The Oculus Quest is a popular virtual reality headset that offers a wireless, all-in-one gaming experience. While the Oculus Store offers a wide selection of games and apps, there are even more options available through sideloading.
Sideloaded apps and games are not officially supported by Oculus, but they can be installed onto your Quest using a computer and some technical know-how. In this article, we’ll explore 13 games and apps that you should consider sideloading onto your Oculus Quest for an even more immersive gaming experience.
Why Should You Sideload Games and Apps onto Your Oculus Quest?
Sideloaded games and apps offer a variety of benefits for Oculus Quest users. These include:
Access to Unofficial Games and Apps
Sideloaded games and apps are not available on the official Oculus Store, which means you can access a wider range of content. This includes games and apps that may not have been approved by Oculus or may not meet their strict guidelines.
Customization and Modding
Sideloaded games and apps can be customized and modded to your liking. This allows you to personalize your gaming experience and add features that may not be available in the official versions.
Free Games and Apps
Many sideloaded games and apps are available for free, which means you can save money while still enjoying a wide range of content on your Oculus Quest.
How to Sideload Games and Apps onto Your Oculus Quest
Before we dive into the list of games and apps, let’s quickly go over the steps for sideloading onto your Oculus Quest.
- Enable developer mode on your Oculus Quest by following the instructions on the Oculus Developer website.
- Download and install the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) on your computer.
- Connect your Oculus Quest to your computer using a USB-C cable.
- Download the APK file for the game or app you want to sideload onto your Quest.
- Open the command prompt on your computer and navigate to the folder where you downloaded the APK file.
- Type in the command “adb install filename.apk” and press enter. This will install the game or app onto your Oculus Quest.
13 Games and Apps You Should Sideload onto Your Oculus Quest
Now that you know how to sideload games and apps onto your Oculus Quest, let’s take a look at some of the best options available.
1. Pavlov VR
Pavlov VR is a popular first-person shooter game that is available for free through sideloading. It offers intense multiplayer action and has been compared to games like Counter-Strike and Call of Duty.
2. Tea for God
Tea for God is a unique VR game that uses procedural generation to create infinite, non-euclidean environments. This means that the game world is constantly changing and adapting to your movements, making for a truly immersive experience.
3. Deisim
Deisim is a god simulation game that allows you to create and shape your own world. You can control the weather, create mountains and oceans, and even interact with your followers.
4. Crisis VRigade
Crisis VRigade is a fast-paced, action-packed game that puts you in the shoes of a SWAT team member. You’ll need to use your skills and reflexes to take down criminals and save hostages.
5. QuakeQuest
QuakeQuest is a classic first-person shooter game that has been ported to the Oculus Quest through sideloading. It offers fast-paced action and intense multiplayer battles.
6. Virtual Desktop
Virtual Desktop is an app that allows you to stream your PC desktop to your Oculus Quest. This means you can access your computer and all of its programs and games in virtual reality.
7. VRidge
VRidge is another app that allows you to stream PC games to your Oculus Quest. It supports both SteamVR and Oculus Rift games, giving you access to a wide range of content.
8. ALVR
ALVR is a free app that allows you to stream SteamVR games to your Oculus Quest. It offers a high-quality, low-latency experience and is a popular choice for VR gamers.
9. SideQuest
SideQuest is a platform that allows developers to share their sideloaded games and apps with the Oculus Quest community. It offers a wide range of content, including games, apps, and mods.
10. Oculus TV
Oculus TV is an app that allows you to watch TV shows, movies, and videos in virtual reality. It offers a variety of content from popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
11. Oculus Browser
The Oculus Browser is a web browser that is optimized for virtual reality. It allows you to browse the internet, watch videos, and play web-based games on your Oculus Quest.
12. Oculus Gallery
The Oculus Gallery is an app that allows you to view photos and videos in virtual reality. It offers a variety of viewing options and allows you to customize your experience.
13. Oculus TV Remote
The Oculus TV Remote is an app that allows you to control your Oculus TV experience using your phone. It offers a simple and convenient way to navigate and control your TV viewing.
Conclusion
Sideloaded games and apps offer a wide range of benefits for Oculus Quest users, including access to unofficial content, customization and modding options, and free games and apps. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily sideload games and apps onto your Oculus Quest and enhance your virtual reality experience.
