Launch Bonelab via your VR launcher (SteamVR or the Oculus app).
Launch Bonelab. If installed correctly, you should see a loading screen prompt indicating mods are loading.
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 in is the process of manually installing third-party content—ranging from custom avatars and vehicles to entire maps—that isn't available through the official in-game mod menu. While BONELAB features an integrated mod repository, sideloading unlocks the full breadth of the community's creations, often hosted on platforms like Mod.io. Why Sideload?
While the built-in "Marrow" engine supports mods, official support is often limited to specific categories for stability. Sideloading allows you to:
Access Restricted Content: Install mods that haven't been "verified" or featured in the in-game browser. bonelab sideload
Custom Scripting: Utilize complex mods that require specific file placements not handled by the auto-installer.
Save File Management: Transfer progress or backup your lab data manually. How Sideloading Works
The method varies depending on whether you are playing on a PCVR setup or a standalone Meta Quest headset. 1. The Mod.io Integration (The "Easy" Way) The developers built a way to link your account directly.
The Link: You can link your Mod.io account to the game by placing a repository.txt file in the game's folder.
The Benefit: Once linked, mods you "subscribe" to on your browser will automatically appear in your downloads queue within the game’s "Mods" kiosk. 2. Manual Installation (PCVR)
For SteamVR or Oculus PC users, this is a simple "drag and drop" process: Launch Bonelab via your VR launcher (SteamVR or
Path: Typically found at %AppData%\LocalLow\Stress Level Zero\BONELAB\Mods.
Action: You download the .zip file, extract it, and move the folder into the Mods directory. 3. Standalone Sideloading (Meta Quest)
This is more complex due to Android's scoped storage permissions (introduced in v63+).
External Tools: Most users use SideQuest or Mobile VR Station (an app available on the Quest store) to bypass folder restrictions.
The Process: You must grant "All Files Access" to your file manager to move downloaded .pck or folder files into the Quest's internal data folders: Android/data/com.StressLevelZero.BONELAB/files/Mods. Essential Tools for the Community
SideQuest: The gold standard for Quest sideloading; it provides a desktop interface to manage your headset's files. Sideloading in BoneLab is powerful for development and
Thunderstore: Primarily for PC users, the r2modman manager simplifies the installation of "Code Mods" (like BoneLib or MelonLoader) which are required for more advanced gameplay changes. Risks and Considerations
Performance: Sideloaded mods aren't optimized by the developers. High-poly avatars or massive maps can cause significant frame drops or crashes.
Version Mismatch: Ensure your mods match the game's "Patch" version (e.g., Patch 3 vs. Patch 4). An outdated mod can break the game's physics engine entirely.
adb push YourMod.marrowmod /sdcard/Android/data/com.StressLevelZero.BoneLab/files/Mods/
For loose folders (e.g., avatar bundles):
adb push AvatarFolder /sdcard/Android/data/com.StressLevelZero.BoneLab/files/Mods/AvatarFolder
Before you begin, you need a few things:
Go back to your SideQuest file explorer.