Top VR Games to Enjoy with Family This Holiday Season

Ready to hit the road this holiday season? Make sure your VR headset is in tow because there are plenty of fantastic games to introduce to friends and family who haven’t experienced the magic of virtual reality yet, regardless of their age.

Though consumer VR headsets have been part of our world for nearly ten years, many folks still haven’t had the chance to dive in—or they might have tried it and missed out on the real gems available in the VR universe today. There’s a vast array of impressive games out there, much more than I can list here. However, when you’re setting up your VR setup for a diverse group of beginners, it might be wise to avoid games with complex storylines or those that need a lot of explaining. Remember to connect your headset to a screen so everyone can join in the fun!

Walkabout Mini Golf

No one will need an introduction to Walkabout Mini Golf. It’s an enjoyable experience where you navigate through breathtaking mini golf courses, from ones inspired by Venice, Italy to famous collaborations with Wallace and Gromit, MYST, and others. The game’s user-friendly design makes it simple to share among kids, teenagers, and adults. Plus, you can play alongside the mobile ‘Pocket Edition,’ enhancing the local multiplayer joy.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, Pico, SteamVR

OhShape

Taking inspiration from ‘Hole in the Wall,’ this rhythmic VR game will have players grooving to music, using their entire body to maneuver through, punch, and avoid walls. It’s straightforward to launch and even more fun to watch your loved ones hilariously attempt the challenging poses.

Available on: Quest, SteamVR

Beat Saber

Beat Saber is a staple on holiday gaming lists for good reason. Its addictive, block-slashing gameplay is incredibly accessible for VR novices and also offers layers of depth to engage players of all skill levels. It’s so much fun that setting a 5 to 15-minute limit per player might be a good idea to allow room for retries and song repeats.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR

Pistol Whip

Equally as captivating as Beat Saber, Pistol Whip swaps the slicing for stylish, rhythmic gunplay à la John Wick. Its stylized action should keep any concerns about violence at bay, appealing broadly from older kids to adults.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR

Tentacular

Prepare for a silly yet entertaining ride with Tentacular. You play a friendly giant tentacle creature solving puzzles or just wreaking havoc for fun. It’s ideal for smaller groups and puzzle enthusiasts, even if it might not suit larger crowds straight away.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR

Blaston

In this free-to-play dueling game, players enter a ring to face off, armed with an assortment of weapons. You can enjoy online battles with experienced players or go head-to-head with AI in single-player mode. It’s an easy pick-up-and-play experience everyone will want a shot at.

Available on: Quest, Pico, SteamVR

Puzzling Places

Bringing the tranquil satisfaction of a jigsaw puzzle into the immersive 3D realm, Puzzling Places showcases stunning miniatures of global landmarks. This game is perfect for anyone, particularly those who enjoy a calm, seated experience. It provides a glimpse of VR’s charm, especially for older family members.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 2

Superhot VR

Time-bending action meets striking visuals in Superhot VR, appealing across generations. With time moving only when you move, it encourages players to plan and execute strategic moves and strikes, delivering an enjoyably shattering experience.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 1, SteamVR

Wooorld

Wooorld brings Google Earth’s fascinating capabilities to VR. Explore 360-degree street views or scrutinize 3D cityscapes, either fully in VR or mixed reality. It’s especially engaging for users keen to revisit past haunts, sparking nostalgic conversations with family.

Available on: Quest

Racket NX

This high-energy VR sport game gets players thwacking balls at a responsive dome to rack up scores and combos. A hit with anyone from kids to adults, it’s even more thrilling if you’ve got two headsets for direct competition.

Available on: Quest, SteamVR

Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs

Everyone’s favorite furious fowls have entered VR! It’s intuitive and easy to pass around, making it ideal for friendly competition as players strategize to topple those pesky pigs efficiently.

Available on: Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR

I Expect You to Die Trilogy

These escape room-style games in VR are both approachable and highly entertaining. Even though failure is frequent, it’s often hilarious to watch, perfect for groups with younger members eager to take turns tackling the various puzzles.

Available on: Quest, SteamVR

Vader Immortal – Episode 1

For Star Wars aficionados, Vader Immortal is not to be missed. An immersive journey into a galaxy far, far away, it’s best for single-player enjoyment but could entertain a group of Let’s Players keen on following along.

Available on: Quest

Space Pirate Trainer

While a classic in VR wave shooters, Space Pirate Trainer remains one of the most visually stunning and accessible options available. No lengthy instructions needed, just pure fun straight away.

Available on: Quest, SteamVR

Bigscreen Beta

Though not a game, Bigscreen Beta transforms VR headsets into private cinema experiences. Set your not-so-gaming-inclined relative up with this, and it could be a revelation, presenting VR as a versatile tool beyond just games.

Available on: Quest, SteamVR

Don’t Miss

• Demeo – Dive into cross-platform tabletop gaming, perfect for an extended session after holiday meals. Available on Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR, Pico.

• Gran Turismo 7 (PSVR 2) – Ready for a racing extravaganza? Add a steering wheel, and you’re set for hours of high-speed fun. Available on PSVR 2.

• Quest Intro Apps – Great primers for VR newcomers to get a feel for the world of VR. Available on various Quest models.

• Half-Life: Alyx (PC VR) – If you can set up a specific save point, this could be your showpiece game, showcasing advanced VR visuals. Available on SteamVR.

• Moss 1 & 2 – Perfect for fans of platformers, though better suited for quieter times. Available on Quest, PSVR 2, SteamVR.