If you are looking to get the most out of your PlayStation VR2 here are some tips and tricks to enhance your experience. I conducted a full review of the PS VR2 when it launched and have been playing it ever since. Since its release, I picked up plenty of helpful tips that improved my experience with the virtual reality platform. In this guide, I’ll share my top recommendations for optimizing your setup, ensuring comfort during extended gaming sessions, and sharing lesser-known features that will help you get the most out of your PlayStation VR2. Let’s dive into the basics of set-up and move up to more advanced tips for the platform.

Setting up the PS VR2 correctly is essential for peak performance

Setting up your PlayStation VR2 the right way is crucial for the best gaming experience. This is especially important because the lenses have a more defined “sweet spot” when it comes to displaying the proper “3D effect.” The visuals from the PlayStation VR2 look stunning, so you want to be sure everything is set up correctly to get the full effect. Along with adjusting the headset, it’s also important to play in a well-lit room. This helps the camera-tracking pick up your movement more accurately.

Steps to get up and running with the PS VR 2

Sony details some of these steps with their set-up documents included with the device. As always be sure to review the manufacturer’s instructions and safety warnings first before use. When it comes to getting up and running you first want to update your PlayStation 5 to the latest firmware. This will ensure compatibility with the PS VR2 and make sure it is properly recognized by your console.

Unpacking and connecting the PlayStation VR 2 headset

Plug the PS VR2 headset’s USB-C cable into the front of the PS5 console. Make sure the connections are secure and that the cable has enough slack for you to move comfortably during gameplay. Turn on the PS5 first, and then the PS VR2 in that order. After your console is on, press the power button on the PS VR2 headset. You can find this on the underside of the view-finder module. Follow the prompts on your TV first, before putting on the headset. Otherwise, you’ll miss important steps.

Adjusting the PS VR2 to your head and sight lines

When prompted in the set-up process, put on the headset and adjust the headband and visor until it fits comfortably and securely. There are 3 main points of adjustment. The first is the headband, which is used to tighten the headset and keep it secure:

The second is the “eye-to-eye” distance adjustment. The PS VR2 allows users to adjust the distance between the lenses to match their interpupillary distance (IPD). IPD is the measurement between the centers of the pupils of both eyes. Adjusting the IPD ensures your eyes are aligned with the lenses, offering the sharpest image possible and reducing eye strain.

This adjustment can be made using the dial mechanism on the top of the headset’s viewfinder area (pictured above).

The third is a front-to-back slider adjustment.

This helps to customize the distance between the headset’s display and your face. This adjustment is important for accommodating different face shapes and ensuring that your eyes are at a comfortable distance from the display.

Calibrating the PS VR2

Follow the on-screen prompts to calibrate the PS VR2, which includes adjusting the visor and headband, setting your eye-to-eye distance, and defining your play area.

The process to define your play area is very cool as it scans your entire room and maps out a “safe area.”

Play in a well-lit room

In the past with the PS VR1 darkness was good, now with the PS VR2 the tracking system needs proper lighting to perform at its best. You can play in dimmer settings, but the hardware isn’t as responsive to your movements. This is especially true with smaller hand-based movements. While you are in a well-lit space turn on and pair the Sense controllers with the console. Once your PlayStation VR2 is set up correctly, you’re ready to dive into some virtual reality gaming.

Play in a spacious, safe area

Remember to give yourself enough space to move around safely. If you are using the PS VR2 near other people be sure they are over 7 feet away. You’ll need an open area of roughly 3.5′ by 3.5′ to play safely and take breaks to avoid motion sickness or discomfort.

Other PS VR2 tips and tricks

Outside of set-up and initial use tips, here are some other features that your PS VR2 has to offer that are great for levelling up your gaming experience.

Use PS VR2’s passthrough view to see your surroundings

One of the smartest additions to the PS VR2 is the ability to use passthrough mode. This allows you to press a button and see your real-world surrounding without removing the headset. It saves so much time and can help you avoid trips and falls if used correctly. To access this, you’ll want to use the button on the bottom of PS VR2’s viewfinder. Pressing it gives you one-click access to the headset’s passthrough view.

Re-calibrate your PS VR2 lenses after a few uses

To calibrate the lens on PS VR2, follow these steps: double-tap the PlayStation button on the controller and select “Adjust Visibility” from the quick settings menu.

You can play the PS VR2 without a TV connected

The PS VR2 projects, or “mirrors” what you see onto your connected television, but doesn’t require a TV to function. The hardware can function with the TV turned off, or even disconnected completely. This is a bonus, especially if someone else in your household wants to use the TV for something else. You will need your television for the initial set-up of the PS VR2 but after that, you can enjoy your VR adventures without needing the TV.

Use the PS VR2 as a 120Hz big-screen HDR display

The PS VR2 can also double as a new way to play “standard” PS5 games with “Cinematic Mode.” This simulates a massive screen within your field of view that is 120Hz HDR compatible. The image quality is fantastic and it’s an excellent way to play games like Horizon Forbidden West, God of War Ragnarok, or The Last of Us: Part I.

To access this feature, simply launch a non-VR game or app on your PS5 and use a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller for gameplay/navigation. The PS VR2 offers a high refresh rate (120Hz) with HDR, enabling it to display games with stunning fidelity. Standard PS5 games that support a 120Hz performance mode with HDR will display like a giant high-end TV. The PS VR2 defaults to 120Hz with HDR for VR games, but when it comes to displaying standard “flat” PlayStation 5 games you’ll need to activate 120Hz and HDR settings.

To access the feature through the PS5’s menu, navigate to Settings > Accessories > PlayStation VR2 > Cinematic Mode. Select “Video Output for Cinematic Mode.”

Adjust the PS VR2’s “Cinematic Mode” screen size and position

Now that you know how to simulate a 120Hz HDR display within your PS VR2’s field of view, here’s how you can customize it. To make the most of this feature, you can easily adjust the screen size and position to suit your preferences. To access and customize the “Cinematic Mode” settings, follow these steps on your PS5: Double tap the PlayStation Logo > Use “quick settings” > use the slider to shrink or enlarge the screen. You can also select Settings > Accessories > Screen Size (and use the slider).

Upgrade your game library to VR

Some PlayStation 5 games can be upgraded to be compatible with the PS VR2. Titles like Resident Evil Village, Gran Turismo 7 and Resident Evil 4 (VR upgrade coming soon) can be upgraded for free. Other titles might require a fee to upgrade either online or in-game, this varies per title. Check out the PlayStation Store for details, or look for the “VR Upgrades” tab when viewing game pages.

To do this on your PS5 you can also go to Games > Game Library > Your Collection and see if there is a VR upgrade available.

Get the most out of your PS VR 2

The PlayStation VR2 offers a fun, immersive virtual reality experience that can offer even more when you follow some of my tips and tricks. Following the steps above with system set-up, safety, and the best conditions to play in will help you get the best experience out of the hardware. Lesser-known features like using the PS VR2 as a 120Hz big-screen HDR display can open up new ways to enjoy both VR and standard PS5 games. With these recommendations, you’re ready to get the most out of your PlayStation VR2. Enjoy your VR adventures and be sure to comment below with any tips of your own in the comments.

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Matthew Rondina
Matthew Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things tech related since the start of the digital era. He shares his passion for technology in his day job as a teacher and via multiple media platforms. As a long-time veteran of the video game and tech industry, he's covered interactive entertainment and esports on the web, in video series, podcasts, and on international television. You can follow Matthew's tech-venture filled lifestyle on twitter, instagram @dapper_tux.
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351 COMMENTS

  4. the one thing that i found most helpful is the ability to use passthrough mode. This allows you to press a button and see your real-world surrounding without removing the headset

  5. One thing discussed in this article that I found most helpful for someone setting up a PS VR2 for the first time is how to adjusting the PS VR2 to my head and sight lines.

  7. One thing I found was the most helpful for someone setting up a PS VR2 for the first time was use PS VR2’s passthrough view to see your surroundings.

  23. It’s good to know that it’s important to play in a well-lit room,most people usually have the lights low when gaming.Great suggestions!

  31. The tip of Play in a spacious, safe area is extremely important. In my case ceiling clearance is an issue. You can end up with scuffed walls / ceilings if you get “too into it”.

  33. I appreciate the importance of adjusting the PS VR2 to your head and sight lines (3 main points of adjustment) to optimize game play for the first time.

  35. It’s helpful to keep in mind that you should adjust the device’s IPD and headset distance between the VR system and your forehead =)

  38. What I found the most helpful was something a lot of people do not do, which is read over the instructions and setup sheet before beginning the setup itself.

    Another one was the well lit room tip, as this is crucial when setting up and playing a game.

  41. Update the PlayStation 5 to the latest firmware first, crucial step — imagine getting stuck so early on just cause of this!

  42. I found the most helpful tip to be the fact that you can use the PS VR2 in cinematic mode to play PS5 games in 120 Hz. That sounds awesome.

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