For most people, virtual reality (VR) is still a new and unexplored technology. However, for sim racing drivers, VR has been a game-changer.
By immersing yourself in the race environment, you can gain a competitive edge that can help you take your driving to the next level. W
hile there are many different VR headsets on the market, not all of them are created equal when it comes to sim racing.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at four of the best VR headsets for rFactor 2.
Whether you’re just getting started in VR or you’re looking to upgrade your current setup, one of these headsets is sure to meet your needs.
Spoiler alert: though all of the headsets on the list have got their pros and cons, according to most sim drivers the best VR to use on rFactor 2 is the Valve Index thanks to its wide field of view, high refresh rate, and impressive resolution.
Having said that, let’s get started with our list of the best VR for rFactor 2 in 2022.
Table of Contents
What VR headset works with rFactor 2?
Each of the following headsets is compatible with SteamVR which will allow you to play rFactor 2 and most other sim racing games in VR.
- Valve Index
- Samsung HMD Odyssey+
- Oculus Rift S
- HTC Vive
So let’s now have a look into each of these VR headsets in detail, starting with the Valve Index.
1. Valve Index
The reason why most sim racers prefer the Valve Index is because it offers the highest resolution (2880 x 1600px) as well as the widest field of view (130°) of any VR headset on the market.
This means that you can see more of the track in front of you, making it easier to anticipate upcoming corners and make split-second decisions during the traffic of lap one.
In addition, the Valve Index has an impressively high refresh rate of 144Hz, ensuring that you won’t experience any motion sickness, lags or tearing while racing.
The only downside to the Valve Index is that it comes at around $499 for the full kit, which is quite expensive compared to other more affordable VR headsets.
However, if you’re serious about sim racing, the Valve Index is the best option to get the most immersive experience.
2. Oculus Rift S
Selling for around $440, the Oculus Rift S is actually the most affordable headset on the list.
While it doesn’t have as high a resolution as the Valve Index or the Samsung HMD Odyssey+, the Oculus Rift S does offer a wide field of view (110°) and a high refresh rate (80Hz).
The Oculus Rift S is also lighter than the Valve Index, making it more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
The only downside to the Rift S is that you can’t quite get the same level of immersion as you can with some of the more expensive headsets.
3. Samsung HMD Odyssey+
The Samsung HMD Odyssey+ (Windows Mixed Reality) is one of the newest headsets on the market and it’s specifically designed for gaming and sim racing in mind.
One of its best features is the two built-in 3.5 mm audio jacks, which means that you can use your own headphones for a more realistic driving.
The Samsung HMD Odyssey+ also has a higher resolution than the HTC Vive (2880 x 1600px vs 2160 x 1200px) and a slightly wider field of view (110° vs 105°).
As the other headsets in our list, it’s compatible with SteamVR which makes it a spot-on choice for sim racing.
Its current price oscillates between $440 to $500 so have that in mind if you’re looking to purchase it.
4. HTC Vive
The HTC Vive is one of the original VR headsets and it is still a great option for sim racing.
It has a resolution of 2160 x 1200px, a field of view of 105° and a refresh rate of 90Hz.
The main downside of the HTC Vive though is its price selling for around $990.
That being said, it’s still a popular VR headset for gamers and it will give you a great VR experience when playing rFactor 2 and most other sim racing games.
What’s the best VR headset for rFactor 2?
The Valve Index is probably the best VR headset for rFactor 2 right now. It offers the widest field of view, the highest resolution and the highest refresh rate of most other VR headsets on the market.
At around $499, it’s also not crazy expensive as is the HTC Vive.
So if you’re looking for the most immersive sim racing experience, the Valve Index is the best VR headset to get.
Conclusion
So, those are our top picks for VR headsets that work with rFactor 2.
Each of these headsets has its own advantages and disadvantages, but overall they will all give you a great VR experience while racing.
Just make sure to pick the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Do you have a different VR headset that you like to use for rFactor 2? Please, let us know! 🙂