Can you play Blade and Sorcery on the Oculus Quest 2? Experiencing a world of medieval weapons, magic and fantasy sounds like an ideal combination for the bestselling VR headset on the market. But is it something you can actually do? Initially released back in June 2020, is this available for the Quest 2?
We'll answer this question, as well as considering whether or not you can play the game via a Link Cable. So invoke your inner Merlin: don your best sorcerer's cloak, speak in a portentous tone, and prepare for some answers.
Is Blade and Sorcery on Oculus Quest 2?
A quick look at the Oculus game store reveals that Blade and Sorcery is available for the Oculus Rift, but is not available as a standalone game for the Oculus Quest 2. It is also available via Steam on PC. While this may be disappointing at first glance, it isn't the end of the story. This is all thanks to the Oculus Link Cable.
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Can you play Blade and Sorcery with Link Cable?
The Link Cable allows you to access your library of games on your PC, and play them on your Quest 2. Your PC does all the hard work, but you get to enjoy the benefit of the Quest 2 VR headset. So it gives you access to Rift games, such as Blade and Sorcery, or Boneworks.
The main drawback of using the Link Cable is that you don't have totally untethered movement. But the cable is 5 metres long, so hopefully, it won't be too much of an issue. There is also the tantalising prospect of using Airlink, which will allow you to play PC VR games wirelessly on the Quest 2.
To use the Link Cable, Oculus support states that you should do the following:
- Open the Oculus app on your PC.
- Turn on your Quest 2.
- Plug your USB 3 cable into a USB 3.0 port on your PC, then plug the other end into your headset.
- A message is displayed in VR prompting you to Allow access to data. Select Deny. If you mistakenly "Allow" the prompt, simply unplug your USB cable from the Quest and plug it back in. This will restart the process.
- When prompted to Enable Oculus Link, select Enable.
Once you have linked up your Quest 2 with your PC, games such as Blade and Sorcery will now be available to play on your Quest 2. Like witchcraft.
Update: Blade and Sorcery: Nomad
In November 2021, Warpfrog announced the release of Blade and Sorcery: Nomad. The great news is that this is available on the Oculus Quest 2. This is a bespoke game designed to work seamlessly with the Quest 2, while still retaining the elements that made Blade and Sorcery so popular with fans.
A few key points: this is a separate, standalone game. The developers decided to do this because then they can produce the best possible games for both Quest 2, and on PC. Developing a game for both systems would limit the potential of PC versions. They are keen to make this game as close to the PCVR version as possible. The content will be almost the same. Graphically, by necessity Nomad does have less detail, but still looks as good as possible. And dungeons are still available.
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Of course, the Link Cable will still allow you to play the PCVR version, should you so wish. But if not, Nomad now gives you the option of enjoying the Blade and Sorcery experience directly through your Quest 2.
Why Early Access?
“As a pioneer in the field of realistic full physics-driven combat in VR, I believe that the best way to develop the game is with the help of players. With player feedback, I intend to improve the game and add new features throughout its Early Access, and with enough success it is my hope to ultimately evolve the game from a combat sandbox into something with more depth.”
Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?
“Due to the original small scope of the game, it was initially expected that the Early Access period for B&S could be as little as 6 months. However, fans have shown us such overwhelming support and enthusiasm that it has allowed us to increase the scope of the game dramatically, as seen by the continued expansion over the years. Our estimated finish line has now shifted to approximately Q2 or Q3 2023.
Thanks to the fans, Blade & Sorcery has grown from a simple simulation sandbox wave fighter into an "experience simulator", where besides cool physics-based combat, the idea is that the player feels fully immersed in some other world that is completely and realistically interactable. Our philosophy is if it feels like you should be able to do something, you should be. We believe this is what VR was made for, and that freedom is what separates it from traditional gaming.
On top of the original concept of arena fighting, the game is currently playable as a dungeon crawler with semi-procedurally generated dungeons. The final game will also now include a "progression mode" for players who crave more traditional direction and motivation than a purely sandbox experience.”
How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?
“Features planned in the full version are:
- Procedurally generated Dungeons
- Player inventory
- “Progression mode” - Buying / unlocking equipment
- Skills tree
- New
content (weapons, maps, armors)
- New enemy types
- Enhanced AI
- Even more modding support
However, as has been the case up to now, I will be listening carefully to the community and the content of the final release could change depending on feedback and suggestions.”
What is the current state of the Early Access version?
“Although many planned features will be missing until version 1.0, the core combat and interaction mechanics are already in place so the game is currently playable and enjoyable as a combat sandbox. As is the case with all in-development Early Access titles, you should expect crazy bugs, balance tweaks, performance fluctuation, and content drip.
Current features (as of Aug 2022):
- Unique VR combat: Physics driven objects and characters
- 6 Arena-type Maps (Home, Arena, Ruins, Market, Canyon and Citadel)
- Semi-Procedurally Generated Dungeons
- More than 21 Weapons (swords, dagger, mace, shields, axes,
spear, bow...)
- 5 spells (Slowing time, Telekinesis, Lightning, Gravity and Fire), each with many functions
- 3 enemy archetype (fighters, rangers and mages) with a variety of armour
- Avatar customization (wear any armour, mix and match pieces without restriction)
- Grappling and Punching
- Jumping, kicking, running
- Unrestricted climbing
- Free locomotion
- Advanced Modding; B&S is already one of VR’s most modded and mod-friendly games”
Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?
“The final game price will increase moderately depending on the amount of content added during Early Access. The current price reflects our appreciation for those willing to support the game in its development stage.”
How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?
“I want to create the best physics driven VR combat game possible, so feedback and input from the community is not only desired, but needed. The community is what will make Blade & Sorcery the best it can be, and I intend to use Steam, Reddit and Discord as the central places for exchanging ideas and taking feedback.
As an ex-modder, the modding community is close to my heart. It is my opinion that modders greatly add value to a game, extending lifespan and adding variety in ways a developer sometimes cannot, so it is my intent to make the game as openly moddable as possible.
Currently game data is already moddable in terms of custom maps, weapons, spells and json tweaking, but in the long term I plan to add even more support, including the possibility for modders to add new game modes.”