You can check a video about setting this method up here: Need to try this in surface environments and see how well it performs. vorpX provides that, but Desktop mode does not - probably requires using Opentrack and disabling Desktop’s headtracking - tbc.
I must have done something wrong, because I was able to run that alternative method at 1080p and it worked pretty well so far, GPU latency was a bit higher but stayed around 7-9ms on average.
UPDATE - I went back and tried Reshade / Opentrack / Virtual Desktop again, because my first experience had pretty poor performance. Some things with VXD seem erratic from session to session, I have to test more and update this guide accordingly. Also my headset is not your headset, and my PC is not your PC etc etc Everyone’s idea is different so if you don’t like my settings, just find your own. Like most VR I can get this to where I like it with an acceptable balance. Appreciate any feedback or help to improve this guide, thanks! I have been setting up and running native VR apps for a few years, but I am no expert in either graphics setups or VR itself. Normally for desktop play I use 2560x1440 and detail set to Very High, but that it is not going to be possible for VR.
The SC resolution dropdown menu can become garbled on Fullscreen through VXD and it was actually set to 1280x1024 - so this becomes my minimum baseline, as performance is 95% stable at all times with this resolution so far, even on surfaces. I made a mistake before when I thought I was running at 1080p and getting 90FPS in the PU - I was not. If you are planning on trying this method without either setup, it will be difficult, although not impossible Like most VR sims and space games, a HOTAS or HOSAS makes a huge difference for VR because you can rely far less on finding keys on your keyboard. Increased res or quality from there is a bonus. Personally I must have a good stable framerate, and most importantly low GPU and CPU latency, which equals no or minimal stutter. Some compromise is required but you can have a pretty good experience - I’m using a bordered window for good baseline performance, but it’s large enough. While it is primarily for Pimax headsets, as that is what I’m currently using, I will generalise as it may ultimately end up in other places such as SC Spectrum or Discord.
I have only run two full sessions in SC using VXD so far. I’ll update this over time as I learn more about optimising the setup. This is my first draft for a general guide and I have no prior VorpX experience.
The ideal solution outside of native VR would be the original vorpX app, but this is now blocked by the new Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) system used by SC. It is not full VR with depth, although Reshade’s stereo Depth3D option may provide a partial solution if it can be made to work alongside VorpX Desktop (tbc). What this does is convert TrackIR inputs to your VR headset. Native VR is coming eventually but there is nothing official yet. Star Citizen is still in alpha and is unoptimised. Sorry if you’ve heard some of this before hehe…