What Is VRChat for Quest?
VRChat is a massively multiplayer free VR game based around social interaction, but you can also play it on a PC without the virtual reality component. The basic game provides a framework for users to upload worlds other players can visit and avatars other players can use. VRChat for Quest is the same as the original VRChat for PC, and Quest players can interact with PC players, but there are some limitations.
With the introduction of VRChat for Quest, the game introduced PC worlds and avatars, and Quest worlds and avatars. Worlds and avatars designed for PC users have few or no limits and can be taxing even on expensive high-end computers. In contrast, Quest worlds and avatars have limited file sizes and other limits designed with the relatively low specifications of the Quest and Quest 2 in mind.
PC players can visit both PC and Quest worlds and use both PC and Quest avatars, while Quest users can only go to Quest worlds and use Quest avatars. PC players and Quest players can interact, but only in worlds either explicitly designed for Quest or have a Quest version. Some have both PC and Quest assets, allowing PC players to enjoy a more detailed experience while still interacting in the same world with Quest players.
How to Play VRChat on Quest or Quest 2
VRChat plays the same on Quest and Quest 2 as it does on PC, with the only exception being you can’t visit PC-only worlds or use PC-only avatars. The interface is the same, the controls are the same, and you can even meet and interact with PC players.
To help you get started, we’ll run through the basic controls, show you how to find a custom avatar that works with the Quest version of the game, and find new worlds to visit. You don’t have to follow all of these steps, but doing so will help you get started in the game.
Log in to VRChat. You can use a VRChat account or the one you’ve tied to your Quest. Select your starting avatar and complete the initial setup process. In the starting area, approach an avatar stand if you want to swap avatars. Select a Quest-compatible avatar. Quest-compatible avatars are marked with a blue and green PC/Quest icon. If you don’t see an avatar you like, open the menu and search for a world. To find avatar worlds, type avatar. Select a world, and go there. While playing, you may see players who look like floating robots. These players are using Quest-incompatible avatars, so you see the floating robot instead. Look for an avatar you like. If an avatar has a blue and gray PC/Quest icon, it means it doesn’t work with Quest. Find a compatible avatar with the blue and green PC/Quest icon, and select it to swap. Once you have an avatar you’re happy with, open the menu again, look for a world that interests you, or return home. Your Quest controllers support limited hand-tracking, allowing you to perform some gestures. Start by gripping the controller with your thumb on the face buttons, which will result in your avatar clenching its fist. To open your hand in VR, relax your hand, so you aren’t touching any buttons on the controller. Grip the controller with your index finger extended to point. Grip the controller with your index and middle fingers to give the peace sign. Extend your index finger and lift your thumb off the face buttons to mime finger guns. You’re now ready to start interacting with people, which is the whole point of VRChat. You can mute players if they’re bothering you, and you can mute yourself if you don’t want anyone to hear you.
What Are the Limitations of VRChat on Quest?
The two main limitations of VRChat on Quest are you can’t see avatars or visit worlds that aren’t optimized for the Quest. If you see an avatar or world that doesn’t have the PC/Quest logo, it means you can’t use or visit it.
When you meet a player who is using a PC-only avatar, they’ll look like a floating robot with no legs, and they’ll have a little PC logo on their chest. You can still talk to and interact with them, but you won’t see their avatar.
When you visit a PC/Quest world, you’ll get the Quest version of the world. PC players will typically see more detailed models and textures, different and better particle effects, and more, while you’ll see a more basic version of the world. The basics stay the same, though, and you can see and talk with PC players even though you see slightly different versions of the world.
Overall, the Quest version of the game is less visually detailed than the PC version. Shadows are flatter or nonexistent, and models are less complex, textures are worse, and so on. The benefit is the game runs quite well, despite the Quest’s low specifications, and in some cases runs even better than the PC version does on lower-end hardware.
How to Play the PC Version of VRChat on Meta (Oculus) Quest
To play the PC version of VRChat on your Quest, the only option is to run the game on a VR-ready PC and connect your Quest via link cable or virtual desktop. The game runs on your computer, and the Quest acts as a headset. The easiest way to do this is to use the Steam version of VRChat and SteamVR.
Here’s how to play the PC version of VRChat on your Quest:
Download and install the Steam version of VRChat if you haven’t already done so. Download and install SteamVR. Open the Meta Quest app on your PC. Connect your headset via link cable. Launch SteamVR, and make sure it sees your headset and controllers. Launch VRChat, and play on your headset. Since the game is running on your PC, you’ll be able to use PC-only avatars and visit PC-only worlds. The performance will depend on the specifications of your PC.
