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How to Get BMBF Working: A Comprehensive Guide

Getting BMBF (Beat Saber Modding Framework) working on your Oculus Quest can unlock a world of custom songs, mods, and experiences for Beat Saber. However, the process can sometimes be tricky. This guide will provide a detailed, step-by-step explanation of how to get BMBF working correctly.

The core steps to get BMBF working boil down to this: You need to first sideload the BMBF application onto your Oculus Quest or Quest 2 headset using SideQuest. Once installed, you’ll then use BMBF on your headset to uninstall and patch Beat Saber, enabling you to load custom content. The process also involves ensuring the mods and custom songs you want are compatible with your current Beat Saber version. Let’s break it down further.

Installing BMBF on Your Oculus Quest

Setting Up SideQuest

Before anything else, you need SideQuest installed on your computer. This software acts as the bridge between your computer and Oculus Quest. Follow these steps:

Download SideQuest: Go to the official SideQuest website and download the appropriate version for your operating system.
Install SideQuest: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
Enable Developer Mode: You need to enable Developer Mode on your Oculus account.
- Open the Oculus app on your smartphone.
- Go to Settings, select your Quest, and navigate to Other Settings.
- Turn on the toggle for Developer Mode.
- You will need to register as a developer on the Oculus website to use this feature.
Connect Your Headset: Connect your Oculus Quest to your computer using a USB cable. Allow USB debugging access if prompted on your headset. SideQuest should recognize your connected headset.

Sideloading BMBF

Now that SideQuest is set up, you can sideload BMBF:

Search for BMBF: In SideQuest, use the search bar to find the BMBF application.
Install BMBF: Click the “Install to headset” button on the BMBF app page in SideQuest. Wait for the installation to complete.

Using BMBF on Your Oculus Quest

Access Unknown Sources: Put on your Oculus Quest headset. In your app library, click the dropdown next to the search bar and select “Unknown Sources”. BMBF should appear there.
Launch BMBF: Run BMBF from the Unknown Sources list.
Initial Setup: BMBF will guide you through a couple of steps. Click “Get Started.”
Uninstall Beat Saber: BMBF will prompt you to “Uninstall Beat Saber.” Click this option and wait for the process to finish. Don’t worry, this is a necessary step for patching.
Patch Beat Saber: Next, select “Patch Beat Saber” and wait for this process to complete as well. This prepares your game for mods.

Troubleshooting Common BMBF Issues

If you’re experiencing problems, here are some common issues and fixes:

Mods not working? This is often due to incompatible Beat Saber versions. You may need to downgrade Beat Saber using BMBF to match your desired mods.
BMBF Won’t Launch? Check that your headset is connected to your computer and SideQuest recognizes it. Ensure Developer Mode is correctly enabled on your Oculus account. Try restarting both your headset and SideQuest if the issue continues.
SideQuest not recognizing headset? Check your USB cable and ports and allow USB Debugging on your headset. Ensure that your Oculus drivers are up to date on your computer.

Adding Custom Songs

Importing Songs with BMBF

Sync Songs: You can add songs using the BMBF website within the BMBF app. Find a song you want and click the arrow icon and then click Sync to Beat Saber. Click Start Beat Saber.
Download and Upload ZIPs: You can also download zip files of custom songs from BeatSaver or similar sites. Drag the zip file into the “Upload Files” screen within BMBF.

Manual Song Installation

Locate Beat Saber Folder: If you’re using a PC version of Beat Saber, find your installation location and navigate to Beat Saber_DataCustomLevels.
Unzip Custom Songs: Unzip the downloaded custom song files to a folder and name it according to the song’s title.
Move the Folder: Paste the unzipped custom song folder into the CustomLevels folder.

Accessing BMBF via Browser

Once BMBF is running on your headset, you can access it through a browser on your PC. Simply navigate to http://<your quest ip>:50000 in your web browser. You can find your headset’s IP address in the top-left corner of your SideQuest window.

Staying Up-to-Date

It’s important to keep both BMBF and your mods up-to-date. Check regularly for updates on the relevant developer channels or communities.

With these steps, you should have a working BMBF setup, enabling you to enjoy a wealth of custom Beat Saber content on your Oculus Quest. Remember, patience and careful attention to each step are key to a successful installation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is BMBF and why do I need it?

BMBF, or Beat Saber Modding Framework, is a crucial tool for adding custom songs, mods, and other enhancements to Beat Saber on the Oculus Quest. It acts as a bridge, allowing you to alter the game’s files to support additional content not available in the base game.

2. Can I use BMBF with the latest Beat Saber version?

Generally, no. BMBF is often not compatible with the very latest Beat Saber version. You may need to downgrade Beat Saber to a version that is supported by BMBF and your desired mods.

3. How do I know which Beat Saber version to downgrade to?

The modding community usually publishes information on which versions of Beat Saber are compatible with BMBF and specific mods. Check community forums or Discord channels related to Beat Saber modding.

4. What is the best way to find custom Beat Saber songs?

Websites like BeatSaver are great resources for finding custom Beat Saber songs. You can browse by popularity, genre, and other criteria and download them directly as zip files.

5. What are core mods, and how do I install them?

Core mods are essential foundational modifications required for many custom Beat Saber features. You can install these directly through BMBF’s in-app menu.

6. Why do I need to enable developer mode on my Oculus?

Developer mode is necessary for sideloading applications like BMBF onto your Oculus Quest. It gives you more access to your headset’s file system and capabilities, which is not typically available for regular users.

7. Can I use BMBF on Oculus Quest 2?

Yes, the process of using BMBF is largely the same for both the original Oculus Quest and the Oculus Quest 2.

8. How can I update BMBF?

BMBF updates are usually released through the SideQuest platform. Check regularly for any new versions available.

9. Do I need to connect my Quest to a PC every time I play Beat Saber with custom songs?

No. Once the custom content is installed, you can play Beat Saber with custom songs offline, without needing a constant connection to your PC.

10. Will I get banned for using BMBF or custom content in Beat Saber?

Generally, you won’t get banned for using BMBF and custom songs. However, using pirated DLC content might violate the game’s terms of service, so it is recommended to use original and properly downloaded custom content.

11. What is ModelSaber, and do I need it?

ModelSaber is a repository for custom sabers, avatars, bloqs, and platforms for Beat Saber. While not essential, it’s a great place to find unique visual enhancements.

12. Why are my custom songs not showing up in Beat Saber?

Double-check that the custom song folders are placed in the correct CustomLevels folder, and they’re extracted and named correctly. Ensure you have properly patched Beat Saber with BMBF after uninstalling.

13. What if BMBF encounters an error during patching?

If BMBF encounters an error, try closing BMBF, restarting your headset, and going through the uninstall/patch process again. You might also want to ensure you have a stable internet connection during the process.

14. Can I revert to the original Beat Saber version if I want to?

Yes, you can always revert to the official Beat Saber version by uninstalling it and reinstalling it through the Oculus Store. However, doing so will remove all your custom content and mods.

15. What are the best Beat Saber mods?

The “best” mods depend on personal preference. However, popular choices include custom sabers, note skins, environment changes, and difficulty adjustments. You can find a lot of interesting mods through the BMBF menu.

By following these instructions, you should be well on your way to enjoying all the amazing content that BMBF brings to Beat Saber! Remember to be patient, follow each step carefully, and don’t hesitate to seek help from the Beat Saber modding community if you encounter issues.

How do I get my BMBF to work?