Project Motor Racing features official PC virtual reality support, which transitioned from an experimental Alpha into an integrated Beta starting in Version 2.2. While the feature previously required manual configuration file edits and launch flags during its initial Alpha rollout in Update 2.1, players on the current build can access VR options directly through the in-game settings menu.
Virtual reality functionality is currently exclusive to the PC platform and remains under active development by Straight4 Studios and GIANTS Software.
Project Motor Racing VR Support: Alpha to Beta Overview
When VR was first debuted publicly at the Sim Racing Expo in Charlotte and pushed to public builds in Update 2.1, it was an experimental Alpha hidden behind configuration edits. With the release of Version 2.2, developer Straight4 Studios transitioned VR and Triple Screen support into Beta status.
| Feature / Attribute | Update 2.1 (Alpha State) | Version 2.2+ (Beta State) |
|---|---|---|
| Menu Access | Hidden; requires manual XML edit & launch parameter | Native toggle in in-game settings menu |
| Activation Parameters | -VR command line in Steam launch options | None required; enabled via PC menu |
| Default Cockpit Position | Unadjusted; frequent low/offset seating issues | Updated default camera position for VR |
| Mirror Functionality | Broken/non-functional in player tests | Improved reflections in rear-view mirrors |
| Platform Availability | PC only | PC only |
How to Enable VR in Project Motor Racing
Depending on the game version you are running, VR is activated either directly through the settings interface or via legacy launch commands.
Modern Method (Version 2.2 and Later)
In Version 2.2, manual file adjustments are no longer necessary.
- Ensure your VR headset runtime (such as SteamVR, Oculus Link, or Virtual Desktop/VDXR) is active and connected to your PC.
- Launch Project Motor Racing normally from Steam.
- Navigate to the in-game settings menu.
- Select the display/graphics settings and enable the VR option.
- Apply settings and restart the session if prompted.
Legacy Alpha Method (Update 2.1 Manual Activation)
If you are running an earlier build or need to force VR initialization through configuration files, the developer-documented Alpha activation process requires modifying the user settings file.
- Navigate to your local user directory: Documents > My Games > ProjectMotorRacing.
- Create a backup copy of the game.xml file.
- Open game.xml with a text editor like Notepad.
- Locate the opening
<game>tag. - Add the following line directly into the XML hierarchy:
<vr enabled="true" overlayHeadLocked="false"/>. Ensure quotation marks remain straight standard characters, as curved or curly quotes cause a line corruption error on boot. - Save and close the file.
- Open Steam, right-click Project Motor Racing in your Library, and select Properties.
- Under the General tab, locate the Launch Options field.
- Enter
-VR(including the hyphen). - Launch the game through SteamVR or your headset's desktop streamer.
How to Recenter and Adjust the Cockpit View
Camera alignment and driver eye level have been frequent points of feedback during testing on headsets like the Meta Quest 3, HP Reverb G2, and Pimax Dream Air. To correct improper seating height:
- Map the Recenter Key: Open Settings > Controls. Scroll to the very bottom of the steering and input bindings to assign a designated button or key for centering the VR view.
- Cockpit Setup Adjustment: If your perspective sits too low or remains offset after pressing recenter, pause the session and navigate to Cockpit Setup > Seat. Make manual seat adjustments, then return to the active track session to refresh the driver position.
- Reset Defaults: Following the Version 2.2 cockpit camera update, Straight4 Studios recommends resetting cockpit camera values to default if you previously configured custom seat offsets.
Graphics Settings and VR Performance
Project Motor Racing runs on GIANTS Engine 10 and utilizes DirectX 12. Because VR rendering is demanding, performance varies depending on hardware and anti-aliasing configurations.
- Anti-Aliasing Selection: Community testing on GPUs such as the RTX 5070, RTX 5080, and RTX 5090 shows mixed results with post-processing filters. Players report that TAA can introduce heavy blurring and visual distortion on distant track objects, while DLAA may exhibit rendering inconsistencies. Several community testers recommend setting anti-aliasing to "None" for cleaner clarity, or compensating via external supersampling tools such as OpenXR Toolkit or VDXR resolution scaling.
- DLSS Functionality: Players have observed that DLSS options in the graphics menu may appear greyed out while VR mode is active.
- Frame Rates and Rigs: Community reports document stable 70 to 90 FPS performance on high-end hardware (such as RTX 5090/5080 systems paired with modern high-thread CPUs), while mid-range setups (e.g., Ryzen 7 5700X3D with RTX 4060) achieve playable framerates on lower detail presets. Lowering volumetric fog, shadow distances, grass quality, and screen-space reflections yields the highest frame-time stability.
Known VR Issues and Solutions
Because VR remains in Beta development, Straight4 Studios and community testers have identified several active visual and technical quirks.
| Issue | Description | Workaround / Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mirror Display | Wing and rearview mirrors failed to render in early Alpha builds | Version 2.2 patched and improved rearview mirror reflections. |
| In-Car Rotation Disconnect | Some players observe rotation pivoting near the chassis center rather than the front steering axle | Adjust seat position forward or test different FOV/camera seat points via Cockpit Setup. |
| Shimmering & Pop-in | Fences, trackside trees, and fine objects display shimmering artifacts | Disable TAA or adjust external OpenXR supersampling. |
| Night Lighting Artifacts | Blocky graphical artifacts appear around headlight beams in night sessions | Recognized by developer as an active engine bug under review. |
| Transparent Floor Pan | Grass or track surfaces occasionally clip visually through the vehicle floor | Known visual bug documented in the official development tracker. |
| UI Navigation | Certain menus and pit strategy displays do not fully anchor to VR space | Developer confirmed VR UI adaptation is ongoing throughout the Beta phase. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Project Motor Racing VR available on consoles?
No. VR support is currently available only on PC. There is no official support announced for PlayStation VR2 or console platforms.
Does Project Motor Racing support TrackIR or Triple Screen alongside VR?
Triple Screen support entered Beta alongside VR in Version 2.2 and is accessible natively on PC. TrackIR head-tracking is not currently supported in the sim.
Why does editing game.xml give a line corruption error?
This error typically occurs if your text editor converts standard straight quotation marks into curved/smart quotes when pasting <vr enabled="true" overlayHeadLocked="false"/>. Use standard Notepad and verify the quotation marks before saving. In Version 2.2 and newer, manual XML editing is no longer needed.
Where is the button to recenter VR in the game?
The recenter headset command is located at the very bottom of the control configuration menu under the steering settings list. It must be manually assigned to a wheel button or keyboard key.
