Oculus Quest 2 is the definitive all-in-one VR solution for gamers. What if you could access a store that had access to hundreds of high-quality games from indie developers for free/the cost of a McDonalds? Here’s how to access such a thing, Side Quest.
Side Quest? Tell Me More
Virtual Reality is a rapidly expanding game genre and industry in its own right. According to Grand View Research, the VR will grow 21.6% year on year, with an estimated value of $15.06 billion in 2021. It’s no surprise that a large movement of indie developers and VR enthusiasts are looking to make their mark.
For many indie developers, funding for their titles and marketing is a tough gig for official platforms such as the Oculus Store. Side Quest provides an all-in-one solution for Windows, Mac and Linux users to experience some of the most revolutionary VR titles today.
Side Quest offers players a steam-style storefront that connects directly to Oculus Quest 1 and 2. It uses USB debugging to install a games .apk file, allowing gamers unlimited access to hundreds of VR titles, mostly for free. Side Quest is, of course, an anti-piracy affair that verifies .apk files before installation begins. Side Quest completely legitimate, although unofficial.
First Step on Your Side Quest
The first step is to download the Side Quest software from their official website. Once installed, players will need to head over to the Oculus Developer Centre to gain developer rights for their sign-in details. An existing Facebook login or new information Will be OK.
Once signed up, players will need to create a new organisation. Don’t worry; Facebook won’t be checking with companies house so get creative with a business name. Go to the Oculus Dashboard to do this. Then download the developer drivers for whichever Oculus headset you own for Windows users. Although, I skipped this step with no issues.
Clearing the Quest List
The final steps involve enabling developer mode on your Oculus App and allowing debugging mode. Don’t worry; this is simple. Open up the app and go to Settings > More Settings (Under Headset Model) > Developer Options and toggle this on. Also, make sure Unlock Pattern is off (this usually is by default).
Finally, reboot Oculus Quest, plug into your computer with Side Quest loaded up and allow USB debugging when the prompt comes up on Quest. And that’s it, welcome to a near-endless library of free, demo, alpha and beta content with communities to boot.
If you want another Oculus Quest 2 guide, we can teach you to install your favourite songs for use in Beat Saber.
How do rate Side Quest’s setup? What’s your favourite Side Quest title? We’d love to hear from you in the comments or on our social media channels.
