Virtual reality is rapidly gaining momentum in 2022. Facebook’s name change to Meta is just one step in that direction. The Metaverse is a concept that has amazed and confused users at the same time. A part of you that already owns an Oculus Quest 2 must be thinking about how you can access the Metaverse. I’m here to tell you that there are ways you can make that happen. So keep your Quest 2 by your side as I show you the ways you can enter the Metaverse with it.
While this guide will discuss how to enter the metaverse with the Oculus Quest 2, it will also discuss a few other requirements. However, if you already know them, use the table below to jump into the process itself.
What is The Metaverse?
If you’re new to the Metaverse, then you’re understandably confused about what exactly it is. Without going into too much detail, the Metaverse is a combination of technologies that help an entire digital universe. The Oculus Quest 2 and other VR headsets are an important piece of the Metaverse, allowing users to dive into and experience the realm of virtual reality. If you’re someone who owns an Oculus Quest 2, you’re already standing at the gates of the Metaverse. Users who are interested in learning more about the Metaverse should check out our full guide on what the Metaverse is here.
Ways To Access The Metaverse
Strictly speaking, there is no one way to access the Metaverse. The concept does not fully exist yet, as it will require a single universal world that is interconnected like the Internet. Therefore, there is not a single application called Metaverse that can be opened. However, since the Metaverse is essentially a digital universe, shards exist on multiple platforms. These pieces are shaped like different apps and games that allow users to jump into them and socialize and play while wearing avatars. So, to get the Metaverse experience before you’re fully here with your Oculus Quest 2, you’ll need at least one of these apps installed on your Quest 2. I’ll list these apps below, so read on.
Keep in mind that not all games require a VR headset like the Oculus Quest 2. If you’re a veteran gamer, you may have already played some of the games below long before you heard of Metaverse. For more information on how they tie into the Metaverse, check out our explainer linked in the Metaverse above.
Things You’ll Need to Access the Metaverse with the Oculus Quest 2
Ready to jump into the Metaverse with your Oculus Quest 2? Keep your horses for a little longer. There are a couple of things you’ll need before you can start experiencing it. Take a look at the list below, and be sure to cross off every item on your list.
1. An Oculus Quest 2
This goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. You must have an Oculus Quest 2 headset to fully experience the Metaverse. Since VR provides the most immersive experience, Quest 2 will be required for you to lose yourself in it. Also, make sure you have your headphones charged to a decent level, as using them for longer periods will drain the battery. If you’re completely new to all of this, start by learning how to set up and use your Quest 2 first.
2. A Metaverse App/Game
As I mentioned, there is no single app titled Metaverse, there are a handful of apps and experiences that can help you experience it. These apps offer an entry into the concept of the Metaverse and will allow you to experience it. However, if you’re not sure what the Metaverse is, you can check out our guide linked in the previous article to get a better idea. Also, I’ve listed some popular experiences that you can dive into and access the Metaverse. Be sure to download and install any of them before proceeding.
Metaverse Apps And Experiences You Can Get
Below are some of the most popular apps you can use to get the Metaverse experience. However, keep in mind that not all of them may be available depending on where you live. Check the list below and choose the one you like the most.
1. Horizon Worlds
The official Meta entry into the Metaverse, Horizon Worlds is a social app that allows users to meet up and do a myriad of things together. Working as a social experience, people in Horizon Worlds log in as avatars and socialize with each other. Also, users can visit different places, play a variety of games with other users, or just relax and enjoy the experience.
Horizon Worlds is one of Meta’s most beloved projects and is available for Oculus Quest 2. The avatar you used to sign in with your headset is the same one that will be used in this app. Have no idea what an Avatar is? Learn all about what an avatar is in the Metaverse here. If you want to experience a glimpse of the Metaverse the company was talking about, go ahead and get Horizon Worlds (Free). Keep in mind, however, that Horizon Worlds is only available in select regions like the US and Canada, so be sure to check out the linked page for more information.
2. Horizon Places
Horizon Venues is a slightly different version of the Metaverse. Designed to bring real life events online, Venues allows Quest 2 users to attend live events from the comfort of their own homes. Do you remember the Fortnite concert? Horizon Venues is an app dedicated only to events like that. However, rather than just being a concert, Venues hosts all kinds of events.
From music events, filmed documentaries, sports and live events, there is a lot to offer. Horizon Venues also links back to the previous worlds, so your avatar will also carry over to this app creating the Metaverse experience. Those who want to enter the Metaverse in this way should get Horizon Venues (for free) and get started right away. As before, places may not be available depending on your region.
3. AltspaceVR
While Meta is one company trying to capitalize on this concept, it is not the only one. AltspaceVR is another Metaverse-like experience that many readers suggested in the comments and we decided to include it after loving it ourselves. Altspace is an application that has been here for a while. Owned by Microsoft, this social experience app allows players to come together in a wide variety of “worlds” and have fun together. Users can create custom avatars and connect with different people around the world. AltspaceVR has a plethora of different experiences and communities that people can witness together. From LGBTQ+ gatherings, meditation, improv comedy sessions, to relaxing around a campfire, there are plenty of opportunities.
Altspace is used by people from all walks of life as a place where they feel space. I spent my time in AltSpaceVR talking with different people around the common campfire session, visiting entertainment clubs, playing darts or just relaxing in my virtual home. If you’re someone who wants to take a look at what this Metaverse-like experience has to offer, check out AltSpaceVR (free) right now.
4. Rec Room
The Rec Room is an experience that sits right in the middle of Altspace and Horizon Worlds. The game features beautiful graphics along with crowded servers. Just like the previous apps, you can put on avatars and walk around having fun alone or with other people. However, Rec Room brings something else to the table. The Rec Room experience is a bit more game-oriented.
The experience is home to a wide variety of games that Oculus Quest 2 users can play together. The games themselves are made by creators and are very interesting. So if you’re a Quest 2 user who wants to play in the Metaverse, the Rec Room is one such experience you can get. Just add Arcade (free) to your Oculus account and start playing.
5.VRChat
Created long before the release of Oculus Quest 2, VRChat is a game that has captured the digital hearts of thousands around the world. VRChat allows users to create their own custom avatars and drop in and out of worlds. There are potentially hundreds of custom worlds available and they are spread across various locations.
You could be walking through a shrine in Japan, then relaxing in a restaurant the next moment. In addition to creating your own avatar, you can choose from hundreds of pre-created ones. VRChat also has a pretty polished experience as it has been around for a while longer. And did I mention that your friends can cross platform with you from their PC, even without a VR headset? If you’re a gamer who wants to try amazing experiences, then there’s nothing better than getting VRChat (for free) and logging in right now.
How To Immerse Yourself In The Metaverse with Oculus Quest 2?
Believe it or not, but the hard part is over. Since you have already downloaded your preferred application, all we have to do is install Quest 2 and open it. Just follow the steps below to access the metaverse on your Oculus Quest 2.
1. Turn on and wear the Oculus Quest 2 headset.
2. Using either controller, select the App Drawer from the Universal Menu. Your list of installed apps will open.
3. Just select the one you installed by pressing the trigger on any of the controllers.
4. Wait for the app or game to start and have fun.
And that is! Whatever Metaverse app you launched in Quest 2 will open and you can go ahead and dive into it. If you want your desired Metaverse experience, you can start with Horizon Worlds and then move on to Avenues to keep the same avatar. However, I would recommend VRChat to you as it is my personal favorite. Just make sure you don’t spend too much on the Metaverse so you don’t get lost in it forever.
Use your Oculus Quest 2 to Explore The Metaverse
I hope you have a lot of fun being in the Metaverse with your Quest 2. Is that too much to take in right now? Why not play Steam games in Quest 2 before moving on to the Metaverse? So how is your experience in the Metaverse? Let us know in the comments below.
