If you’re a first-time user of Oculus Quest (or 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:
As these titles tend to be simple games or apps, the developers wanted them to be your first experiences with VR. They help accustom you 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 on 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.
Oculus Quest 2: How to Get Games for Free
Some games are free at the Oculus Store, so you can play them immediately after downloading. The steps are very similar to the instructions above.
- Turn your Quest 2 headset
on.
- Navigate to the universal menu by pressing the Oculus
button.
- Go to the Oculus
Store.
- Find the free game you
want.
- Download
it.
- Wait for the headset to install the game.
- Start playing.
Getting free games on your mobile device is also possible.
- Launch the
Oculus App on your
smartphone.
- Head to the
Oculus
Store.
- Look for any free game you
want.
- Select the option to download it onto your
headset.
- Switch to 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. Solving the problem is then possible.
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:
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 since Valve has managed to get many titles under its successful gaming platform. Some games on the Oculus Store can also be purchased on Steam, but you won’t be able to install them on your headset. Steam VR games include paid and free titles, so you have many to choose from.
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.
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.
- Add it to your
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. In the meantime, wait for a while as Steam handles these tasks. 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.
Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.