The Meta Quest 2 - formally Oculus - is one of the most accessible virtual reality headsets on the market. Its self-contained nature is its primary selling point, but something must be said about its versatility. The headset is a self-contained piece of kit. It can be connected to a PC for a richer experience.

That doesn't stop at the Meta app, either. Here's how to play Steam games using Meta Quest 2. The Meta Quest 2 doesn't make it clear that it can play Steam games, but it's a feature in the headset. Luckily, one of the VR headset's best innovations makes this easier than on the original Meta Quest, allowing it to link to a PC wirelessly and play a user's library of games.

Updated June 17, 2023 by Michael Llewellyn: The Meta Quest 2 - AKA the Oculus Quest 2 - is arguably the most accessible premium virtual reality device available. Unlike the PSVR 2, users can take the device anywhere without being required to connect it to a heavy gaming console. The same concept will continue with the device's successor, the Meta Quest 3.

However, the Meta Quest's versatility isn't just down to its portability, but in the way that it allows users to tailor the experience to their liking, connect it to a PC, and even play Steam games. This guide now includes another method for users to connect their Meta Quest 2 with their Steam library via a PC on the same network.

Minimum PC Requirements

Meta Quest 2 headset and controllers

Playing Steam Games from a PC to a Meta Quest 2 requires a decent machine and a capable internet connection. Attempting to run Steam games through the Meta Quest without the minimum specs would render them unplayable. Below are the minimum requirements to run Steam games on Meta Quest 2.

  • OS: Windows 10 or 11.
  • Processor: Intel i5-4590 or above. Or AMD Ryzen 5 1500 X or above.
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GTX and AMD 400 and above.
  • Memory: 8GB RAM
  • 5 GHZ Wifi or a wired connection.

How To Play Steam Games On Meta Quest 2

Oculus Enable Air Link

Unfortunately, users won't be able to play Steam games directly through the headset. They'll still need a gaming PC in some form. However, as long as they have a capable PC capable of running VR games, they can play their favorite Steam games on their Meta Quest 2 headset. The best part is that the Meta Quest 2 supports wireless PC connections through Meta Air Link. To play a library of Steam games Meta Quest 2, follow this guide:

  • First, download the Steam VR program from the Steam app, which enables them to play VR in the first place, regardless of the headset in use.
  • Next, users should set up their Meta Quest 2 and pair it with the Meta app on their PC.
  • Once the headset has been paired with the Meta app, Airlink will allow users to cast their PC's desktop to the Quest 2 as though it was one of its wired counterparts.
  • Some older laptops and PC may not have the capability to run Airlink.
  • Then, users need to select the Desktop button of the bottom menu on the new home screen.

Using The Desktop App

oculus virtual desktop
  • With the Desktop option selected, users can access their PC apps. It's effectively a virtual reality view of a computer monitor.
  • Now launch the Steam app and select the desired VR game to play. Users should load into the game as long as their PC is up to spec.
  • Users can also physically connect a USB-C cable to link the Quest 2 to a PC, which provides a stable connection when playing games. Just be sure to purchase a lengthy lead, as most VR games require a lot of space.

Virtual Desktop

Virtual Desktop logo

Meta Quest users can try the Virtual Desktop option if the above methods aren't working. To get this working, use the following steps:

  • Use this link to download the Virtual Desktop onto the PC.
  • Using the Meta Quest headset, purchase the Virtual Desktop from the Meta store.
  • Download and launch the app and take note of the username.
  • Switch back to the PC, enter the details onto the Virtual Desktop, and wait for the devices to sync up.
  • With devices set up and connected, Meta Quest users can navigate their Steam library and play games on the virtual screen inside the Meta Quest headset.

That's all there is to play a Steam game on Meta Quest 2. It's one of the significant improvements to the new version of the headset, as the original Quest could only play Steam games with an expensive cable to be able to do so.

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