Looking for the best free Quest games and apps? Here are our top recommendations.
Four years after the original Oculus Quest headset arrived, the Meta Quest platform offers an impressive range of experiences that caters to all interests. However, that won’t go far if you’re someone who’s just bought a Quest 2, Quest Pro or Quest 3 and doesn’t have much budget left for paid games and apps. That’s where we come in.
You can find many free experiences across the official Quest Store here. Some are hidden away on App Lab, Meta’s experimental platform that avoids the strict curation policy but significantly reduces discoverability. As such, we recommend searching through SideQuest or the App Lab Game List if you’re keen to find more.
Demos and Free Trials
While we’ve excluded them from our list to avoid any confusion with the full games, the Quest store includes numerous demos and free trials worth considering. That includes Beat Saber, Superhot VR, Pistol Whip, Battle Talent, Ancient Dungeon, Space Salvage, The Under Presents, Divine Duel, Journey of the Gods, Creed: Rise To Glory and Space Pirate Trainer.
It’s important to note that this isn’t a ranked list. You can’t realistically compare VR concerts to a hero shooter and our aim is to highlight experiences that cover all bases. Though we’re separating social VR platforms from this list, we’re giving VRChat, Rec Room, Roblox and Meta Horizon Worlds honorable mentions.
With that out of the way, let’s jump into our recommendations for the best free Quest games and apps.
Population: One
VR does Fortnite right in this superb free-to-play battle royale shooter. Population: One takes place on a huge map in which teams of three battle it out to be the last ones standing. It can be intense, so we certainly don’t recommend it as your first VR experience. Still, there’s a rock-solid shooter with some great VR mechanics too, like scaling up walls with your hands or holding your arms out to glide when you leap off the side of a building. Crossplay support means you can play with friends using other headsets.
Read More: Population: One Review
Population: One Review – The New King Of VR Battle Royale Shooters
After spending plenty of time with the multiplayer-only VR battle royale shooter, here is our full Population: One review. We played on Oculus Quest 2, but it’s crossplay between Quest 1, Quest 2, and PC VR headsets with cross-buy on Rift and Quest. Out of every game that released
Blaston
Developed by Resolution Games, Blaston is a fast-paced free-to-play arcade shooter. After customizing your loadout, this puts you into one-on-one fights as you dodge oncoming fire while being limited to a set location. Blaston also supports mixed reality gameplay, making it a good option if you’re keen to try more MR experiences beyond Quest 3’s First Encounters tutorial.
Read More: Blaston Goes Free To Play
X8
X8 is a free-to-play 5v5 multiplayer hero shooter with crossplay support that takes inspiration from Valorant and Overwatch. Matches take place over 14 rounds, with each X8 hero boasting three special abilities and hero-specific items to provide strategic advantages. Working alongside your teammates, you must either deploy a data-siphoning device that detonates after a countdown, while the defensive team attempts to deactivate it.
Read More: VR Hero Shooter X8 Enters Full Release Today On Quest & Steam
Cards and Tankards
Cards & Tankards is a free-to-play social collectible card game set in a fantasy tavern. Offering over 180 cards between 4 “mechanically unique factions,” placing cards on the tavern table turns them into mini-figures as you battle other people or AI opponents. Featuring customizable decks, progression rewards and avatar outfits, crossplay between Quest and PC VR is also supported.
Read More: Cards & Tankards Update 1.2 Adds New Cards, Reworks & More
Gorilla Tag
Popularising arm-based locomotion in VR games, Gorilla Tag has enjoyed phenomenal success since arriving on Quest and we previously awarded it ‘Best Competitive Multiplayer‘ game in 2021. Developed by Another Axiom, Gorilla Tag comes with four game modes that either involve running from infected gorillas or chasing down survivors to catch them.
Read More: Gorilla Tag Made $26 Million In Revenue On Quest App Lab
Hyper Dash
Though Triangle Factory has shifted to Breachers these days, Hyper Dash remains an enjoyable fast-paced VR multiplayer shooter. Supporting 5v5 matches and crossplay, Hyper Dash includes classic modes like Payload, Domination, Control Point, Deathmatch and Capture The Flag while offering a nice alternative to military shooters.
Read More: Hyper Dash Review: Dynamic And Intense Competitive VR Shooter
Republique VR
Curious to try out some VR stealth games? Then Republique VR might interest. Playing as a young woman named Hope, you fight to bring down a system of tyranny in a totalitarian future. Though it doesn’t make the most exciting use of VR, it’s still a fun adventure in its own right and developer Camouflaj borrowed liberally from Metal Gear Solid and other series.
Read More: République VR Review: Simple Sneaking
Bigscreen
You can watch Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Twitch, and YouTube with others using Bigscreen. The remote desktop app lets you share and use your desktop in VR while a video player brings in your own files. You and a friend can also rent a movie to watch together from Bigscreen’s available library. Bigscreen’s theater designs range from rooms in simulated homes, like the relaxing Residence environment, all the way up to our favorite theatrical experience — the Grand Cinema — with its roomy stadium seating and subtle reflections of light from 2D or 3D content illuminating your surroundings.
Read More: Best Of Virtual Reality: 7 Great Apps For Golf, Movies, Ping Pong, Fishing & More
Bait!
A free-to-play fishing game from Resolution Games, Bait! first appeared back in 2016 and was once one of the most popular Samsung Gear games. In 2023, it’s still going and receiving active support. After introducing multiplayer support through Fishing Buddies update, which added a hangout spot for up to 12 players and four-player tournaments, Resolution took this further by adding a new island.
Read More: Bait! Treasure Hunters Update Heads To Shipwreck Shores
Ultimechs
Developed by Resolution Games, Ultimechs is a competitive multiplayer VR title with crossplay that’s best described as a mix of mechs and Rocket League. Using giant war machines in arena matches, this is basically Soccer that sees you firing your arms into the ball and knocking it into the goal.
Read More: Ultimechs Launches For Free On Quest, PC VR & Pico
Mission: ISS
Created by Magnum Opus in collaboration with several space agencies, Mission: ISS is a simulation that lets you explore the International Space Station in zero gravity. You’re tasked with performing regular astronaut duties like docking cargo capsules, conducting spacewalks, maintenance and more.
Read More: Mission: ISS Is A Free Space Simulation That Makes You The Astronaut
Glassbreakers: Champions Of Moss
Glassbreakers: Champions Of Moss is an ideal game for short and sweet play sessions. A competitive multiplayer spin-off from Moss and Moss: Book 2, it’s a MOBA-like real-time battler that’s taking a live-service approach to content updates, gradually introducing post-launch champions. Currently in open beta with PC VR crossplay support, it’s temporarily going offline on January 8, 2024, but Polyarc confirms it’ll be coming back.
Read More: Glassbreakers: Polyarc’s Impressive New Multiplayer Battler
Glassbreakers: Champions Of Moss Arrives Today On Quest
Polyarc debuts Glassbreakers, an impressive new free-to-play competitive multiplayer game, on App Lab today. Here are our impressions:
Vegas Infinite
Vegas Infinite is the recently rebranded version of Pokerstars VR, which adapted the largest online Poker platform in the world for virtual reality back in 2019. You can challenge friends to play poker, blackjack, roulette, slots and craps and while it’s free to download, you’ll need to buy chips with real money.
Read More: PokerStars VR Is Coming To Oculus Quest
Gym Class Basketball
Gym Class started out on App Lab for Quest before transitioning to a full release. Offering players a full basketball experience in VR with several gameplay modes including solo play and online multiplayer, in-game shooting, grabbing and moving all work from tracked movements. Though its free-to-play, paying an optional $14.99 grants access to Gym Class PRO, which includes customizable private courts and personalized avatars.
Read More: NBA Bundle Now Live In Basketball VR App Gym Class
Gun Raiders
Another free-to-play experience, Gun Raiders is an arena-based VR shooter that includes microtransactions. Featuring mechanics like jetpacks and wall running, there’s a mix of modes ranging between deathmatch, capture the point, team assault and more. Offering considerable character customization, it also supports PC VR crossplay.
Read More: F2P Shooter Gun Raiders Jumps From App Lab To Oculus Quest & Rift Store
Elixir
Elixir is a free hand-tracking demo game developed by Magnopus and Reality Labs. Working as a sorceress’ apprentice, you’re tasked with maintaining various delicate contraptions while experimenting in an unstable alchemy lab. Though it’s use of Quest’s hand-tracking has been surpassed, we still consider it a fun demonstration of what hand-tracking can do.
Read More: Top 10 Best Quest 2 Hand Tracking Games & Apps
ForeVR Cornhole
ForeVR is best known for its family-friendly sports series like Bowl, Pool and Darts, though Cornhole and Suck It are the only free-to-play entries. For the unfamiliar, cornhole sees players throwing bean bags onto a raised, angled board. Landing your bean bag on the board scores one point, while throwing it into the hole earns three points. The free version provides 5 bags and 5 boards, though additional customization and features can be unlocked for $9.99.
Read More: ForeVR Cornhole Available Now On Meta Quest 2
Eden Unearthed
Netflix has made increasing strides into gaming recently, and Eden Unearthed was an early example in 2021. It’s a tie-in with Eden, an animated series set in the far future in a world occupied by robots. You take control of a futuristic motorbike and ride around a vast and changing landscape, collecting apples as fuel and avoiding obstacles to try max out your speed without bumping. We were impressed with the high polish, immersion and comfort despite its limited scope.
Read More: Netflix Releases Free VR Game, Eden Unearthed, On Quest App Lab
MLK: Now Is The Time
MLK: Now Is The Time aims to highlight Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy through a VR experience. Taking its name directly from part of Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, Now Is The Time examines its themes and his impact six decades later. Presented through first-person stories, this new VR experience highlights his continued influence in modern-day protests.
Read More: MLK: Now Is The Time Launches On Quest Today
AmazeVR Concerts
AmazeVR is a VR concerts app that combines live-action 3D footage of artists with interactive virtual environments. Following Megan Thee Stallion’s made-for-VR ‘Enter Thee Hottieverse’ concert, AmazeVR later launched a never-before-seen show from Zara Larsson and a new concert experience featuring T-Pain. While the app itself is a free download, you can only access one free song per artist.
Read More: Megan Thee Stallion VR Concert Experience Available Now On Quest
I Expect You To Die: Home Sweet Home
While the main I Expect You To Die series are all paid entries, Home Sweet Home is a free mixed reality mini-mission from Schell Games that brings the spy-themed escape room gameplay into your living room. That’s achieved through using Quest’s passthrough and as a secret agent, you’re tasked with solving puzzles, escaping traps and defeating Dr Zor.
Read More: I Expect You To Die Mixed Reality Mission Coming Free To Quest 2, Quest Pro
Gravity Sketch
Gravity Sketch is a free creative toolset for those interested in 3D design. Letting you create fully surfaced sketch models, environments and more, you can import video and image files alongside exporting work as OBJ, FBX or IGES files. It’s slowly seeing wider adoption, both with VR games like designing courses for Walkabout Mini Golf and big films like Avatar: The Way Of Water.
Read More: Avatar: The Way Of Water Used Gravity Sketch In Its Set Design
Galapagos with David Attenborough
Documentary filmmaking is nothing new in VR but Galapagos with David Attenborough is perhaps the most notable recent example. Originally produced over a decade ago, this latest VR adaptation blends live-action footage from Galapagos 3D with VR illustrations made using Quill by Smoothstep.
Read More: VR Documentary Collection Missing Pictures Debuts Next Month
V-Speedway
Interested in trying an arcade racer? V-Speedway from Commuter Games goes a step further than most VR racing games by using fully interactive controls. Featuring solo racing, free riding, time attack modes and online leaderboards, it’s also recently been updated with Quest 3 enhancements.
Read More: Best Quest Racing Games
Gods Of Gravity
Developed by Trass Games, Gods of Gravity describes itself as an arcade-style RTS free-to-play game that pits celestial gods against each other. Supporting 2-8 players alongside a solo campaign, there’s a large focus on resource management as you amass a fleet, capturing nearby planets, moons or even the sun to boost your production. Whoever eventually conquers their enemy’s home planet wins.
Happy to put down some money on Quest games or games on other VR platforms? Make sure to check out our recommendations:
25 Best Oculus Quest Games & Best Meta Quest 2 Games
We’ve added some new entries and updated our list of the 25 best Quest games. Check it out here:
Notice: We previously published two similar lists that are no longer representative of our top games. You can find those here and here.
