The Best VR Games For Parties

While VR hasn’t necessarily taken the world by storm (as some had hoped), it’s certainly given us some of the most memorable gaming experiences of the last few years. VR is arguably at its best in the RPG genre, but that doesn’t mean it has to be an isolating experience.

There are quite a few VR games out there with asymmetrical gameplay, meaning one player is wearing the VR headset, while everybody else is using the screen; and this can be a fantastic setup for some fun parties. Some of the most creative developers are taking a stab at this genre – here are some of the best VR games for your party.

Updated November 26, 2024 By Matthew Mckeown: As the tech improves and the price comes down, gaining access to a VR headset has become so much easier. They’re affordable, to an extent, and the library of games has expanded substantially from where it used to be just a few years ago.

There’s a game for pretty much everyone, and one particular area that’s proving to be popular are games for big groups or small parties. Quite a number of which allow you to involve multiple people with just one headset. So if you’re looking for something to shake up your next big shindig, then check out our updated list of the best VR games for parties.

Band Space

The Rockband Successor We Deserve

Rock Band may be gone, but the influence it left on the gaming scene is still kicking around. Case in point, Band Space from Smartmelon Games. This Virtual Reality multiplayer game is heavily recommended for your next party and you’ll not regret picking it up.

If you have multiple headsets then you can form a full band, if not then at you can at least take turns on each instrument. Speaking of, there’s a guitar, bass, drums and keyboard all open to try, five arenas to play in and multiple tracks to jam along to. Plus, with Mod.io support integrated into the game you can also bring in your favorite tracks from elsewhere for your next big performance.

Dance Eden

Step, Step, Shimmy, Twirl

If you have the space for a dance floor at your next big event then Dance Eden from DigiEden needs to be at the top of your list. It’s an Early Access VR dancing game that’s looking to steal the title from Just Dance, and it’s doing a pretty good job at that.

For example, Dance Eden is a fully VR experience that allows you to practice routines first in a digital mirror with an instructor or your friends. Plus, there’s plenty of customisation options to put your own twist on your particular dancer. There’s a ton of tracks to pop and lock to, and the game is tuned well enough that it can pick up and track your movements incredibly well. An absolute highlight and a great way to workout, Dance Eden is one worth watching.

Forewarned

Some Tombs Are Best Left Alone

There’s never anything good buried under a pyramid and Forewarned from Dreambyte Games is a spooky indie horror game that just helps to solidify that. This multiplayer co-op game is VR capable and whilst not mandatory, it is recommended.

The premise is simple, you and your friends are a group of archeologists at some Egyptian ruins, there’s a demon to banish below and treasures to “recover for museums”. Those that die join the ranks of the undead and there’s a ton of traps and other hazards that will easily catch you out. So grab a torch, turn on your radio and don’t wander off.

I Expect You To Die

Escaping Evil Geniuses On A Daily Basis

Every great spy movie has a moment where the hero is strapped up to a doomsday device with the villain monologuing off in the background somewhere. I Expect You To Die from Schell Games puts you in that proverbial hotseat with one goal, don’t die.

But that’s easier said than done as a multitude of tricky traps, complex gizmos and other deadly spy craft is being used against you in each scenario. There’s several puzzle rooms to try in this pseudo-escape room style game and with a solid sequel following it, I Expect You To Die is a great series to get into. Always a source of laughs at a party and great for throwing friends into the deep end with some solid puzzles, it’s worth picking up if you want to inject some energetic chaos into your next party.

Loco Dojo

Kung-Fu Minigames Aplenty

Join the chaotic dojo and try to claim a golden headband in Loco Dojo from Make Real. An absolutely chaotic multiplayer game that’s perfect for a party, think Mario Party vibes but in a tongue-in-cheek Kung Fu setting.

The premise is simple, you and some friends visit the Loco Dojo and train with the Grand Sensei in a series of mini-games. Each ones unique and they’re all very weird, wacky and good at getting you out of breath fast. There’s cross-platform play if you want to bring in more, or stick it in solo mode and pass the headset around. Each minigame is a highlight, and it won’t take long for you to find your favorite. A great pick for parties and VR gaming in general, Loco Dojo is a rare must-play VR game.

Davigo

Boss Fight Your Friends

The concept of tiny pc player versus giant floating head that’s another player in VR is something that always does well and Davigo is another in a long line of them. However, it’s possibly the most enjoyable. The idea is simple, either play as the Giant or the Knight and then bash the hell out of each other.

In VR the giant has access to laser blasts, big slam damage when the map is struck and you can grab the Knight or objects in the map to toss. Whereas the Knight has gadgets for maneuverability and unique weapons to damage the Giant. There’s multiple maps and game modes to keep things fresh and gameplay is simple enough that it’s quick for a party to get it up and running.

Multiple Knights can join, whereas there can only be one Giant.

Expansion VR

Starcraft Styled RTS In VR

Real time strategy combat in Virtual Reality can often feel like herding cats in a rom where everythings exploding, but Expansion VR has somehow figured it out. A cartoonishly cute and deep strategy game, Expansion VR from Plazma Studio is great on your own, but even better as a spectator sport.

It’s an Early Access game with a lot of expectations on it, Expansion VR seamlessly transitions you onto the battlefield for either solo fights or PvP if you rig up more PCs and headsets at once. There’s three factions to play as and each unit is unique, so there’s a lot to hit the ground running with. If you ever wished you could play Starcraft in VR, then pick up Expansion.

Air Hockey VR

Who Needs A Table?

A simple game that needs no introduction, Air Hockey VR from Christian Perri does what it says on the tin, it’s Air Hockey. Anyone that’s played on a real table, especially with a group, can tell you how intense and competitive everyone gets when an air puck gets involved.

Play against your friends, others online, or AI if you want to find out who the best pucksmith in the group is. It’s also very cheap, which is great for those on a VR budget that are looking for something simple and satisfying without throwing more money to the wind. Don’t overlook this one.

Balloonatics

Bonkers Ballooning With Your Buddies

Wandering idly as a cloud in a Hot Air Balloon is great and all, but for those of us looking for something a bit more high-powered and explosive, we’ve got Balloonatics. Developed by BitCutter Studios, Balloonatics sticks you in your very own heavily armed Hot Air Balloon.

Built from the ground up with VR and non-VR crossplay in mind, Balloonatics just asks one thing, bring a friend. Up to six players can battle it out in the air against each other, bots or others online. There’s an array of weird, wacky and very sharp edged weapons to try out as well as special abilities to burst everyone else’s bubbles. Highly recommended if you’re looking for something that doesn’t take itself seriously.

Golf It!

The Destroyer Of Friendships

Everyone loves a bit of Mini-Golf. Whether that’s indoors on a plastic turf, or outdoors dodging wild swings and rogue golf balls from other players, it’s always memorable. Now you can do it from the comfort of your own home with your friends thanks to Perfuse Entertainment.

A cross-platform golf game that can be played on VR, PC, consoles and even phones or tablets if you fancy, your guests have no excuse for not joining in at your next party. There’s eight official courses as well as a ton of fan-made ones and the option to make your own devious routes for your mates using the very detailed level editor. An enjoyable experience for all ages, skill levels and non-sober people, Golf It is one of those very rare must-play games.

Security Control

Breaking And Entering With Your Buddies.

An exciting Early Access game that guarantees plenty of giggles, Security Control from Greavette Games is a VR multiplayer game that’ll spice up any night. Available for up to four players at a time, the premise is simple, don’t get caught by Security.

Your objectives are numerous, random and range from the mundane to odd, but you can’t leave without completing your tasks. There’s 10 unique locations and each one has its own weird and fun missions to complete as you and your friends sneak around dimly lit office spaces.

A VR Headset is not mandatory as you can still play Security Control without one as it has PC and VR Crossplay.

Block Buster

Be The Monster!

A VR game from Happy Kamper Pictures that’s simple yet satisfying, Block Buster has you stepping into the shoes of a huge Kaiju and doing what they do best, smashing everything. A light-hearted and cartoonish romp that encourages you to wreck it all, Block Buster is a brilliant pick for parties.

There’s five different monsters to mess around with and they all have their own unique play styles and perks for using them. Plus, there are five cities to stop around, 200 collectible prizes, and a surprisingly deep customization option that lets you build up your own beast. If you want something that’s good for a few short turn-and-burn sessions when you’re friends are visiting, then pick up Block Buster.

A wide play space is heavily encouraged with this game as you’ll be doing a lot of arm swinging and wild grabs.

Rooms of Realities

A Series Of Puzzling Escape Scenarios

Everyone enjoys an Escape Room and what better way to bond with your buddies than by diving into one from the comfort of your own home with Rooms of Realities from Bluekey. Play either solo with a headset and help from friends, or bring a group into the virtual realm for some puzzle-solving shenanigans.

There’s nine different levels with three different scenarios for each that are filled with all sorts of brain teasers, ciphers, unique mechanics, and more that keep you occupied for hours as you try to solve it all and get out. There’s a tale behind each area you’ll be playing in and there’s plenty of lateral thinking to be done.

You can customize what your in-game avatar looks like, plus there’s also crossplay.

Musical Range

Blasting Beats With Rythmic Rounds

A VR rhythm game with a twist, Musical Range from Rockhopper Studios has you firing energy beams into a crowd to complete tracks and blast your beats for your adoring audience. It’s a mix of Beat Sabre and Space Pirate Trainer as you dive around connecting your blasts to the beat.

There are five colorful and brightly neon-lit levels to dance around on and four different instruments to mix and match with if you choose to create your own tunes. From classics to modern songs and even the option to bring in your own music library, Musical Range is guaranteed to get you moving, grooving, and laughing with your friends.

Some of the beats require holding the trigger down to trace a line, so it’s not all target shooting to electronic tracks.

Mini Motor Racing X

The Micro Machines Spiritual Successor We Needed

Micro Machine fans will want to prick their ears up over this one. Mini Motor Racing X from The Binary Mill is a great spiritual sequel to the cult-classic game and there’s plenty of fun to be had here. It’s your standard arcade racing game, but the real fun comes when you introduce VR.

Whilst you can stick with the classic top-down view, you can also instead flip the view to inside, behind or above the car with a comical Mario Kart-esque position or as a towering giant over a tiny Scalextric course. There are 52 tracks including Car Football, career mode, car upgrades, split-screen and crossplay, so you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.

If you’re still not sold on Mini Motor Racing X, there is a free demo on their Steam Page you can try.

Axe Party VR

Toss Axes Without A Care

A simple indie VR game from Zac Strong, Axe Party VR is ideal for groups that like to have a good time indoors. Instead of putting out your back and shoulder tossing a real axe in a relatively safe way, in Axe Party VR you can lob those weightless projectiles however you like.

There are three unique modes to keep things fresh and it can be incredibly satisfying to nail a particularly tricky shot in front of your friends. The main mode has three rounds, five tosses a round and the winner is the one with the most points. Simple and easy to set up and start running.

The other available modes of play are BreakRoom and Axe Hunt.

Rainbow Reactor

Don’t Drop The Ball

A visually overstimulating arcade VR game, Rainbow Reactor will test your reaction speed and your knowledge of color theory. Keep the reactor stable by tossing in balls of goop that are the right corresponding color. Take too long or get it wrong and it’s game over.

Gameplay is simple yet fast-paced with a surprising difficulty curve at times. There are nine levels of difficulty to tinker with, numerous Synthwave tunes banging away in the soundtrack, achievements, and different modes of play. It’s a frantic and funky fun time in Rainbow Reactor.

Meteoric VR

Becoming Earths Biggest Protector

If you’re looking for a VR game for your next big bash that’s low maintenance and easy to get running then check out Meteoric VR. It’s a simple space-based shooter that has you blasting apart meteors and other alien threats that threaten the planet Earth.

Your hands are your blasters and through specific movements and gestures, you can perform bigger and more powerful attacks. There’s a high score to set and if you’re looking for a way to keep fit at home it’s also a great option as it really gets you moving.

There are 180 degrees of movement required whilst playing Meteoric VR. So make sure there’s plenty of room around you.

Smush. TV

Combative, Chaotic Tetris Battles

Billed as a hyper-reactive arcade game, Smush.TV is a brilliant option for a lively night-in with your friends. Those in VR are rendered tiny and have to jump around a massive Tetris-style construction that’s slowly being built by the PC player to try and “smush them”. Those in VR can destroy blocks and teleport around, but it’s only a matter of time.

There are multiple modes including a custom setting for creating absolute chaos and plenty of weapons for the VR players to try and use to survive. To add to the excitement, those on PC can also watch the perspective of the VR headset wearer in real-time as they try to survive.

Local Paper Small Town

A Short Stint Solving A Small Towns Struggles

A two-player VR game with a difference, Local Paper Small Town definitely has a very unique take on what constitutes multiplayer gameplay. The goal is to spread happiness around a strange papercraft town by completing puzzles together both in VR and on a physical newspaper.

The peripheral in question is of course printed out by the players, but on it are various puzzles to fill in as well as clues to solving the in-game virtual mysteries as well. At about an hour long in length, it’s reminiscent of Everybody Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes but at a much lower and chilled out pace. If you’re looking for a unique VR party night then check out Local Paper Small Town.

The physical paper needs to be printed out in order to play, so make sure you have access to a printer or one full of ink at least.

Octo Raid VR

Slicing Up Squid In A Supermarket

If you’re after something cheap, fun, and quick for your party then try out Octo Raid VR. This Early Access cross-platform multiplayer VR game from BLENS is your classic, group of players versus one big boss kind of fair and the resident monster this time around is a giant cartoonish Octopus called Octo.

The big squid’s job is to wreck everything but standing in its way is a team of hunters playing on PC or Mobile. The octopus is massive and can mess with the environment but the Hunters have powerful weapons and unique gadgets to give them a winning edge. It’s bright, has a lot of arcade style and it’s always fun to grab and throw someone as the Octopus.

Octo can move around quite quickly as all the VR player has to do is reach out and grab a pylon. The arena is quite small so it can cover ground faster than you think.

Traffic Jams

Bringing ChaosTo Every Crosswalk

A weird and rather wacky game from the Little Chicken Game Company, Traffic Jams is a chaotic game that has you playing as a crossing guard on a busy intersection. However, it’s not just traffic jams that you’ll be dealing with out there on those busy streets.

Unnatural events like zombies flooding the streets, falling meteorites, and more will start appearing and it’s up to you to toss them out of the way and keep that traffic flowing. Plus, up to four non-VR players can join in on their phones to toss more cars, monsters, and other hazards your way.

Astro Heist

How Well Can You Blend In?

Most asymmetrical VR games involve some form of pretending to be a walking NPC in a crowd, Astro Heist took that idea and gave it their own spacious spin. Here non-VR players play as pilots who need to navigate through busy space outposts whilst stealing certain objects.

The VR headset wearer plays the Watcher who has to observe the various ships and then send out Police Sqauds to catch and interrogate pilots. Or they can set up traps and other barriers to slow down the pesky pilots. It’s a gaze-oriented game, so it’s accessible to a lot of people and though it’s in Early Access, it’s making a lot of good moves.

Puppet Fever

Putting On Pantomine Productions For Your Pals

Find out who the creative or chaotic ones are in your friend group with Puppet Fever from Coastalbyte Games. Perfect for passing around the VR headset, the goal of the game is to put on your own puppet production using a massive list of puppet characters, items, and all sorts of attachments and prompts to get you started.

Don’t let its Early Access badge fool you, Puppet Fever has over 500 prompts, two game modes to mess around with, 15 different categories of story ideas, and hundreds upon hundreds of items to customize your characters with. Referred to as a ‘Hot-Seat’ game, it doesn’t take long for the laughter to start when you play Puppet Fever.

Puppet Fever is very improv-heavy, but it does help with prompts for those who might be struggling to come up with ideas.

Potato Party: Hash It Out

Essentially Pictionary but in VR and scaled up somewhat, Potato Party: Has It Out is a good game for a large group that’s playing locally in a party or online. There are two roles, artist and audience with up to eight players at once being able to enjoy the artistic chaos in VR or on mobile.

The artist has to draw an object in three dimensions using reshapable models, standard shapes, or paint and an easel and it’s up to the audience to guess what’s being created. The first one to get it right wins a point, it’s that simple. There’s no end to the types of creative anarchy you can get up to in this game, so if you fancy something fun that will get people talking then try this one out.

The mobile app for Potato Party: Hash It Out is free to use, just make sure you’re connected to a wireless network as data charges may apply.

Panoptic

Taking On The Viewpoint Of A Local Diety

An asymmetrical game that’s guaranteed to get some laughs. Panoptic is one of the ever-popular types of VR titles that puts one person in the shoes of the local giant Overseer, whilst the other players run around as nimble, tiny Challengers below. Developed by Team Panoptes, their approach is more streamlined than other games, but it’s just as enjoyable.

The goal of the game is simple: Non-VR players control small puppet people, whilst the one in the headset has to find them. But it’s not as easy as it sounds as there are plenty of ways for the puppet players to hide. Whether that’s blending in with NPC crowds, or using the odd architecture as a hiding hole. It’s a relatively low-cost game, so it’s perfect for parties that are on a tight budget.

VR Giants

Attack Your Titanic Friends

A charming local co-op VR game that’s perfect for two friends looking to try out their teamwork skills. In VR Giants, one person takes control of a tiny hero that has to progress through the level through platforming. But there’s a catch, they’re going to need a lot of help.

This is where the VR headset player comes in, they play as a massive stone giant. This towering titan can pick up and manipulate objects in the area to create bridges, help solve puzzles, or just carry their easily squashable friend through tough or tricky spots. There are unlockable cosmetics for the giant and there’s plenty of variety in the level design to keep things fresh as the two of you go on a grand adventure.

Don’t be scared to use physical objects to fling the hero. Often it will help you solve tricky situations a lot easier.

Boss Fighters

When Your Buddy Is The Boss Fight

Become the boss fight for your friends in Boss Fighters from Pixward Games. Channeling charming cartoon monster of the week energy, one player is the titular Boss, whilst the others run around as one of many zany hero characters. The monster has to smash the city and kill the heroes using its large limbs, odd attacks, and objects in the environment as make-shift projectiles.

The other team gets to utilize a bunch of characters called the Rowdies who have access to powerful weapons and jet packs to help them scoot around the small arena and avoid the big attacks of the resident monster. It’s still relatively early days for the game so there’s not a ton of variety, but it’s free to play and the developers are pretty active with their patches and road map.

Escape From Mandrilla

Beware The Big Monkeys

It’s monkey madness aplenty in Escape From Mandrilla by German Bandera. It’s an Early-Access game that’s a little rough around the edges, it still has a lot of charm. Teams are, of course, asymmetrical, but this time it’s the VR headset wearer that’s in for a tough and terrifying time. Those playing in virtual reality have to run around in a first-person POV, whilst the other team gets to rumble around in an over-the-shoulder view of a large, and very angry, Mandril.

The solo player will have to craft items, weapons, and survival gear whilst trying to escape the agitated ape-filled labs. The Mandril team has their own abilities, relatively high speed, and are able to quickly swarm the escapee with swiping, snarling simian fury. There’s a bucket load of customization options for matches and it’s genuinely unsettling seeing those Mandrills burst out of the darkness. So if you enjoy a good VR scare then check this one out.

Escape From Mandrilla is a little rough around the edges, but it’s still regularly updated with new mechanics and better models.

Carly And The Reaperman

Being Best Friends With Death

A cute VR platformer that requires a lot of teamwork, Carly and The Reaperman: Escape From The Underworld from Odd Raven Studios is great for small groups that are looking for something that’s fairly low-stakes yet still utterly charming. You and a friend play as the titular duo as you solve puzzles and cross dangerous obstacles on your way to escaping the dark and shadow-filled lands of the dead.

There are over 50 levels to clear so you’ll have plenty to sink your teeth into and though it’s mainly a local co-op game, it is compatible with Parsec so you can pull in an online friend. The resident Reaper comes with a lot of adorable cosmetics, which let you put your own style on that grinning skull of his. Plus, the game is low cost so you’re getting your money’s worth for your fun.

The Diner Duo

Gaining A Gig As A Grill Guru

Run a robotic diner with your friends in Diner Duo from Whirlybird Games. This chaotic co-op game brings out the best in parties as groups work together to manage a diner, finish orders, and send those paying customers home happy.

The local VR headset wearer sits behind the grill and it’s their job to fulfill requests at this easy-to-spot eatery, and it can get quite tricky as orders start to ramp up in complexity and volume. To help you out, your friends take the role of waitstaff, zipping around the restaurant taking orders, then bringing the meals to their pleased patrons. It’s a fun and high-energy game that relies heavily on your ability to work as a team. If you want to flex your culinary skills, try Diner Duo.

Communication is key in this game, so make sure your group is talking a lot otherwise, you’ll get swamped with orders fast.

Late For Work

Huge Pileup Caused By Giant Ape

Show the world that King Kong has got nothing on you by tearing apart a tiny town in Late For Work from Salmi Games. This simple VR game is perfect for parties and no doubt it’ll start some friendly and competitive arguments amongst your mates.

One player takes the role of a giant Gorilla stomping down the streets of a sleepy burg, whilst four others team up to take the oversized ape down. That’s managed through the use of tanks, jets, and other military vehicles that are piloted around by the non-VR players. With additional modes such as Hide-and-Seek, Deathmatch, Ape Escape, and much more, there’s a lot of cathartic co-op carnage you can cause in Late For Work.

Operation Armstrong

Clandestine Cooperation With Your Crew

A VR party game you can play along with on your phone, Operation Armstrong from Fullbeans Studio is an asymmetric stealth game with a twist. Everyone is working together instead of teaming up to take down the resident big bad.

As part of an elite infiltration team, your goal is to infiltrate enemy outposts and eventually stop the moon from crashing into Earth. The VR headset wearer physically sneaks around each installation, whilst their cohorts on cellphones hack into the base’s security systems. Overriding CCTV cameras, warning of guard patrols and generally helping the infiltrator get through the highly secure stations in one piece. With plenty of missions to grind through and no limit to the number of phone players that can join in, Operation Armstrong is a great party piece for big groups.

Because there is no limit on support crew members, you can breeze through some solid sections with a big enough group of friends messing with security systems.

Do U Copy?

Breaking The Bank With Your Buddies

Become a Master Thief and break into a highly secure Bank Vault in Do U Copy by Freaks United. This cutesy asymmetrical Indie game tasks you and your friends with the goal of ripping off big banks for even bigger rewards. But not every heist is going to be a walk in the park.

There are guards, cameras, laser grids, and more blocking your progress and only a communicative team is going to get through. Speaking of, VR players take control of the Thief, whilst mobile players using a special app take the role of the Hackers that can take down or interfere with the Vaults defenses. Puzzles and Banks are randomly generated, so you’ll never encounter the same set of security countermeasures twice. Perfect for those looking for a long night of puzzle-solving and frantic yelling.

Wacktory

Packing Parcels With Cannons

If you’ve ever wanted to experience how chaotic a delivery depot can be, then Wacktory is for you. This colorful and cartoonishly delightful VR indie game from a small group of devs is a godsend for parties that need some extra excitement.

This co-op game puts teamwork front and center as both VR and non-VR players need to work together to fulfill delivery orders and stack parcels in their corresponding vans. It can descend into anarchy fast, but the gameplay loop is simple and enjoyable enough to keep you pushing for those high scores and completed challenges. Plus, it’s free to play.

Takelings House Party

It’s Like The Borrowers, But More Violent

Takelings House Party is the perfect VR game for your party. One person dons the headset while the others go on their phones – which lets be honest, everyone is already doing anyway. Those on mobile devices will take on the role of the Takelings and must do as much damage to their surroundings as possible. The headset user will play as Hal, and must use VR to get rid of these pesky pests.

Takelings House Party is the best kind of party VR game as it really includes as many people as possible. Up to eight players can control Takelings via their phones with an additional player controlling Hal. The fact that you’ll see the game play out from a range of different perspectives is incredibly fun and adds a lot of replay value too.

Resident Evil 7 Biohazard VR

Spooky Escapades In The Swamplands

While Resident Evil 7 Biohazard VR may not allow a whole group of people to play at one time – although imagine how fun that would be – it is nevertheless probably the best game to whip out during a party. Pop the headset on an unsuspecting friend – preferably without telling them what they’ll be playing – and watch as the terror sets in.

Really, Resident Evil 7 Biohazard VR is a great way to test how strong your friendships are. If you’re the one with the headset on and all your friends leave the room or tap you as you’re walking through that horrifyingly creepy house, then maybe look for new friends. In all seriousness though, there’s nothing quite like sharing in the painful yet thrilling experience of being scared.

It’s highly recommended to check out the DLC of Resident Evil 7 as it’s a great send-off to the game and expands on a few story beats that were left out in the main story.

Acron: Attack Of The Squirrels!

When Nature Attacks

Like Takelings House Party, Acron: Attack of the Squirrels! is played both via mobile devices and a VR headset. The person with the VR headset on controls a tree, and it’s their job to defend their sacred golden acorns at all costs. Meanwhile, those on their phones control a range of different squirrel-based characters from a third-person perspective and must steal those acorns.

Acron: Attack of the Squirrels! is just so much fun. Picking up squirrels as a tree simply never gets old, and the range of abilities that you can use as either side adds a lot of strategy. It’s essentially Capture the Flag, only in VR and as a squirrel. Seriously, what’s not to love?

Beat Saber

Slicing Shapes With Laser Swords

Beat Saber is a VR rhythm game where players are tasked with slicing a series of blocks with a pair of colored sabers in time to the music. It was released for the PlayStation 4 and PC in 2019 and works across a variety of virtual reality headsets.

It scored a nomination for the Best VR/AR Game at The Game Awards in 2018 (while it was still in early access on Steam), an award it eventually won in 2019 after the full game’s release.

The catalog of custom songs in Beat Saber is absolutely gigantic. So don’t just stick to the song list in the base game, there’s a lot of fantastic custom-made downloadable tracks to try out.

Werewolves Within

There’s A Traitor Among Us

Developed by Red Storm Entertainment and published by Ubisoft, Werewolves Within is a multiplayer horror game released in 2016. It is loosely based on the popular hidden role game, Mafia, and as such, has a group of players trying to guess who amongst them is the titular werewolf in disguise.

The game was notably adapted into a film in 2021 starring Sam Richardson which was well received by critics and moviegoers alike.

Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes

Get Ready For Lots Of Yelling

In Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes. One player will wear the VR headset, putting themselves inside a room with a bomb in front of them. The timer counts down, and the job of the person in the VR headset is, obviously, to defuse the bomb. The only problem being they have no idea how to do that.

Everybody outside a VR headset has the 23-page bomb-defusing manual, but they can’t see the bomb. The person facing the bomb has to describe what they see, and the players with the manual need to carefully guide the player in VR. Think of it like an action movie, where an average Joe has to defuse a bomb with over-the-phone directions from an expert, which in this case is your friends.

The defusing manual has to be printed out beforehand, so make sure you have enough ink or access to a printer.

The Playroom VR

Minigames With A Massive Monster

Convince your friends to bring some extra PS4 controllers, because The Playroom VR is a title that has a wide variety of mini-games to play. Some support five players, others can have as many as you’d like.

There’s a ghost problem that needs solving, there’s a kitchen full of mice that need catching, there’s a monster loose on the streets, and a lot more. There’s a ton of potential with this game, a huge amount of replay value, and it would be an absolute blast with a roomful of friends.

Black Hat Cooperative

You’re sitting in your cubicle when a call comes over the phone. “Hello, Neo,” says a voice… Okay, maybe not, but it’s still pretty similar. In Black Hat Cooperative, you and a friend are tasked with escaping a building chock-full of robots with murder on the mind in this sci-fi horror indie game. The player in the VR headset is the one trying to escape, with the VR view actually putting them in the building. The player watching the television/monitor has a birds-eye view, like a map, where they can see the entire layout of the building, as well as any objects and enemies within.

The aim is to direct the player in VR out of the building safely. While this is only a two-player game, it’s loads of fun to watch others play, and you can easily take turns each time someone succeeds or, possibly more likely, fails.

Ruckus Ridge

Asymmetric Hide And Seek

In Ruckus Ridge, the player wearing the VR headset has the delightful job of shooting their friends with some sort of alien blaster. The VR player is in the middle of the map while everybody else has a top-down view of the map and their character. They can see exactly where the VR player is looking, and they need to stay alive until the time runs out.

It’s a simple premise, with some pretty fun results, especially if players get competitive.

Mass Exodus

Breaking Out Of The Big Bad Factory

If you haven’t had enough of hunting down your friends after Ruckus Ridge, then give Mass Exodus a try. Set in a future android factory, the VR player plays as a giant android in the center of the factory. All around you are a ton of other small androids, going about their business working in the factory.

Or are they? It turns out, some of them are your friends trying to sabotage you. Pick your friends out of the general mess of other innocent androids, and your job is complete. If you can’t take them out before they finish their own job, then it’s time to update the resume.

Hide And Spook

A Hauntingly Good Time Terrorizing Each Other

A lonely alchemist goes about their work. Suddenly, a candle blows out beside them. A strange wisp passes through their vision… Too many fumes? No. Your laboratory seems to have a ghost problem.

In Hide and Spook, the VR wielder plays as the alchemist, while the other two players use the Vive motion controllers playing as the terrifying ghosts. The goal of the ghosts is to extinguish all the candles in the room. But if the alchemist gets a good look at you, you’re finished. Keep moving and stay quiet, and you might stand a chance. The laboratory scales to the actual size of your play space, so no matter the size of your room, the game adjusts to your needs.

Because this game involves three people moving around each other, you’re going to end up with accidents, so be careful.

Blue Effect VR

Stay In The Light

Blue Effect VR has more to offer than the local multiplayer Hide-and-Seek mode, but the Hide-and-Seek is definitely worth checking out. One player wears the VR headset and must simply survive against the enemies. One of those enemies? It’s your friend standing next to you.

Surprisingly scary, the task of the VR player is not for the faint of heart. But if you can handle the pressure, it’s definitely a fun experience worth having. That’s not to say that the player outside of VR isn’t having fun, too. Who doesn’t love to scare their friends?

Eye In The Sky

Solving Perspective Puzzles With Your Pals

Eye in the Sky is another two-player game, where the player in the VR headset and the player using a traditional screen are working together. Both players have different perspectives and need to work together to solve puzzles.

This game has a cool variety of aesthetics and can make for a fun night of problem-solving.

Schlocks

Warioware Madness In VR

Schlocks has 100+ minigames for you and your friends to compete against each other in. With each and every game having a time limit of ten seconds, you’ll need to work fast to get the hang of the game and beat your friend’s score, lest you be subjected to some brutal smack-talk as you pull off the VR headset.

This game is still in early access, but it’s continually adding more and more minigames. The current total is over 100, but they’re still finding more Wario-Ware-esque activities to shove in there for VR party chaos.

Try not to overthink some of the games, they’re a lot simpler and easier than you might think.

The Take

Competitive Item Hiding

The Take is a hot-seat-style VR game, where two players take turns. Each player is a spy, and the first player’s objective is to hide a folder of classified intel somewhere in a stronghold, as well as set up some traps. The second player is supposed to find the hidden intel while avoiding the traps.

There’s a lot of replay value in this one, taking into consideration the size of the stronghold, the variety of traps, and the limits of your ingenuity.