Steam is the most popular marketplace for PC games and also one of the best places to find virtual reality titles. Valve even offers its own free Steam app called SteamVR that’s dedicated to managing VR games.
SteamVR runs using a universal software solution called OpenVR. Once paired with your computer, SteamVR works with many popular VR headsets, including the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest Pro. PC gamers will be able to use the PlayStation VR2 headset to play Steam games when Sony releases a new PC adapter in August.
Here’s a list of the most popular VR headsets that Steam supports, along with some notes on how to get started with SteamVR.
Top VR headsets that support SteamVR
Metaquest 3
The Meta Quest 3 VR headset builds on its predecessor with mixed reality capabilities, 4K resolution, an upgraded processor that’s twice as fast, and new ergonomics for the head unit and controllers.
PlayStation VR2
The PS VR2 is a virtual reality headset made for the PS5. In August 2024, Sony plans to release a PC adapter (sold separately, $60) that will allow you to pair the headset with your computer and play SteamVR games.
Any VR headset that works with Steam
SteamVR is built using Valve’s OpenVR software, so it works with most VR headsets currently on the market – the main exception is the Apple Vision Pro, which doesn’t officially support SteamVR, although there are some workarounds (more on that below).
Below is a list of the most popular VR headsets that are confirmed to work with SteamVR.
These older VR headsets still support SteamVR, but are no longer available for new purchase except from third-party sources.
If your VR headset isn’t on these lists, there’s a good chance it will work with SteamVR — though you’ll need to check with the manufacturer to be sure.
Does the PlayStation VR2 headset work with SteamVR?
Sony’s PlayStation VR2 headset will gain support for SteamVR in August with the release of the PS VR2 PC Adapter, which will be available to purchase starting August 7 for $60. The adapter will allow PS VR2 owners to connect their headset to a compatible PC using a DisplayPort 1.4 cable and run SteamVR.
Does Apple Vision Pro work with SteamVR?
The Apple Vision Pro does not officially support the SteamVR app. However, using workarounds such as the iVRy or ALVR apps, it is possible to stream some SteamVR games from your PC to your Vision Pro. This method has limitations as it relies on WiFi rather than a wired connection. As a result, you may not get the same quality as headsets that offer native SteamVR support.
Apple Vision Pro
Apple Vision Pro is Apple’s first mixed reality headset, delivering revolutionary hand tracking and impressive VR/AR technology at an unbelievable price.
How to use VR on Steam
Before you can play VR games from Steam with a supported VR headset, you’ll need to download and set up the SteamVR app. It’s free, but additional VR games cost money. The app is only available for PC, so even if you have a standalone headset like the Quest 3, you’ll need to connect it to your computer to play SteamVR games.
Check out our SteamVR page for more information on PC specification requirements, and if you’re in need of a new computer to power your VR headset, be sure to read our guides to the best gaming PCs and best gaming laptops.
Once you have the necessary hardware, you can follow these steps to run Steam on your VR headset:
Launch Steam on your PC and go to the SteamVR store page.[ライブラリに追加]Click . Install and launch the app, then connect your VR headset to your PC. If you’re using a standalone headset, you may be able to connect it to your PC using the headset’s charging cable. Some headsets also offer a wireless option, and others, such as the HTC Vive Pro 2, use an adapter called a “Link Box.” Follow the prompts within SteamVR. These vary slightly depending on the headset model, but usually involve tinkering with settings within your headset’s menus. If you’re using a Windows Mixed Reality headset, you’ll also need to install and set up the free Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR app.
Some headsets also require additional steps, for example Meta Quests need to be paired with a smartphone app, check your device manual for more information.
William Antonelli
Technology Reporter at Insider Review
William Antonelli (male/female/they) is a writer, editor, and organizer based in New York City. As a founding member of the Reference team, he grew Tech Reference (now part of Insider Reviews) from a small site to a behemoth with over 20 million monthly visits. Outside of Insider, he has contributed articles to publications such as Polygon, The Outline, and Kotaku, and is a go-to source for tech analysis on channels such as Newsy, Cheddar, and NewsNation. You can find him on Twitter. translation:or email me at wantonelli@businessinsider.com. Read more Read more
