How to Download Itch.io Games on Quest
If you are a fan of virtual reality (VR) games, you probably know that the Oculus Quest is one of the best standalone VR headsets available. It offers a wireless, immersive, and comfortable experience that lets you enjoy a variety of games and apps without a PC or console.
But did you know that there are many more games and apps that you can play on your Quest that are not available on the official Oculus Store? These are indie games created by developers who use platforms like itch.io to distribute their work.
how to download itch.io games on quest
Itch.io is a website that hosts thousands of games, mostly indie and experimental, across different genres and platforms. Many of these games are compatible with VR devices, including the Quest. However, to play them on your headset, you need to sideload them.
Sideloading is a process that allows you to install apps and games that are not approved or verified by Oculus. This means you can access a wider range of content that may not meet the quality or safety standards of the official store. Sideloading also lets you update or modify existing apps and games, or even create your own.
However, sideloading also comes with some risks. You may encounter bugs, glitches, or compatibility issues that may affect your gameplay or even damage your headset. You may also violate the terms of service of Oculus or the developers, which may result in losing access to your account or content. Therefore, you should always be careful and responsible when sideloading apps and games on your Quest.
How to Sideload Apps and Games on Your Oculus Quest
If you want to try out some itch.io games on your Quest, you need to follow these steps:
How to enable developer mode on your Quest
The first thing you need to do is to turn on developer mode on your Quest. This will allow you to install apps and games that are not from the Oculus Store. To do this, you need to use the Oculus app on your phone.
Open the Oculus app and select your headset from the top banner.
Tap on headset settings under the Manage Your Device section.
Select developer mode from the list of options.
Toggle the switch to on.
If this is the first time you have enabled developer mode, you will be redirected to a website where you need to sign in and create a new organization. This is free, but you need to enter a name and a credit or debit card number to verify your identity.
Once you have created your organization, go back to the app and make sure developer mode is still on.
Restart your headset to apply the changes.
When it loads back up, you will be asked to allow USB debugging, which will enable sideloading. Check Always Allow.
How to install SideQuest on your PC and Quest
The next thing you need is SideQuest, a software that lets you sideload apps and games onto your Quest. SideQuest also has a marketplace where you can browse and download many itch.io games for VR. To install SideQuest, you need a PC and a USB-C cable.
How to install Oculus Quest games from itch.io
How to sideload itch.io VR games on Quest
How to play indie games on Oculus Quest with itch.io
How to use SideQuest to download itch.io games for Quest
How to access itch.io games on Quest via browser
How to get free VR games from itch.io for Oculus Quest
How to transfer itch.io games to Quest with USB cable
How to run itch.io games on Quest with Virtual Desktop
How to stream itch.io games from PC to Quest
How to update itch.io games on Oculus Quest
How to uninstall itch.io games from Quest
How to find the best itch.io games for Oculus Quest
How to support indie developers on itch.io with Quest
How to create an account on itch.io for Quest games
How to browse and search for itch.io games on Quest
How to use a gamepad with itch.io games on Quest
How to enable hand tracking with itch.io games on Quest
How to adjust graphics settings for itch.io games on Quest
How to fix common issues with itch.io games on Quest
How to join multiplayer sessions with itch.io games on Quest
How to share your gameplay of itch.io games on Quest
How to discover new and upcoming itch.io games for Quest
How to follow your favorite itch.io developers on Quest
How to leave feedback and ratings for itch.io games on Quest
How to request refunds for itch.io games on Quest
How to backup and restore your save data for itch.io games on Quest
How to mod and customize your itch.io games on Quest
How to use voice chat with itch.io games on Quest
How to invite friends to play itch.io games on Quest
How to redeem codes and coupons for itch.io games on Quest
How to manage your library of itch.io games on Quest
How to download and install demos of itch.io games on Quest
How to watch trailers and reviews of itch.io games on Quest
How to learn more about the development of itch.io games on Quest
How to participate in beta testing of itch.io games on Quest
How to report bugs and glitches for itch.io games on Quest
How to optimize your performance and battery life for itch.io games on Quest
How to switch between 2D and 3D modes for itch.io games on Quest
How to use the Oculus Link cable with itch.io games on Quest
How to connect your headphones and speakers with itch.io games on Quest
How to adjust the volume and sound effects for itch.io games on Quest
How to change the language and subtitles for itch.io games on Quest
How to enable or disable notifications for itch.io games on Quest
How to access the developer console and commands for itch.io games on Quest
How to use cheats and hacks for itch.io games on Quest
How to record and edit videos of your itch.io games on Quest
How to take screenshots and capture photos of your itch.io games on Quest
How to upload and share your creations from your itch.io games on Quest
How to download and play fan-made mods of your favorite itch.io games on Quest
On your PC, go to .
Select Easy Installer from the list of options.
Follow the installer instructions to get SideQuest installed on your PC.
On your Quest, go to the Oculus Store and search for SideQuest.
Download and install the app on your headset.
How to connect your Quest with SideQuest on PC
Now that you have SideQuest on both your PC and Quest, you need to connect them with a USB-C cable. Make sure your headset is turned on and unlocked.
Plug one end of the cable into your PC and the other into your Quest.
On your PC, open SideQuest and wait for it to recognize your headset.
You should see a green dot on the top left corner of the SideQuest window, indicating that your Quest is connected and ready for sideloading.
How to sideload apps from SideQuest website or APK files
There are two ways to sideload apps and games onto your Quest using SideQuest. You can either use the SideQuest website or download APK files from other sources, such as itch.io.
To sideload apps from the SideQuest website:
On your PC, go to and browse the games and apps available.
When you find something you like, click on it to see more details and reviews.
If you want to install it on your Quest, click on the Install to Headset button on the top right corner of the page.
You should see a notification on the bottom right corner of the SideQuest window, confirming that the app has been installed on your headset.
To sideload APK files from other sources:
On your PC, go to and search for VR games compatible with Quest.
When you find something you like, click on it to see more details and reviews.
If you want to download it, click on the Download button and choose a donation amount (or enter zero if you want it for free).
You should see a list of files available for download. Look for the one that has .apk as the extension. This is the file that you need to sideload onto your Quest.
Click on the file name to download it to your PC.
On your PC, open SideQuest and click on the Install APK file from folder button on the top right corner of the window.
Browse your PC folders and select the APK file that you downloaded from itch.io.
You should see a notification on the bottom right corner of the SideQuest window, confirming that the app has been installed on your headset.
Best Itch.io Games for Quest
Now that you know how to sideload apps and games onto your Quest, you may be wondering what are some of the best itch.io games for VR. Here are some of our recommendations:
NameDescriptionLink
Crisis VRigadeA fast-paced shooter where you play as a SWAT officer fighting against terrorists. You can use cover, reload, and aim with realistic motions. The game is challenging and fun, with multiple levels and modes.
Pavlov Shack BetaA multiplayer shooter that is similar to Counter-Strike. You can play online with other players or offline with bots. The game features various maps, weapons, and modes. You can also customize your avatar and voice chat with others.
V-SpeedwayA racing game where you control futuristic vehicles with hand gestures. You can tilt, steer, accelerate, and brake with natural movements. The game has stunning graphics, smooth gameplay, and multiple tracks and vehicles.
To The TopA parkour game where you can climb, jump, glide, and fly through various environments. You can explore different paths, collect items, and race against time or other players. The game is exhilarating and immersive, with a great sense of motion and scale.
Tea For GodA roguelike game where you explore a procedurally generated world that adapts to your physical space. You can walk around, interact with objects, and fight enemies. The game is surreal and innovative, with a unique locomotion system that avoids motion sickness.
Conclusion
Itch.io is a treasure trove of indie games that you can play on your Quest. By sideloading them with SideQuest, you can enjoy a variety of genres and experiences that are not available on the official Oculus Store. However, you should also be aware of the risks and responsibilities that come with sideloading. Always make sure you trust the source, respect the developers, and follow the instructions carefully.
If you are looking for some new and exciting games to play on your Quest, we recommend you check out some of the itch.io games we listed above. They are fun, immersive, and creative, and they will surely enhance your VR experience.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your headset, connect it to your PC, and start sideloading some itch.io games on your Quest!
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions and answers related to the topic:
What is the difference between sideloading and streaming?
Sideloading is a process that allows you to install apps and games that are not from the Oculus Store onto your Quest. Streaming is a process that allows you to play PC VR games on your Quest using a wireless or wired connection. Both methods require developer mode and SideQuest, but they have different advantages and disadvantages.
Can I sideload apps and games from other sources besides itch.io?
Yes, you can sideload apps and games from other sources as long as they are compatible with Quest and you have the APK files. However, you should be careful about where you download them from, as some sources may contain malware or viruses that could harm your headset or PC.
Can I uninstall sideloaded apps and games from my Quest?
Yes, you can uninstall sideloaded apps and games from your Quest using SideQuest. To do this, open SideQuest on your PC and click on the Manage My Apps button on the top left corner of the window. You should see a list of all the apps and games installed on your headset. To uninstall an app or game, click on the Uninstall button next to its name.
Will sideloading void my warranty or get me banned?
Sideloading is not officially supported by Oculus, but it is not illegal or prohibited either. However, it may violate the terms of service of Oculus or the developers of the apps and games you sideload. This means that if something goes wrong with your headset or account because of sideloading, Oculus may not be able to help you or may even take action against you. Therefore, you should always sideload at your own risk and discretion.
Where can I find more information or help about sideloading?
If you want to learn more about sideloading or need help with any issues or questions, you can visit . There are many guides, tutorials, tips, and support available for sideloading enthusiasts. 44f88ac181