Descent 1 & 2 VR

Overview

Descent 1 & 2 VR by Game Or Die brings Parallax Software's Descent (1995) and Descent II (1996) to VR, built on the DXX-Redux source port. The same release has a PCVR build and a standalone Meta Quest 3 build (no PC while you play), and one app holds both games. It's a different project from Descent 3 VR.

Both games run in full stereo with head tracking. You can aim with the controller, your head or the ship's nose (Modern or Classic play style, asked the first time you start a new game). Other features:

• Views: no cockpit, a Modern 3D cockpit with live gauges, the Classic cockpit picture, or third person near or far.
• Flying: Head steering, Motion flying (grip and move or twist a controller to slide or bank), an FPV drone stick layout, Swivel chair, and World size (scale the mine for stronger depth).
• Game Tome: the game's own manual as a book in your hand, with VR tips and pages for your own notes written with a pen.
• A left-handed mode (Leftorium), Invert look, Ship bob, vibration, and remappable buttons and grips.
• Switch Game: jump between Descent and Descent 2 from the main menu.

Install type: APK + your own game files. The Quest download is a zip with the APK and a Windows Setup.bat that installs the app and copies your game files from your PC over USB. You can also copy the files by hand.

[!IMPORTANT] No game files are included. You need your own PC copy of Descent and/or Descent 2 (Steam, GOG or disc). The engine source is used under Parallax's license: non-commercial use only. Fan project, not affiliated with Parallax Software, Interplay or Meta.

[!NOTE] Beta. v1.2.1 (October 23, 2026) fixes Descent 2 (and Descent 1) closing suddenly on the first level around the Guide-Bot. The Quest version has everything except the PC observer view. The README targets Meta Quest 3 (the same download also runs on a Steam Frame).

Prerequisites

• Meta Quest 3 with Developer Mode enabled (Meta Horizon app > Devices > your headset > Headset settings > Developer mode, then restart the headset).
• A Windows PC with your Descent and/or Descent 2 installed, and a USB-C cable.

Step-by-Step Installation

Option A: Setup.bat (recommended)

1. Download Descent-1-and-2-VR-1.2.1-Quest.zip via 1-click on QuestPorts or from GitHub Releases, and unzip it on the PC that has your games.
2. Turn the headset on and plug it into the PC.
3. Double-click Setup.bat. Put the headset on when asked and choose Allow (tick Always allow from this computer).
4. Setup finds your games by itself (every Steam library, GOG, a disc install, or a folder you drag onto its window). It installs the app, copies each game's files (Descent 2 with its movies is about 260 MB), and builds each game's Game Tome from the manual.pdf that comes with your copy. The first time, it downloads adb from Google (about 7 MB), or uses SideQuest's.

Alternatively, use Descent 1 and 2 VR Installer.exe (a separate download on the same release page): pick QUEST 3 and press INSTALL ON QUEST. It isn't code-signed, so Windows may warn you (More info > Run anyway).

Option B: by hand

Install files\DescentVR.apk from the zip with SideQuest or adb install -r. Then copy Descent's game files into /sdcard/Android/data/net.gameordie.descentvr/files/ and Descent 2's into the descent2 folder inside it. The game choice screen tells you what's missing.

Play

Open Library > Unknown Sources > Descent 1 & 2 VR and pick Descent or Descent II.

Updating: run the new Setup again. It copies only what changed and keeps your pilots, saves and notes, with a copy on the PC in Documents\Descent 1 and 2 VR\Quest saves.

Controls (Meta Quest Touch)

In menus, either stick moves, A or a trigger chooses, and B goes back; hold the right grip to point and click. Buttons, stick clicks and grips can be remapped in VR Options > Controls.