7 Things People Do Wrong When Getting into VR Gaming
Virtual reality (VR) gaming can be like entering an entirely new universe — as long as you don’t punch your TV or stumble over your own feet. You could be a VR novice or a VR expert, and VR headset failures are inevitable. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. These are 7 common VR gaming mistakes to avoid so you can experience new worlds without the awkward tumbles or motion sickness along the way.
Failing to Set the VR Headset Adjustments Correctly
Let’s face it: we have all just put the PlayStation VR headset on our heads and prayed. But if it’s not snug enough, centered and correctly adjusted, you’ll be left with a blurry image or, worse, a headache within 10 minutes.
How to Avoid It:
But before starting to enjoy some of your favorite VR experiences, it is important that you wear the headset comfortably. You just have to adjust the straps and the lenses for a clear view. If you’re squirting or uncomfortable, it’s probably time for a quick adjustment.
Forgetting to Clear the Play Area
Ah, the joys of VR. You’re swinging your arms, ducking fireballs or using a Jedi mind trick — until you topple your lamp. Oops!
How to Avoid It:
Be sure that your VR space is completely free of objects. Clear away any furniture or random objects that you might trip over or break. If you’re serious about your immersive gaming, you could even carve out a dedicated VR play area. Less distractions = less accidents!
Ignoring VR Game Updates
You’re all set up with your VR headset on, prepared to dive right into the latest game, but did you forget to make sure everything is up to date? Forgetting the latest patches can cause crashes, glitches, and poor performance.
How to Avoid It:
Be sure to check for the latest VR game updates or future VR games before each VR game session. Updates Fix Bugs and Add New Content Keeping your RAGE 2 updated ensures that any bugs are fixed, and that any fresh content is available to you whenever possible. Believe us, you don’t want to be that person with a broken game while the masses are getting all the neat VR content updates.
Skipping the Calibration
It can be tempting to get right into the swing of things, but if you’ve skipped calibrating your controllers and/or headset, odds are you’ll end up hitting invisible enemies or becoming lodged in uncomfortable positions. You don’t want to send your avatar crashing into a wall, do you?
How to Avoid It:
Take a couple of minutes to calibrate everything. Before diving into your VR adventures, make sure your VR headset and controllers are synced up properly. Calibration can seem tedious, but it pays off in the end when you can move fluidly without glitching out.
Not Taking Breaks
Ever get so lost in a VR experience that you forget to stop? Before you know it, you’re dizzy, disoriented and regretting having spent three hours in a virtual dungeon.
How to Avoid It:
This makes it all the more important to remember the golden rule: take breaks! Too much time in VR can cause vertigo, eye strain, or a stiff neck. You might consider setting a timer or else taking a physical break to stretch and hydrate. Your body (and your sanity) will thank you later. “Farise is not the person sitting in a virtual world when everyone else is at dinner.”
Overlooking Comfort and Fit
We all do it — diminish that awkwardness in the face of a headset or the tightness of a strap — and shrug it off as nothing. Believe us, though: Discomfort can kill your entire VR gaming session.
How to Avoid It:
Make sure the VR headset fits snugly, but not so tight that you feel like you’re in a headlock by adjusting the straps. And do check on any VR hardware updates for accessories that could make your setup more ergonomically pleasing (yes, there’s a reason VR glasses exist!) Make sure you are comfortable, this is a long game.
Avoiding the Usage of the Proper Accessories
However, sometimes you just need more than the basic controller setup, and while the PlayStation VR headset is a great entry point, there’s certain experiences that only a good bevy of peripherals can provide. Playing it without the right accessories can even make you feel like you’re in some kind of VR version of charades rather than an immersive experience.
How to Avoid It:
You can always buy a few more accessories like inclining motion controllers, a mat matching your movement or even, a pair of VR gloves for that true immersion feeling to it. VR device news, you can read up events and grab accessories to improve your experience. And using your TV remote as a controller doesn’t count!
Afterword: Beware of These Mistakes Ruining Your VR Fun
Now that you know about these 7 common VR gaming mistakes, you can sidestep them like a hitman. Keep in mind, VR gaming should be about stepping into a new reality, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose spatial balance in your real world in the process. With a few tweaks, some volume settings and a distinctly marked space, you’ll be able to enjoy the finest VR has to offer, without the pains—or the ruined coffee tables. Happy gaming!
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