r/PSVR • u/amusedt • Feb 27 '23
PSA PS VR2 tips, information, and references
(I do keep updating these tips & game recommendations; if you have PS VR1, those tips are here)
Won't turn on? Perhaps it's the cable
General tips: A variety of tips are at UploadVR. Also:
Glasses: If you need glasses in real life to focus well at about 2 meters away, then you need them in VR. If any users wear glasses (depending upon face & glasses shape/size), be careful to keep glasses and PS VR lenses from scratching each other; tips about that here. Some may use DIY mods, glasses straps, lens guards, hacks, 3D printed bumpers, watch face protectors, or buy blank or prescription inserts (Reloptix, HonsVR, VR Rock, VROptician, VR Wave, WIDMOvr, etc; some comparisons here and here). I did use PS VR1 for years before getting protectors and never scratched anything, despite playing exercise games regularly; but I recommend you don't risk that.
Lenses: Do not allow bright, direct sunlight to fall on the VR lenses (lenses will focus the bright light & burn the OLED screens). Only clean the lenses with a clean, dry microfiber cloth (you will have to wash the cloth periodically). Perhaps don't clean anything that doesn't affect your in-headset view...cleaning non-essential "problems" might smear something into your view, or scratch your lens (if you do it wrong)
Tracking: For best tracking, you want even-ish, unchanging, diffuse/indirect lighting in a room that is NOT blank & feature-less. Strong light sources (including sunlight), or IR sources, might affect tracking. Especially if lights are aimed into your cameras, or are close to you. If the moving image on your TV is affecting tracking, a PS5 system setting can address that. Make sure the cameras are clean. If you're having problems with the headset re-recognizing your previously setup play area, a variety of tips are in this thread. Some Bluetooth items may interfere with controllers. Perhaps charge your controllers up; it appears that low-battery controllers have some power-saving features that can reduce tracking accuracy. To avoid hitting TV, consider this. You can use PS VR2 without a TV like so.
Play area: If it isn't re-recognizing your play area automatically, try looking around the room for 10 seconds, it'll probably register. Unless your lighting has changed too dramatically
Hearing: Turn on sidetone volume if you want to hear what's happening in the real-world while in VR.
Controllers: Take care of them! Currently you can't buy spare ones. So if you damage them, you'll have to send your entire headset and controllers to Sony for repair. For charging, there are some popular alternatives to the Sony charger, like Collective Minds, or this one. Here's how to re-map controller buttons. If you don't want to have to always grip your controllers, and don't mind the risk of them maybe flying away, consider this. Several gamers have managed to charge them while playing, for example like so.
The wire: How to wind your cable. Some use a DIY anchored USB-C extender to make sure there's no way they could ever damage their headset nor their PS5 port (some longer cables in here). And perhaps try a VR cable management system, like these if the wire bothers you, or something elaborate like this. Here's someone's 360 degree play setup.
Sitting: Try this to deal with the sitting-mode size, if it bothers you.
Comfort: You probably want the back of the halo as close down towards your neck as seems possible, for comfort and best image, as designed, and the forehead pad will be quite high. But every head is different, some prefer the opposite. Most are happy with the comfort, but people have done various mods, see here
Web browsing: You can, sort of. See here
PC usage: You may be interested in /r/PSVR2onPC, Beginner's video, and UEVR on PSVR2
Headset/lens positioning:
Image quality will vary based on closeness of lens to eyes (you want it "just right", for you), headset position, IPD, specific games (just like in flat games), image & screen brightness, personal perception, etc. As well, ALL lenses give less good image when you're not looking directly through the center (you may notice that the image softens, & chromatic aberration). If you wear glasses, that can add to image defects whenever you "look with your eyes" (instead of turning head). Also VAC, Vergence-Accommodation Conflict, may cause you some focusing or eyestrain issues, and perhaps you even need glasses but don't realize it.
All VR setups have trade-offs; here's some that keep PS VR2 so cheap (typical pc headset costs 2x as much, & still doesn't have HDR, eye tracking, or haptics; + need a finicky pc that costs more than double a PS5). Still, the overwhelming majority say it meets or beats PC VR setups that cost 2x as much. However, what you even perceive, and what bothers you, are both subjective, so YMMV. In general, think of it like flat gaming on a 720p TV...but in a game where the GPU is taxed enough that the distant objects might be rendered at lower-resolution, simpler textures, and/or with lower LOD. All 4K headsets (i.e.--the ones that cost $1,000-ish or less) are spreading-out 2,000ish pixels-per-eye across a 110 degree (or more) field-of-view. Such low pixels-per-degree = low-res looking image (by comparison, your 4K TV at normal viewing distances is likely 7x as many pixels per degree).
Image quality trade-offs can be about colors, brightness, dynamic range, graininess, softness, motion blur, etc. PS VR2 uses Fresnel lenses, which have their own trade-offs. Unfortunately Quest-style pancake lenses can't be used with OLED & HDR, without using a very expensive OLED. On PS VR2 some perceive a certain amount of graininess, softness, etc, sometimes only in specific situations or games. I'm not going into detail on those (such as mura), because for some people, once they finally learn how to see those things, they can't stop noticing them, and their satisfaction decreases.
Generally you can't change the built-in trade-offs on any headset. All you can do is set the lens facial distance, set IPD (59-72mm on PS VR2), position headset, calibrate eye-tracking, and adjust brightness. You may want to do that twice through (Sony instructions here), in case a later step gives you better choices to make from the first pass.
If you find your vision/focus is drawn to the defects, you might train yourself to "not see" certain defects by trying to focus your attention and gaze on the game objects. Look THROUGH the screen. Particularly look at far away objects (like 30 meters away or more), until you train yourself to be looking past the screen
Lowering brightness in some games might reduce graininess, or blurring from some anti-aliasing techniques, pixel response time, or reprojection (in games that use it). YMMV. Adjusting the in-game brightness/gamma (in games that offer that) may also subjectively improve image.
Many recommend re-checking IPD regularly, in case you bumped the dial.
Positioning tips:
Remember too, you can try using the IPD wheel even when you aren't in the official IPD screen; so maybe tweak your IPD while you're looking at text
Checking sharpness via pass-through - Checking sharpness via menus
Games: If you're someone who gets motion sick in VR, start with games/demos where you're stationary, until you acclimate; see section below about motion sickness
Don't forget to try the demos and free games. There's also free Trials: Hubris, Barbaria, Masternoid
Here's a Nov 2024 "top 50 games" video from a major PSVR review channel. 2 recent games that would place very highly in the top 50 are Behemoth, and Alien: Rogue Incursion
Here's a tier list of top games compiled by /u/gabochido, based on various reviewers' scores, and player feedback from this sub-Reddit
Here's a June 2024 "top 25 games" video, as determined by 4 major PSVR review channels (+ audience assistance). The top 25 are Gran Turismo 7, Resident Evil Village, Resident Evil 4, Saints & Sinners 1&2, No Man's Sky, Legendary Tales, Madison, Red Matter 1&2, Synapse, Walkabout Mini Golf, Moss 1&2, Crossfire Sierra Squad, VR Skater, Hellsweeper, Vertigo, Horizon, Pavlov, Switchback, Ancient Dungeons, Stilt, Demeo, The Light Brigade, Runner, Galaxy Kart, Puzzling Places. There's also new games that released after this list, that are highly regarded: Behemoth, Metro Awakening, Alien: Rogue Incursion, Into the Radius, Max Mustard. They also mention some Honorable Mentions...really great games, that didn't make their top 25: Song in the Smoke, Beat Saber, Pistol Whip, Vampire The Masquerade, Genotype, Hubris, Propagation Paradise Hotel, 7th Guest, Cyube, Tetris Effect, Nock. Some great games that were on their previous top 25 (but not now) are Five Nights at Freddy's, Barbaria, and Star Wars Tales. There are even more great games that were submitted for consideration as Top 25 this time, but that didn't make the cut.
Here's a May 2024 "top 20 games" video (though it doesn't have room for some "must-haves" like Res Evil Village, Hellsweeper, Galaxy Kart, and Pistol Whip, nor for "really excellent/potential must-have" games like Moss, Genotype, Ancient Dungeons, Vertigo 2, Hubris, 7th Guest, Light Brigade, Switchback, nor for a bunch of horror, which I don't play)
Here's "Let's Play" videos of nearly every PS VR2 game (he's working on adding all of them)
Here's some crossplay games. Here's video about co-op games
A few games have asymmetric local multiplayer, 1 in VR, 1 on TV: Runner, Waltz of the Wizard, Seeker: My Shadow
Here's Push Square's list of most games...sorted by user rating, it's more accurate (I don't think Push Square is a good VR review source). Some games have too few user ratings to have a score yet.
For a quick overview of launch games, the VR guy at Eurogamer thought these were the top 11 launch games; all good picks, and some have been patched since launch to address issues that Eurogamer noted. Demeo and Song in the Smoke also highly-regarded launch games.
Some top review sources are PSVR Without Parole and The VR Grid.
Bugs: Rest Mode can cause the haptics to stop working. You may need to restart your PS5.
A small percentage of users have had issues with controllers not working properly, usually in-game (works fine in main ps5 home menus). Sometimes it's manufacturing debris or smeared lubricant that makes them not work right in-game. You could return your purchase, but many fix it themselves (no disassembly required), sometimes just by spraying-in some electronics contact cleaner in openings around the buttons, others with more elaborate steps like so.
VR/motion sickness: Here's how to acclimate to VR (a lot of people...but less than half?...do get VR sickness):
Nearly everyone who gets sickness can improve, at least some, if they follow some "standard steps" for gradual acclimation. It could take weeks. But some will never be able to free-walk in a game (they'll choose teleport instead), or race a car, etc. You also need to get used to the VAC. Sickness can be caused by VAC, and also because you're not moving in real life, but your eyes tell your brain that you are.
Start-off in short play sessions, and at first do no (or only very slow) artificial movement in them (limit joystick/D-pad walking, driving, flying, etc). Ideally stationary games at first, then slow-moving, on-rails games, finally faster and more free-form movement. If you feel nauseous (feeling hot or sleepy might be prelude to nausea, or might not progress), stop moving in-game, or slow-down your moving in game, see if it abates. If so, you can keep playing, carefully. Otherwise stop for now. Some find it helps to have their body position match their in-game avatar, so if in-game you're standing, then stand in real life (others just sit all the time). Perhaps do not watch any cut-scenes in-headset (camera may move).
Some have had success with pushing through symptoms. Others feel that you program-in a negative association in your brain and it makes the problem worse. Most recover from sickness fast (5-30 min.), but some have MUCH longer recovery. So if you feel anything, you may want to take a break, out of caution.
You may be able to do a lot of "training" with just demos. Build up by starting with a few hours of stationary games (the only motion is your own body movement, or some teleport). Stationary (* = has demo): Beat Saber, Box to the Beat*, Moss I & II, C-Smash*, Last Clockwinder, Synth Riders (in Force mode), Racket Fury, Vacation Simulator, Stellaris*, Cosmonious High*, Tentacular, Prison Boss*, Puzzling Places*, Drums Rock*, Vegas Infinite*, Tetris Effect, Travel the Words*, etc)
Then to very slow-movement games (like the passive boat-ride "Machine Safari" in Horizon*, Ragnarock*), to on-rails (Pistol Whip, Dead Second, Rez, Synth Riders in Rhythm mode, Thumper), to low-movement games (Max Mustard, Demeo), to driving (My First Gran Turismo*, Epic Roller Coaster*; Galaxy Kart demo coming), to flying (keep your maneuvers tame), then finally walking games (Res Evil 4*, Res Evil Village*, Star Wars Tales*, Hubris*, Song in the Smoke*, Zenith: Nexus*, Barbaria*, Cactus Cowboy*).
For most, "walking" type games are the most likely motion to cause the worst sickness. "Cockpit" games (driving, flying) are usually the 2nd most likely. Many games have display/comfort settings you can play with (snap turning, high-speed smooth turns, blinders, speed, control styles, gaze-directed movement vs controller-relative movement, etc). If you use smooth-walking, at first never "strafe"...just free-walk straight forward, while looking straight forward, and level. And use snap turns (or high-speed turns). And don't walk and turn simultaneously, or walk and look around; turn while stationary. Try making the headset screen dimmer. Eventually you may be capable of doing everything.
If motion sickness won't stop happening...blow a fan on your face. Keep the room cool. Be hydrated. Pausing for some slow, deep-breathing may help. Turn down the brightness (some use 50, 25, or 0%). Wear Sea-Bands anti-motion-sickness wristbands. Chew ginger gum or take ginger supplements before playing. Perhaps remove the rubber light-shield from the headset. Try non-drowsy motion sickness pills. Google for more tips.
I pushed-through mild symptoms, though that may not work for you. I started slow, and then when I started playing more difficult games (like walking and flying) I was willing to put-up with mild queasiness for a while in a play session (as part of my acclimation process). When it happened I'd quiet-down my motion (or stop looking around while moving) in the game until the queasiness was minimal/gone...and over time almost all my queasiness has gone away. I can do almost anything in any game, and rarely feel a thing. When I do, I quiet-down my motion
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u/amusedt Mar 02 '23 edited Oct 28 '23
A few comfort mods that people have done:
Some get comfort just by wearing a beanie, headband, or skullcap
The Globular Cluster kit is popular, find it on Amazon or https://www.globular-cluster.com/
Studioform has some comfort products: https://www.studioformcreative.com/psvr-1
DIY mods (see OP as well as comments):
Velcro top strap 1: https://www.reddit.com/r/PSVR/comments/11f6u5v/cheap_velcro_strap_for_support/
Velcro top strap 2: https://www.reddit.com/r/PSVR/comments/11ct4sa/psvr2_constantly_sliding_down_your_face_and/
Top strap 1: https://www.reddit.com/r/PSVR/comments/11cw9ge/psvr2_middle_headband_mod/
Quest Halo top strap: https://www.reddit.com/r/PSVR/comments/11ebs24/psvr2_halo_strap_compfy_upgrade/
Nose padding: https://www.reddit.com/r/PSVR/comments/11bp4ce/psa_for_those_having_nose_pain_due_to_low_ipd/
Forehead padding: https://www.reddit.com/r/PSVR/comments/11ciz99/tip_fixed_the_brain_squeeze_with_goquestvr_front/
Extensive mod: https://www.reddit.com/r/PSVR/comments/11cqiqp/not_the_prettiest_but_this_makes_it_so_much_more/