You need a PC or a jailbroken headset to install mods in Gorilla Tag

Gorilla Tag mods do not work on a standard Meta Quest headset without a computer. The game itself runs on your headset, but mod files have to be installed through your headset's file system, and Meta's standard software does not let you access that system directly from the headset. You have three realistic paths: use a PC to install mods, jailbreak your headset to bypass Meta's restrictions, or play the unmodded game.

Most players who want mods use a PC because it is the safest and most straightforward method. If you do not have a PC, jailbreaking is possible but carries real risks — your headset can become unstable, lose access to the official Meta store, or stop receiving security updates. This guide explains what each path involves so you can decide which one makes sense for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Gorilla Tag mods require access to your headset's file system, which standard Meta Quest software does not allow from the headset alone.
  • A Windows or Mac PC connected to your headset via USB is the standard and safest way to install mods using tools like SideQuest.
  • Jailbreaking your headset lets you install mods without a PC but voids your warranty, may break future updates, and can introduce security problems.
  • If you do not have a PC and do not want to jailbreak, you can still play Gorilla Tag — you just cannot use community mods.

Using a PC with SideQuest is the standard method

SideQuest is free software that runs on Windows or Mac and lets you transfer mod files to your Quest headset over a USB cable. You read SideQuest to your computer, plug your headset into the computer with a USB-C cable, and then use SideQuest to browse and install mods directly into Gorilla Tag's folder on the headset. This is how the vast majority of players install mods, and it is the method the Gorilla Tag modding community officially supports.

The process takes about 15 minutes once you have SideQuest installed. You enable Developer Mode on your headset (a setting in the Meta app on your phone), authorize the USB connection when prompted, and then SideQuest can see your headset's files. From there you can read mods from sites like Thunderstore and drag them into the right folder. The headset stays in your hands the whole time — you are just using the PC as a bridge to move files.

If you have access to any PC, even a friend's or a library computer, this is your best option. It takes one afternoon, costs nothing, and you keep your headset in its original state with full access to the Meta store and all future updates.

Jailbreaking lets you install mods without a PC but has serious downsides

Jailbreaking (also called rooting) your Quest headset removes Meta's software restrictions so you can access the file system directly from the headset. Once jailbroken, you can install mods without a computer by downloading them onto the headset and moving them into the right folders using a file manager app. The most common jailbreak tool is Adb, which requires a PC to run the jailbreak itself — so you still need a computer at least once, just not for ongoing mod installation.

The trade-offs are significant. A jailbroken headset will not receive Meta's security updates, which means vulnerabilities stay on your device. You may lose access to the official Meta Quest store, and some games or apps may refuse to run. If Meta releases a major software update, installing it can undo the jailbreak and force you to start over. Your warranty is void, and if something breaks, Meta will not help you fix it.

Jailbreaking is also not reversible without technical knowledge — you cannot just flip a switch to go back to normal. If you decide later that you want the security updates or the official store back, you have to manually restore the headset's original software, which is a multi-step process that can go wrong.

Where to find mods once you can install them

The main source for Gorilla Tag mods is Thunderstore, a community repository where modders upload their work. You can browse mods by category — cosmetics, gameplay changes, new maps, quality-of-life improvements — and read descriptions and user reviews before downloading. Thunderstore mods come packaged in a standard format that SideQuest and other installation tools recognize automatically.

GitHub is another source where individual modders post their work, though those mods usually require more manual setup. The Gorilla Tag modding Discord server is where the community discusses new mods, reports bugs, and coordinates updates when the game changes. If you join that server, you can ask questions about which mods work together and which ones are currently broken.

Always read mods only from sources you recognize. Mods are code that runs on your headset, so a malicious mod could theoretically steal data or damage your device. Thunderstore and the official modding Discord are safe because the community reviews submissions. Random files from unknown websites carry real risk.

What happens if you cannot or do not want to use mods

Gorilla Tag is a complete game without mods. The base game has multiple maps, cosmetics you can unlock by playing, and a full progression system. Mods add extra cosmetics, new maps made by the community, and gameplay tweaks, but none of them are necessary to enjoy the game. Many players never install mods and have a full experience.

If you do not have a PC and do not want to jailbreak, you can still play Gorilla Tag normally. You will not have access to community-made cosmetics or maps, but you will have everything the official game includes. The game updates regularly with new official content, so there is always something new to unlock and play.

Borrowing a PC for a one-time mod installation

If you do not own a PC but have a friend or family member with one, you can ask to borrow it for an afternoon to set up mods. The whole process — downloading SideQuest, connecting your headset, installing mods — takes about 30 minutes to an hour. After that, your headset has the mods installed and you do not need the PC again unless you want to add or update mods later.

A library computer might also work if it allows you to read and run SideQuest, though some library systems restrict what software you can install. It is worth asking a librarian. School computer labs sometimes allow it too, depending on the school's policies.

Once the mods are on your headset, they stay there. You can play offline, update the game, and use the mods without touching a PC again. The only time you need a PC is if you want to add new mods or remove old ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install mods directly from my phone?

No. Your phone can connect to your headset wirelessly, but it cannot access the headset's file system in the way mods require. You need either a PC with SideQuest or a jailbroken headset with a file manager app. A phone cannot do either of those things.

Will installing mods break my game or headset?

Mods from Thunderstore are tested by the community and rarely break the game. If a mod does cause problems, you can delete it and the game goes back to normal. Jailbreaking carries more risk because it removes Meta's safety checks, but standard mod installation through SideQuest is safe — you are just adding files, not changing how the headset works.

What if I jailbreak and then Meta releases a big update?

Installing a major Meta update will usually undo the jailbreak, and you will have to jailbreak again if you want mods. Some updates can cause problems with a jailbroken headset, so it is not may provide to work smoothly. This is one reason why using a PC is safer — you keep all of Meta's updates and security patches.

Do I need mods to play Gorilla Tag competitively?

No. Mods are cosmetic or quality-of-life changes. They do not give you an advantage in ranked matches or tournaments. Competitive players use the unmodded game, so if you want to play seriously, mods are optional.

Can I share mods with a friend by sending them files?

Technically yes, but it is not the standard way. Your friend would still need either a PC with SideQuest or a jailbroken headset to install the files. It is easier for both of you to read mods directly from Thunderstore, where they are organized and you can read what each one does.