Sideload — Bonelab
Sideloading in the context of typically refers to installing mods or the game itself onto a Meta Quest headset. Since Patch 4 , modding has become a native feature, making traditional "sideloading" via a PC much less necessary for standard content. Top Resources for Modding & Sideloading Official In-Game Modding (Easiest) : You no longer need a PC to sideload basic mods. You can link your mod.io account directly in the game menu to browse and download avatars and maps. Quest-Native File Management : For manual installations without a PC, tools like Mobile VR Station on the Meta Store allow you to move downloaded mod files into the game's data folders. External Repositories : You can edit the repositories.txt file in the game's internal storage ( Android/data/com.StressLevelZero.BONELAB/files/ ) to add external links like https://blepo.laundt.moe/REPOSITORY.json, which lets the game fetch mods from unofficial sources. Manual PC Sideloading (The "Old Way") If you are manually moving files (like large OBB files or specific code mods), follow this path on your Quest via a USB link: Extract your downloaded mod folder. Navigate to: Internal shared storage > Android > data > com.StressLevelZero.BONELAB > files > Mods . Paste the folder directly into the Mods directory. Check out these video guides to see the modding and sideloading process in action:
Sideloading in BONELAB has evolved with recent updates, making it significantly easier to install mods directly within the headset without needing external software. Option 1: Direct In-Game Sideloading (Recommended) Since Patch 4, you can link your Meta Quest headset directly to for seamless sideloading. Link Your Account Open BONELAB and select from the main menu, then Select the button. A URL ( mod.io/connect ) and a unique code will appear. On any phone or computer browser, go to that link, log in to your account, and enter the code. Install Mods Browse the mod.io/g/bonelab page on your browser and click on any mods you want. Return to the game’s Mod menu and click Download All . The mods will sideload automatically into your game. Option 2: Manual Sideloading (PC or Laptop) If you prefer a manual approach or the in-game browser isn't working, you can transfer files directly via a USB-C cable. Preparation : Connect your headset to your PC. If prompted in the headset, allow file access. : Navigate to your Quest's internal storage at: Internal shared storage\Android\data\com.StressLevelZero.BONELAB\files\Mods : Download the Android version of your desired mod from , extract the zip folder, and drag the extracted folder into the directory. Option 3: Sideloading via "Mobile VR Station" (Standalone)
The Ultimate Guide to BONELAB Sideloading: Unlock the Full Potential of Your VR World BONELAB is widely celebrated for its advanced physics and highly moddable Marrow engine. While the game offers official mod support, "sideloading"—the process of manually adding files or utilizing third-party repositories—remains the key to unlocking the deepest levels of customization, including custom avatars, massive levels, and complex weapon packs. Whether you are on a standalone Quest 2/3 or PCVR, this guide covers every major method to sideload content and enhance your experience. 1. The Easy Way: In-Game Mod.io Linking (Patch 4 & Above) With recent updates, BONELAB has made modding more accessible directly through the headset, though it still requires a brief external setup. Create an Account : Visit mod.io on a browser and sign in (Google login is recommended for speed). Get Your Code : In BONELAB, go to Mods > Downloads > Mod.io . Select "Mod.io Login" to generate a unique five-digit code. Link the Account : Go to mod.io/connect in your browser and enter the code from your headset. Sideload via Subscription : Browse the BONELAB Mod.io page and click Subscribe on the mods you want. Download In-Game : Return to the BONELAB download menu and hit Download All . Your subscribed mods will automatically install to the headset. 2. Sideloading Without a PC: Mobile VR Station If you want to install specific .zip files manually without a computer, Mobile VR Station (available on App Lab) is the most powerful tool. Step-by-Step Mobile Sideloading:
Sideloading refers to the process of installing third-party mods, maps, and avatars that aren't available through the official in-game repository . While the game has built-in mod support, "sideloading" via a PC or an Android file manager unlocks the full library from sites like 🛠️ Essential Tools for Sideloading To get started, you will need a few basic tools depending on your platform: Meta Quest (Standalone): A USB-C cable and a PC, or an "On-Device" file explorer like Mobile VR Station PCVR (Steam/Oculus): Just your Windows file explorer. The Source: Almost all BONELAB mods are hosted on The "Developer Mode" (Quest Only): You must enable Developer Mode on your Meta account to move files manually. 📂 Installation Paths You must place mod files in the specific "Mods" folder for the game to recognize them. For Meta Quest Users Connect your headset to a PC and navigate to: This PC \ Quest 2 \ Internal Shared Storage \ Android \ data \ com.StressLevelZero.BONELAB \ files \ Mods For Windows PCVR Users Navigate to your local AppData folder: %AppData% \ .. \ LocalLow \ StressLevelZero \ BONELAB \ Mods 🚀 Step-by-Step Guide (Quest Standalone) If you don't want to use a PC every time, follow these steps to sideload directly on the headset: Open the Quest Browser, go to Mod.io, and download the Android version Install Mobile VR Station: Download this free app from the App Lab store. Locate File: Open the app ➔ Local Files ➔ Downloads. Click the mod file ➔ "Install Mod" ➔ "BONELAB Mods." Launch BONELAB; your new items will appear in the Avatar Creator ⚠️ Key Tips for Success Check the Version: Ensure the mod is compatible with (the latest major engine update). Older mods may stay "invisible." Android vs. Windows: Mod.io often provides two files. Quest users download the Android zip; PC users download the Windows zip. Don't Nest Folders: When you unzip a mod, make sure the folder structure isn't Mods / ModName / ModName / [files] . It should be Mods / ModName / [files] 🌟 Top Categories to Explore Change your height, strength, and speed by becoming characters from other franchises. Spawnables: New guns, gadgets, and vehicles (like go-karts or helicopters). Custom "Labs" or ports of classic maps from Garry's Mod To help you get exactly what you're looking for, let me know: Are you playing on Do you have a available to help with the initial setup? video script social media post I can provide a specific troubleshooting checklist if your mods aren't showing up! bonelab sideload
Unlocking the Sandbox: The Complete Guide to Bonelab Sideloading In the pantheon of virtual reality physics sandboxes, Bonelab stands alone. Developed by Stress Level Zero, it offers a level of interactive fidelity—from weight simulation to inverse kinematics—that is unmatched on the Meta Quest and PC VR platforms. However, for many users, the base game is just the starting point. The true potential of Bonelab lies in its modding community, and the gateway to that world is a process known as Bonelab sideloading . But what exactly does "sideloading" mean in the context of Bonelab ? Is it legal? Is it safe? And most importantly, how do you do it without bricking your headset or corrupting your save file? This article is your comprehensive, 2,500-word guide to everything you need to know about Bonelab sideloading—from basic definitions to advanced troubleshooting.
Part 1: What is Sideloading? (And Why Bonelab Needs It) Before we install custom avatars or fusion maps, we need to understand the terminology. Sideloading is the act of installing software (applications, files, or patches) onto a device without using the official app store. For Android-based headsets like the Meta Quest 2, Quest 3, or Quest Pro , sideloading means transferring files from a PC to the headset via a USB cable, bypassing the Meta Horizon Store. Why doesn't Bonelab just use the official Mod.io browser? Bonelab technically has an in-game mod browser powered by mod.io . While convenient, this browser is limited. It only allows "code mods" (mods that use the official SDK) and often lags behind the community’s pace. Sideloading unlocks the "Wild West" of Bonelab modding:
Custom Avatars: Play as Spider-Man, Shrek, or Thomas the Tank Engine. Fusion Mods: Multiplayer mods (like Labfusion ) that let you play co-op. Lua Scripts: Mods that change game logic, spawn new NPCs, or create custom weapons not made with the SDK. Old Versions: If an update breaks a mod, sideloading lets you revert specific files. Sideloading in the context of typically refers to
In short: If you want more than what Stress Level Zero officially approves, you need to sideload.
Part 2: The Legal & Safety Landscape (Read This First) A common question is: Will I get banned for sideloading Bonelab? The Short Answer: No. Meta (formerly Facebook) officially supports sideloading via a developer account. Stress Level Zero has explicitly stated they support modding, even if it requires sideloading. The Long Answer: While you won't be banned, you do assume risk.
Malware Risk: Downloading DLL files from a random Discord server can infect your PC or headset. Always use trusted repositories (like Thunderstore or LemonLoader’s GitHub). Save Corruption: Poorly coded mods can corrupt your avatar save file, forcing you to delete your save data. Performance: Heavy mods can drop your framerate from 90fps to 20fps, causing motion sickness. You can link your mod
Golden Rule of Sideloading: Never install a mod that asks for your Facebook password. Never pay for a mod.
Part 3: What You Need Before You Start To sideload Bonelab mods onto a standalone headset (Quest 2/3/Pro), you need the following hardware and software: Hardware: