How to Play GTA 5 in VR: Complete Guide for Total Immersion

Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) is a cult classic that continues to captivate millions of players with its vast open world and freedom of action. But did you know that you can play it in virtual reality?

Although Rockstar Games has never officially introduced a VR mode, passionate developers have created solutions that allow you to explore Los Santos as if you were there. With a specific mod, you can drive, shoot, and interact in total immersion using a VR headset.

In this article, we explain how to set up GTA 5 in VR, the necessary tools, and the best settings for an optimal experience. Follow the guide!

1. Equipment and Requirements

Before transforming GTA 5 into an immersive virtual reality experience, it is important to ensure you have the right equipment. Playing in VR requires more resources than a standard game, and without the right hardware, the experience may be less smooth and enjoyable.

A Compatible VR Headset

To play GTA 5 in virtual reality, a PC VR headset is required. Here are some compatible models:

• Meta Quest 2 / Quest 3 (via Oculus Link, Air Link, or Virtual Desktop)
• HTC Vive / Vive Pro
• Valve Index
• Meta Rift S
• Pico 4 (connected to a PC via streaming)

If you use a standalone headset like the Quest 2 or Quest 3, you will need to connect it to a PC. This can be done with a USB-C cable (Oculus Link) for a stable connection or via Wi-Fi using Virtual Desktop or Air Link, provided you have a strong network.

An Adequate PC Configuration

Virtual reality requires more power than playing on a standard screen. A high-performance PC is necessary to avoid drops in performance that can affect immersion and cause discomfort. Here is the recommended configuration for playing GTA 5 in VR smoothly:

• Processor: Intel Core i7-9700K / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X or higher
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti / AMD RX 6700 XT minimum (RTX 3080+ recommended for better fluidity)
• RAM: 16GB (32GB for an even smoother experience)
• Storage: SSD recommended to reduce loading times
• Operating System: Windows 10 or 11

Installing and Configuring GTA 5 in VR

Now that you have the right equipment, it’s time to turn GTA 5 into a real virtual reality experience. Unlike some games that have built-in VR modes, GTA 5 requires the installation of a specific mod. This process involves a few steps, but once configured, it allows for full immersion in Los Santos.

1. Installing the Game

Before installing the VR mod, ensure that GTA 5 is properly installed and working without issues. Here are the preliminary steps:

1. Download and install GTA 5
   • The game is available on Steam, Epic Games Store, and Rockstar Launcher. Regardless of the platform, the important thing is to have a working and up-to-date version.
2. Launch the game for the first time
   • Before adding VR, open GTA 5 in standard mode to ensure everything is working correctly. This also allows the game to generate necessary configuration files for the mod.
3. Disable automatic updates (optional)
   • Game updates can sometimes make mods incompatible. If you are using Steam, you can select the option “Only update this game when launched” in the game’s settings.

2. Download and Install the VR Mod

The main mod that enables playing GTA 5 in VR is the R.E.A.L VR mod, developed by Luke Ross. This mod transforms the game’s camera to provide an immersive first-person perspective with VR headset support.

Steps to Install the R.E.A.L VR Mod

1. Download the mod
   • The R.E.A.L VR mod is available via Luke Ross’s Patreon platform. A monthly contribution is required to access it, but it helps support development and ensures access to the latest updates.
2. Extract the mod files
   • Once downloaded, extract the files into the main GTA 5 folder (where the GTA5.exe file is located).
3. Install Script Hook V
   • GTA 5 does not support mods natively. To enable the VR mod, you need to install Script Hook V, a tool that allows custom scripts to run in the game.
   • Download Script Hook V from its official website and copy the files from the bin folder into the main GTA 5 directory.
4. Configure the mod
   • Open the mod’s configuration file (RealVR.ini) to adjust settings according to your system.
   • Run RealConfig.bat to optimize settings automatically.

3. Launching the Game in VR Mode

Once the installation is complete, it’s time to launch GTA 5 in virtual reality.

1. Connect and set up your VR headset
   • Ensure your VR headset is properly connected and its software (SteamVR, Oculus Link, etc.) is running.
2. Launch GTA 5 with the mod
   • Start GTA 5 normally via Steam, Epic Games, or Rockstar Launcher.
   • If the mod is correctly installed, the game should automatically switch to VR mode upon launch.
3. Adjust graphics settings
   • For a smooth experience, it may be necessary to lower certain graphics options, such as anti-aliasing and shadows, to achieve a minimum of 60 to 90 FPS.

4. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a successful installation, some adjustments may be needed:

• The game does not launch in VR → Ensure SteamVR or Oculus Link is running before starting GTA 5.
• The image is blurry or laggy → Lower graphics settings or enable “asynchronous reprojection” in SteamVR to stabilize the display.
• Motion sickness → Try to limit sudden movements and adjust camera sensitivity for better comfort.

Launching GTA 5 in VR Mode

Before starting, make sure your VR headset is properly connected and ready to use:

1. Power on and configure your headset
   • Ensure your headset is properly connected and its software (SteamVR, Oculus Link, Virtual Desktop, etc.) is running.
   • For Quest 2 or Quest 3 users, make sure Air Link or Virtual Desktop is enabled if playing wirelessly.
2. Start GTA 5 with the R.E.A.L VR mod
   • Launch GTA 5 from your game library (Steam, Epic Games, or Rockstar Launcher).
   • If everything is correctly configured, the game should automatically switch to VR mode.
   • If not, check that the mod is properly installed and that your headset is recognized by your PC.
3. Verify the controls
   • GTA 5 was not originally designed for VR, so the use of VR controllers is limited. It is recommended to play with an Xbox controller or keyboard and mouse for better comfort.
   • Some controls may need to be adjusted in the game settings to avoid sudden movements that could cause discomfort.

Conclusion

Playing GTA 5 in virtual reality provides a unique level of immersion, transforming the classic game experience into a much more realistic adventure. Thanks to the R.E.A.L VR mod, exploring Los Santos has never felt this real.

While the setup requires some preparation and a powerful PC, the result is well worth the effort. Once properly configured, the game becomes incredibly immersive.

If you love VR and open-world games, this experience is a must-try. Feel free to share your impressions and best settings to further enhance immersion!