Prepare your VR headset carrying case because this holiday season is the perfect time to introduce your family to a whole new world of virtual reality gaming. Whether you’re showing VR to someone for the first time or engaging with a mixed-age group, there are numerous games that are sure to impress.
Though consumer VR headsets have been around for almost a decade, many folks haven’t had a chance to try them out. Even worse, some have tried VR in the past but walked away without experiencing the amazing selection of games now available on modern headsets.
The list of great VR games is overwhelming, but when introducing a group to VR, it’s best to avoid games that require extensive storytelling or complicated controls. Regardless of who you’re entertaining, remember to connect your VR display to a monitor or TV so that everyone can be a part of the experience!
Walkabout Mini Golf
Walkabout Mini Golf is perfect for everyone and demands little to no explanation. This game lets you putt-putt your way through incredible mini-golf courses inspired by places like Venice, Italy. With collaborations featuring creators from Wallace and Gromit, MYST, and others, the fun never ends. The putters even adjust to your height, making it suitable for all players. Plus, there’s crossplay with the mobile ‘Pocket Edition’ for added multiplayer fun.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, Pico, SteamVR
OhShape
Inspired by the quirky Japanese TV show ‘Hole in the Wall,’ OhShape is a VR rhythm game where players must align their bodies to fit through walls, punch, and dodge obstacles to the rhythm. It’s easy to get started and provides endless laughs as players attempt to contort themselves into the correct shapes.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Beat Saber
Beat Saber is a holiday classic for a reason. Its addictive gameplay and ease of entry make it a perfect introduction for VR newcomers, while its depth keeps skilled players engaged. Limit playtime to 5–15 minutes per person to manage failures and song repetitions.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Pistol Whip
Similar to Beat Saber in terms of addictiveness, Pistol Whip invites players to engage in stylish, rhythmic shootouts reminiscent of a John Wick movie. The stylized visuals help make it appropriate for most age groups without causing concern over on-screen violence.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Tentacular
Tentacular is as whimsical as it sounds. In this game, you become a giant, friendly tentacle-laden creature, solving puzzles or just playfully wrecking things in its virtual world. It’s best for smaller groups and puzzle fans.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Blaston
Step into the ring with Blaston, a room-scale, free-to-play dueling game where you can battle it out using various weapons. It’s perfect for a household with two VR headsets or offers a single-player mode for an enjoyable solo experience.
Available on: Quest, Pico, SteamVR
Puzzling Places
Relax with Puzzling Places, an immersive take on classic jigsaw puzzles. With hyper-realistic miniature 3D landscapes from around the world, this is great for those who prefer a more stationary experience. Its mixed reality mode on Quest is a bonus for showcasing the ‘neat’ factor of VR to older family members.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2
Superhot VR
An enduring classic, Superhot VR brings time-bending action with cartoonish violence. The unique mechanic, where time moves only when you do, allows for strategic and engaging gameplay that appeals to all ages.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 1, SteamVR
Wooorld
Wooorld transforms the Quest into a global playground with its 360-degree immersive Street View photospheres. Explore cities or reminisce about past homes and trips, making it a fantastic trip down memory lane for all.
Available on: Quest
Racket NX
Sweat off holiday indulgence with Racket NX. In this futuristic racket sport, you’ll keep moving as you hit balls around a reactive dome. Ideal for all ages, and if you have two headsets, you can compete head-to-head!
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs
Everyone loves Angry Birds, and the VR/MR version is no different. It’s simple to learn and fun to compete for scores, making it perfect for group play.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
I Expect You to Die Trilogy
Dive into the exciting and sometimes dangerous escape room puzzles of the I Expect You to Die trilogy. These games are perfect for spectators as well as participants, especially with onlookers keen to solve mysteries alongside younger players.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Vader Immortal – Episode 1
For the Star Wars fans in your group, Vader Immortal lets them become a Jedi in training in a captivating one-hour experience full of lightsaber action. Great for solo play or Let’s Play-style group viewing.
Available on: Quest
Space Pirate Trainer
A wave shooter at its best, Space Pirate Trainer offers easy-to-grasp action with stunning visuals. It’s perfect when you need a quick, adrenaline-filled VR experience without lengthy explanations.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Bigscreen Beta
While not a game, Bigscreen Beta transforms your VR headset into a personal theater. Immerse yourself in a giant virtual screen to watch movies or live TV. It’s perfect for showcasing VR’s capabilities beyond gaming.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Don’t Miss
Demeo – If board games are more your style, Demeo provides a deep, engaging tabletop experience that’s playable across platforms. Find it on Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR, Pico.
Gran Turismo 7 (PSVR 2) – For car enthusiasts, this dynamic racing game offers hours of thrilling gameplay if you bring along a steering wheel setup.
Quest Intro Apps – Oculus’s First Contact, First Steps, and First Encounters provide perfect introductions to VR controls.
Half-Life: Alyx (PC VR) – For a jaw-droppingly detailed VR experience, show off parts of this game, but be prepared to manage save states.
Moss 1 & 2 – Charming and ideal for single-player platform fans, though larger groups might not find them as captivating.
These amazing games and apps will make your VR showcase an unforgettable experience for friends and family, covering a wide range of interests and skill levels in your holiday gathering.
