Prepare your VR headset carrier because this holiday season is the perfect time to dazzle your relatives with some incredible VR games, especially for those experiencing virtual reality for the first time.
VR headsets for consumers have been on the market for almost a decade, yet many folks haven’t had the chance to try them. Even worse, some may have missed out on the truly epic games available on the latest VR systems. There’s an abundance of fantastic games, far too many to list here. When showcasing VR to a diverse age group of newcomers, opt for games that don’t heavily rely on complex storylines or require intricate explanations and maneuvers. And remember, display your headset view on a TV or monitor so that everyone can join in and share the spectacle!
Walkabout Mini Golf
Walkabout Mini Golf is a breeze to jump into, offering a delightful journey through extraordinary mini-golf courses. The game’s collection includes holes inspired by Venice, Italy, alongside exciting collaborations with the creators of Wallace and Gromit, MYST, and Meow Wolf. The adjustable putters ensure everyone, from kids to adults, can partake in the fun. Plus, there’s crossplay with the mobile version for added multiplayer enjoyment.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, Pico, SteamVR
OhShape
OhShape takes inspiration from the Japanese show ‘Hole in the Wall’, creating a VR rhythm experience where you dance, punch, and weave through walls to the music’s beat. This game is easily accessible, promising plenty of laughs as players contort their way through increasingly challenging shapes.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Beat Saber
A staple in our holiday suggestions, Beat Saber is irresistible and simple to pick up. Its block-slashing rhythm gameplay offers an ideal introduction to VR while providing enough depth to entertain all ages and skill levels. Aim for playtime around 5 to 15 minutes per person, allowing for retries and song repeats.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Pistol Whip
If you’re a fan of Beat Saber, you’ll love Pistol Whip. Instead of cutting through blocks, you’ll be handling adversaries like a pro in a stylized John Wick fashion. This thrilling game is perfect for older kids, teens, and adults, without causing concern over in-game violence.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Tentacular
Tentacular lets you embody a colossal but benign tentacled creature figuring out its role in the world. You can solve puzzles or simply fling things around. Though better suited for smaller groups, any puzzle lovers in your family will surely appreciate passing this one around.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Blaston
Step into Blaston for a room-scale, free-to-play duel, armed with weapons for evading and shooting. It’s great for competitive online matches, especially if you have two headsets. There’s also a single-player mode for straightforward human vs. AI battles, which everyone will want a shot at.
Available on: Quest, Pico, SteamVR
Puzzling Places
Experience the tranquility of a traditional jigsaw puzzle, enhanced by VR’s immersive qualities with Puzzling Places. It showcases stunning miniature versions of global landmarks, ideal for those who prefer a seated experience. Although it might not astonish a crowd, it’s perfect for demonstrating VR’s charm to older generations. It even includes a mixed-reality mode on Quest.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2
Superhot VR
Though it’s been around for a while, Superhot VR remains a must-try with its unique time-manipulation mechanics. Move to make time flow, designing your attacks and dodges with Matrix-style finesse, providing a satisfying experience as you shatter your crystalline enemies.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 1, SteamVR
Wooorld
Explore Wooorld on Quest, reminiscent of Google Earth, allowing users to wander through 360-degree Street View images or examine 3D city models. It appeals to those with a thirst for nostalgia, perfect for sharing stories and reminiscing about familiar places.
Available on: Quest
Racket NX
Racket NX is an energetic way to burn off those post-holiday meal calories. Use your racket to hit balls at a reactive dome, accumulating points and combos. It’s intuitive for all ages and extra competitive with a second headset for direct score battles.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs
Step into Angry Birds like never before with its VR (or MR for Quest 2/3/Pro) iteration. It’s the same beloved gameplay, accessible to everyone without a tutorial, ensuring fun for all in passing the headset around and aiming for high scores.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
I Expect You to Die Trilogy
The I Expect You to Die games are perfect for engaging groups with their thrilling escape room puzzles. They are excellent for watching and participating, with plenty of inventive ways to meet an untimely in-game demise. These games are particularly engaging for younger crowds to rotate through missions.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Vader Immortal – Episode 1
For the Star Wars enthusiast in your midst, Vader Immortal is a must-experience. Dive deep into a world where the Force is strong for about an hour’s adventure. It’s not quite a crowd game, but for those who enjoy watching, it adds to the experience. This episode is the most inviting, especially for newcomers.
Available on: Quest
Space Pirate Trainer
Although Space Pirate Trainer has been surpassed by newer titles, it’s still a fantastic wave shooter with stellar visuals and straightforward gameplay. Ideal for headsets newcomers, it requires no elaborate setup or explanation.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Bigscreen Beta
Bigscreen isn’t a game, but it’s one of the most revolutionary virtual experiences you can share. Set someone up in front of an immense virtual screen to show them VR’s potential as personal theaters. Whether in solo or social mode, it’s perfect for indulging in live TV or mirrored media.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Don’t Miss
Demeo: An intricate board game suited for those willing to dive into its gameplay, available cross-platform. It’s a commitment but rewarding for groups ready for an enriched, lengthy session.
Gran Turismo 7 (PSVR 2): With a steering wheel, this can absorb your afternoon with thrilling races across global courses, appealing to all ages fascinated by high-speed automotive action.
Quest Intro Apps: Oculus First Contact, First Steps, and First Encounters are ideal for newcomers to the VR space to learn headset basics.
Half-Life: Alyx (PC VR): A bit tricky to demonstrate due to the need for specific save points, but unrivaled if you want to impress with stunning VR visuals.
Moss 1 & 2: These are great for platformer fans and are best enjoyed in a peaceful setting, showing off intricate storytelling and gameplay.
