Pack your VR headset because if you’re visiting family this holiday season, there’s a wealth of fantastic games you should introduce to newcomers of all ages.
Despite virtual reality headsets being around for almost ten years now, there are still many who haven’t given it a try—or, worse yet, they tried it once and never experienced some of the amazing VR adventures available on modern devices. There’s an abundance of top-notch games out there, far too many to cover entirely here. But, when you’re gearing up to wow a mixed-age group of VR novices, it’s wise to avoid story-heavy titles or those requiring complex instructions and intricate controls. Regardless of the audience, don’t forget to mirror your headset display to a monitor or TV so everyone can join in the fun!
Walkabout Mini Golf
Walkabout Mini Golf is straightforward and incredibly entertaining. You navigate through spectacular mini-golf courses that range from those inspired by Venice, Italy to many exciting collaborations with the creators of Wallace and Gromit, MYST, Meow Wolf, and more. It’s a delight for everyone, as putters adjust to your height, making it easy to pass along to kids, teens, and adults. Plus, it offers crossplay with the mobile ‘Pocket Edition’ game for added multiplayer enjoyment.
Available On: Quest, PSVR 2, Pico, SteamVR
OhShape
Modeled after the Japanese TV show ‘Hole in the Wall,’ OhShape is a VR rhythm game that gets the whole body moving. Players jig, weave, and leap through walls in time with catchy music. It’s simple to launch and perfect for a good laugh as everyone tries to squeeze through more challenging shapes.
Available On: Quest, SteamVR
Beat Saber
A staple in our holiday recommendations, Beat Saber never disappoints. This block-slicing rhythm game is incredibly compelling and easy to start, making it perfect for first-timers. Yet, it offers enough intricacy to captivate all ages and skill levels. To ensure everyone gets a chance, consider limiting play sessions to 5-15 minutes per person for ample retries and music repeats.
Available On: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Pistol Whip
As engaging as Beat Saber, Pistol Whip trades the blocks for fast-paced shooting, evoking a stylish John Wick action vibe. Its stylized visuals should put any parental concerns about on-screen violence at ease, appealing to older kids, teens, and adults alike.
Available On: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Tentacular
Tentacular brings a humorous twist to VR gaming. You play as a massive, well-meaning tentacled creature just trying to understand its place in the world. While you can solve puzzles or simply cause chaos, it’s ideal for smaller groups and puzzle enthusiasts.
Available On: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
Blaston
Blaston is a dynamic, room-scale dueling game. In a ring, users engage in heated battles, dodging and firing various weapons. It’s great fun online with seasoned players or for anyone in a household with two VR headsets, but even solo play offers an enjoyable AI challenge. It’s easy to grasp, so everyone will soon be eager for their turn.
Available On: Quest, Pico, SteamVR
Puzzling Places
Puzzling Places offers a calming VR experience akin to assembling a traditional puzzle, but with vibrant, realistic miniatures of stunning locations worldwide. It’s perfect for anyone, especially those preferring a calm, seated activity. Though it may not dazzle an entire crowd, it beautifully showcases VR’s fascinating potential, especially to older relatives.
Available On: Quest, PSVR 2
Superhot VR
Superhot VR never gets old. This timeless game brings time-manipulated action with cartoonish violence that won’t ruffle the feathers of any generation. Time slows until you move, allowing for strategic moves and matrix-style dodging, a visual treat as red crystalline foes shatter dramatically.
Available On: Quest, PSVR 1, SteamVR
Wooorld
Imagine Google Earth for VR. Wooorld lets you dive into immersive street views or explore toy-sized 3D cities, sparking nostalgia with a unique immersive twist. It’s perfect for reminiscing trips, homes, or beloved locations, triggering conversations and memories.
Available On: Quest
Racket NX
Racket NX is a great way to get everyone off the couch and burning calories after a big meal. Hit balls across a reactive dome, racking up points and combos in this futuristic sport. It’s ideal for beginners and advanced athletes alike, even allowing competitive play if you have two VR headsets.
Available On: Quest, SteamVR
Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs
Angry Birds jumps into VR with the all-familiar fun, perfect for anyone including kids and adults. Everyone knows the game rules, making it an easy, competitive choice where players aim to blast green piggies with the fewest shots.
Available On: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR
I Expect You to Die Trilogy
The I Expect You to Die games blend wit and challenge perfectly. Invite others to test their cunning in these clever, deadly escape rooms that promise entertaining failures and laughter. Best enjoyed by younger crowds taking turns through the inventive missions.
Available On: Quest, SteamVR
Vader Immortal – Episode 1
Embark on a Star Wars adventure for an hour with Vader Immortal. An absolute must for any Star Wars fan, although it’s best enjoyed alone due to its immersive storytelling. With its brief runtime, the first episode is the most easily accessible.
Available On: Quest
Space Pirate Trainer
Wave shooters remain perennially popular, and Space Pirate Trainer stands out as an approachable, visually captivating option. Although modern shooters are more intricate, this is still an easy pick for giving beginners that WOW experience without intricate instructions.
Available On: Quest, SteamVR
Bigscreen Beta
Though not technically a game, Bigscreen Beta transforms your VR headset into a private theater. This is fantastic for showing non-gaming people the broad use of VR, by immersing them in huge virtual screens to watch TV or movies, both socially and solo.
Available On: Quest, SteamVR
Don’t Miss
Demeo – Engaging the whole family like a classic board game, Demeo requires some instructions but is cross-platform, allowing local matches on PC, console, or iOS. Be ready for an extended session. Available on Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR, Pico.
Gran Turismo 7 (PSVR 2) – Requires a steering wheel controller and offers an immersive racing experience across global tracks, from F1 cars to classic Ferraris—attracting audience of all ages. Available on PSVR 2.
Quest Intro Apps – Programs like Oculus First Contact and First Steps serve as excellent introductions to VR controls and navigation, ideal for smaller engagements rather than large gatherings.
Half-Life: Alyx (PC VR) – Though not easy to share, with specific saves required, this standout visually wows everyone. Available on SteamVR.
Moss 1 & 2 – Platformer fans will love these. Although quieter and less group-oriented, both games shine in an intimate setting. Find them on Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR.
