Meta Quest Store vs SteamVR: Comparing Game Libraries

Two stores, two ecosystems

When you buy a VR headset, the store where you get games and apps is as important as the hardware. The two main stores are the Meta Quest Store and SteamVR (the VR section of Steam). Each serves a different type of headset and offers a different library.

The Meta Quest Store is built into every Quest standalone headset. You open it from the headset itself, download content directly, and play without a PC. For a guide to standalone headsets, see best standalone VR headsets. SteamVR, on the other hand, is a PC VR platform. You need a VR-ready computer and a headset that connects to it, such as the Valve Index, HTC Vive, or a Quest headset using a link cable or wireless streaming. See best PC VR headsets for compatible hardware.

Both stores have exclusive titles, different pricing models, and their own approach to cross-buy. This article explains the differences so you can decide where to invest in your game library.

Exclusive titles on each platform

The Meta Quest Store is home to first-party studios owned by Meta. These produce exclusive franchises such as the Horizon series, Asgard's Wrath 2, and Resident Evil 4 VR. These titles are only available on Quest headsets and cannot be played on SteamVR. If these franchises matter to you, consider a headset from the best Meta VR headsets guide.

SteamVR has its own exclusives, most notably Half-Life: Alyx, which is included with the purchase of a Valve Index headset or controllers. Other SteamVR exclusives include The Lab and many early VR hits that never made the jump to standalone stores.

Some games appear on both stores, but a title that is exclusive to one platform may be a deciding factor if you have a favorite franchise.

Pricing and sales

The Meta Quest Store uses a fixed-price model with occasional sales events, such as seasonal promotions and bundles. Prices are set by the developer, and the store does not have a user-driven sale system like Steam.

SteamVR benefits from Steam's regular seasonal sales (Summer, Winter, and others), where many VR titles see deep discounts. Steam also has a refund policy that applies to VR games, allowing you to return a game within two weeks if you have played less than two hours.

Both stores offer bundles that include a headset and a game or store credit. For example, the Valve Index VR Kit includes Half-Life: Alyx, and some Quest bundles include a game voucher. To compare headsets with bundles, see the best VR headset guide.

Cross-buy within the Meta ecosystem

Cross-buy is a feature of the Meta Quest Store. When you buy a game that supports cross-buy, you get both the standalone Quest version and the PC VR version (for the Rift platform) for a single price. This means you can play the same game on your Quest headset without a PC and later on a PC VR setup if you have one. This is especially useful with a headset from the best standalone VR headsets guide.

SteamVR does not offer cross-buy with any standalone store. If you buy a game on Steam, you can only play it on a PC VR headset. There is no way to play a SteamVR game on a standalone Quest headset without streaming from a PC.

Cross-buy is a major advantage if you own a Quest headset and also plan to use it with a PC. It saves you from buying the same game twice.

Which store works with which headset

The Meta Quest Store is only accessible on Quest standalone headsets (Quest 2, Quest 3, Quest 3S, Quest Pro). You cannot open it on a PC VR headset like the Valve Index or HTC Vive.

SteamVR works with any PC VR headset that connects to a VR-ready computer. This includes the Valve Index, HTC Vive series, Pimax headsets, and Quest headsets when connected via link cable or wireless streaming. The Vive Focus Vision, a hybrid headset, can also access SteamVR when tethered to a PC. For PC VR recommendations, see best PC VR headsets.

If you have a standalone headset, you are limited to the Meta Quest Store unless you also connect to a PC. If you have a PC VR headset, SteamVR is your primary store.

Building your library across both

Some users own a hybrid headset like the Quest or Vive Focus Vision and use both stores. In that case, you can buy standalone games on the Meta Quest Store for on-the-go play and PC VR games on SteamVR for higher-fidelity experiences at home. See the best VR headset for PC gaming guide for hybrid options.

Keep in mind that your library does not transfer between stores. A game bought on the Meta Quest Store cannot be played on SteamVR, and vice versa. The exception is cross-buy titles within the Meta ecosystem, which give you both the standalone and PC versions but still only on Meta platforms.

If you plan to use multiple headsets in the future, consider where your game purchases will remain usable. SteamVR games are tied to your Steam account and can be played on any PC VR headset that supports SteamVR. Meta Quest Store games are tied to your Meta account and work only on Quest headsets or the Rift PC platform. For a broader overview, see the best VR headset guide.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

What is cross-buy between Quest and Rift?

Cross-buy is a feature on the Meta Quest Store. When you buy a game that supports it, you get both the standalone Quest version and the PC VR version for the Rift platform at no extra cost. You can play the game on your Quest headset or on a PC VR setup using the same purchase.

Can I play SteamVR games on a Quest headset?

Yes, but only when the Quest headset is connected to a VR-ready PC via a link cable or wireless streaming. The Quest then acts as a PC VR headset and can run SteamVR games. Without a PC, you are limited to the Meta Quest Store.

Are there exclusive games on SteamVR?

Yes. SteamVR has exclusive titles such as Half-Life: Alyx, The Lab, and many early VR games that never released on standalone stores. Valve includes Half-Life: Alyx with the purchase of a Valve Index headset or controllers.

Which store has better sales?

SteamVR generally has more frequent and deeper sales because it is part of Steam, which runs seasonal sales events. The Meta Quest Store has occasional sales but does not have a user-driven sale system like Steam.

Do I need a PC to use SteamVR?

Yes. SteamVR is a PC VR platform. You need a VR-ready computer with a compatible graphics card and a headset that connects to it. Standalone headsets cannot access SteamVR directly without a PC connection.

Can I use the same game on both stores?

No. Games bought on the Meta Quest Store cannot be played on SteamVR, and vice versa. The only exception is cross-buy titles within the Meta ecosystem, which give you both the standalone and Rift PC versions but still only on Meta platforms.