Prepare to dust off your VR headset case because if you’re heading to a family gathering this holiday, there’s a host of fantastic games that’ll leave both VR newbies and veterans utterly impressed.
Believe it or not, although consumer VR headsets have been around for nearly a decade, many folks still haven’t ventured into virtual reality—or worse, they had a lackluster experience and missed out on the myriad of incredible games available on today’s headsets.
There’s a world of games out there, more than we can cover here. However, when introducing VR to a diverse group of newcomers, it might be wise to steer clear of heavily narrative-driven games or those that require intricate instructions and complex movements. Just remember: no matter who you’re entertaining, mirror your VR headset’s display to a TV or monitor so everyone can join the fun!
Walkabout Mini Golf
Walkabout Mini Golf is as intuitive as it is enjoyable, offering a dazzling array of fantastical mini-golf courses. From those inspired by the canals of Venice to collaborations with beloved creators like Wallace and Gromit, MYST, and Meow Wolf, this game has something for everyone. Golf clubs adjust to your height, making it easy to pass around from kids to adults. Plus, the cross-play feature with the mobile ‘Pocket Edition’ means even more multiplayer fun.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, Pico, SteamVR
OhShape
Inspired by the quirky Japanese game show ‘Hole in the Wall’, OhShape is a VR rhythm game that challenges you to dance, punch, and dodge obstacles in sync with lively music. It’s a great pick for some silly fun as players try to contort themselves into outrageous shapes.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Beat Saber
Beat Saber is a staple in holiday VR round-ups for a reason—it’s pure, addictive fun. The rhythm-based block-slashing game is an excellent way to introduce VR to newcomers, yet it has enough depth to keep players of all ages engaged. Just be mindful to keep sessions short, around 5 to 15 minutes per person to allow for retries and song repeats.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Pistol Whip
Like Beat Saber, Pistol Whip delivers addictive gameplay but with a dramatic twist. Embrace your inner action hero as you shoot down foes in a stylized, cinematic fashion. It’s suitable for older children and adults, with minimal concerns about on-screen violence due to its artistic presentation.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Tentacular
Tentacular is every bit as playful as it looks. As a massive, but gentle-hearted tentacled creature, you’re challenged to solve physics puzzles or just flail and have fun. Ideal for smaller gatherings, it might not be your first pick for a crowd but is a must-try for puzzle lovers.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Blaston
Get ready for a free-to-play, room-scale duel in Blaston. Step into the ring and face off with an array of weapons in hand. It’s a blast for competitive play if you have two headsets but offers a single-player mode for quick human vs. AI action.
Available on: Quest, Pico, SteamVR
Puzzling Places
For a calming experience, Puzzling Places brings the cozy feel of a traditional jigsaw puzzle into a 3D virtual world. Featuring stunning miniatures of global landmarks, it’s perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed and serene VR experience.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2
Superhot VR
Despite its age, Superhot VR remains a thrilling addition to your VR library. Its unique time-control mechanic lets you plan each action as you dodge and counterattack crystalline adversaries, providing a fulfilling tactical challenge.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 1, SteamVR
Wooorld
Wooorld is essentially Google Earth for the Quest. Explore immersive Street View panoramas or miniaturized city maps, offering an intriguing nostalgic journey—ideal for sparking rich conversations with family and friends.
Available on: Quest
Racket NX
Get moving with Racket NX, a dynamic VR sport where you whack balls to score points in a reactive dome arena. It’s a fantastic way to work off holiday calories, and if you have two headsets, the competitive aspect is even more thrilling.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs
The beloved Angry Birds experience shifts to VR, letting everyone quickly jump in and start launching birds at green pigs. It’s intuitive, requires no explanation, and is perfect for fun challenges among family and friends.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
I Expect You to Die Trilogy
Immersive and exciting, the I Expect You to Die series offers intriguing puzzle-based escape rooms filled with inventive obstacles. It’s great entertainment, especially with younger groups eager to take on missions together.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Vader Immortal – Episode 1
For the Star Wars enthusiasts in your circle, a journey through Vader Immortal is unmissable. While it’s more of a solo adventure in a distant galaxy, it’s an extraordinary experience that even onlookers might enjoy watching.
Available on: Quest
Space Pirate Trainer
Simple yet striking, Space Pirate Trainer stands out as a beginner-friendly wave shooter. With little need for setup, you can quickly throw on a headset and dive into the action with ease.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Bigscreen Beta
Though not a game, Bigscreen Beta offers a transformative experience by turning a VR headset into a personal cinema. Whether in a social setting or solo mode, it’s a great way to showcase VR’s entertainment capabilities beyond gaming.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Don’t Miss
Demeo – A board game in VR that may require some instruction, but allows cross-platform play for extended sessions. Available on Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR, Pico.
Gran Turismo 7 (PSVR 2) – Perfect for racing enthusiasts, especially with a steering wheel controller across various global tracks. Available on PSVR 2.
Quest Intro Apps – These are excellent for helping newcomers familiarize themselves with VR. Useful intros include Oculus First Contact, First Steps, and First Encounters (Quest 3).
Half-Life: Alyx (PC VR) – Despite being complex to demo, it’s a visual marvel that can leave a lasting impression on those new to VR. Available on SteamVR.
Moss 1 & 2 – These charming platformers are perfect for quiet moments, emphasizing exploration over spectacle. Available on Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR.
