Can you use the quest 2 with steam

Want to know how to play Steam games on Oculus Quest 2? We’ve got you covered. Valve remains the undisputed king for gaming PC storefronts, and thanks to comprehensive VR headset support, there are many VR games to play on the platform.

Figuring out how to play Steam games on Oculus Quest 2 is beyond worthwhile. Between exploring City 17 in Half-Life Alyx, racing Ferraris in F1 22, or saving the galaxy in Star Wars: Squadrons, SteamVR has some of the best VR games not currently found on Meta Quest. But, assuming you’ve invested in the best gaming PC, you can still experience these games off your Oculus Quest, Quest 2, and Meta Quest Pro VR headsets.

There are a few ways you can achieve this, including learning how to use Oculus Air Link on Meta Quest 2. If this doesn’t work, there are alternatives. None of these methods run PC VR games natively off the Quest, but it opens up your games library further, cementing Quest’s claim as the best VR headset. Here’s everything you need to do.

1. Initial checklist

Alongside the Quest VR headset, anyone looking to play SteamVR games needs a gaming PC. We’d advise checking the Oculus Link system requirements to see if yours will manage, and remember that some games will have heftier specs than others. Make sure you’ve downloaded the Oculus PC app, too, which requires 4GB of disk space.

If you value portability, you can use your best gaming laptop, but we wouldn’t recommend Steam Deck. Valve’s already marked most VR games as unsupported, which hasn’t stopped people from trying. However, while Steam Deck boasts impressive specs for its price, VR games noticeably struggle when running through it.

If you’re connecting your Quest via Air Link, ensure it’s running on the latest firmware update. You can check this by selecting ‘Settings’ and ‘System,’ then ‘Software update.’ Your Quest and PC must use the same Wi-Fi connection, ideally a 5GHz network without a range extender. D-Link’s VR Air Bridge adapter is also available; otherwise, you can plug Quest directly into a PC using a USB 3 Type-C cable that’s ideally 5m.

2. What to do on your PC

Launch the Oculus PC app, which automatically checks for and downloads the latest version once opened. Turn off your VPN to avoid connection interference and link your Quest to the PC with a USB cable; this requires an initial setup. Choose ‘Devices’ in the main menu, then press ‘Add Headset’. Once done, choose your method of connecting (pictured above) and put on your Quest headset.

Or, you can buy Virtual Desktop on the Meta Store, a third-party application that functions like Air Link. While this costs £14.99/$14.99, you can change performance settings. Virtual Desktop forgoes the device setup stage, instead connecting through a downloadable Streamer App on PC. Type in your Meta account username into the box and press ‘Save’.

Now, make sure Steam is installed and download SteamVR. Install whichever games you’re hoping to play – you can check out the complete list here – and once done, jump into your Quest headset.

3. What to do on your Meta Quest

The next step depends on your chosen connection method. For those using the wired Link method, connect your USB Type-C cable to the PC, press ‘continue’ when prompted inside the headset, and that’s all you need to do. You can then virtually navigate, load up the SteamVR app, and select a Steam game.

If you’ve gone wireless with Oculus Air Link, bring up the ‘Settings’ menu, choose ‘Quest Link,’ and then switch on the ‘Quest Link’ toggle. Finally, for Virtual Desktop, select your PC from the ‘Computers’ tab and ensure the Streamer App is running on your PC. Once connected, a ‘Games’ tab appears, listing each VR game you previously downloaded.

VR technology was inconvenient in the past and required physical connections to the primary device. However, with advances in the field, the Oculus Quest and Quest 2 were born. The Quest 2 is self-contained but can connect to a PC wirelessly.

Gamers can play Steam titles on their Quest 2 headset with this capability. The process of setting up may not be straightforward, but we can help you with it. Read on for all the information.

PC Requirements

Today, video games are becoming more demanding, necessitating better hardware for a smooth experience. Here are the graphical and hardware minimum requirements to connect a Quest 2.

• CPU: Intel i5-4590 or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
• NVIDIA GPU: GTX 1070 and above, GTX 1650 Super works, as well
• Alternatively, an AMD GPU: AMD 400 Series or better
• 8GB of RAM
• Windows 10 or Windows 11

A lower-end gaming PC or even gaming laptop should surpass these specifications, so many of these are capable of interfacing with the Oculus Quest 2.

Playing Steam Games with the Oculus Quest 2

As Oculus is now under the Meta company, it’s appropriate to call this headset the Meta Quest 2. Depending on your needs and preference, the Quest 2 can connect to your computer with a wired connection or without one.

You’ll need the Quest 2 desktop software, available for free from the official website. It would be best if you had the Steam client-ready as well. The former is necessary no matter if you’re playing wirelessly or not.

Wired Connection

You need a USB-C cable to link the headset to your PC for a wired connection. A 15-foot cord or longer works best, as you don’t want to be restricted while wearing a VR headset.

1. Launch the Quest 2 desktop app.
2. Connect the USB-C cable to both devices.
   
   
3. In the Quest 2 app, select “Devices.”
   
   
4. Click on “Add Headset” and find your Quest 2.
   
   
5. Complete the setup process.
6. Select “Link (Cable)” and continue.
   
   
7. Launch Steam and click on “Steam VR.”
   
   
8. Play any of your Steam VR games.

Compared to a wireless connection, you get a stable link that isn’t affected by internet speeds or any web-based delay. However, having a cable connected to you may not be the best experience for some players.

Wireless Connection

Through Oculus Air Link, the Quest 2 can connect to a PC for a seamless experience. However, a substandard WiFi signal can disrupt the link, leading to unpredictable delays and other problems. Nevertheless, Air Link feels excellent when there’s a consistent connection.

1. Launch the Quest 2 app.
2. Go to “Settings”.
   
   
3. Select “Beta.”
   
   
4. Toggle “Air Link” on.
   
   
5. Put your Quest 2 headset on.
6. Press the Oculus button and bring up the home menu.
   
   
7. Select “Oculus Air Link.”
   
   
8. Find your computer and select “Launch.”
   
   
   
   

At this point, you need to launch Steam through your Quest 2.

1. Go back to the home menu.
2. Select the “Desktop” button at the bottom bar.
3. Find Steam.
4. Access your Steam VR games and start playing.

The first Quest headset could use the wired method, but Oculus Air Link works best with the Quest 2. It was one of the main improvements and a significant selling point over the previous model. Air Link was later made available with the Oculus Quest, but it’s still not as good.

Unfortunately, several days before writing time, a Windows 11 update brought some unwelcome performance deterioration for Quest 2 owners using Air Link. Owners should stick with a wired connection or wait until the problem is addressed.

Virtual Desktop

Older VR users may know Virtual Desktop, a third-party app that lets Quest 2 owners interact with their computer screens using their VR headsets. It places your PC display on your headset and predates Air Link. It works wirelessly as well.

Some Quest 2 owners find Air Link unreliable but manage to replace it with Virtual Desktop with better results. It varies between users, so you can try it if Air Link isn’t working for you. A consistent internet connection will reduce the possibility of lag and delay.

However, Virtual Desktop requires a 5GHz AC WiFi network, while Air Link doesn’t force you to use one. If you don’t have this network, you won’t be able to use Virtual Desktop.

1. Download Virtual Desktop on your PC.
2. Buy the Quest 2 app version on your headset.
3. Install both apps.
4. Launch the PC client and keep it running.
5. On your Quest 2, open Virtual Desktop and connect.
6. Start playing your VR games.

Virtual Desktop lets you optimize the connection by tweaking some settings, so we recommend doing so and finding a sweet spot.

Games to Play

While VR games on Steam aren’t as numerous as traditional titles, there are still some gems worth picking up. The VR gaming experience is more front-and-center than other media, allowing for unprecedented immersion.

Half-Life: Alyx

The developers of Half-Life: Alyx didn’t think the game would sell very well, but reality proved them wrong as it did well on the market. The attention to detail, story, and interactions left a pleasant taste in reviewers’ mouths. If there’s a game to show off what VR is capable of, few can surpass this one.

SuperHot VR

The original SuperHot had already entertained many gamers, but the VR version now brings the immersion factor up by at least tenfold. You play as a time-controlling hitman aiming to fight through hordes of enemy agents. The game feels faster and slower at once because you get to slow down time as you wish.

Compared to the original experience, you can feel the bullets flying toward you in slow motion. It’s an engaging game you can enjoy for hours.

Population:One

The title has no spaces, so you read that correctly. This game is a VR-exclusive battle royale shooter, and it’s no Fortnite clone. While you can build, the gunplay and experience are distinct enough to feel different. The vertical combat system lets you climb every surface, so gaining the high ground is ridiculously easy.

Population:One feels like a real firefight combined with extensive vertical traversing, so you can move around like you never could in real life.

Beat Saber

Rhythm game fans will love Beat Saber, a VR game that lets you hit incoming blocks with your VR controller. It’s a fun and challenging title that will surely leave you tired and entertained. There’s even a multiplayer mode that you can try out.

With many songs in the game, you’ll spend hours trying to get a perfect score. There are even harder game modes if you prefer more of a challenge.

Another World

With VR technology advancing every day, it’s now standard to play Steam VR games with your Quest 2 headset. Many games are being developed for VR, as well, since the platform is experiencing incredible success. In time, some of your favorite series may get a VR entry.

What are your favorite VR games? What do you think the next Oculus/Meta headset needs? Let us know in the comments section below.