Get ready to grab your VR headset and pack it for the upcoming holiday gatherings with family and friends. Exciting experiences await those who haven’t yet tasted the wonder of modern VR games.
Even though consumer VR headsets have been a part of our lives for nearly ten years, there’s still a surprising number of folks who haven’t had the chance to try them out. Some might have missed the thrill of fantastic VR games on today’s advanced devices.
When you’re introducing a diverse group to VR—perhaps people who’ve never donned a headset before—stick to games that are simple to jump into. Avoid intricate stories or those needing lots of explanations or unnatural movements. And don’t forget to link your headset’s display to a TV or monitor so everyone can join in on the fun visually!
Walkabout Mini Golf
No lengthy instructions needed here. In Walkabout Mini Golf, you’ll traverse incredible mini-golf courses themed around places like Venice, Italy, and engage with partners like Wallace and Gromit, MYST, and Meow Wolf. It’s easy for everyone to play, as you can adjust putter heights, making it user-friendly for kids and adults. Plus, it features crossplay with the mobile ‘Pocket Edition,’ enhancing local multiplayer enjoyment.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, Pico, SteamVR
OhShape
Modeled after the Japanese show ‘Hole in the Wall’, OhShape is a VR rhythm experience where you dance through, punch, and sidestep obstacles that sync with the music. It’s hilariously entertaining to see everyone attempt these increasingly challenging maneuvers.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Beat Saber
There’s a reason Beat Saber consistently tops holiday game lists. This high-energy, rhythm-based block-slashing game is perfect for newcomers to VR and offers layers of challenge that appeal to all ages. Limit the play to 5 to 15-minute sessions to account for retries and song replays.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Pistol Whip
Like Beat Saber, Pistol Whip is captivating, but this time, you’re taking down adversaries in a stylish, John Wick-esque shootout. It’s not graphic, making it suitable for older kids, teens, and adults with no worries about violent content.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Tentacular
Tentacular is as whimsically bizarre as it gets. You play as a massive, kind-hearted tentacled creature, solving puzzles or simply causing entertaining chaos. It’s excellent for smaller, puzzle-loving groups but might not be your go-to for a large crowd.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Blaston
Blaston invites you to a room-scale, free-to-play duel arena where you can outmaneuver and outshoot your opponent. Perfect for those with two headsets, this can also engage solo players in quick matches against AI.
Available on: Quest, Pico, SteamVR
Puzzling Places
This game offers a soothing, immersive take on classic jigsaw puzzles, showcasing stunning miniature 3D models of real-world places. Ideal for those who prefer a calm, stationary experience, making it a charming choice for older family members curious about ‘neat’ VR experiences.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2
Superhot VR
A timeless favorite, Superhot VR offers a unique spin on the shooter genre with its stop-and-move action mechanics, allowing you to strategically take out enemies. Older family members will likely appreciate its engaging, non-realistic visuals.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 1, SteamVR
Wooorld
Wooorld is like having Google Earth in VR, where you explore immersive 360-degree photos or zoom in on miniature 3D city models from across the globe. It’s a hit for those looking to wander through virtual landscapes, sparking nostalgia and storytelling.
Available on: Quest
Racket NX
Burn some calories with Racket NX, a futuristic racket sport game where you rack up points by hitting balls against a dome. Easy to learn, it’s fantastic for everyone from children to adults familiar with racket sports and doubles the fun with two headsets.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs
Discover the beloved Angry Birds game reinvented in VR. It’s intuitive to play without explanation, making it easy for everyone to jump in and compete for high scores by taking down those pesky green pigs.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
I Expect You to Die Trilogy
With its challenging escape rooms, this trilogy provides endless amusement as players navigate scenarios fraught with traps. Great for younger players to team up and take turns, offering plenty of laughter with every inventive failure.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Vader Immortal – Episode 1
For the Star Wars aficionados among you, Vader Immortal is an unmissable journey. Ideal for individual play, it’s less suited for large groups but can captivate those interested in exploring a time amidst the iconic universe.
Available on: Quest
Space Pirate Trainer
An approachable wave shooter, Space Pirate Trainer remains a visually stunning gateway into VR shooting games. No complex instructions needed; just put it on and jump straight into the action.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Bigscreen Beta
While not a game, Bigscreen Beta transforms VR headsets into amazing solo movie theaters. Perfect for those not into gaming—just set them up in a virtual room and let them explore live TV or mirror your desktop.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Don’t Miss
- Demeo: A tabletop game with cross-platform play, great for longer sessions post-holiday feasts.
- Gran Turismo 7 (PSVR 2): For car enthusiasts, bring along a steering wheel to enjoy racing on iconic tracks.
- Quest Intro Apps: Perfect for easing newcomers into VR controls and experiences.
- Half-Life: Alyx (PC VR): A high-fidelity experience to impress VR newcomers, though setup is key.
- Moss 1 & 2: Ideal for platformer enthusiasts, providing a quieter, more setup-focused VR adventure.
