Make sure your VR headset is packed and ready to go this holiday season. If you’re planning on visiting family, you’ll find plenty of fantastic games to showcase for people who are trying VR for the first time, regardless of their age.
Even though consumer VR headsets have been a part of our lives for almost ten years now, there are still many folks who haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing them. Worse yet, some may have tried VR but missed out on the amazing games that current headsets offer. Trust me, there’s an incredible variety out there, much more than we can cover in this article. When you’re introducing VR to a family crowd for the first time, it’s best to avoid games that are heavy on storytelling or require complex controls and movement. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to mirror your VR display on a TV or monitor so everyone can join in on the fun!
Walkabout Mini Golf
Walkabout Mini Golf is one of those games that needs little introduction. As you navigate through creatively designed mini-golf courses, you’ll find your skills tested across 18 holes themed around places like Venice, Italy, and collaborations with creatives like Wallace and Gromit, MYST, and Meow Wolf. The best part? This game can be enjoyed by everyone, thanks to adjustable putters that suit all heights. Plus, there’s crossplay with the mobile ‘Pocket Edition’, which adds another layer of enjoyment for local multiplayer matches.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, Pico, SteamVR
OhShape
Drawing inspiration from the Japanese show ‘Hole in the Wall’, OhShape is a full-body rhythm game where you’ll need to dance, punch, and dodge through walls that approach you in sync with the music. It’s straightforward to start and promises loads of laughs as everyone tries to fit through increasingly challenging shapes.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Beat Saber
Beat Saber is a staple in holiday game collections for a good reason. This rhythm game, where you slash blocks to the beat of your favorite songs, is incredibly engaging and very easy for beginners to pick up. Yet, it maintains enough depth to challenge all skill levels and ages. Just be sure to set a time limit of 5–15 minutes per player to allow room for retries and song repeats.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Pistol Whip
Equally addictive as Beat Saber, Pistol Whip takes a different approach by letting you shoot your way through scenarios reminiscent of a stylized action film. It’s not overly graphic, which means parents probably won’t have much to worry about, making it ideal for older kids, teens, and adults.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Tentacular
Tentacular offers a unique twist with its humorous take on puzzle-solving from the perspective of a friendly, massive tentacled creature. It’s perfect for smaller groups and puzzle enthusiasts, although it might not be the best choice for large family gatherings.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Blaston
Blaston challenges you to face off in a ring using various weapons in a room-scale dueling game. While online matches are ideal for seasoned players and homes with two VR sets, the single-player mode is great for some easygoing fun against AI opponents, and it’s accessible enough for everyone to have a go.
Available on: Quest, Pico, SteamVR
Puzzling Places
Here’s a calming option for those who enjoy immersive environments that are recreations of stunning global locales. Perfect for folks who prefer to sit and relax, Puzzling Places brings the joy of jigsaw puzzles to the VR world. It may not steal the show, but it’s sure to impress, especially your older relatives. Plus, it features a mixed reality mode on Quest.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2
Superhot VR
A standout even in its older age, Superhot VR delivers time-bending action that lets players strategize every move like a scene out of an action movie. The concept of time moving only when you do allows for creative ways to defeat enemies without alarming the older crowd.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 1, SteamVR
Wooorld
Wooorld invites you on a journey around the globe similar to Google Earth. You can either explore immersive 360-degree views of streets or take a bird’s-eye view over 3D cities. It’s an excellent tool for sparking nostalgia and reminiscing about past travels with your loved ones.
Available on: Quest
Racket NX
This invigorating game combines a racket sport with a futuristic twist. Swinging balls against a dome, you’ll be racking up points and combos while getting some exercise. It’s simple for any player to start, from kids to sprawling veteran racket players. If you have two headsets, even better for direct competition!
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs
The beloved game comes to VR, allowing everyone to jump right in without needing a tutorial. Passing around the headset, you can take turns trying to topple those pesky pigs with the fewest shots possible.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
I Expect You to Die Trilogy
Delve into the thrilling world of escape room puzzles where players hilariously face threats of “death” in a variety of creative ways. The games are easy to pick up and are especially fun for groups of younger players taking turns on missions or sitting together to brainstorm.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Vader Immortal – Episode 1
This is a must-play for any Star Wars enthusiast in your group. Though more suited for an intimate viewing than a large crowd, Episode 1 offers an engaging experience that’s perfect for immersing fans in the galaxy far, far away.
Available on: Quest
Space Pirate Trainer
A true classic in the wave shooter genre, Space Pirate Trainer sets the bar high with excellent graphics and passionate gameplay suitable for players of all levels. Its straightforward mechanics make it perfect for anyone trying VR for the first time without the need for complex instructions.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Bigscreen Beta
While not a traditional game, Bigscreen Beta can transform your headset into a virtual theater. Ideal for captivating non-gamers, you can set them up with a massive virtual screen to watch live TV or stream content from a connected computer, offering an unintrusive glimpse into VR’s capabilities.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Don’t Miss
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Demeo: While a bit of a time commitment, Demeo brings the joy of a board game to VR. It’s cross-platform and promises extended gameplay that’s worth investing in after the festivities. Available on Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR, Pico.
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Gran Turismo 7 (PSVR 2): A thrilling choice for fans of racing. If you can bring along a steering wheel controller, it’s a fun activity for all ages to enjoy whizzing across renowned speedways. Available on PSVR 2.
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Quest Intro Apps: These are fantastic for easing newcomers into VR with guided experiences like Oculus First Contact and First Steps, contributing to a smoother learning curve.
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Half-Life: Alyx (PC VR): If you’re ready to impress with top-notch VR visuals, setting up a saved game in Half-Life: Alyx will mesmerize any new player. Available on SteamVR.
- Moss 1 & 2: Beloved by platformer fans, these titles require a quieter setting but deliver a rewarding experience for those ready to explore thoroughly. Available on Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR.
Prepare for an unforgettable holiday experience as you introduce one or more of these engaging VR games to friends and family. They offer a variety of ways to connect, laugh, and be amazed by the potential of virtual reality.
