Can You Play Normal Games in VR?

Virtual reality (VR) headsets are primarily designed to play games and experiences built specifically for VR. However, there are ways to play traditional non-VR games on your VR headset through a virtual desktop mode. In this article, we‘ll explore the methods for playing normal games in VR and whether it‘s a worthwhile experience compared to native VR titles.

What is Desktop Theater Mode for VR Headsets?

SteamVR has a feature called Desktop Theater Mode that allows you to play games from your Steam library that don‘t have native VR support. When activated, it renders your computer monitor in a 3D virtual space inside the VR headset.

This essentially projects your normal PC gameplay onto a large virtual screen so you can play games as if you‘re sitting in front of a massive home theater. The virtual environment simulates sitting in different theater rooms like a home media room or a retro game room.

Desktop Theater Mode works with all SteamVR compatible headsets including the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift/Rift S, Valve Index, and Windows MR headsets. It‘s a simple toggle on/off feature built into SteamVR so no additional software is needed.

How to Set Up Desktop Theater Mode

To use Desktop Theater Mode for non-VR games:

1. Install SteamVR through Steam if you haven‘t already.

2. Connect your VR headset and launch SteamVR.

3. In the bottom right of the SteamVR dashboard, click the Monitor icon to enable Desktop Theater Mode.

4. Launch any non-VR game from your Steam library like normal. It will now display in the virtual theater.

5. Use the VR headset and motion controllers to look around the theater and view the game on the big screen.

Desktop Theater has various theater environments to choose from. You can adjust the screen size and curvature as well. The game audio comes through your headset too for added immersion.

Other Software Options for Non-VR Games in VR

While SteamVR has the simplest desktop theater mode, there are other software options that can add VR support to normal games:

• VorpX – Paid software ($40 USD) that adds VR support and head tracking to many DirectX 9, 10 and 11 games. Has extensive configuration options.

• Virtual Desktop – App for Oculus Quest and Rift that displays your full Windows desktop in VR. Launch games from here.

• Bigscreen – Free social desktop streaming app for major VR headsets. Play your own games privately or with others.

• Nero GameVR – Steam app to play games in customizable VR environments for Vive and Rift. Mixed reviews.

These give you more options if a game isn‘t displaying well in SteamVR‘s theater mode. VorpX in particular can mod games to have native-like VR support.

Playing Non-VR Games in VR – Is it Worth It?

Playing games not designed for VR in a virtual theater can be an enjoyable novelty, but there are some drawbacks to consider compared to native VR titles:

Positives

• Huge existing library of games to play in VR
• Immersive screen sizes and environments
• Head tracking can improve gameplay

Negatives

• Not truly optimized for VR with 6DOF tracking
• Less environmental interaction
• Can‘t use motion controllers properly
• Higher chance of motion sickness

The experience ultimately depends on the specific game. Seated game genres like racing/flying sims, third-person action games, RTS titles, and 2D platformers tend to work well and benefit from the enlarged screen and 3D effect.

Faster paced first-person shooters may cause motion sickness since you‘re not fully controlling the camera movement. Games with complex UI and controls don‘t translate perfectly either.

It‘s best to temper expectations going in and view it as an experimental bonus rather than equal to native VR. When it works well though, it can breathe new life into old favorites!

Top Non-VR Games That Work Well in VR Desktop Mode

Here are some top non-VR games that play nicely in Desktop Theater mode based on community recommendations:

• Microsoft Flight Simulator
• Elite Dangerous
• Star Wars: Squadrons
• No Man‘s Sky
• Forza Horizon 4
• Rocket League
• The Witcher 3
• Resident Evil Games
• Rainbow Six Siege
• Civilization VI
• DOTA 2 / League of Legends
• 2D Platformers like Ori and the Blind Forest

Seated cockpit games and third-person action games tend to be most comfortable. Make sure to use a gamepad or keyboard/mouse since motion controllers won‘t work properly.

Tips for The Best Non-VR Game Experience in VR

To get the best results playing pancake games in VR, keep these tips in mind:

• Adjust the screen distance and curvature for comfort
• Increase the screen size significantly
• Try different theater environments
• Tweak graphics settings for smooth frame rates
• Use a gamepad or keyboard/mouse instead of motion controllers
• Use a swivel chair for easier viewing
• Take breaks regularly to prevent motion sickness
• Set up a fan to keep cool while wearing the headset

Also experiment with the different software options like VorpX for more configuration possibilities to optimize games. Getting the right setup dialed in can take some trial and error.

Does VR Improve Non-VR Games?

There are certainly pros and cons to playing traditional games in virtual reality. The massive screen and 3D depth can make games more immersive. Motion parallax as you move your head makes objects seem more lifelike.

However, most games just aren‘t designed for this perspective which holds back the experience. Ultimately, native made-for-VR games will provide the best and most comfortable experience.

That said, playing non-VR games on a big virtual theater screen can still be really enjoyable in shorter sessions. It‘s fun to revisit old favorites in a new light. Just don‘t expect it to live up to the same level of immersion and interaction as games built ground-up for VR.

Can You Play Oculus Quest Games on PC?

The Oculus Quest is a standalone wireless VR headset with its own library of games. But these titles aren‘t automatically compatible with PC VR headsets that connect to gaming computers.

However, using a USB cable you can connect the Quest to a PC and access Oculus Rift games as well as SteamVR titles. This is known as Oculus Link. Alternatively, you can play PC VR games wirelessly using Virtual Desktop or Air Link.

So while the Quest has a more limited native library, you can expand its capabilities for high-end PC VR gaming if you have a capable gaming computer. It essentially combines the best of both worlds!

The Future of Non-VR Games in VR

As VR technology evolves, we could see more seamless integration of non-VR games. Headsets with better specs and eye tracking may be able to run traditional games at higher frame rates with reduced motion sickness.

We may also see more middleware software like VorpX that can mod games to work properly with 6DOF motion controls. And titles built with VR support in mind from the ground up will provide the best experience.

Cloud streaming services could also enable playing regular PC games remotely on standalone VR headsets. The future possibilities are exciting! But for now, enjoy playing non-VR games in VR as an occasional novelty.

Conclusion

Playing non-VR games on your VR headset through desktop theater mode can breathe new life into old favorites. However, the experience has limitations compared to made-for-VR titles. Temper expectations going in and choose seated game genres for the best results. With the right software and settings dialed in, it can be an enjoyable way to replay classic games in a massive virtual theater. While not a replacement for native VR games, it‘s a fun bonus feature to try out.