10 VR tips you must know
When you buy a VR headset, you always receive a manual with it. This manual precisely details how to connect the VR headset, how to charge it, turn it on/off, and in some cases, how to download the appropriate software. However, it often does not include tips such as the best way to hang your VR cables or which applications are useful to download as extras. In this blog, we've compiled a number of handy tips for you so that you can get started with your new VR headset well-prepared!
Tip 1: Place the front of the VR headset against your face first
A common mistake when putting on a VR headset is not loosening the straps and placing the headset directly on the head. This not only causes the VR headset to sit uncomfortably, but it can also damage the headset or dirty the lenses (for example, when the lenses touch your hair). It is therefore advisable to first loosen all the straps of the VR headset. Then, place the front of the VR headset against your face (and immediately check if the lenses are properly aligned with your eyes). You can do this by holding the VR headset like binoculars in front of your face. Once the VR headset is at the right height against your face, you can pull the top strap over your head. The back of the headset should be in line with the front of the headset.
Tip 2: Add a strap to the controllers
Most controllers of VR headsets come with a strap that allows you to secure the controller to your wrist. This prevents you from throwing the controller across the room during an intense game of Beat Saber. It is always advisable to secure this strap around your wrist, but did you know there are also extra straps that allow you to attach the controllers to the back of your hand? The controllers of the Valve Index already come with this feature, but you can add this strap to the Meta Quest 2-controllers as well. This not only provides more security but also makes it easier to let the controller rest in your hand without having to grip it tightly all the time.
Tip 3: Hang the cables with a VR cable management system
Hanging your cables with a cable management system seems like a logical step, but there are still many people who don't do it. Of course, it's not always possible or convenient to stick your cables to the ceiling (for instance, if you have a very high ceiling or want to use the VR headset in different locations), but if you use the VR headset in a standard location, hanging your VR cables is strongly recommended. This prevents the cable from twisting around you during play. And if anything breaks your VR immersion, it's that. Extra tip: you can use the cable management system by simply attaching it to the ceiling and threading the VR cable through it, or you can also do it in way. another
Would you rather not hang the cable from the ceiling? Then you can also clip the cable to your trousers. For instance, attach a carabiner to your belt and let the headset cable run through the carabiner down to the floor. Just make sure you have enough cable length left to move around freely.
Tip 4: Keep the VR headset out of the sun
Always keep your VR headset out of the sun. Or better said: keep the lenses out of the sun. A VR headset can handle sunlight (though it can sometimes negatively impact tracking), but the lenses are particularly sensitive to sunlight. The lenses of a VR headset work like a magnifying glass. Even if you hold the lenses in sunlight for just a few seconds, the screen behind the lenses can burn in. This results in a dark spot in the lenses and is almost always outside the warranty of the VR headset. It is therefore advisable not to use the VR headset outdoors, but if you do, make sure to never place the headset with the lenses facing the sun.
Tip 5: Create a VR space where you can move around safely
Nothing is more annoying than accidentally hitting a wall or a chair while playing in VR. Therefore, create a separate play area where you are sure there's nothing in the way that you can bump into. It can also be helpful to lay down a mat so you can feel where you are in the space. When you step off the mat, you know you are out of your play area and need to be careful with your movements. Extra tip: in the virtual space, you can also set your guardian. You might be tempted to make this space as large as possible, but try to leave about half a metre of "extra" room, so you have a safety margin in case you accidentally step just outside your guardian.
Tip 6: Start with an easy VR game or experience
If you've never used VR before, it's best to start with a simple game. This way, you can gradually get to know the VR headset and the controllers without being put off by complicated controls or a game where you don't understand the movements. Some fun games to start with are: Beat Saber, The Lab, Tukt Brush, Space Pirate Trainer etc. These games are designed so that you don't have to press many different buttons to play. Therefore, they are also great games to show someone who is playing a VR game for the first time.
Extra tip: read our blog 10 best VR multiplayer games to find some fun VR games to play with friends.
Tip 7: Close your eyes if you feel nauseous while playing
A common problem with VR is that it can make you feel nauseous. This motion sickness occurs because your brain sees something happening in virtual reality, while your body does not move along with it. This can happen, for instance, when you are on a virtual reality roller coaster or when you are falling in virtual reality as in the popular game Richie's Plank Experience. You actually feel like you are falling, while your body is standing still. If you can't handle this feeling well, it is advisable to simply close your eyes. When you do this, you will notice immediately that you no longer have any problems.
Tip 8: Prevent fogging of the lenses
Especially when you play actively, you will notice that some fogging can form around the lenses. This is often caused by breathing or sweat—the principle is the same as when your glasses or sunglasses fog up. Most VR headsets nowadays have active cooling inside the headset which reduces the amount of condensation on the lenses. But do you notice your lenses still fogging up? Then take off the VR headset and try wearing it with a bit more open space by the nose. This allows more air to flow around the headset, which helps prevent a layer of condensation. Extra tip: do you want to wipe the lenses clean? Never do this with a wc-rol or with your t-shirt. Use a microfiber cloth in combination with the VR lens cleaner spray.
Tip 9: Set the IPD correctly from the start
IPD stands for ‘Inter-Pupillary Distance’ - or the distance between the eyes. This can be adjusted on almost every VR headset. The IPD-instelling ensures that the lenses are properly aligned with your eyes. Because everyone has a different distance between their eyes (some eyes are close together, while others are further apart), it is important that this is correctly adjusted for everyone using the headset.
Tip 10: Cast your screen to a television
Playing alone with a VR headset is fun, but it is even more fun when you do it with a group! Did you know you can cast the screen of your VR headset to a mobile phone or television screen? Most new smartphones can cast by default (for instance with the Oculus-app), but with a TV-scherm, you often need an extra Chromecast. You connect this via a USB-aansluiting to the television.Then you can choose to stream to a screen in the settings of the VR headset.
When using a PC VR headset and you have connected the HDMI-kabel adapter to a PC monitor, others can already watch along on the computer. However, if you prefer to stream to another TV-scherm, you can still do so with a Chromecast.
