Does Oculus Quest 2 Come with Games? Everything You Need to Know
If you’re considering the Oculus Quest 2, you’re in for a treat. This device has made waves in the VR community for good reasons. But a key consideration is always content: Does it come with games to start you off?
In this article, we’ll focus on what the Oculus Quest 2 provides right from the start. We’ll look into the games and experiences that come pre-installed. Understanding what’s available immediately can help you decide if this device is a good fit for you, as well as help you plan your initial VR sessions and get the most out of the device.
Let’s delve into what the Oculus Quest 2 offers right out of the box and what additional gems await in the store.
Does Oculus Quest 2 Come with Games?
The Oculus Quest 2 comes with a few demo experiences pre-installed, providing users a glimpse into the virtual reality capabilities of the device. However, these are primarily short experiences and not full-length games.
Additionally, there is a selection of free games available in the Oculus Store that can be installed on the device, offering more extensive gameplay without additional cost. Most full-featured and extensive games, however, typically need to be purchased separately.
Here’s a comprehensive list of the pre-installed apps that greet you upon first launching your Oculus Quest:
1. Meta Quest TV: An app to view various media content in a virtual TV environment.
2. Camera: An app on the Oculus Quest 2 that allows users to capture photos and videos directly from the headset. Accessible via the Oculus button, it offers settings like resolution adjustment and grid line toggling for optimal captures.
3. Settings: Where users can adjust device preferences, see device information, and more.
4. Explore: This allows you to search for Apps, People, and more.
5. Meta Quest Browser: A built-in web browser for accessing internet content within VR.
6. Oculus Store: The place to browse and purchase additional games and experiences.
7. YouTube VR: Official YouTube app for immersive VR content.
8. File Viewer: An app to browse and view files stored on the device.
9. VR Animation Player: An app for viewing and interacting with animated VR content.
10. People: Social hub for friends and chat.
11. Messenger: Facebook’s messaging app integrated into the Oculus Quest 2, allowing users to chat with friends, join calls, and share VR experiences without taking off the headset.
12. Guide: An application on the Oculus Quest 2 that provides users with step-by-step instructions and tutorials for various VR experiences and functionalities, ensuring a smooth and intuitive onboarding process.
13. Scoreboard: An application on the Oculus Quest 2 that tracks and displays users’ scores and achievements from various VR games and experiences, allowing for competitive play and personal progress tracking.
14. Oculus Move: A fitness tracking app that monitors the user’s physical activity while using the Quest 2.
15. Files: An application on the Oculus Quest 2 that allows users to browse, manage, and access various files stored on the device, including game saves, downloads, and media content.
16. Events: An application on the Oculus Quest 2 that allows users to discover, join, and participate in virtual reality events, meetups, and experiences, fostering community engagement and shared VR activities.
17. Hands: A feature on the Oculus Quest 2 that enables hand tracking, allowing users to interact with the virtual environment using their bare hands without the need for controllers. This provides a more natural and immersive VR experience.
18. First Steps: Designed specifically for Oculus Quest 2 newcomers, this interactive demo introduces users to the world of VR. Through a series of fun and engaging activities, players can learn the basics of movement, interaction, and immersion in a virtual environment.
19. Fit and Focus: An application on the Oculus Quest 2 designed to assist users in adjusting the headset for optimal comfort and visual clarity. It ensures the device is positioned correctly for the best VR experience.
In addition to these, the Oculus Quest 2 occasionally features other rotating demos based on the latest game releases, ensuring that users always have something new to try out. Demos may or may not come pre-installed as their availability may change, but users can always install them for free from the Oculus Store if the game offers a demo version (Such as Beatsaber).
It’s worth noting that while these demos offer a snapshot of the full game, they are designed to be shorter experiences. If players enjoy the demo, they can easily purchase and download the full version from the Oculus Store.
Free Games Available to Download on Oculus Store
While the device offers a plethora of premium content, the Oculus Store also boasts an impressive lineup of free games that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Here’s an overview of some notable free games that users can dive into:
- Rec Room: Often referred to as the “virtual playground,” Rec Room provides a vast array of mini-games and activities. From team-based sports to adventurous quests, it’s a social VR experience that encourages interaction and creativity.
- AltspaceVR: Step into a community-driven platform where you can attend live shows, comedy nights, or simply hang out with friends in virtual spaces. AltspaceVR offers a blend of social networking and entertainment in a 3D environment.
- Bait!: Transport yourself to a tranquil lake and indulge in a virtual fishing experience. Bait! offers a relaxing gameplay mechanic combined with a charming storyline, making it a perfect escape from reality.
- Echo VR: A competitive zero-gravity sport that combines elements of soccer and ultimate frisbee. Team up with players from around the globe and engage in high-octane matches in futuristic arenas.
- Bigscreen Beta: Transform your VR headset into a personal theater. Watch movies, stream desktop games, or join public rooms to view content with others in a virtual cinema setting.
- PokerStars VR: Experience poker like never before. This game offers a fully immersive poker environment, complete with interactive toys, props, and dynamic social interactions with fellow players.
- Mission: ISS: Explore the International Space Station in this educational and immersive simulation. Experience zero-gravity, conduct spacewalks, and learn about life aboard the ISS.
- Quill Theater: Immerse yourself in animated stories and artwork crafted by the VR community. Experience narratives in a new dimension, from whimsical tales to thought-provoking narratives.
- VRChat: A universe of experiences awaits in VRChat. Create your own avatars, explore user-generated worlds, or simply socialize in this expansive virtual community.
The Oculus Store continues to expand its free offerings, ensuring that users have a diverse range of experiences to choose from. Whether you’re looking to engage in multiplayer adventures, indulge in solo experiences, or simply explore new worlds, there’s something for everyone in the Oculus Store’s free game section.
Get Free Games with SideQuest
SideQuest is an alternative platform where you can find games and apps for the Oculus Quest and Quest 2 VR headsets. It’s not made by Oculus or its parent company, Facebook.
Instead, it’s an independent platform created by enthusiasts. It lets users add content to their device that isn’t available in the official Oculus Store. Think of it as an unofficial app store.
It offers a mix of unique games, experimental experiences, and tools that can enhance the VR experience. While some of these titles eventually make their way to the official store due to their popularity, SideQuest remains a treasure trove for those seeking something different. Here are some notable free titles you can find on SideQuest:
- Crisis VRigade – Dive into a fast-paced VR action shooter, playing as a SWAT trooper in intense shootouts and hostage situations.
- Pavlov: Shack – A lite version of the renowned VR shooter “Pavlov VR,” offering both solo and multiplayer modes with lifelike weapon handling.
- Tea For God – An inventive VR game that uses unique geometry to create an endless play space, changing the environment as you navigate.
- Hyper Dash – A rapid multiplayer shooter emphasizing dynamic movement. It began its journey on SideQuest before transitioning to the official Oculus Store.
- Deisim – Play as a deity in this VR god game, crafting your world and nurturing your civilization.
- Ancient Dungeon VR – Delve into this rogue-lite dungeon crawler with ever-changing levels and diverse foes.
- Lambda1VR – A VR adaptation of the iconic game “Half-Life.” While the mod is free, you’ll need the original “Half-Life” to play.
- Physics Playground – A sandbox experience allowing users to tinker with various physics-driven interactions in VR.
- QuakeQuest – A VR rendition of the legendary game “Quake.” As with Lambda1VR, the original game is required, but the VR mod is complimentary.
- ALVR – A valuable tool that streams VR games from your PC to your Oculus Quest, transforming it into a virtual PCVR headset.
While SideQuest offers a lot of unique and fun content, it’s important to be cautious, as the apps on SideQuest haven’t gone through the same official review process as those in the Oculus Store.
How Much do Games Cost on The Oculus store?
The cost of games for the Oculus Quest 2 can vary widely based on the game’s popularity, complexity, and other factors. Here’s a general overview of some games and their prices from the Oculus store:
- Free Games and Experiences: There are several free games and experiences available on the Oculus Store. These can range from demos and trials to full games and social platforms.
- Lower-Priced Games: Simpler games, experiences, or indie titles might be priced between $5 and $15.
- Mid-Range Games: Many standard games, which offer a more comprehensive experience, typically fall in the $20 to $30 range.
- Premium Titles: High-end games, especially those developed by well-known studios or offering extensive gameplay, can be priced between $30 and $40, with some even reaching up to $50 or more.
- Bundles and Sales: Occasionally, the Oculus Store will offer bundles (collections of related games) at a discounted rate. There are also periodic sales where individual games might be available at reduced prices.
- In-App Purchases: Some games might be free to download or come at a lower initial price but offer in-app purchases for additional content, features, or cosmetic items.
Popular Game Prices:
- Beat Saber – $29.99
- The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – $39.99
- SUPERHOT VR – $24.99
- Job Simulator – $19.99
- Vader Immortal: Episode I – $9.99
Top Rated Paid Games for Oculus Quest 2
The Oculus Quest 2 offers a vast library of immersive VR experiences. If you’re wondering where to start or looking for the next great game to add to your collection, here are some top recommendations:
- Beat Saber: Dive into this rhythm-based game where players slice through blocks to the beat of music. With its addictive gameplay and extensive song library, it’s a must-have for all VR enthusiasts.
- The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners: Step into a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies. This action-adventure game offers a gripping narrative, realistic combat, and a deep crafting system.
- Superhot VR: Time moves only when you move in this unique first-person shooter. Dodge bullets, disarm enemies, and strategize your way through increasingly challenging scenarios.
- Population: One: A battle royale game tailored for VR. Climb, fly, and build in a dynamic environment as you compete to be the last player or team standing.
- Moss: Embark on a journey with Quill, a young mouse, in this enchanting action-adventure puzzle game. Its captivating story and beautiful visuals make it a standout title.
- Vader Immortal: Experience the Star Wars universe like never before. This episodic VR series lets players wield a lightsaber, harness the Force, and confront Darth Vader himself.
- Eleven Table Tennis: A realistic table tennis simulator that captures the physics and feel of the real game. Play against AI, compete online, or practice your skills.
- Pistol Whip: A rhythm-shooter that combines fast-paced gunplay with pulsating music. Dodge obstacles, take down enemies, and groove to the beat.
- Job Simulator: A humorous simulation game where players can experience jobs like a gourmet chef, office worker, or auto mechanic in a world where robots have replaced all human jobs.
- Red Matter: Set on a dystopian moon base, this atmospheric puzzle-adventure game offers stunning visuals, a gripping narrative, and intricate puzzles.
These titles showcase the versatility and potential of the Oculus Quest 2, offering a mix of genres and experiences that cater to both casual gamers and hardcore enthusiasts.
Storage Considerations for Gamers
When diving into the world of Oculus Quest 2, one crucial aspect to consider is storage. The device’s capacity can influence your gaming experience, especially as VR games continue to evolve in complexity and size. Here’s what you need to know:
- Storage Options: Oculus Quest 2 comes in two storage variants: 128GB and 256GB. Your choice will depend on how many games and apps you plan to install.
- Game Size: VR games vary in size. While some games might only take up a few hundred megabytes, others, especially more detailed and immersive titles, can require several gigabytes.
- Managing Space:
- Uninstalling Games: To free up space, you can uninstall games from the ‘Library’ tab. Remember, you can always re-download purchased games without additional costs.
- Archiving: Some games allow you to archive or save game data, ensuring you don’t lose progress if you decide to reinstall.
- External Storage: As of now, Oculus Quest 2 doesn’t support expandable storage via microSD or external drives. It’s essential to manage the onboard storage effectively.
- Updates and Patches: Games often receive updates, which can increase their storage footprint. Always account for potential updates when considering storage needs.
- Multimedia Content: Apart from games, consider other content like movies, recordings, or screenshots that might take up space.
- Cloud Storage: Some games offer cloud-saving features, allowing you to store game progress online. This can be useful if you switch devices or need to reinstall a game.
Non-Gaming Content:
While the Oculus Quest 2 is often celebrated for its gaming capabilities, it’s also a powerful platform for a variety of non-gaming experiences that showcase the versatility of virtual reality. These experiences can be both entertaining and educational, offering users a breadth of content beyond traditional games.
- Educational Experiences: The Oculus Quest 2 hosts a range of educational apps and experiences that transport users to different parts of the world, historical events, or even inside the human body. These VR lessons can be a powerful tool for educators and learners alike.
- Virtual Tourism: Ever wanted to climb Mount Everest or explore the Louvre? With the Oculus Quest 2, users can embark on virtual tours of famous landmarks, natural wonders, and cultural institutions from the comfort of their homes.
- Art and Creativity: There are apps that allow users to paint, sculpt, and create in a 3D virtual space. These tools can be both therapeutic and a new medium for artists to express themselves.
- Cinema and Media: The Oculus Quest 2 offers a unique cinematic experience. Users can watch movies, TV shows, and other media content on a virtual big screen. Some apps even simulate a theater environment, complete with virtual seats and ambient lighting.
- Social Platforms: Virtual reality is also a space for social interaction. Apps on the Oculus Quest 2 allow users to meet up in virtual rooms, attend events, or just hang out and chat in immersive environments.
- Fitness and Meditation: Beyond gaming, the Oculus Quest 2 is also used as a fitness tool. There are apps focused on yoga, aerobics, and even dance. Additionally, meditation and relaxation apps transport users to peaceful environments, aiding in stress relief and mindfulness practices.
- Professional and Productivity Tools: For professionals, there are applications that facilitate virtual meetings, collaborative projects, and even design and modeling in a VR space.
- Live Events: Some platforms on the Oculus Quest 2 offer live concerts, theater performances, and other events in virtual reality, providing a new dimension to live entertainment.
In essence, the Oculus Quest 2 is more than just a gaming device. It’s a portal to a myriad of virtual experiences that cater to a wide range of interests, making it a versatile tool for both entertainment and personal growth.