How to Play Non-VR Games in VR? – Step-by-Step Guide with Tips & More

With the lack of content on VR, you might want to play non-VR games on VR.

Let’s see how you can do that.

How to Play Non-VR Games in VR?

SteamVR has a desktop theater mode that lets you play any pancake games on a huge screen in VR.

Programs like Vorpix can put you into a regular video, but they require a lot of tweaking, so they’d only show 3D games in 3D.

Can You Play Non-VR PC Games on Rift or Vive?

If you’re looking to play non-virtual reality (VR) PC games on your VR head­set, there’s a very good chance that your current setup won’t be compatible.

Vorpx is the software that lets you play non-VR PC video games on Oculus Rift or HTC Vive headsets. It’s a program that works in the background and makes sure there isn’t any noticeable latency when playing these games.

If you don’t already own a VR headset, you may be wondering whether and how you can use one to enjoy all of your PC games.

How to Connect Your Rift to SteamVR?

For Rift users, the first step is to ensure that their headset works properly in SteamVR.

1. Open the Oculus app from your computer or the Start screen.
2. Click the “settings” icon at the top right corner.
3. Click on Settings from the drop-down menu.
4. Click on the General tab.
5. Next to Unknown Sources, a checkmark will appear.
6. Allow is selected.

Now that the Oculus Rift has been updated to be compatible with Steam VR and your Steam game library, hitting the back key on your Xbox controller will bring up the Steam VR interface.

Apps for Steam That Allow You to Play Non-VR Games in Virtual Reality

These Steam applications essentially place a screen between your real eyes and your virtual eyes.

Since you won’t be able to achieve true 1:1 motion tracking, you’ll need to use 3D drivers to provide a more immersive VR environment.

If you don’t want to play your game in 3D on a huge virtual screen while wearing a headset, check out these apps.

BigScreen

BigScreen is a freeware Steam application that lets you play all of your PC gaming titles in virtual reality while sitting in a penthouse atop a skyscraper.

You can select your own seats in different rooms (including the open–​aired pent­house balcony) and personalize the screens that appear in front of you by defau­lt.

What can you see on the screen?

You don’t need any special software to use BigScreen. It just works. Use it to create a big-picture window on your computer screen.

No, you won’t be put into your games right away, and there will not be any head tracking. In addition, this is more of a simulation where a large display is placed in front of you with the games on it.

Desktop (Virtual)

Another multi-purpose program that happens to let you play games on a big screen in virtual reality.

There isn’t any skyscraping penthouse to hang out at with your friends, but there are tons of 360-degree desktops to download for free. If you’re a creative type, you might be able to design your own setting where you can play video games.

A virtual desktop allows you to play any games you want without having to use your computer’s display. You can adjust the shape of the curved surface so that it fits your eyesight perfectly.

After using a Virtual Desktop for a few days, it will be hard to play games on a regular monitor again.

How to Play Non-VR Games in VR?

3D Drivers That Allow You to Play Non-VR Games in Virtual Reality

If you want to play games designed for VR without using a headset, ask for 1:1 motion tracking. You may not get it right away, but if you keep asking, eventually you will.

Both pieces of software are constantly improving and will continue to get better.

VorpX

We’ve previously written a lot about VorpX because it’s fantastic.

VorpX is an excellent 3D graphics card for PC gamers who want to play their games at maximum settings. They offer a wide range of titles, including some that may be already installed on your computer.

If you don’t want to pay $40 for a true virtual reality experience in your current video game, then look into VorpX.

Perception of Vireio

Vireio Perception isn’t really a free game; it’s just a free trial for VorpX.

If you want to convert your regular PC game into a true VR experience, then try Vireio Perception for free. It’s easy to use, and it’ll give you an idea of what VR feels like without having to buy anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you play regular games on Oculus Quest?

You can indeed use the Oculus Quest to access Steam games. All you have to do is connect your Quest to your computer, download SteamVR, and then you should be able to use all of your favorite Steam Games through your Oculus Quest.

Can you play normal VR on Oculus 2?

With the Quest and Quest 2, there is a lot of native content available on both platforms, but one of the main features of these headsets is their ability to also be able to play PC VR content as they’re paired up to a VR-ready computer.

Can you play regular games on ps4 VR?

You’ll be able to see the non-VR version of the video on a virtual screen when you’re wearing the headset.

Can you play games with just an oculus?

You can use the Virtual Desktop app to connect to your computer using a Quest VR head­set.

You can use it for games like we’ll be doing here, but you can also watch movies you have stored on your PC in a variety of different virtual environments, or just browse the internet.

Conclusion

The best way to play non-VR games in VR is to use a virtual desktop. This will allow you to play your games in a larger space than your actual monitor would normally allow.

If you have any questions feel free to comment below.