Best PCVR Flight Sim Setup – Tips and Tricks
Hi, my name is Steve and I’m the creator of the YouTube channel VR Flight Sim Guy which aims to provide high-quality flight simulation and VR content. Ever since I was a boy, I’ve always had a strong connection with aviation. There is just something so captivating about flight; perhaps it’s that pure sense of freedom when soaring above the clouds, or when looking down at the beautiful landscapes below you. I used to dream that perhaps one day, we could somehow replicate that feeling with a desktop flight simulator, but this was never possible, at least until now.
I will always remember my very first VR experience because I knew at that moment, everything was about to change forever. The idea that a person could immerse themselves in a virtual world that would otherwise be inaccessible in real life, was a huge shift in both the gaming and simulation industry.
Until recently, the lack of clarity in VR always left me feeling cold and frustrated. I could see the potential, but ultimately, the cockpit gauges were either too blurry due to the small ‘sweet spot’ range of traditional Fresnel-based lenses, or too pixelated due to the lower resolution. However, this has now changed thanks to the launch of the Varjo Aero. I no longer feel constrained or restricted due to poor image quality. In fact, it’s like looking through a clear pane of glass! The cockpit gauges and outside world look incredibly lifelike to me, which reduces eye fatigue and keeps me flying for longer.
Best PCVR Flight Sim Setup?
There is no surprise that a high-end VR experience needs a powerful PC system. Currently, I use a UK-branded Stormforce Intel i9, 10900K running an Asus RTX 3090 with 64gigs of ram. But as technology improves, I plan to upgrade my system to a 13th gen Intel CPU with an RTX 4090. Don’t worry though; you do not need the very latest hardware to enjoy VR and my setup guides on my channel cater to all types of users.
One of the best tips I can give for a smoother VR experience is very simple, don’t be too afraid to turn those settings down! The experience will still be amazing as you are inside the environment, rather than looking at a monitor, so there really is no comparison. For Microsoft Flight Simulator, I’d recommend running the Varjo Aero at 37PPD with DLSS set to quality. Aim for 40fps over a heavy city like London and you will be just fine.
If you are a new VR user, I would recommend keeping your sessions short before taking a break, since flying can be quite an intense experience for a beginner. Gradually, you will be able to lengthen your flight time once your brain has adapted. I would also recommend placing a fan near your face, and thankfully the Varjo Aero has excellent ventilation and active cooling technology as standard, which will help keep you feeling great after a long session. My last tip for newcomers, instead of Microsoft Flight Simulator, try Aerofly FS2. You will feel more comfortable in VR due to the increased frame rate.
I have no doubt that VR and flight simulation has a very bright future ahead, whether it is within professional flight training, or the consumer space, the combination of these two technologies fits perfectly alongside each other. With the advent of Microsoft Flight Simulator, there seems to be a new breed of virtual pilots that are falling in love with aviation as I did all those years ago. This will only serve to strengthen the genre for decades to come. For all the latest news, reviews, and VR tech, don’t forget to subscribe to my channel. See you there!
