Prepare your VR headset and gear up for some virtual reality fun—it’s the perfect time to show off an array of fantastic games during your holiday family visits. No matter the age, there’s something out there for everyone to enjoy, especially newcomers to VR.
Although VR headsets have been in the consumer realm for nearly ten years, there are still plenty of individuals who’ve missed out on trying them. Even those who have, might not have experienced the sheer brilliance of modern VR gaming. There’s a wealth of amazing titles that deserve attention, more than we can cover here. However, when introducing a mixed age group to VR for the first time, it’s generally best to avoid complex storylines or games that require extensive explanations. Whatever game you choose, just remember to share the experience by mirroring your headset’s display to a TV or monitor!
Walkabout Mini Golf
Walkabout Mini Golf is straightforward fun, offering miniature golf courses inspired by places like Venice and featuring collaborations with Wallace and Gromit, MYST, and Meow Wolf. The game adjusts the putter’s size based on each player’s height, making it ideal for a diverse group of kids, teens, and adults. Plus, there’s crossplay with the mobile ‘Pocket Edition’ for even more multiplayer excitement.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, Pico, SteamVR
OhShape
Bursting with energy, OhShape takes cues from the Japanese TV show ‘Hole in the Wall.’ It’s a VR rhythm game where you dance, punch, and dodge through walls, all in sync with the music. It’s easy to start and hilarious to watch as everyone tries to groove their way through increasingly tricky moves.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Beat Saber
An eternal favorite, Beat Saber is a block-slashing rhythm game that’s simple to jump into yet challenging enough to captivate players of all ages. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned gamers alike. For the best experience, allocate about 5 to 15 minutes per person to allow for retries and a few tune repetitions.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Pistol Whip
Addicted to Beat Saber? You’ll likely enjoy Pistol Whip too. Instead of swinging sabers to the beat, you’ll be shooting your way through levels with a stylish twist reminiscent of action-packed movies. Its playful approach to violence should appease most parental concerns.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Tentacular
Embrace the whimsy of Tentacular, where you play as a big-hearted, tentacled creature. It’s part puzzle-solving, part comedic chaos, and perfect for smaller groups. It might not be the first choice for a huge crowd, but it’s certainly fun for puzzle enthusiasts.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Blaston
Blaston brings intense dueling action to your living room. In this room-scale game, players dodge and shoot using different weapons. It’s great for virtual combat veterans or households with multiple headsets. Solo mode offers a swift, fun challenge against AI opponents.
Available on: Quest, Pico, SteamVR
Puzzling Places
This game offers a tranquil, immersive experience akin to putting together a classic jigsaw puzzle. You’ll assemble hyper-realistic miniatures of stunning locations around the world. While it may not be a crowd-pleaser, it effectively showcases VR’s calming side, particularly appealing to older relatives.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2
Superhot VR
Superhot VR never gets old. With a unique time-bending mechanic, players get to strategize their every move as they tackle red crystalline foes. Despite its cartoonish portrayal of violence, it remains a family favorite without raising eyebrows.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 1, SteamVR
Wooorld
Wooorld is essentially your VR passport, offering an immersion into 360-degree Street View images and detailed 3D city maps. Perfect for nostalgia-seekers, it allows users to journey across familiar or dreamt-of places, sparking heartfelt conversations.
Available on: Quest
Racket NX
Looking for a post-feast workout? Racket NX has you covered. This futuristic racquetball game sees players hitting balls against a reactive dome, competing for high scores through points and combos. Its pick-up-and-play nature makes it suitable for everyone from children to adults.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs
Dive into a VR world where Angry Birds comes to life in a way everyone understands. The familiar gameplay needs no introduction, encouraging friendly challenges as players try for maximum scores with minimum shots.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
I Expect You to Die Trilogy
Perfect for fans of challenging escape rooms, the I Expect You to Die series dishes out inventive, sometimes comical endings as players work through complex scenarios. Any of the three games is perfect for curious minds and can keep a younger audience amused for hours.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Vader Immortal – Episode 1
Star Wars fans will be thrilled to venture into a galaxy far, far away with Vader Immortal. It’s an excellent introduction to the Force for any budding Jedi in your group, offering an engaging hour in the iconic universe. While not suited for big gatherings, it’s enjoyable for those who love immersive storytelling.
Available on: Quest
Space Pirate Trainer
Waves of enemies await in this accessible VR shooter, Space Pirate Trainer. It’s straightforward yet exciting, making it a perfect pick for those new to VR shooting games, requiring minimal instructions.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Bigscreen Beta
While Bigscreen Beta isn’t a game, it’s a revolutionary experience. Transforming a VR headset into a personal cinema, it can provide a unique opportunity for someone non-gaming inclined. Let relatives pick their favorite shows or movies in a virtual theater or discover the joys of live TV.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Don’t Miss
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Demeo: With cross-platform play, Demeo may require some time investment but offers a highly rewarding gameplay experience. Perfect for a post-meal gaming session with friends and family. Available on Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR, Pico.
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Gran Turismo 7 (PSVR 2): Bringing along a steering wheel can turn your afternoon into an exhilarating racing adventure, suitable for speed enthusiasts of all ages. Available on PSVR 2.
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Quest Intro Apps: First Contact, First Steps, and First Encounters are tailored for novice users eager to understand the basics of VR headsets and controls. Great for smaller, curious groups.
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Half-Life: Alyx (PC VR): Though hard to showcase without the right setup, it remains one of VR’s crown jewels for truly astounding visuals. Available on SteamVR.
- Moss 1 & 2: These beautiful platforming games might require a quieter setting but are truly enchanting for fans of this genre. Available on Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR.
Embrace the opportunity to dive deep into the realms of virtual reality this holiday season, introducing loved ones to experiences that blend immersive technology with unstoppable fun.
