If you’re a first-time user of Oculus Quest (or the Meta Quest 2 as it’s now known), you might want to get your hands on some new games but don’t know how. The headset comes with several free demos, but they’re not the full experience.
If that’s the case, this article has got you covered. We can help you get games from two primary sources, including the Oculus Store. Read on for more details.
The Meta Quest 2 comes with some free games preinstalled, including:
- Bait!
- Rec Room
- Epic Roller Coasters
- Various game demo versions
- Gorilla Tag
As these titles tend to be simple games or apps, the developers wanted them to be your first experiences with VR. They help you grow accustomed to a different gaming platform, which is more immersive than playing on a monitor.
Oculus Store
The Oculus Store is for gamers who prefer storing games on the headset itself. Some games were released on the Oculus Store and Steam since the latter is prevalent across the gaming community. However, you can also find exclusives on the former service.
Oculus Store exclusives are only available in the headset’s store, and you’ll need to purchase them this way.
- Turn your Quest 2 on.
- Head to the universal menu by pressing the Oculus button.
- Look for the Oculus Store.
- Find the game you want.
- Get and download it.
- Wait for it to install.
- Launch the game.
Alternatively, logging in to your Meta Quest account on a mobile device also works.
- Open the Oculus App on your smartphone.
- Go to the Oculus Store.
- Search for a game you want to get.
- Pay for it before the game starts downloading on your headset.
- Get your Quest 2 headset.
- Wait for the game to install.
- Start playing.
Sometimes, the game won’t download or install immediately. You can go to the library and select the “Not Installed” section to see if that’s the case. It’s then just a simple matter of installing the game from that menu.
Of the two methods, we recommend using the mobile app for purchases. The main reason being you have to input your payment method on the Quest 2 every time. As your mobile device can remember previous cards, you’ll find it a more convenient experience.
Many VR games on the Oculus Store have a free demo that you can download. It’s only a fraction of the whole experience, but you can see if the title aligns with your gaming tastes.
Below is a list of some exclusives:
- From Other Suns
- Lone Echo
- Damaged Core
- Lies Beneath
- Raccoon Lagoon
- Journey of the Gods
- Rock Band VR
- Robo Recall
- The Climb
Since they’re developed for the Quest 2, everything is optimized for the perfect VR experience. VR headsets run first-person shooters brilliantly and offer a unique gaming style that many gamers enjoy.
Getting Games on Steam
The next source for VR games is Steam. Steam VR games include paid and free titles, so you have many options to choose from. Some games on the Oculus Store can also be purchased on Steam, but you won’t be able to install them on your headset that way.
Instead, you’ll install them on your PC. It’s better to do this because some of the more demanding titles require a higher-end gaming rig to run smoothly.
There are also two main ways to play Steam VR games on your Meta Quest 2. You can connect the headset to the computer with a USB-C wire or through Oculus Air Link. Note that the latter can be choppy if your internet connection isn’t the best.
Your computer must meet and preferably exceed these specifications to play Steam VR games.
- Windows 10
- Intel i5-4590 or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
- 8GB of RAM
- NVIDIA GTX 1070 and 1650 or AMD 400 Series GPU
You first need to purchase some Steam VR games.
- Launch Steam after installing it.
- Go to the Steam Store.
- Type the name of a Steam VR game in the search field.
- Click on the game.
- Click Add to Cart.
- When you’re ready, click on your CART at the top of the screen.
- Purchase the game.
- Complete the payment process.
At this point, the game will now be yours, and you can download and install it. Afterward, you can start linking your Quest 2 headset.
For a wired connection, try these steps. We recommend getting a longer wire for extra moving range. Fifteen feet should be enough for standing and playing more intensive titles.
- Install the Quest 2 app on your PC.
- Connect a USB-C cable from your headset to the computer.
- Launch the Quest 2 app and click on Devices.
- Select Add Headset and choose your Quest 2 headset.
- Follow the setup instructions and click on Link (Cable).
- Open your Steam client.
- Start Steam VR and play your Steam games.
You should experience no internet-based delay or lag when linked by a cable. The USB connection is very stable, but some players prefer being free of constraints. That’s where the wireless method comes in.
- Download and install the Quest 2 app.
- Open the app and select Settings.
- In the Settings menu, click on Beta.
- Toggle Air Link on.
- Put on your Meta Quest 2 headset.
- Press the Oculus button and go to Oculus Air Link.
- Choose your computer.
- Select Launch and play your Steam games.
We recommend having a strong and consistent Wi-Fi signal to prevent any stuttering and lag during Air Link play. There should be no objects between the Quest 2 and your router, so it’s best to play in the same room.
Oculus Quest 2: How to Gift Games
If you want to gift someone a game for the Meta Quest 2, it’s already possible. You can do it with your headset right away.
- On your Quest 2, go to the universal menu.
- Head to the Oculus Store.
- Select a game and pick Purchase as a Gift.
- Enter the friend’s email address.
- Pay for the game.
- Complete the transaction.
Your friend can then redeem it using these steps.
- Go to the Oculus Store.
- Pick Redeem Gift.
- Enter the gift code.
- Download and install the game.
- Start playing.
Unlimited Potential
VR games are becoming more advanced as technology is pushed forward. The Quest 2 remains one of the best VR headsets for gaming and browsing social media. Getting games for it takes no time at all and requires only some clicks and taps.
What’s your favorite VR game? How do you think the Oculus Store can improve? Let us know in the comments section below.
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