If you've just got yourself a Meta Quest 3 over the holidays, you might be feeling overwhelmed with the vast world at your disposal. That's why I've compiled a list of essentials for your device, focusing on apps, games, and services that leverage the improved hardware and mixed reality features of the Quest 3.
If someone hasn't gifted you a Quest 3 this year, you bloody well should. You've earned it. Check out my review for more pros and cons of the new standalone VR platform.
Meta Quest 3 Essential Games

To kick things off, let's dive into some stellar games that make the most out of the Quest 3's potential.
Drop Dead: The Cabin
With Drop Dead: The Cabin's mixed reality mode, you'll say goodbye to your bedroom doors and windows, and hello to zombie invasions! The game offers weapons, ammo, and gory zombie encounters as if you were living through Dawn of the Dead.
Assassin's Creed Nexus VR
Stealth and virtual reality partner up in this Assassin's Creed game. Powered by the Quest 3's enhanced capabilities, Assassin's Creed Nexus delivers one of the best AAA experiences on the system.
Asgard's Wrath 2
With only a few days since its release, I haven't had much time to explore the entire game — but if the first few hours are anything to go by, Asgard's Wrath 2 is shaping up to be the best VR game of all-time.
Vegas Unlimited
This free game is perfect for casual players looking to test their skills at poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, and slot machines in a virtual casino. With real opponents and fun integrated features like the Pass-Through Camera and improved hand and eye tracking, Vegas Unlimited is a relaxed and social experience.
Virtual Essentials for Meta Quest 3
If you're serious about your VR gaming, it's worth considering these paid services.
Side Quest: Download and install non-Meta Store apps on your Quest 3 with this must-have app. Side Quest opens up a world of tech demos, games, apps, and more, offering new customization and optimization options for your Quest 3 experience. Side Quest is also a requirement to install Quest Game Optimizer.
Quest Game Optimizer: Enhance your gaming experience with the Quest Game Optimizer, a 10-dollar service that lets you control game resolution, graphic settings, video recording, and more. If you want to play your games seriously, this is a solid investment.
Virtual Desktop: Stream videos, browse the internet, and enjoy PCVR games on your Quest 3 using Virtual Desktop. Available for Windows 10 or 11 PCs specifically designed for VR gaming, Virtual Desktop takes your gameplay experience to a whole new level.
Unmissable Video Streaming Apps for Meta Quest 3

Bigscreen: For a social video streaming experience, Bigscreen's Social VR app lets you watch movies and TV shows with friends in a virtual cinema that looks like a 100-foot movie screen. You can stream YouTube, Disney+, Twitch, PlutoTV, or watch your own movies.
XStadium: Sports fans will love XStadium, where you can immerse yourself in live NBA games or watch UFC fights in the Octagon. Baldur's Gate-style RPG-madness, wrestling, and other sports are also on offer in a 360-degree or mixed reality experience.
DeoVR: This app offers a variety of video content options, not just pornography. But if you're into exploring the latest advances in Virtual Reality pornography, it's your go-to app.
Meta Quest 3 Essential Fitness Apps
Whether you're after a more traditional workout or fancy a mixed reality workout, Meta Quest 3 has you covered.
Les Mills BodyCombat
Virtual or mixed reality workout enthusiasts will find plenty of inspiration with Les Mills BodyCombat. It offers a multitude of combat sport-inspired workout routines with knowledgeable virtual trainers, and it's subscription-free.
Supernatural
As a music snob, it was a pleasant surprise to find an app with authentic music that I genuinely loved. Trainers are enthusiastic, workouts are fun, and they even mimic the features of Beat Saber. I'm positive that Supernatural will find a way to utilize mixed reality in the future.
Fight or Die
This boxing simulator offers the most intense training routines of any VR app out there – it's no joke when they say "box like a shadow at full speed" – but it's also highly addictive and sure to leave you covered in sweat. The mixed reality mode adds a new dimension to boxing matches at home.
***Disclaimer: The information presented here is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as official recommendations or advice. Always research and consult experts for guidance before making any decisions or engagements related to technology or entertainment.*
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