New Valve Steam Link for all Quest devices

[chiliwili69]

This is good news for all Quest2/QuestPro/Quest3 users who used it for PCVR:

https://www.roadtovr.com/valve-launch-steam-link-meta-quest-steamvr-pc-vr/

 

It should make our life easier to play IL-2 VR, without the need to install Meta software in our PCs.

I have to try it next weekend.

[FTC_ChilliBalls]

Question is, how performant is it going to be with its SteamVR integration?

 

 

[MucheokMr_Sukebe]

I’ve just read that it will allow dynamic foveated rendering for those with a Meta Quest Pro, which “should” be great for performance.

 

Anyone tried it?

[chiliwili69]

I have tried the new Valve Steam Link with my Quest3 (only onption is wireless, no option for USB cable link) using my dual wifi router on the band of 5GHz (this band is also used by other devices at home).

It is easy to install from Quest3 device and run it with IL-2.

First thing I noticed is that Steam Link does a "Fixed Foveated Rendering" based in the PC and the settings. I noticed things in the sorounding were a bit less defined.

There just two basic parameters to tweak the quality of the streaming, the bitrate (I had auto at 200Mbps) and the encode video size, which affects to the foveated rendering.

the framerates were quite good in GPU and CPU, but with frequent were sttuters, I suposse due to the fact I am not using a dedicated router (or eliminate other devices from the wifi 5G band).

I didn´t play with the settings, just run it at auto to test it for 30 minutes.

 

Since the Quest Link with cable was working quite well (and charging the batery while I play) I am not sure if I really will use the Steam Link in future. 

 

It would be good that Valve allows also a USB Steam Link for all people who play seated games. So we don´t need to worry about  bateries or dedicated router or bit rates.

 

Here a video with more details:

 

 

[1PL-Husar-1Esk]

Good that there are easy options for playing PCVR but for games like Ił2 where seeing in the distance is important, the quest Link with oculus debug tool or VD  running on OpenXR runtime are the best option.IMHO

[c19580]

I just got a Quest 3 and I’m completely new to VR.

 

I’d like to use it on IL2 but have no idea where to start and all the information out there seems very overwhelming.

 

Is there an easy to follow step by step guide from scratch about how to use a Quest 3 with IL2?

 

I have the game installed through steam and have a 13900k / 4090 and would like to get as much performance as possible.

 

thanks!

[chiliwili69]

6 hours ago, c19580 said:

Is there an easy to follow step by step guide

 

In this post I put the 4 different ways to use Quest devices with IL-2.

 

You only need to take two choices:

 

1st Choice:

Decide to use SteamVR or OpenComposite.

I have never used OpenComposite, but people say that it gives better performance (I hvae not tested myself, maybe one day).

So, you can try first with SteamVR just to make the thing work. You need to install Steam and SteamVR in your PC.

 

2nd Choice:

Decide the method for streaming the data to the Quest3. There are four ways.

Three of them are Wireless (AirLink, SteamLink, VirtualDesktop) and one with USB cable (QuestLink)

I have tested all of them and they work. I personally prefer QuestLink since I don´t mind to use a cable (I am seated) and the battery is charged while playing.

For the Wireless options the best is Virtual Desktop but you need to buy that in the Oculus Store (19.9$). All the other options are free.

 

 

So assuming you use SteamVR and QuestLink the steps are very easy.

 

1. Switch on your PC as usual (having the Quest3 connected via USB 3.2)

2. Switch on the Quest3 and activate the QuestLink from the Quest3.

3. Select view Desktop and launch IL-2 (it will launch SteamVR automatically)

 

I also use the 72Hz mode of the Quest3 which offers better quality for the same bitrate. And stress less the CPU.

I also set the resolution to x1.0 in the Quest settings and use 150%SS in SteamVR (I have a 3080)

 

One this work for you, then you can explore the OpenComposite option with Virtual Desktop, so you have plenty of options to tweak and get the best quality and performance. The only problem is that it is wireless. (you need a good router and the need of extra battery)

 

[c19580]

Thanks! This is really helpful. Seems like perhaps not as complicated as I thought.

 

what resolution and SS% would you recommend for a 13900k/4090?

 

if I decide to try wireless, is WiFi 6E at 6 GHz really necessary or could I still get good performance at 802.11ax at 5 GHz?

[FTC_ChilliBalls]

5 hours ago, c19580 said:

Thanks! This is really helpful. Seems like perhaps not as complicated as I thought.

 

what resolution and SS% would you recommend for a 13900k/4090?

 

if I decide to try wireless, is WiFi 6E at 6 GHz really necessary or could I still get good performance at 802.11ax at 5 GHz?

802.11ax is WiFi 6, which should be plenty enough, just make sure you have 160 MHz channels activated.

 

As for your resolution, the answer is all of it. Now, in all seriousness, VD makes this about as easy as it gets, just set your SteamVR or Oculus resolution to 100%, then never touch any of it ever again.

 

With a 4090, you can choose the Godlike preset in VD, which is about as much as you‘d ever need. I personally use 72 Hz refresh rate, as it‘ll increase the image quality per available Bitrate.

[giftgruen]

Some additional comments here:

 

I tried all the options with my QuestPro.

In my opinion, Virtual Desktop is the best choice. Ease of use, performance, Tuning options and stability in summary is quite great

and worth the extra 20$.  I installed a dedicated Wifi 6E router but you should give Wifi 5 a try first and see if you are happy with it. 

 

The new Valce Steamlink tool is cost free - I tried it out shortly but image quality was really bad. 

However  didnt try a lot cause I already own VD and am happy with it.

 

QuestLink and additional tools I used originally are also quite ok, but more complicated and not as error free / convinient imho

in comparison to VD.

 

 

Remarks:

1. You have to buy VD as a Quest App, NOT the Steam version of VD ( this is another 'version' ). 

2. Use H.264+ as Codec inthe Virtual Desktop Streamer Service and use a fixed bitrate ( unchecked "automatically adjust bitrate" ) of 400 having good visual quality now ( Your Quest3 also offers AV1 as Codec, maybe this works even better? Dont know this )

3. Use 72fps and disable Synchronous Spacewarp. It's not necessary with a 4090 and leads to ghosting.

4. With a 4090 use Godlike and set Steam SS to 100% as FTC...  already said

5. Set Sharpening to 50% or lower ( you can play around with this ) if you enable Sharpening in IL2 settings. Otherwise image is oversharpened

6. Disable the "increase color vibrance" ticker. In my opinion enabling this gives "comic like" colors - but might be a matter of taste and also different on Quest3

7. Use ULTRA IL2 Graphics settings, MSAAx4 as Antialiasing and all the other IL2 things you can set quite high. Disable SSAO.

 

Edited December 27, 2023 by giftgruen

[c19580]

I’ve been playing for a few days with the QuestLink wired connection and SteamVR. A few observations/questions regarding gameplay.

- been getting motion sickness and have read that this happens to new VR users. Does this go away over time? Anything that can help minimize the effects?

- the immersiveness factor is incredible! So much more fun than screen and TrackIR. Was easier to start to get kills than I expected.

- realized how much I tend to look at my six and how it’s not easy in VR. Other than installing some complicated application, is there a good way to address this? Have been getting shot down more because I’ve lost situational awareness.

 

Regarding software/graphics (4090 and 13900k), really confused on how to get the best graphics performance… currently have 1) 80 hz and 1.0x SS in the oculus app, 2) maxed out settings in IL2 graphics settings, 3) 940 bitrate in the oculus debug tool

- when I set the SS to 1.2x or higher in the oculus app, I start to get weird studder in the game… not sure if I’ve reached the limitations of my system or whether there’s a better way to do it

- I’ve seen some YouTube videos that recommend using OpenXR and changing the SS settings there vs in the oculus app. Can I use OpenXR with SteamLink wired?

- seem to be many conflicting opinions about whether VD or OpenComposite or SteamVR are better or worse than other another… confused about where to try to get better performance next… any recommendations?

- the graphics are good but can’t say I’m blown away, but don’t really have a yugo compare to.

 

The previous suggestions were really helpful! Appreciate any further advice!

[chiliwili69]

14 hours ago, c19580 said:

Does this go away over time? Anything that can help minimize the effects?

This is normal to some new users. You will need to dose your VR sessions progessively, as soon as you feel a bit bad you should stop and try next day.

Also, IL-2 dogfights are quite intense, so it is better to train yourself first in some more simple Singleplayer missions where your views are more steady.

14 hours ago, c19580 said:

realized how much I tend to look at my six and how it’s not easy in VR. Other than installing some complicated application, is there a good way to address this?

you have some Necksafer apps to check your six easily. I have never use it since I prefer to turn my torso or feel the anxiety of having someone behind me.

In those planes was also not easy to check six with the belts, so you want inmersion, so you have it.

The has been a lot of discussions about this topic in the past (look here), but now you have the option of Necksafer

14 hours ago, c19580 said:

when I set the SS to 1.2x or higher in the oculus app, I start to get weird studder in the game…

This is very strange having a 4090. I run at 1.5x with a 3080 at 72Hz.

You should not use IL-2 settings that load your GPU too much like MSAA or Extreme Clouds.

You can use fpsVR to monitorize your frametimes while you play.

[chiliwili69]

14 hours ago, c19580 said:

Can I use OpenXR with SteamLink wired?

There are multiple combinations to run the Quest3 with IL-2.

These are explained here:

The Steamlink and VirtualDesktop are only wireless.

 

For the USB QuestLink you have two options: SteamVR or OpenComposite

 

I have not tested the OpenComposite route, so I can not comment on that.

14 hours ago, c19580 said:

the graphics are good but can’t say I’m blown away, but don’t really have a yugo compare to

 

I am running just SteamVR with QuestLink and it works fine for me. So, I have not explored too much any other options.

The graphics quality is a bit better than with my previous Index, you can see this through the lens pictures:

You need to take into account that the physical displays of the Quest3 are 2064x2208 per eye  and the image has to be compressed/descompressed, so you lose some details.

 

If you were using an Aero or Crystal or BigScreenBeyond which uses a DP cable and have more pixels in the physical panel you will be blown away then...

[c19580]

On 1/14/2024 at 4:08 AM, chiliwili69 said:

This is normal to some new users. You will need to dose your VR sessions progessively, as soon as you feel a bit bad you should stop and try next day.

Also, IL-2 dogfights are quite intense, so it is better to train yourself first in some more simple Singleplayer missions where your views are more steady.

you have some Necksafer apps to check your six easily. I have never use it since I prefer to turn my torso or feel the anxiety of having someone behind me.

In those planes was also not easy to check six with the belts, so you want inmersion, so you have it.

The has been a lot of discussions about this topic in the past (look here), but now you have the option of Necksafer

This is very strange having a 4090. I run at 1.5x with a 3080 at 72Hz.

You should not use IL-2 settings that load your GPU too much like MSAA or Extreme Clouds.

You can use fpsVR to monitorize your frametimes while you play.

 

motion sickness has gotten much better after playing the last couple of days!

thanks! I’m now stable at 150% SS and 90 Hz. I found that I was super sampling both in the oculus app and in the Steam VR settings, so was probably creating some issues.

 

Does it make any difference whether I super sample in the oculus app or the steam vr settings?

is there a way to check what encode bitrate I’m getting in the game? I changed it to 940 mbps in the oculus debug tool but no idea if that’s working at all.

 

Edited January 16, 2024 by c19580

[chiliwili69]

6 hours ago, c19580 said:

I’m now stable at 150% SS and 90 Hz.

That´s good then

6 hours ago, c19580 said:

Does it make any difference whether I super sample in the oculus app or the steam vr settings?

There is no difference. But the important is to touch it in only one place. I prefer to use SteamVR since it is using SS in terms of % (it means 200% is double of pixels), Oculus uses the term PixelDensity(PD) which is the square root of the %. It means that PD=1.4 is like 200%SS in SteamVR

6 hours ago, c19580 said:

is there a way to check what encode bitrate I’m getting in the game?

No idea. I don´t touch OculusDebugTool

[nachinus]

On 12/26/2023 at 11:05 AM, chiliwili69 said:

 

In this post I put the 4 different ways to use Quest devices with IL-2.

 

You only need to take two choices:

 

1st Choice:

Decide to use SteamVR or OpenComposite.

I have never used OpenComposite, but people say that it gives better performance (I hvae not tested myself, maybe one day).

So, you can try first with SteamVR just to make the thing work. You need to install Steam and SteamVR in your PC.

 

2nd Choice:

Decide the method for streaming the data to the Quest3. There are four ways.

Three of them are Wireless (AirLink, SteamLink, VirtualDesktop) and one with USB cable (QuestLink)

I have tested all of them and they work. I personally prefer QuestLink since I don´t mind to use a cable (I am seated) and the battery is charged while playing.

For the Wireless options the best is Virtual Desktop but you need to buy that in the Oculus Store (19.9$). All the other options are free.

 

 

So assuming you use SteamVR and QuestLink the steps are very easy.

 

1. Switch on your PC as usual (having the Quest3 connected via USB 3.2)

2. Switch on the Quest3 and activate the QuestLink from the Quest3.

3. Select view Desktop and launch IL-2 (it will launch SteamVR automatically)

 

I also use the 72Hz mode of the Quest3 which offers better quality for the same bitrate. And stress less the CPU.

I also set the resolution to x1.0 in the Quest settings and use 150%SS in SteamVR (I have a 3080)

 

One this work for you, then you can explore the OpenComposite option with Virtual Desktop, so you have plenty of options to tweak and get the best quality and performance. The only problem is that it is wireless. (you need a good router and the need of extra battery)

 

This was very helpful. I'm getting a Quest3 this week and I needed some simple explanation of what kind of setting-up procedure I'd have to deal with, being clueless about VR as I am.

 

Edited February 26, 2024 by nachinus