one of the visually breathtaking VR games, it’s perfect for those looking to impress.
- Moss 1 & 2: Platformer fans will appreciate these, ideally in a quieter setting away from crowds.
These game suggestions are sure to make your holiday gathering a memorable VR experience, offering a range of choices from action-packed to calmly immersive.
