Canonical: github.com

This guide targets modding Meta Quest games, and is from my old github repository for it.

Requirements

• sidequest (for sideloading after modding)
• Apktool added to PATH
• zipalign and Apksigner (Command-line tools) added to PATH

Setup

• Download an APK.
• Add the requirements to your PATH environment variable:

Decompile the APK

apktool d -f [APK_NAME].apk

Use this command to decompile the APK into a folder called [APK_NAME]:

Modify the APK

This is where you can make changes to the apk. The most basic way would be swapping out audio or texture assets.

You can also change the package name in order to install the APK separately to the unmodded version. To do this, open apktool.yml in a text editor and change the renameManifestPackage value to something else. (eg, com.index.[APK_NAME]_modded)

Note: Only use letters and underscores

Recompile the APK

apktool b -f --use-aapt2 -d [APK_NAME]

This command will recompile the APK into [APK_NAME]/dist/[APK_NAME].apk:

Create a keystore

For now use the keys in /tools from the original repository (top of page)

Traverse to the folder containing the APK

cd [APK_NAME]/dist

Align the APK

zipalign -p 4 [APK_NAME] aligned-[APK_NAME]

This command will align the APK into aligned-[APK_NAME].apk:

Sign the APK

ApkSigner sign --key index.pk8 --cert index.pem --v4-signing-enabled false --out modded-[APK_NAME].apk aligned-[APK_NAME].apk

This command will sign the APK

Ready to sideload! You will find the APK as [APK_NAME]/dist/modded-[APK_NAME].apk.

Disclaimer

Please note that modifying APK files of games or any other applications may infringe on the terms of service and may be against the law. Ensure that you have proper authorization and comply with the relevant legal requirements before using this guide. The author of this guide holds no responsibility for any misuse or illegal activities conducted using it.