Right out of the box, the Oculus Quest 2 provides players with a quality virtual reality experience. The moment you slip on that headset, you’re immersed in 360-degree gaming without the nuisance of wires. Sure, there are a few things I’d love to see in the Quest 2’s future, but that’s not why we’re here today.
The moment I brought my Quest 2 home, I started to consider how I could elevate the entertainment and ensure that I’m getting the most out of my virtual reality unit. It didn’t take long for me to find a few accessories and drum up a few tactics, and I’d like to share with you how I’ve come to enjoy every moment I sink myself into those VR worlds.
Watch the Store for Discounts
One thing you’re not warned of when diving into virtual reality is that the games are full-priced, and they’re quite pricey. For instance, I purchased a table tennis game for $19.99. Granted, it’s fun, but the $20 price tag for a simple multiplayer title stung a little. That’s why you need to keep an eye on the store for discounts. Thankfully, there are rotating weekly and sometimes daily deals that can discount games by 25 to 50%. Best of all, the deals are highlighted at the top of the store page, so they’re really difficult to miss.
Extend the Life of Your Battery
Out of the box, the Oculus Quest 2 has about a two-hour battery life. That’s not bad, especially for people susceptible to motion sickness. However, if you want to double your playtime, Oculus sells the Elite Strap that includes a battery. It’s a costly $129 (nearly half the cost of the unit), but you can find more affordable options on Amazon, Best Buy, and even Newegg.
Consider an Adjustable Headband
The Quest 2 is a fairly comfortable unit, but it becomes problematic when people of different head sizes start swapping the headset. The velcro straps aren’t that convenient to adjust, and unless you tape it off, there’s no way to tell if you’re adjusting it back to your proper head size. The Elite Strap features a turn dial that makes it much easier to adjust and provides more support to prevent the headset from shifting. Again, though, that price tag is a bit much, so you may consider Eyglo’s version, which is very similar.
Replace the Facial Interface
The facial interface is what separates your forehead and cheeks from the edges of the headset. The one that comes installed on the Quest 2 is cloth. If you’re doing any sort of active gaming, you’ll quickly realize how gross an absorbable material is. You will want to replace it almost immediately with a foam interface. Not only is it more comfortable, but it also rectifies fogging issues and is far more hygienic. All you need to do is wipe it down and it’s good to be stored or passed to another player.
Secure a Link Cable
One of the criticisms of the Oculus Quest 2 is the limited library. However, the ability to link up to your PC extends that selection to just about every virtual reality game on Steam (with some limitations and minor hiccups). The catch is that you’ll need a link cable. Oculus sells a version for $79, but there is no need to spend that much. Similar 16-foot link cables from brands like VOKOO are more than half that.
Pick Up Earphones
When I first booted up my Quest 2, I was surprised by how clear it sounded. There is no external sound source, so everything you hear is coming directly from the integrated speakers hovering right by your ears. I have never been in a situation where I couldn’t hear what was happening in the game, even when it came to team chat in multiplayer titles. Of course, the audio could be better and a little less tinny. I highly recommend picking up compatible earphones or a headset to amplify the sound quality and reduce background noise. It also keeps your audio from leaking out and annoying nearby friends and family – though I can’t think of a scenario where you would be on your VR unit, and someone nearby wouldn’t be totally engrossed in why you’re flailing about.
Score a Few Must-Have Games
The final touch to getting the most out of your Quest 2 is ensuring you buy the right games. When you first launch your virtual reality experience, you won’t have much to toy with. That means it’s time to go shopping. Whether you’re a multiplayer fiend, enjoy the occasional action shooter, or really love those slow-paced horror titles, there is a must-play game in Quest 2’s store.
Population One is an online shooter that takes the Fornite formula and morphs it into an enjoyable VR title. It’s a bit more bare-bones than most battle royale games, but the immersion of virtual reality more than makes up for its shortcomings. Developer BigBox VR has done a good job keeping Population One updated with new content, including new game modes and weapons.
Slow things down a bit and emphasize melee combat and stealth in The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners. One of few successful video games based on Robert Kirkman’s apocalyptic work, Saints and Sinners features an all-new tale that takes you to the swamplands of Louisiana. Impeding your trek across the bayou is a horde of undead, which are far more terrifying in a virtual reality environment. Locate supplies, craft weapons, and make allies to survive this first-person stealth shooter.
Gun Club VR and Red Hot put firearms in the spotlight but in two very different ways. In Gun Club, it’s more about capturing the realism of a shooting range while Red Hot pushes your mobility to the limits. Both games will get you sweaty as you beat the clock and try to improve your skills with everything from handguns to shotguns.
There are plenty of sports games on the Quest 2, but The Climb 2 is one that makes great use of the unit’s 360-degree visuals. You’ll ascend up steep cliffs, grasping brittle rock as you prove your abilities and strive to reach the top. Expect your arms to get exhausted, but don’t let them impede the view of exotic locations. The Climb 2 is an incredibly straightforward experience that is a good introduction to virtual reality.
The list of notable titles goes on and on, spanning medieval combat, archery simulations, arcade sports, and so much more. As you shop, look at reviews, watch the trailers, and remember that even if you hate the game, Oculus has a user-friendly return policy, so you don’t waste money and storage space.
