Top VR Games to Enjoy with Family This Holiday Season

Dust off your VR headset and pack it up because the holiday season is upon us, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to introduce family members to the magic of virtual reality. If you’re visiting family and friends, you’ll want to showcase a variety of VR games that both the young and old can enjoy, especially those who are new to VR wonders.

Despite VR technology being around for almost a decade, many folks still haven’t experienced it. Worse yet, some might have tried it once and missed out on the incredible array of games now available on modern headsets. Obviously, there’s a plethora of games out there, far too many to mention here. However, if you’re gearing up to introduce VR to a wide-ranging group with varying ages, it’s best to select games that are straightforward with minimal need for lengthy explanations or complex controls. And don’t forget to connect your VR display to a monitor or TV so everyone can enjoy the view together!

Walkabout Mini Golf

Walkabout Mini Golf is one game that doesn’t require much of an introduction. Simply embark on putting your way through some fantastic mini-golf courses inspired by various themes, such as Venice, Italy. The game also features collaborations with creators of Wallace and Gromit, MYST, and Meow Wolf, offering even more fun. The beauty of this game is its inclusivity; the putters automatically resize to fit each player, making it accessible for kids, teens, and adults alike. Plus, with crossplay available with the mobile ‘Pocket Edition,’ local multiplayer fun is just around the corner.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, Pico, SteamVR

OhShape

Inspired by the quirky Japanese show ‘Hole in the Wall,’ OhShape merges rhythm and VR, encouraging players to dance, punch, and dodge through oncoming walls in time with the music. It’s a delightfully entertaining game that is sure to elicit laughs as everyone tries to fit through increasingly tricky shapes.

Available on: Quest, SteamVR

Beat Saber

Beat Saber is a staple in holiday gaming discussions—and for good reason. This rhythm-based game where you slash blocks to music is as engaging as it is easy to pick up, making it perfect for VR newcomers. Its depth ensures it remains appealing to people across all ages and skills. Recommend short play sessions of 5-15 minutes to keep the flow going with some retries along the way.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR

Pistol Whip

Equally as captivating as Beat Saber, Pistol Whip involves shooting enemies in sync with the music, delivering a John Wick-style experience. Its stylized depiction keeps any potential concerns about on-screen violence at bay, making it a hit for older kids, teens, and adults.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR

Tentacular

Tentacular is as whimsically chaotic as it sounds. You stand as a giant, friendly tentacled creature trying to find its way in the world, from solving puzzles to simply thrashing things around. This game is ideal for smaller groups and might not immediately grab attention as a crowd favorite but surely entertains puzzle enthusiasts.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR

Blaston

Blaston is a dynamic, room-scale dueling game, perfect for competitive spirits as players dodge and shoot in a VR arena. Online matches offer loads of fun, and with two headsets, the excitement doubles. For those looking for solo enjoyment, there’s always the player-versus-AI mode. It’s straightforward and accessible, almost everyone will be itching to have a go.

Available on: Quest, Pico, SteamVR

Puzzling Places

For those who enjoy a laid-back gaming experience, Puzzling Places offers all the tranquility of a traditional jigsaw puzzle, but in a strikingly immersive 3D format. This calming game is beautifully designed to depict realistic miniatures of scenic locales worldwide. It caters particularly well to individuals who prefer playing seated and still, offering a serene glimpse into the neatness of VR technology.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 2

Superhot VR

Superhot VR blends engaging cartoon violence with strategic gameplay. In a world where time moves as you do, you can plot your punches and shots against crystalline foes itching to be shattered. Its unique style ensures it appeals to a broad audience, without ruffling too many feathers.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 1, SteamVR

Wooorld

Consider Wooorld the VR equivalent of Google Earth, a stunning exploration tool on Quest. With its immersive 360-degree Street View and map of 3D cities, it’s perfect for anyone yearning for nostalgia, allowing you to traverse familiar streets and spark endless conversations.

Available on: Quest

Racket NX

Engage in a futuristic racket sport with Racket NX, ideal for shedding those holiday calories. You play by hitting balls against a reactive dome to score points and earn combos. Easy enough to pick up for players of all ages and even better if you have two headsets for friendly competition.

Available on: Quest, SteamVR

Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs

Angry Birds leaps into VR, offering intuitive gameplay we all know and love. There’s no need for lengthy instructions here; players can immediately dive into launching those feisty avians at the notorious green pigs, all while challenging others to achieve high scores.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR

I Expect You to Die Trilogy

The I Expect You to Die games offer engaging and approachable VR challenges where escapade enthusiasts face the perilous fun of virtual escape rooms. It’s great for a good laugh over the ingenious traps that can ‘take out’ players, making it particularly enjoyable for younger ones who are keen to solve riddles and tackle missions in turns.

Available on: Quest, SteamVR

Vader Immortal – Episode 1

For that Star Wars fan in your life, Vader Immortal offers an escape into a galaxy far, far away where lightsaber duels await. Although it’s not the best for big group settings, it’s excellent for individual experiences, especially those fond of role-playing in intergalactic adventures.

Available on: Quest

Space Pirate Trainer

Space Pirate Trainer keeps things simple without sacrificing excitement, offering a classic wave shooter that entertains easily without the need for much explanation. It’s perfect for first-timers to quickly dive into an action-packed VR experience.

Available on: Quest, SteamVR

Bigscreen Beta

Though not a game, Bigscreen Beta transforms your VR headset into a personal cinema. Perfect for non-gamers, it can be a revelation to sit them down in front of a gigantic, virtual screen—complete with social or solo viewing options. Let them explore live TV or connect to a computer to access a vast array of content.

Available on: Quest, SteamVR

Don’t Miss

Demeo – A cross-platform board game experience, offering engaging and lengthy gameplay sessions.
Gran Turismo 7 (PSVR 2) – Rev up with a racing wheel controller for thrilling drives through iconic speedways.
Quest Intro Apps – Ideal for beginners to familiarize themselves with VR controls in a low-pressure setting.
Half-Life: Alyx (PC VR) – A visual standout sure to awe, although specific save points are recommended for showing it off.
Moss 1 & 2 – Both games appeal wonderfully to fans of platformers, perfect for smaller, focused group settings.

With a variety of engaging titles to try, this holiday season is a fantastic time to showcase just how captivating virtual reality can be for everyone, no matter their level of experience.