How to Use Steam VR Game on MetaQuest with SteamLink App

 Thanks to the official Steam Link app available on the Meta Quest Store, we can now play SteamVR games wirelessly on the Meta Quest. Even if you're already using Air Link, you can eliminate one layer of software by switching to the Steam Link app. It works well and is easy to set up when done correctly.

What You Need

Before diving into the details of setting up Steam Link on Quest, you'll need a few things:

• A computer capable of running Steam and SteamVR.
• Windows 10 or newer.
• GPU equivalent to NVIDIA GTX970 or better.
• A wireless router with a 5GHz channel, Wi-Fi 5.
• Meta Quest 2, 3, or Pro.

For this guide, I'm using:

• Laptop with Intel 13900HX processor, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and RTX 4060.
• Wi-Fi 5GHz router, with a direct 1Gbps wired connection to my PC.
• Once you have everything you need, let's set up our SteamVR.

Setting Up Steam Link on Quest Due to the nature of VR and the restrictions on taking screenshots in the Quest headset, I can't provide screenshots for each step in this process.

How to Play SteamVR Games via Steam Link on Quest

1. Prepare Your PC:

• Install Steam and SteamVR (from the Steam Store) if not already installed.
• Ensure you are logged into your Steam client.
• Install SteamVR games. For this guide, we'll use the fantastic game Half-Life: Alyx.
• (Optional) Connect your PC to the router using an Ethernet cable. Although not mandatory, this can significantly impact latency and image quality in most cases.

Now, your PC is ready, but your Quest needs preparation too. It must be connected to the same router or mesh network as your PC. For the best results, connect it directly to the same router node as your PC if using a mesh network.

2. Install Steam Link on Quest:

Install the Steam Link app on your headset. You can do this from the Meta Quest App, the Meta Store website, or from the Store app on the headset. Regardless of the method you choose, the app should be automatically installed on your headset.

3. Launch Steam Link on Quest:

With the headset on, but staying close to the PC, open the Steam Link app on your Quest. It may ask for microphone permission for in-game voice chat. If you are on the same network as your PC, you should see your PC listed as an available computer. Select the "Connect" button.

4. Pairing Steam Link:

The first time you do this, you will need to confirm the connection on your PC by entering a four-digit code displayed in the headset on your computer. This involves typing the code on the computer.

Sometimes, the small window for the code may appear behind the main Steam client window. If it's not visible, check behind the main Steam client window by minimizing or moving it to the side.

5. Successfully Paired:

Once successfully paired, you can open any VR games installed from the Steam library on your computer and play as usual. You will be taken to the SteamVR home environment.

6. Navigate SteamVR Home:

Press the menu button on the left Quest controller to open Steam, then navigate to your library.

7. Play VR Games:

After highlighting the VR games you want to play in the library, select "Play" to start playing.

Now, you are ready to experience wireless VR gaming without cables!