Whether you’ve just got a brand-new VR headset for Christmas or you’re a returning user looking for the latest tips and tricks, we’ve got them all.
VR gaming is a growing medium, with millions of new users and even more fantastic AAA games launching on the platform. Whether you use the Meta Quest or HTC VIVE VR headsets, we’ve got some great tips and tricks for optimising your VR gaming.
Embrace a Wire-Free Life – PCVR
Undoubtedly the best feature of the Meta Quest is being able to enjoy VR without the need for a powerful PC to run everything. On the other hand, some genuinely extraordinary PCVR games and experiences have been released over the last couple of years, including fan favourite Half-Life Alyx. So why not enjoy the best of both worlds with Wireless PCVR.
You can get wireless VR headsets from most popular VR brands, such as HTC VIVE. They’ll offer high-speed, stable connectivity, to ensure your VR gaming stays smooth and lag-free. But, if you want the best possible performance, you’ll need a premium WiFi 6 gaming router.
ASUS TUF Gaming AX3000 V2 Dual Band WiFi 6 Router
- WiFi 6 gaming router
- Gaming port acceleration – high-speed LAN ports
- Compatible with ASUS AiMesh WiFi system
- Tested durability and stable operation
- 160MHz bandwidth
Upgrades People! Upgrades!
So, you’ve fallen hopelessly in love with VR? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! If you have found yourself playing until the battery dies or the headband is digging into your skin, then it is time for accessories. You can find products designed to enhance your experience, whether by boosting functionality or increasing comfort.
VR Cover Oculus Rift Facial Interface & Foam Insert Set
- Inserts for Oculus VR headsets
- Enhances comfort
- Two materials to choose from
Water, Wasser, Agua, H2O & Moderation
Using the Quest 2 is a hell of a workout, more than you might imagine. If you trawl the forums, you’ll see plenty of users saying they have a dry mouth after using VR. A great feature of VR is you can very easily forget just how much you’re doing, especially in Beat Saber and dancing games. (It’s okay to admit we all secretly love those dancing games.) Keeping a glass of water or a sealed water bottle, if you’re especially accident-prone, nearby but well outside your play area is definitely advised.
Make sure to take regular breaks! When starting out in VR, it can be incredibly overwhelming as your brain tries to figure out what’s going on. Taking on games with lots of action, such as Half-Life Alyx, for long periods of time can leave you feeling disorientated if not sick.
Easing yourself into VR with short sessions to build up a sort of tolerance is the best practice if you want to avoid a wobbly. This is just as true for returning Quest 2 users. If you’ve had a break from playing for even a couple of weeks, make sure to ease back into dancing, fighting, and casting spells.
All the Hertz
One area where VR tech is steadily improving is refresh rates. When first launched, the Meta Quest 2 featured a 72Hz refresh rate. Now, VR headsets feature refresh rates up to 120Hz – whether through innovated tech or even just software updates! Having a higher refresh rate significantly reduces motion sickness, a must-have for gamers who suffer from it!
Believe in your Guardian
Meta Quest users have a Guardian. The Guardian comes in two forms. A stationary mode for both standing and sitting, and a boundary box you draw yourself to play in. While it might seem easy to set it and forget it, you’ll soon regret it when you slam your hand into a wall… Yes, I may have done that, but this is more of a do as I say, not as I do situation. The Meta Quest Guardian can be your friend and saving grace, especially when just starting out or returning to VR. However, after a while, this feature can seem to become more of a hindrance as you accidentally set off the proximity warning. The best solution to this is to adjust the boundary sensitivity in the settings, which will allow you to get closer to the edge before triggering the boundary to appear.
Whilst you’re in the settings, make sure to enable Double Tap for Passthrough. This feature uses the tracking cameras on the headset to provide a black and white view of your room. It takes a little while to get used to, but this feature can be a lifesaver when you’ve gotten all turned around fighting some zombies and don’t know where you are in your room.
Protect Those Lenses
Taking good care of your hardware is a surefire way of making it last longer. For VR headsets, it’s all about protecting the lenses from direct sunlight, gathering dust, and general knocks or bumps. Utilising a branded carry case or even having some dedicated storage space is a quick and simple way of keeping your VR headset in tip top shape.
If you need more cleaning tips and tricks for your gaming set-up, be sure to check out our spring cleaning hub!
Upgrade Your VR Set-Up
At Overclockers UK, we have a spicy selection of HTC VIVE VR headsets and accessories. If you’re looking to take the plunge into virtual reality or your current set-up could use an upgrade or two, you’re sure to find what you need. We’ve even got a couple of our favourites highlighted here for you.
HTC VIVE XR Elite All-in-one XR and PC-VR Gaming System
- All-in-one VR headset
- Includes two controllers
- PCVR support via wireless streaming
- Up to 110-degree field of view
- 90Hz refresh rate
HTC VIVE PRO 2 Full Kit
- Complete VR gaming set
- VR headset
- Two controllers
- Two base stations
- All necessary accessories included
More VR Content
Looking to learn more about VR and the games available to play? Our resident VR enthusiast has you covered!
Ready to Enter the Virtual Reality?
With plenty of standalone AAA games and experiences to enjoy, we’re spoiled for choice in what to do first. Let us know what VR games you’re playing at the moment in the comments below!
- 6 min read
Robert Mullane
Author
When not working, you'll find me in VR or losing in bottom-tier Valorant matches. I write about all topic's tech and gaming with a particular focus on representation in gaming, virtual reality, and LGBTQ+ themes. If you're still not fed up with me, you can also catch me over on the Overclockers UK TikTok and YouTube accounts.
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