Top VR Games to Enjoy with Family This Holiday Season

Grab your VR headset case and gear up for some holiday magic. If you’re planning on visiting family, you’ll definitely want to showcase some truly incredible VR experiences to those who haven’t yet dived into the virtual realm.

While consumer VR headsets have been around for almost ten years, many folks still haven’t experienced what modern VR games offer. Some might have tried them once but missed out on the stunning titles now available on today’s headsets.

A vast array of fantastic games is out there — far too many to name them all here. But when introducing VR to a mixed-age crowd of beginners, it’s wise to steer clear of intricate storylines or games that demand elaborate explanations and complicated movement controls. Remember to share the fun by projecting the VR experience onto a monitor or TV so everyone can watch!

Walkabout Mini Golf

This one’s a no-brainer! Walkabout Mini Golf hardly needs an intro. Dive into an amazing world of mini-golf courses inspired by fantastic places like Venice, Italy, along with collaborative designs featuring Wallace and Gromit, MYST, and Meow Wolf. The game’s adjustable putters mean everyone from kids to adults can join in. Plus, it supports crossplay with a mobile ‘Pocket Edition’, making local multiplayer a blast.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, Pico, SteamVR

OhShape

Inspired by the wacky Japanese TV show ‘Hole in the Wall’, OhShape is a VR rhythm sensation that has players grooving, ducking, and dodging to the music. It’s perfect for some laugh-out-loud moments as everyone attempts to ballet through the challenging shapes.

Available on: Quest, SteamVR

Beat Saber

Beat Saber consistently makes the holiday cut and for good reason. This rhythm game’s block-slashing action is addictive and easy to grasp, providing an excellent VR starting point for newcomers. It offers just enough depth to keep players of all ages engaged. Generally, sessions of 5 to 15 minutes per person work great, allowing for retries and song replays.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR

Pistol Whip

As addictive as Beat Saber, Pistol Whip lets you channel your inner action hero, delivering swift, stylized shooting thrills. It’s likely to please teens and adults, and should ease any worries about on-screen violence due to its artistic flair.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR

Tentacular

Tentacular is as whimsical as it appears. You’re a massive, yet gentle tentacled creature tasked with solving puzzles or simply causing delightful chaos. Ideal for smaller groups and especially loved by puzzle fans, it’s maybe not the top choice for a crowdy room but a delightful one nonetheless.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR

Blaston

Step into the ring in Blaston for an adrenaline-pumping, room-scale duel that demands shooting and dodging prowess. Online matches are great for VR enthusiasts with multiple headsets, yet it also offers a single-player mode for some fast and entertaining AI battles. This is sure to have everyone eager for their turn.

Available on: Quest, Pico, SteamVR

Puzzling Places

This game offers a calming puzzle experience akin to a 2D jigsaw, but far more captivating with its stunningly realistic 3D miniatures of global landmarks. Great for anyone, especially those who prefer to enjoy the scenery seated and relaxed. While it might not wow a crowd, it showcases VR’s neat side to older family members with ease, thanks to its mixed reality mode.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 2

Superhot VR

Timeless and thrilling, Superhot VR introduces a bit of lighthearted cartoon violence that’s unlikely to raise eyebrows among the elders. The key is its time mechanics — time moves only when you do, facilitating strategic action sequences as you weave through adversaries, causing them to shatter in the most satisfying way.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 1, SteamVR

Wooorld

Wooorld is like stepping into Google Earth with your Quest. Navigate immersive 360-degree Street View panoramas or admire 3D cityscapes in both virtual and mixed reality modes. Perfect for those seeking nostalgia, it lets you visit places from your past and sparks conversations rich with stories.

Available on: Quest

Racket NX

Racket NX might be just the remedy for post-feast inertia. Smashing balls around a reactive dome to score points offers a futuristic racketsport experience that’s accessible for everyone, from young ones to squash veterans. Competitive high score battles are a thrill with multiple headsets.

Available on: Quest, SteamVR

Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs

Everyone knows Angry Birds, and this VR version makes it intuitive for anyone. With no need for a tutorial, it’s easy to hand off as you challenge loved ones to topple those pesky green pigs with the fewest shots possible.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR

I Expect You to Die Trilogy

This trilogy offers approachable, engaging gameplay perfect for delighting onlookers with comical VR fails. In this series of deadly escape rooms, players are hilariously outwitted at every turn. Ideal for the younger crowd looking to sneak in some team missions.

Available on: Quest, SteamVR

Vader Immortal – Episode 1

If you’ve got a Star Wars enthusiast in the house, this one’s unmissable. Give your young Jedi a journey through the galaxy with an hour-long session of immersive storytelling. It’s not designed for crowds, but a group of Let’s Play fans might enjoy watching the epic adventure unfold.

Available on: Quest

Space Pirate Trainer

Though it’s a wave shooter at heart, Space Pirate Trainer remains incredibly approachable and visually impressive. It might not dive as deep as other games today, but it’s perfect for slap-on sessions without elaborate briefings.

Available on: Quest, SteamVR

Bigscreen Beta

Not technically a game, Bigscreen Beta transforms VR by providing a massive virtual theater experience that can be revelatory for non-gamers. You can personalize the experience, letting someone browse live TV in solo mode or mirror content from a PC for an immersive viewing session.

Available on: Quest, SteamVR

Don’t Miss

• Demeo: A cross-platform tabletop game perfect for those who love board games. Plan for a comprehensive tutorial before diving into a fulfilling post-meal session. Available on Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR, Pico.

• Gran Turismo 7 (PSVR 2): With a steering wheel in tow, racing enthusiasts can spend the day zipping through global race tracks, enjoying everything from F1 to classic Ferraris. Available on PSVR 2.

• Quest Intro Apps: Oculus First Contact, First Steps, and First Encounters (Quest 3) offer newcomers a gentle introduction to VR and its controls, suitable for smaller gatherings.

• Half-Life: Alyx (PC VR): Challenging to set up, but it’s the go-to for impressing anyone with VR’s top-tier visuals. Available on SteamVR.

• Moss 1 & 2: These games cater to platformer fans, providing a quiet yet captivating experience, ideal for intimate settings. Available on Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR.