Bonelab Sideload
Sideloading lets you tailor BoneLab into a unique VR playground. Be careful, follow mod authors’ instructions, and keep backups—doing so avoids most issues and keeps your experience smooth.
If you want, I can:
Sideloading in BoneLab is powerful for development and accessing unlisted mods, but it comes with compatibility and security trade-offs. On Quest, the practical benefit is limited because code-execution mods remain PC-only. For most users, mod.io is safer and easier; sideloading is best reserved for mod creators testing local builds before publication.
Last tested: BoneLab v1.7 (Quest 2), ADB v34.0.4
Sideloading for BONELAB on Meta Quest headsets generally refers to two distinct processes: sideloading the game itself (typically for piracy or backup purposes) or sideloading mods like LemonLoader or Fusion that require manual file management. 1. Sideloading the Game (Standalone APK/OBB)
If you are manually installing the game (e.g., using SideQuest or a similar tool), you must ensure both the APK and the OBB (data) files are correctly placed. bonelab sideload
Step 1: Setup & Developer Mode: You must have a Meta Developer account and enable Developer Mode on your headset via the Meta Quest mobile app.
Step 2: Connect to PC: Use a high-quality USB-C data cable. Your headset will prompt you to "Allow USB Debugging" and "Allow File Access". Step 3: Installation: Install the .apk file using SideQuest.
Crucial Step: Manually copy the OBB folder (usually named com.StressLevelZero.BONELAB) to the headset's internal storage path: /Android/obb/.
Step 4: Launch: Go to your App Library, select the search bar/filter in the top right, and choose Unknown Sources to find and open BONELAB. 2. Sideloading Advanced Mods (LemonLoader & Fusion)
For "Code Mods" (like multiplayer Fusion), you cannot simply use the in-game mod menu; you must "sideload" a patcher. Sideloading lets you tailor BoneLab into a unique
Install LemonLoader: Download the LemonLoader APK and sideload it via SideQuest.
Patching the Game: Open LemonLoader inside your headset, select BONELAB, and click Patch. This will uninstall the original game and reinstall a modded version.
Restoring Data: After patching, you must often manually move your OBB files back into the /Android/obb/com.StressLevelZero.BONELAB/ folder because the uninstallation process may delete them. 3. The "Easy" Way (Built-in Mod Sideloading)
If you just want custom avatars or maps, BONELAB now has built-in mod.io support that functions like a built-in sideloading tool.
Link Account: Go to the "Mods" menu in the BONELAB Hub and select "External". Last tested: BoneLab v1
Enter Code: Visit mod.io/connect on a phone or PC and enter the code displayed in your headset.
Download: Browse the mod.io website and "Subscribe" to mods. In the headset, click Download All to sync them automatically.
You will run into issues. Here is the troubleshooting bible for sideloading.
The Bonelab sideload process for the Oculus Quest series is unique. Because the Quest runs a mobile version of the game, you cannot simply plug it in and play PCVR mods. However, using sideload techniques with SideQuest or CX File Explorer, you can manage the Android file structure to install mods that are specifically compiled for the Quest.
Sideloading involves running unsigned code on your device. While the Bonelab community is generally safe, you must exercise caution.
The built-in mod browser only supports "Base" mods (JSON edits) and "Avatar" mods (models). It does not natively support Code Mods (files ending in .dll for PCVR or native ARM code for Quest). These mods can completely change the game logic—adding new NPC behaviors, creating entire game modes (like zombies or deathmatch), or spawning complex vehicles. You can only install these via sideloading.
