Oculus Quest 2, now known as Meta Quest 2, is a popular virtual reality headset that allows users to explore different gaming spaces. Its system is easy to use and you can access numerous menu items through the responsive Quest controllers. However, there are certain cases where you may not be able to use the drivers. Fortunately, you can avoid this problem by using your hands.
If you’re wondering how to use hand tracking on Oculus Quest 2, look no further. This article will walk you through the process and cover several games where hand tracking can be useful.
Continue reading to learn more.
How to use manual tracking
The Quest headset supports hand tracking, a feature that allows you to use your hands to access different menu functions. The system detects your hands and fingers through the Quest headset’s cameras. It uses this information as input to determine what action to take.
Please note that this feature is not a direct replacement for drivers and some users may have difficulty accessing the menu without them. It is best to use manual tracking in situations where you are in a hurry. For example, if you’ve stored your controllers in a bag, you won’t have to take them out to check your progress in a game. Instead, you can do it quickly with your hands. Once you feel comfortable using the feature, you can play immersive games that have implemented hand tracking.
Before you can try the feature, you must enable it through Quest settings. This is what you have to do:
- Tap the “Oculus” button on the right controller to open the menu.
- Click the clock icon on the left side of the menu to view the Quick Settings panel.
- Select “Settings” to go to the options menu.
- Press “Device” and choose the “Hands & Controllers” option.
When you place the drivers, the system will take this as a signal to enable manual tracking. After picking them up again, you can continue using them without problems.
Once you have activated the feature, using manual tracking is relatively simple and intuitive.
First, put down the controllers, raise your arms and wave your hands in front of the headphones. You may receive a notification informing you that Quest has switched from drivers to manual tracking. The headset will then show his hands in virtual reality.
Let’s look at some useful gestures that take the hassle out of manual tracking:
- Select an item
To interact with an item, point your hand at it. You can select items by bringing your index finger and thumb together. This gesture performs the same action as pressing the trigger on a controller.
- Scroll through menus
Point your hand at an area of the page that is not a button. Keep your thumb and index finger together. Make sure to hold them in that position as you move your hand up or down. You can move your hand vertically or horizontally and explore menu options in both directions. When you have finished scrolling, relax your hand and release your fingers.
- Showing the main menu
Hold your palm facing your face at eye level and bring your index finger and thumb together. The Oculus icon should appear. Release your fingers when you see the main menu.
- Access menus with shortcuts
Menus with shortcuts are invaluable gaming tools that allow users to mute their microphones, record videos, summon voice assistants, and more. Bring your index finger and thumb together to open a menu and move them over the item you want to select. When your fingers are on the object, release them.
Oculus Quest 2 games that use hand tracking
We’ve compiled a list of the best. Oculus quest 2 games that support this feature to help you hone your hand tracking skills.
Unplugged
Unplugged has become one of the most popular virtual reality music games. It relies on hand tracking technology to create an immersive experience where you can make your rock star dreams come true. Unplugged is a controller-less game, making it one of the rare VR experiences that relies solely on hand tracking.
You can hold the neck of the guitar with one hand and use the other as a strumming hand.
The recent hand tracking update has fixed previous gesture detection issues, so you can dance and the game will recognize every strum. Thanks to the updates, the game has reassigned the songs to challenge users to improve their performance.
The game’s soundtrack is also unmatched and includes songs by The Clash, Weezer, Ozzy Osbourne, Muse and more.
Cubism
Don’t be fooled by the simple premise of Cubism. At first glance, this game doesn’t seem too challenging. While you won’t have any trouble understanding its puzzles, completing them requires critical thinking, concentration, and determination.
Cubism has implemented hand tracking function and users can collect and rearrange 3D building blocks to complete interesting puzzles. While there are more complex games on the market, Cubism’s minimalist design ensures there are no issues with hand tracking technology.
hand physics laboratory
Hand Physics Lab is another fan favorite where you can choose whether to use touch controllers or hand tracking. The game takes you through over 80 puzzles and tasks, taking you to play areas where you can unleash your creativity by drawing, playing and building. For example, some of your experiences in the Hand Physics Lab might include meeting your clone, using telekinesis, or petting virtual animals.
Please note that the quality of in-game hand tracking depends on the player’s lighting conditions. Review the game guidelines to learn how to create a well-lit space to improve hand tracking.
PianoVision
PianoVision is among the best educational Oculus Quest 2 games. Its virtual reality-based music software aligns the virtual keyboard with the MIDI-enabled physical keyboard. PianoVision teaches you songs through streaming and a combination of manual tracking and real-time responses.
Although the main premise is easy to understand, PianoVision gives us an idea of how virtual reality software works as an educational tool. We are likely to see many new releases employing this concept over the next few years as hand tracking technology advances.
Magician’s Waltz
If you are looking for a magical experience full of humor, talking skulls, interdimensional creatures and mystical powers, Waltz of the Wizard is the perfect choice.
The game uses cutting-edge features such as hand tracking to create believable characters, a realistic virtual landscape, and interactive haunted objects. Additionally, you can use your hands to unlock hidden powers and cast spells to advance to more challenging levels.
The curious tale of stolen pets
At the center of this well-designed game is the story of two brothers who grew apart during childhood. His grandfather tells the story and the game transports us to his imagination, where players collect coins, berries and animals by completing tasks.
When it launched in 2019, the game became perhaps the most accessible VR experience, with built-in height adjustment and aimed at gamers of all ages. It was also the first commercial title to implement hand tracking, giving the gaming experience a realistic edge. When you navigate the interface with your hands, you can catch snowballs, open treasure chests, and spin little worlds.
Make your VR fantasy come true with hand tracking
Hand tracking is a relatively new feature and there is a lot of room for improvement. Still, it’s a great way to quickly access your favorite digital spaces without having to resort to controllers.
Although not all Oculus Quest 2 titles support hand tracking, many games have recently implemented the feature, allowing players to explore virtual worlds in a new way and making gameplay more interactive.
