Sandbox survival game Valheim's success on Steam has lead some to wonder when they can expect to see it move to other platforms. In particular, many have imaged the potential of a Valheim VR release. While developer Iron Gate AB doesn't currently seem to have any plans for an official VR port, an experimental Valheim mod allows players to achieve fairly high-quality results.
Valheim saw a massive surge in popularity in early 2020, earning the place of top-selling Steam game for two months straight. Despite the game's large following, however, Valheim is still only available on Steam. The FAQ on Valheim's official website states little consideration has been given to console releases, which has disappointed fans looking to try the game out on other platforms, including VR.
For the time being, Valheim VR on Nexus Mods will have to suffice. Although the Valheim VR mod (VHVR) requires quite a bit of setup before it can be played, it's likely a worthwhile effort for players who want to explore the game's expansive, Norse-inspired world from an immersive, first-person perspective. However, how well does VHVR really perform?
How Well Does Valheim's VR Mod Work?
Considering the mod is still experimental at the moment, it isn't an entirely seamless experience. There is no motion control support, so players will have to use a gamepad or keyboard. Valheim's heavy emphasis on menus and inventory screens that weren't intended for VR play means navigating them can be frustrating. Additionally, some players have reported severe lag when running the mod in existing worlds already populated by complex or large structures. There are some occasional camera issues, too, as VHVR sets players atop a headless model of their character to navigate Valheim's world. Fortunately, manual camera adjustment is fairly easy.
That said, the mod is being updated consistently, and support for motion controllers is reportedly in the works. It seems probable that many of its issues will be gradually fixed as the mod is further polished. VHVR is entirely free - albeit a bit complicated to install for players who are unfamiliar with VR mods - so there isn't much to lose from giving it a shot. In most cases, the Valheim VR mod runs smoothly and achieves exactly what it intends, and players can find support on VHVR's Nexus page for help with troubleshooting. Anyone looking to experience Valheim from a completely new perspective will most likely want to try it out.