To get games on Oculus, you will purchase and download them through the Oculus app on your phone, or directly from the Oculus Store inside your headset.
So, you’ve got your shiny new Oculus headset and are ready to jump into virtual worlds, but how do you get games on oculus? It’s a common question for new users. The process is actually quite simple, whether you prefer to browse on your phone or directly within virtual reality.
You can find and install experiences directly using the headset’s built-in store. Alternatively, you can use the mobile app to find games and then download them. It’s convenient to start on your phone and have the games ready when you put on the headset.
How Do You Get Games on Oculus?
Getting games for your Oculus VR headset is like stepping into a portal to amazing new worlds! It’s not as hard as you might think, and there are several cool ways to do it. Whether you have a shiny new Meta Quest 3, a trusty Quest 2, or even an older Oculus Rift, this guide will show you all the paths to expanding your VR game collection.
The Oculus Store: Your Main Game Hub
The Oculus Store is the primary place most people will get their VR games. Think of it like the app store on your phone, but for virtual reality. It’s easy to use, filled with tons of games, and a safe place to purchase. Here’s how it works:
Accessing the Oculus Store
You can access the Oculus Store in a few different ways:
- Using Your VR Headset: The most immersive way! Put on your headset, go to the main menu, and look for the “Store” icon. It usually looks like a shopping bag or a storefront.
- Through the Oculus App on your Phone: If you have a Quest 2 or Quest 3, you’ll have the Oculus app on your phone. You can browse, buy, and even download games directly through the app. The game will then be ready to play on your headset.
- On the Oculus Website: You can also use your computer and go to the Oculus website. Browse, purchase and the games will be waiting in your library for your headset.
Navigating and Browsing
Once you are in the store, you will see several sections and categories. Here’s what you will usually find:
- Featured: Games that are popular right now, or that the store wants to highlight.
- Categories: Games are placed in categories like action, adventure, sports, puzzle, and more. You can easily find what you are looking for.
- Search bar: If you know the name of the game you want, just use the search bar.
- Filters: Use the filters to sort by price, rating or genre.
Purchasing Games
Buying a game is very straightforward:
- Select a game that you want. Click on it to see more about the game.
- Read the details. Check screenshots, read reviews and watch the trailer.
- Click “Buy” or “Add to Cart”. If you have a discount code or gift card, you can add it here.
- Complete your purchase. Most stores take credit cards or PayPal.
Downloading and Installing Games
Once you buy a game, it will start downloading to your headset automatically if you use the headset store or the mobile application. If you bought on a desktop, it will be available the next time you wear your headset.
- Check your downloads: You can monitor the download process in your library.
- Ready to play: Once downloaded, you can find it in your library and start playing.
Remember, you must have enough space on your headset to install the game. Most games will tell you how much space they will take up.
App Lab: Hidden Gems and Experimental Games
App Lab is a special section within the Oculus ecosystem where you can find games that haven’t gone through the full curation process. These are often experimental, made by smaller developers, or just not as widely known. Think of it as an indie game showcase for VR.
What Makes App Lab Different?
App Lab games don’t appear in the main Oculus Store by default. They are still tested by Oculus but don’t get the same kind of visibility. This means you may need to search for a game directly by name or follow a special link.
Finding and Accessing App Lab Games
Here are the common methods:
- Direct links: Often, developers will share links to their App Lab games. Clicking on the link will take you directly to the game in the Oculus Store.
- Third-party websites: Some websites collect and list App Lab games. You can browse these sites, find games that you like, and use their direct links.
- Searching by name: Sometimes, you can find App Lab games by searching for their exact name in the Oculus store, but not all.
The Pros and Cons of App Lab
Here’s a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages of App Lab:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Often more creative and experimental games. | They are often not as polished and have bugs. |
| Usually cheaper and sometimes free. | It’s difficult to discover them because they are not as visible. |
| It’s a way to support smaller developers. | Games can be removed from App Lab at any time. |
SideQuest: Expanding Your Oculus Experience
SideQuest is a third-party platform that allows you to get even more content on your Oculus headset. This involves a more technical process but provides access to a broader range of apps, games, and experiments.
What is SideQuest?
SideQuest acts as a hub for community-made VR content. It’s not affiliated with Oculus, and it often hosts games and tools that are very new, unfinished, or just not eligible for the Oculus Store or even App Lab. Think of it as a community-driven library of experimental VR content.
Why Use SideQuest?
SideQuest can be helpful for VR users looking for:
- Early access to games and apps in development.
- Unique experiences that aren’t found elsewhere.
- Tools and utilities to enhance their VR experience.
How to Use SideQuest
Using SideQuest involves a few technical steps, but if you follow the instructions carefully, it’s not too difficult. Here’s a general guide:
Setting Up Your Oculus for SideQuest
To install games and apps from SideQuest, you will need to:
- Enable Developer Mode: This setting is found in the Oculus app on your phone. You’ll need to sign into the app, go to menu, settings, then select the “Developer Mode” option and enable it.
- Install the SideQuest software on your computer: You’ll need to download the program for PC, Mac or Linux.
- Connect your Oculus headset to your computer: You can do this with a USB cable. Your computer will need to recognize the headset.
Navigating SideQuest
Once everything is connected:
- Browse the SideQuest library: SideQuest’s interface is similar to the Oculus Store, but instead of curated games, you’ll find a wider variety of content.
- Select a game: Choose one you like and select download.
- Sideload the game: Using the SideQuest software on your computer, you can sideload the game to your headset.
The Risks and Rewards of SideQuest
Using SideQuest gives you a lot of flexibility, but there are some things to consider:
| Risks | Rewards |
|---|---|
| Content is not always tested and may be buggy. | Access to unique and creative VR experiences. |
| Requires some technical knowledge. | Ability to use tools and utilities to enhance your headset. |
| May have compatibility issues. | A community-driven space to explore VR innovation. |
SteamVR: For PC-Powered VR Experiences
If you have an Oculus Rift or use your Quest to play PCVR games (either wired with a link cable or wireless with Air Link), you can access games on SteamVR. Steam is a very big platform for video games and has a lot of VR games too.
What is SteamVR?
SteamVR is a platform within Steam that lets you play VR games on your computer with a headset like the Oculus Rift, as well as the Quest. If you have your Quest connected to your PC, SteamVR makes many games available to you.
How to Get Games on SteamVR
To get started, you’ll need to install Steam on your computer and enable the SteamVR settings. Then follow these steps:
- Install Steam: Go to the Steam website and install the Steam app on your computer.
- Create an account: Sign up for a free account.
- Install SteamVR: Find SteamVR in the Steam store and install it.
- Connect your Oculus headset to your computer: Use an official cable or connect through Air Link (if you’re using a Quest headset).
- Browse and buy SteamVR games: Just like the Oculus store, find games and then purchase them.
- Start playing: Launch the game through the SteamVR interface on your computer or the SteamVR menu within your headset.
Why Choose SteamVR?
- A big selection: Steam has tons of different types of VR games.
- PC-powered: Experience VR games with the power of your computer.
- Cross-platform: Play with others, regardless of the headset.
Understanding PC Requirements
Keep in mind, for playing games using SteamVR you need a fairly powerful computer. Be sure to check each games system requirements before you buy it.
Free Games and Demos
Many VR games are available for free. There are plenty of demo versions or free games to try so that you can get familiar with VR or find a game that you enjoy. You can find these on:
- The Oculus Store.
- App Lab.
- SteamVR.
- SideQuest.
Often, developers offer free demos so that you can see if you like the gameplay. Make sure you try those if you are unsure about a full purchase.
Getting games for your Oculus headset can be fun! With the Oculus Store, App Lab, SideQuest, and SteamVR, you have many avenues to choose from. Whether you prefer polished titles or unique experiments, your VR library can always grow.
Oculus Quest 2 : How to Download & Install Games & Apps
Final Thoughts
You get games on Oculus primarily through the Oculus Store. This store offers a wide selection of titles for purchase and download. Simply browse, select your game, and complete the transaction.
Alternatively, some games can be accessed through the Oculus app on your phone. This method allows for more mobile game acquisitions, directly connected to your account.
So, how do you get games on Oculus? It’s either directly on the headset via the store or from the mobile app, both paths leading to gaming enjoyment. Always check your account for promotions.
