Grab your VR headset case because you’re in for a treat this holiday season! Whether you’re catching up with family or hanging out with friends, there’s a fantastic selection of virtual reality games perfect for introducing newcomers of every age to the wonders of VR.
Though consumer VR headsets have been around for almost ten years, there are still many who’ve never given it a shot, or they might have tried it once and missed out on today’s incredible games. With so many excellent titles available, you might want to skip complex storytelling or intricate controls when showcasing VR to a mixed-age crowd for the first time. And don’t forget the essential step: mirror your VR headset’s display to a monitor or TV so everyone can join in the fun!
Walkabout Mini Golf
This one’s a no-brainer. Walkabout Mini Golf is as intuitive as it gets, letting you enjoy gorgeous mini-golf courses inspired by Venice and partnerships with Wallace and Gromit, MYST, and Meow Wolf, to name a few. It’s simply a blast to play, with putters that adjust to your height, making it easy for everyone—kids, teens, and adults alike—to join in. Plus, it offers crossplay with the mobile ‘Pocket Edition,’ adding more excitement to local multiplayer sessions.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, Pico, SteamVR
OhShape
Drawing inspiration from the Japanese show ‘Hole in the Wall,’ OhShape is a rhythm game where players groove their bodies to dodge, punch, and glide through moving walls to the beat. It’s a quick setup and sure to have everyone laughing as they navigate the increasingly challenging shapes.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Beat Saber
A staple on every VR enthusiast’s list, Beat Saber is immensely addictive and easy to dive into. This block-slashing rhythm game is an ideal introduction for first-timers, while also captivating VR veterans with its complexity. Limiting each turn to 5-15 minutes keeps the energy high and allows for several rounds of fun.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Pistol Whip
Like Beat Saber, but with a twist! Pistol Whip has you shooting your way through levels with a style that invokes your inner action hero. Despite the gunplay, its stylized visuals are parent-friendly, appealing to older kids, teenagers, and adults.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Tentacular
Enter the world of Tentacular, where you play as a large-hearted tentacled creature exploring its role through puzzles and hilarious chaos. Ideal for smaller groups, this game might not be the first crowd-pleaser, but it’s perfect for those in your company who enjoy a cerebral challenge.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Blaston
For those who love a good duel, Blaston offers a room-scale, competitive shootout arena. Perfect for online matches or single-player AI battles, it provides engaging gameplay that’s easy for anyone to pick up and enjoy.
Available on: Quest, Pico, SteamVR
Puzzling Places
Just like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle, Puzzling Places is a calming experience, enhanced by its realistic miniatures of stunning locations. Aimed at anyone who prefers a quieter, seated game, it might not wow a crowd but demonstrates VR’s unique charm to viewers, especially older family members. Plus, it’s got a mixed reality mode on Quest!
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2
Superhot VR
A classic entry in the VR library, Superhot VR combines tactical planning and satisfying action as time moves only when you do. Its unique gameplay and captivating style make it an all-time favorite, easy for all ages to dive into its Matrix-inspired slow-motion sequences.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 1, SteamVR
Wooorld
Much like a VR version of Google Earth, Wooorld lets you explore 3D cities and 360-degree Street View photospheres in virtual reality. It’s a nostalgic journey perfect for those curious souls eager to venture through familiar streets and distant lands, sparking fascinating conversations.
Available on: Quest
Racket NX
Looking to burn off those holiday calories? Racket NX transforms racket sports into a futuristic VR adventure. Smash points and combos in single player or challenge a friend if you have two headsets, providing an energetic way for players of all ages to get into the action.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs
Everyone knows Angry Birds, but experiencing it in VR (or MR on Quest 2/3/Pro) is a whole new ballgame. It’s addictively simple, making it perfect for everyone to have a crack at toppling those pesky pigs with minimal instruction required.
Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
I Expect You to Die Trilogy
Dive into any of the thrilling I Expect You to Die games. They’re engaging and accessible puzzles that place players in creatively lethal escape rooms. With plenty of opportunities for laughter and mischievous failures, it’s a hit for younger audiences to gather around and solve.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Vader Immortal – Episode 1
Got Star Wars fans in the house? Vader Immortal lets them wield the Force like never before. It’s ideal for someone who can appreciate spending an hour in a galaxy far, far away, engaging in epic storytelling that’s more suited for solo play rather than crowds.
Available on: Quest
Space Pirate Trainer
A staple in wave shooters, Space Pirate Trainer remains an approachable and visually appealing game. Its simplicity makes it the perfect choice for anyone new to VR gaming, offering an experience with minimal explanation needed.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Bigscreen Beta
While not exactly a game, Bigscreen Beta transforms VR into a private cinema experience. Set users up for solo adventures with free live TV or stream your own content, making it an intriguing pick for anyone who enjoys more than just gaming—from catching a movie to vintage TV binge-watching.
Available on: Quest, SteamVR
Don’t Miss
Demeo – Great for board game lovers, although it requires a bit of learning. If you’re keen to tackle this cross-platform tabletop game, pack lunch—it’s a long but satisfying session. Find it on Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR, Pico.
Gran Turismo 7 (PSVR 2) – Hook up a steering wheel and spend hours racing around global speedways. Perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages! Available on PSVR 2.
Quest Intro Apps – For beginners wanting to familiarize themselves with VR controls, these intro apps on Quest provide a gentle introduction rather than a high-energy showcase.
Half-Life: Alyx (PC VR) – Although setting specific save points might be tricky, showing off this visually stunning game is unbeatable for those you really want to impress. Available on SteamVR.
Moss 1 & 2 – With enchanting storylines and intricate gameplay, both Moss games appeal to platformer fans, although they may fare best in a tranquil environment. Available on Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR.
