Virtual Reality (VR) has become one of the most exciting new technologies in gaming. With head-mounted displays like the Oculus Quest 2 and Valve Index, you can fully immerse yourself in virtual worlds. There are now over 7,000 VR games and apps available across all platforms. However, purchasing and downloading VR content can seem daunting if you’ve never done it before.
This guide will break down the simple steps to buy VR games from popular stores so you can start enjoying incredible gaming experiences. If you don’t know how to buy VR games and apps for your devices, then you should read this post till the end. From buying games/apps for standalone VR headsets, mobile, or PC devices, you will be able to learn everything by the end of this post.
How To Buy VR Games From Different VR Apps & Games Stores
There are a few different options for purchasing VR games, depending on your headset. Most content is available through dedicated VR app stores directly on your headset or via companion mobile apps. No matter the store, buying games is just a few quick clicks away. Below, we have shared 2 methods that can be followed to buy apps and games for your respective VR devices.
1. Buy Through Headset In VR
Putting on your headset allows you to seamlessly browse VR storefronts using intuitive VR interfaces. There are many VR headsets like Meta Quest and Rift that have their own app store available on the headset itself. You can just wear your headset and use the motion controllers to navigate around. Follow the steps mentioned below to do that.
The steps mentioned below show how to buy VR games for Meta Quest 2 through the device itself. You can follow the same steps even if you are using some other VR headset because the options remain the same for all.
- First, wear your VR headset and turn it on.
- Now press the Oculus Button on your controller device to bring up the toolbar.
- Select and click on the Store Option (shopping bag) on the toolbar.
- The Store app will open on the screen.
- You can browse through the list of apps and games.
- Use the search box or filter to find something of your choice.
- Once you’ve found a game or app, click on it.
- The price of the app/game will be displayed in a blue button.
- Click on the Price button and then click on Purchase.
- Your account will be used to complete the purchase using the default payment method.
- Once done, the app/game will be added to your account’s library automatically.
2. Buy VR Games Through The Mobile App
Companion mobile apps replicate the store experience on your phone so you can browse, read reviews, and purchase any time. Almost every major VR headset brand has its own mobile application, too. In this digital era, not having a mobile is like missing an opportunity. So, follow the steps mentioned below to buy VR apps and games using your smartphone devices.
We are using the official Meta Quest app in this example to show you how it is done. You can use the same app to buy apps/games for other headsets like Rift or Rift 2. But ensure that you’ve selected the right headsets connected to your app before making any purchase. See the upper right corner to know which device is connected and for which device you are buying the apps/games.
- Open the Meta Quest app on your smartphone.
- Tap on the Store option and find the game you want to get.
- Click on the Price button and then on the Purchase button.
- The default payment method will be used for the purchase.
- Congratulations! The game/app you bought will be added to your library.
How To Buy VR Games As A Gift For Your Friends and Family?
Thinking of introducing a friend to the wonders of VR gaming? You can easily gift VR titles to wishlist-linked accounts as a surprise present. Both the Oculus mobile app and Steam desktop client have gifting functionality. While some VR platforms offer shared-library, which can be used by many users altogether, some allow sending them a gift code or buying a title for them. Here’s how you can do it.
- Open the VR app store of your choice, such as Meta Quest.
- Find the game of your choice and click on it.
- You will be taken to the app’s page with details.
- Click on the Buy For A Friend option on the right-hand side of the menu.
- You will be asked to log in to your Meta account.
- Just do it and follow the on-screen instructions to give it.
Another method is sending them a gift card. You can simply buy digital or physical gift card codes from an app store of your choice. Almost every marketplace has an option to add a gift card balance to the profile. Once bought, just send the gift card to your friend/family member, and they will be able to add the respective amount to their own account for the purchase.
Best Websites To Buy VR Games For Headset, App, and PC
There are numerous online destinations that allow fans to purchase VR gaming content across various platforms. Around 65% of virtual reality games accessible today can be obtained from at least one of the top five digital storefronts. Each offers thousands of titles optimized for specific VR headsets, including dedicated apps, games for PC headsets, and even mobile experiences. Below, we have shared some of the best of all.
1. Meta Store (Oculus Store)
The Meta (formerly Oculus) Store is the official store for Meta Quest headsets like Quest 2. It has over 500 titles that are optimized exclusively for Quest. Around 80% of all the Quest games are bought from Meta Store owing to a wide range of titles and integrated payment options. The Meta Store allows users to download and install games directly to their headset without requiring a PC.
2. Steam Store
Steam is one of the largest and oldest digital stores, with a massive collection of over 25,000 VR games and apps. Nearly 65% of all PC-based VR titles are available on Steam. It gives users access to cutting-edge VR content from both AAA studios and independent developers. Over 12,000 VR games on Steam are optimized for headsets like Valve Index, HTC Vive and Windows Mixed Reality.
3. Itch.io
Itch.io is a popular marketplace for indie games and applications with thousands of VR titles. It hosts over 700 VR games created by individual devs and small teams. Many early access and experimental VR projects that are not available in other stores can be found here. Almost 75% of the games on Itchio come with options to customize payment as per your budget or means.
4. Viveport
Viveport is HTC’s digital content platform, and its subscription service, Viveport Infinity, offers unlimited access to more than 1,500 VR apps and experiences. Over 85% of its library includes games, videos and enterprise apps optimized for HTC Vive headsets. It also has a collection of exclusive titles developed through the Vive Originals program.
5. Epic Games
The Epic Game Store has become a major player in digital distribution with regular storefront discounts and free game giveaways. It hosts around 150 VR-supported titles in its collection. Over 80% of games available on the Epic store support major PC VR headsets and come bundled with the Unreal Engine for added compatibility.
6. Eneba
Eneba sells game keys and codes for products sold on other key storefronts at discounted prices. It offers VR game keys for popular titles at average savings of around 15-20% compared to retail prices. Over 70% of Eneba’s VR game keys are of Triple-A titles available across platforms like Steam, Oculus, etc. So, consider checking this website at least once.
Final Words
So, this is how to buy VR games for Oculus Quest 2, Rift, HTC Vive, and similar VR headset devices. While there are countless websites and online marketplaces available, choosing the right and legal ones can be hard. Instead of going with random stores, you come across on the internet, go with the ones we’ve mentioned in this post to buy games and apps of your choice.
Be sure to read app descriptions and user reviews carefully to ensure a smooth gameplay experience tailored to your headset. Experimenting with low-cost trials on popular stores is also a risk-free way to learn what genre suits you best. There can be more methods to get things done, and you can keep visiting the 5thscape blog as we update this post with more such methods and sites.
