PlayStation VRSkyrim VR, which was released November 11, 2017 on PSVR, offers a complete package that's easy to set up. The PSVR itself doesn't take much effort to get working — you plug in a few cables and a camera — and then all that's left is to install the game the hit play. That's a big bonus for a lot of people who don't want to mess with third-party programs on PC in order to experience Skyrim in VR.
If you want to cheat yourself a full set of Daedric armour right off the bat and then go around feeling badass, well, ok, sure. But of course, if you then go around saying 'lol skyrim is so easy no challenge i'm so good at it' then we'll laugh your ass into Oblivion.
Total cost of Skyrim VR on PSVRTo calculate the total cost of Skyrim VR on PSVR, let's assume you're starting with nothing.PSVR Skyrim bundle:.PlayStation 4 Slim 1TB:.That's a total startup cost of about $650. If you already have a PS4 and PSVR, you'll only be paying for the game. Not bad, but what's the experience like? What's Skyrim VR on PSVR actually like?Skyrim VR on PSVR is a complete package; you're getting all DLCs, including Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn.
If you've played through Skyrim on PC or console, there's nothing new when it comes to content and storyline.The PSVR headset is comfortable to wear and doesn't have much of a screen-door effect, but the graphics, powered by my standard PS4, really aren't anything to write home about. There's a lot of popping in when you're roaming the countryside, and there are plenty of artifacts floating around where they shouldn't be.The PS Move controllers are Skyrim VR's weakest point. While both teleportation and smooth locomotion are available (you can change settings in the menu), tracking can be troublesome and the button layout takes some getting used to.Bottom line: Compared to other ways to experience Skyrim in VR, the PSVR version is relatively cheap and easy to set up. Graphics aren't the best, and the PS Move controllers can be a pain, but they do let you swing weapons. Windows Mixed Reality, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift.
Released April 3, 2018, this PC-based version of Skyrim VR is the latest version and is meant to work from the start with WMR, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift. Depending on which headset you're using, it might take a bit of time to get the external sensors and play area set up, but overall you shouldn't have to do much tweaking (or deal with any third-party software) to find a satisfying experience. Total cost of Skyrim VR on PCBuying the PC-based VR headsets and the hardware to properly run them will cost a bit more than a standard PSVR setup.VR-capable PC:.Windows Mixed Reality:.HTC Vive:.Oculus Rift and Touch:.Skyrim VR:If you already have a PC and VR system, you're really only looking at the cost of the game to get Skyrim VR off the ground. Otherwise, you could easily spend over $1,000 to get started. What's Skyrim VR on PC actually like?Like the PSVR version, here you're getting the full Special Edition version that includes all DLC. You won't be missing out on any part of the original game, which has been faithfully moved over to VR.
Graphics are a bit blurry in some spots (though not as bad as the PSVR version) even with a graphics card (GPU) that exceeds the recommended NVIDIA GTX 1070, though that can be taken care of with mods.Yes, pretty much any mod you can use with the standard Skyrim Special Edition can be used in VR. This video from shows just how easy it is to get everything set up. Once you have mods enabled, Skyrim VR can be tweaked and tinkered with to your heart's content. Start off by grabbing the that fixes a ton of bugs Bethesda didn't have time for, then check out the.
Tune up your graphics, change audio options, get new armor and followers, and add a ton of immersion ― just don't let your GPU melt. VorpXThe first time we experienced Skyrim in VR was on PC by and an HTC Vive. It's also possible to work this method with Oculus Rift or Windows Mixed Reality (WMR), which we've also tested.Setting everything up takes more time than with Skyrim VR on PSVR or the native PC-based versions. If you're using a Vive, you have to set up two lighthouse motion sensors in your room, install SteamVR, and go through a few setup steps. Likewise, with a Rift you're looking at setting up a few sensors just right and working through a few other software setup steps.
Following that, you're still looking at getting VorpX working; it's not difficult, but it can be a bit finicky. Total cost of Skyrim with VorpXThe cost of getting Skyrim working on a PC in VR is quite a bit more than PSVR if you're starting with nothing.VR-capable PC:.HTC Vive:.Oculus Rift and Touch:.Windows Mixed Reality:.Skyrim Special Edition:.VorpX:.Starting with nothing, you're looking at about $1,380 for an HTC Vive setup and about $1,180 for a Rift or WMR setup. Sure, you might be able to find a PC for a lot cheaper, which would bring the cost down. If you already have a Vive, Rift, or WMR and a PC to power it, you can start playing Skyrim in VR for about $80.
What's Skyrim using VorpX actually like? The first thing you notice when jumping into Skyrim with VorpX is how much cleaner it looks. We're using so graphics have been improved right off the bat, plus there is no issue with our PC running it at its full potential.Because we're taking a non-VR game and making it VR-capable with VorpX, there are understandably quite a few small tweaks that must be made to get it all just right. Your hands seem enormous, controls aren't quite snappy, and your view might be a bit obscured.
To get the view right, VorpX has an auto-scan feature that takes only a few seconds. The menus you'll have to tweak yourself, as they're pretty much unreadable by default unless you zoom back a bit.You'll also have to deal with the controls yourself, and if you're using WMR, your motion controllers will show up as Vive controllers. There isn't the same type of true movement as you get with Skyrim VR — swinging a controller won't swing an axe — but you can see the controllers in-game and they are labeled with whatever way you map the buttons.One of the biggest advantages with Skyrim on PC is that you can use the wide selection of mods as long as your PC can handle the load. You can also step back into third-person view to see your character or to play full time, which isn't possible with the PSVR version.Bottom line: Skyrim on PC using VorpX with HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, or WMR is a great way to play thanks to sharp graphics, but it does take quite a bit of setting up and tweaking to get right. It's also quite a bit more expensive when starting with nothing.
PC and Trinus PSVR. This one is a bit different than the others. If you have a PSVR and a PC, you can technically use your headset as a display by using Trinus PSVR and VorpX.
While SteamVR games work natively with Trinus PSVR when it comes to a 3D stereoscopic view (what we expect from true VR), using something like Skyrim that isn't natively 3D requires more software, like VorpX.This is by far the most complicated way to see Skyrim in VR, due to having to set up and configure both Trinus PSVR and VorpX. Once you have Trinus PSVR working and your PC thinks the PSVR headset is an HTC Vive, you can use VorpX as you usually would.Setting up PS Move controllers to work with your PC and Trinus PSVR is an entirely other issue that's time consuming, often frustrating, and arguably not worth the time or cost. If you're going this route, you'll likely end up back with a gamepad or keyboard and mouse while using the PSVR headset. Total cost of Skyrim on PC with PSVRGoing this route is relatively costly for what it offers, but it's still a viable option. We will assume that you're opting to forego the PS Move controller setup.VR-capable PC:.PSVR headset:.Skyrim Special Edition:.VorpX:.Trinus PSVR:.For a PC, $450 is about what you'll spend for something pre-built. You can no doubt build something yourself for a bit less, and there are far more expensive options out there. With this in mind, we're looking at a total cost of about $750 to get Skyrim running on PSVR through a PC.
If you already have a PC you suspect might be powerful enough to run everything, the cost comes down to about $300. What's Skyrim on PC through PSVR actually like? This experience is very much similar to playing through Vive, Rift, or WMR, except there are more hoops to jump through because of Trinus PSVR. It's a wonderful tool, but it does take some time to set up and get right.All the same VorpX tweaking as with the other headsets is required here, and since the Move controllers are (likely) off the table, you're using a keyboard and mouse or gamepad.Bottom line: Strictly speaking Skyrim, you're better off buying the PS4 version of the game and playing it there. Move controllers work without all the hassle and you have to go through far less tweaking to get a workable game.
After testing all four methods, it's clear that Skyrim VR for PSVR is the cheapest and easiest to set up and deal with in the long run. However, it is hindered by blurry graphics. The PS Move controllers aren't the greatest, but swinging in real life and seeing your weapon come down is a thrill.Skyrim VR with WMR, HTC Vive, or Oculus Rift would be my overall top choice if not for the price. The ability to easily mod your game is invaluable, and many people have created a crisp, beautiful world. It also tracks far better thanks to superior motion controllers, though setup time might be longer.Skyrim on PC using VorpX is a solid option, whether for Vive, Rift, or WMR, but it is an expensive route and you'll have to deal with a lot of tweaking to get things right. Your motion controllers, while appearing in the game, simply simulate a gamepad.Skyrim on PC through PSVR was my least favorite way to play, as it took the most setup and wasn't really more special than using the other PC headsets.
However, it remains a viable option to try out for anyone who has a PSVR and PC kicking around.Have you tried Skyrim in any sort of VR way? What were your impressions? Are you interested in getting this aging game working in 3D? Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments section!Updated April 17, 2018: I've refreshed this guide to include native Skyrim VR version for WMR, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift.This post may contain affiliate links. See our for more details.
Released less than a week ago and it’s taken the VR world by storm. With huge sales already spurring increased PSVR adoption, we’re in the middle of a big holiday-season swing for the VR market. Even though Skyrim VR is just an adapted version of a six-year-old game, it holds up surprisingly well. There’s no doubt that Bethesda has delivered what can only be described as VR’s most elaborate, detailed, and ambitious VR title to date.Whether you’re new to Skyrim or you’ve completed the journey of the Dragonborn several times, we’ve got a whole host of tips that are sure to aid you on your travels.
Playing Skyrim VR can be tricky with a big learning curve, so we’ll try to address as many details as possible. General Skyrim VR TipsSkyrim VR is a dense, massive, and highly interactive game. No two playthroughs will be the same and everyone experiences the world of Tamriel differently.
Regardless of if this is your first time playing Skyrim, period, or you’re a veteran of the non-VR version, we want to start off this guide with some very high-level tips that could make a difference.First and foremost, understand that Skyrim VR is a game that’s focused on letting you do whatever you want. Did your follower piss you off one too many times? That shop keeper has a really nice dagger on their waist that you can’t afford? Pickpocket them and steal it. Want to become a badass battle mage that uses swords and fireballs? Then use swords and fireballs to get better at using swords and fireballs. And there is no wrong way to play Skyrim. All playstyles are viable and fun.If there is anything that Skyrim doesn’t let you do, though, it’s run out of things to do.
Within an hour or two of playing the game your quest journal will be overflowing with errands and adventures. All you have to do is talk to people.
Shopkeepers might need help getting supplies, Jarls of kingdoms may need you to eradicate their bandit problem, or you could even be tasked with slaying a massive dragon. Sometimes you’ll even stumble upon quests just by walking around the wilderness or listening to tavern conversations.Ultimately Skyrim is a game about empowerment and possibility. It doesn’t hold your hand or tell you how to do a lot of things, but simply allows you to do them.
In which I started building my house near Falkreath, a large number of viewers had no idea you could even build a house, although the DLC with that feature released over four years ago. Did you know you can get married, too? And have kids? Or that you can ride dragons in the Dragonborn expansion? You can even become a werewolf and a vampire. There is so much to do in this game it’s a bit overwhelming at times.DualShockk 4 vs. PlayStation MoveThere are three main ways to play Skyrim VR.
You can see Bethesda explaining them all in the video near the top of this article, but we’ll break them down here as well. The first and most obvious method is by using a traditional PS4 DualShock 4 gamepad. You play just like you would outside of VR except your head can move around freely in the game world.
Skyrim Think To Yourself Youtube
You can customize how much of the screen dims when moving or turning (as well as turn it off all together) and choose between snap turning or gradual, smooth turning.The other two options rely on the PlayStation Move controllers: teleportation or gradual, smooth movement. For teleporting you point with the left Move controller and click the Move button to teleport. In the case of smooth movement you point again, but now when you press the Move button your character moves smoothly through the game world as if you were using a control stick. It’s not the most intuitive or elegant solution to movement, but it gets the job done.Personally, even though the controllers lack a d-pad or analog sticks and aren’t the greatest, I prefer the PS Move controllers because it feels much more immersive. However, if it’s late and I don’t feel like moving around, I’ll use the DualShock every now and then.Mastering the Bow and ArrowWhen I play Skyrim I almost always play a sword and shield warrior.
It’s my go-to in most any fantasy game, to be honest. However, Skyrim VR has tempted me another way. The bow and arrow mechanics in this game feel incredibly good and it’s so satisfying when you hit an enemy from long distance. Unlike in the non-VR game, where you literally just point and pull the controller’s trigger to shoot an arrow, Skyrim VR has you physically pull back and loose the arrow using your actual hand movements. Whether or not you hit something has less to do with your ability to nudge an on-screen dot and more to do with your ability to actually aim.It can be tricky though because of the PSVR’s hit-or-miss tracking system. The best advice I can give you is that you should 1) put your PS Camera above head height and point it downwards towards your neck/chest and 2) turn slightly to the side when shooting the bow so that the camera can see both hands at all times. If you face the camera straight forward then your arrow hand could get lost behind the bow hand and occlude tracking.And don’t forget you can punch with the bow to stagger enemies!
Mastering Melee CombatThe bread and butter of Skyrim VR combat is surely good ol’ melee. Pick up any weapon from a sword to a mace to a hammer and you can start bashing in the heads of your foes. There’s nothing fancy to it, just start swinging with the PS Move controllers and you’re good to go. You can dual wield if you want, or use a two-handed weapon (which deactivates your left hand) or even equip a shield in your off-hand as well.Now the trick to melee combat is that you want to maximize your playstyle’s strengths. That means if you’re dual-wielding you want to be aggressive and always be attacking. Your ability to block is diminished, which makes you more vulnerable, so attacking frequently is a better strategy.
If you have a shield though (recommended in VR) then you have more options. Not only can you hold it up to blocks strikes, arrows, and elemental damage, but once you get close you can bash your enemies too by hitting them with the shield, which staggers them and creates an opening.One thing to keep in mind here though is that if you block a heavy attack or take a big hit, you could get staggered yourself.
In Skyrim VR this is represented by the game removing your weapons and displaying the Move controllers in place of your hands to signify you’re staggered for the moment.If you can back your enemy into a corner and bash/strike repeatedly, then that is a great strategy, but it’s not always possible. A great trick is to point the left Move controller over your should behind you to backpedal out of the way of an attack, then dash forward for a shield bash and a few quick strikes.Mastering the Power of MagicUsing magic in Skyrim VR really feels powerful. Unlike in the base game, you get a great sense that energy is erupting from your palms. When you cast spells like Healing the aura surrounds you from all sides, encapsulating you in a ring of healing magic, for example.Being able to move each hand independently makes a huge difference for spell casters.
Now you can do things like shooting Flames at two different enemies, or even to your side. You could block arrows with a Ward on your left and throw a fireball at an enemy on your right. It’s just a bit tough to get the hang of aiming spells.The trick is to think of your PS Move controller as a wand. Point the tip of the controller in the direction you want to cast your spell and that’s where it should go. Don’t think about how your hands are situated as much.
Skyrim Think To Yourself Video
Hopefully though Bethesda will add a targeting icon of some kind.Advantages That VR OffersThe biggest advantage afforded by VR is just the simple fact that you get to really feel like you’re in Skyrim. Things like watching fish hopping through the water, butterflies landing on flowers, and the sun setting off in the distance are experiences now rather than just background noise and details. Walking through the forest, closing my eyes, and listening to the trickle of a stream is absolutely unreal.Magic combat is much better this time around too, if a bit clunky at first. But the ability to shoot each hand independently in whatever direction you want is a literal game changer.
And with melee combat it’s much easier to be hyper-aggressive and do repeated attacks and shield bashes unlike you could in the non-VR version.But above all else it really does just go back to that sense of presence that Skyrim VR is oozing with while wearing a PSVR.Setbacks Resulting From VRJust because Skyrim is in VR now doesn’t mean the entire game is made better as a result. Unfortunately, anytime you port a non-VR game (let alone a six year-old game) to VR there are going to be some areas of the experience that suffer. In the case of Skyrim VR that is undoubtedly menu navigation. Using the Move controllers feels awkward with constant wrist flicking and even with a DualShock 4 craning your neck around to read test on a floating flat box is far from immersive.
Skyrim Think To Yourself Quotes
A more elegant interface or in-game representations (like a backpack instead of an inventory screen) would have been great.Also, some other parts of the game just didn’t come across very well in general. The graphics took a significant hit in comparison to the non-VR versions of the game and many of the bugs are far more bothersome when it feels like you’re actually in the game world. And as of the time of this writing there isn’t even a way to look at your character again after the creation menu, which is a huge bummer. There are so many awesome sets of armor that you never get the chance to see yourself wearing.And that just about does it. Everyone plays Skyrim differently so there are surely plenty of things that we’ve missed here so feel free to drop your own suggestions and tips down into the comments below. And if you really want to get serious, consider.Fore more on Skyrim VR, make sure to and check out. Our most recent edition near Falkreath.Tagged with:,.