PC Gaming in Virtual Reality: What You Need to Know.
As gaming technology advances and new forms of gaming emerge, it is no surprise that PC gaming and virtual reality (VR) have come together. Whether it’s a full-blown virtual-world experience, or simply a virtual version of existing video games, PC gaming in virtual reality is becoming more and more popular. Those looking to get into PC gaming in VR can turn to powerful consumer-grade devices. These include the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Samsung Odyssey, and Windows Mixed Reality headsets. Of course, the holy trinity of PC gaming, the mouse, keyboard, and gamepad, still applies.
Ready to dive into the world of PC gaming in VR? Here’s what you need to know.
The Basics of PC Gaming in VR
What exactly is PC gaming in virtual reality? It’s a type of immersion gaming enabled by head-mounted displays like the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. This form of gaming provides users with the ability to interact with a virtual world in ways that weren’t previously possible with traditional gaming. It’s only natural, then, that game developers have embraced the opportunity to create and expand upon their content for the new medium.
The majority of PC gaming in virtual reality requires players to stand or sit, depending on the game. You’ll need to have a fair amount of space available to you, as most VR games rely on movement and physical interaction with a virtual world. There are several different types of PC gaming in VR to enjoy.
VR Shooters
VR shooters are a distinct group of games designed with virtual reality in mind. Games like Pavlov VR, Lone Echo, and Onward are just a few examples. There are also many popular non-VR shooters such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive that have been adapted for VR. As a bonus for core gamers, the crisp graphics and precise movements of a PC gaming shooter are carried over to the virtual reality version of the game.
VR Adventures
In many ways, VR adventure games have pushed the envelope for immersive VR gaming. There are action-adventures like The Climb, gripping horror titles like Resident Evil 7 and Until Dawn, as well as puzzlers like Moss. Adventure games offer a wide variety of story-driven content ranging from horror to fantasy to even underwater exploration. Many of these titles focus on unique ways to interact with a virtual world and pull you in with their breathtaking visuals and sound design.
VR Racing and Flying Games
Since the dawn of PC gaming, the racing genre has been around. Now, the latest gaming rigs can bring that same racing experience to VR. Games like DiRT Rally, iRacing and Assetto Corsa offer gamers realistic and immersive racing experiences. Leaders of the genre include titles like Project CARS 2, grid Autosport and Forza Motorsport 7, all of which made the jump to VR with great results.
Meanwhile, VR flying games provide a sense of freedom that can only be experienced in virtual reality. Games like Eve: Valkyrie, Battlezone and Elite: Dangerous give you the ability to take to the skies and become a space pilot. VR flight simulators like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, Aerofly FS2 and Virtual Battle Space 4 provide you the opportunity to soar the skies of distant galaxies or explore the Earth from the comfort of your own home.
Virtual Reality Experiences
Virtual reality experiences outside of gaming are becoming increasingly popular. Popular virtual travel experiences like the Yosemite National Park fly-over provide users a 360-degree exploration of the park from above. Nature experiences such as National Geographic’s VR Into the Arctic and the Amazon Wilderness allow exploration of natural landscapes, while VR Mahjong and VR Chess give you the opportunity to take on other players around the world in the comfort of your own home.
Getting into PC Gaming in VR
Ready to join the world of PC gaming in virtual reality? The right headset is the first thing you’ll need. At the time of writing, the main consumer-grade options include the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Samsung Odyssey and Windows Mixed Reality headsets.
The Oculus Rift and HTC Vive are the most comprehensive and powerful headsets on the market. They come with integrated audio and provide near-perfect tracking for full immersion. These headsets also support a wide array of accessories and provide the most features. However, they’re slightly more expensive than the other available options.
The Samsung Odyssey headset is designed with comfort and affordability in mind. It offers a wide field of view and perfect tracking, but lacks the support for accessories, and the sound quality is slightly lacking when compared to the more expensive options. The Windows Mixed Reality headsets are perfect for newcomers to VR gaming. They offer a surprisingly immersive experience and support the same game library as the ore powerful headsets.
The Cost of PC Gaming in VR
The cost of PC gaming in virtual reality can definitely add up. You’ll need to factor in the cost of the headset itself, plus the cost of a gaming PC that can handle the demands of VR gaming. Most VR-ready gaming PCs start at around $1000, and can go up from there. Then there’s the cost of the titles themselves, which varies but can easily add up if you’re looking for a full library of games.
Conclusion
For those looking to jump into PC gaming in VR, you have a range of options open to you. There are several consumer-grade devices to choose from and a wide variety of experiences available. It’s now more affordable than ever to get into virtual reality gaming, so now is the perfect time to join the growing community of VR gamers!
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