Minecraft in virtual reality transforms the game into a fully immersive experience. Whether you’re exploring vast landscapes, mining underground, or battling mobs, VR makes every action feel real.
Depending on your headset, you can play using official VR support (Bedrock Edition) or mods like Vivecraft for Java Edition. This guide will walk you through how to set up and optimize Minecraft VR, ensuring the best possible experience. Get ready to step inside your world like never before!
Choosing the Right Version for VR
Before diving into Minecraft VR, it’s important to choose the right version based on your headset and preferred gameplay experience. Not all editions support VR natively, and the setup process differs depending on whether you’re playing on Bedrock Edition or Java Edition.
Minecraft: Bedrock Edition (Official VR Support)
The Bedrock Edition is the easiest way to play Minecraft in VR, as it comes with built-in support for certain headsets. If you’re playing on:
- Windows PC (Meta Quest, Oculus Rift, Windows Mixed Reality): You can launch the game in VR mode directly from the Minecraft launcher.
- PlayStation VR: Available through Minecraft on PS4/PS5, requiring a PS VR headset and controllers.
Bedrock Edition is optimized for VR and supports cross-platform multiplayer, making it a great choice for those who want a plug-and-play experience.
Minecraft: Java Edition (Vivecraft – Modded VR Experience)
For players looking for a more immersive VR experience with enhanced features like full-body tracking and better motion controls, Java Edition with Vivecraft is the best option. However, it requires a PCVR setup and additional configuration:
- Vivecraft Mod: A third-party mod that enables full VR support in Minecraft: Java Edition.
- Requires a VR-ready PC and a compatible headset (Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, or Meta Quest via Link).
- More customization with mods, shaders, and VR-specific settings.
While Vivecraft offers more realistic movement and immersion, it doesn’t support official cross-platform multiplayer, meaning you’ll need to play with other Java players.
Java vs. Bedrock: Which One to Choose?
- For casual and console players → Bedrock Edition (easy setup, cross-play).
- For advanced VR users → Java Edition with Vivecraft (better immersion, more features).
How to Play Minecraft VR on Different Headsets
Now that you’ve chosen the right version of Minecraft for VR, the next step is to set it up on your headset. The process varies depending on whether you’re playing on PCVR, standalone headsets like Meta Quest, or PlayStation VR. Below, we’ll break down the installation and setup for each platform.
1. Playing Minecraft VR on PC (Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index)
If you have a PCVR headset, you can play Minecraft VR in two ways:
Bedrock Edition (Official VR Support)
- Install Minecraft: Bedrock Edition from the Microsoft Store.
- Connect your VR headset and launch Minecraft in VR mode.
- Adjust settings for comfort, such as turning speed, movement type, and VR sensitivity.
This is the easiest method, requiring no mods or extra setup.
Java Edition (Vivecraft – Modded VR)
- Download and install Minecraft: Java Edition.
- Install Vivecraft, the VR mod for Java Edition.
- Make sure SteamVR is running, then launch the game through the Vivecraft profile.
Vivecraft offers better immersion, including room-scale VR, full-body tracking, and motion controls, but requires a VR-ready PC and more setup.
2. Playing Minecraft VR on Meta Quest 2 & 3 (Standalone & PCVR)
Option 1: Using Oculus Link / Air Link (PCVR Mode)
This method lets you play Bedrock or Java (Vivecraft) on Meta Quest by streaming from a PC:
- Enable Oculus Link or Air Link on your Quest and PC.
- Launch either Minecraft: Bedrock Edition or Java Edition with Vivecraft.
- Adjust settings for smooth performance.
A good Wi-Fi connection is recommended for wireless play.
Option 2: Using QuestCraft (Standalone VR)
If you don’t have a gaming PC, you can play Minecraft: Java Edition directly on your Quest using QuestCraft, a standalone VR port.
- Download QuestCraft and install it using SideQuest.
- Sign in with your Minecraft Java account.
- Launch the game and tweak performance settings.
QuestCraft is still in development and may require extra optimizations to run smoothly.
3. Playing Minecraft VR on PlayStation VR
For PlayStation users, Minecraft VR is available on PS4 and PS5 with PS VR:
- Install Minecraft on PlayStation and connect your PS VR headset.
- Enable VR mode in settings.
- Adjust comfort settings for smooth movement and turning.
Since PlayStation VR uses a controller-based setup, it doesn’t offer the motion tracking and room-scale experience of PCVR. However, it’s a great option for PlayStation players looking to enjoy Minecraft in VR.
Next Steps
Now that Minecraft VR is set up on your headset, it’s time to optimize your settings for comfort and performance. In the next section, we’ll cover the best ways to improve graphics, reduce motion sickness, and enhance controls for the ultimate VR experience!
Troubleshooting & Common Issues
Playing Minecraft in VR can sometimes come with technical challenges, but most issues have simple fixes. If VR mode isn’t launching, ensure your headset is properly connected and, for Java Edition, that SteamVR is running before starting Vivecraft. Lag and performance drops can be improved by lowering render distance, disabling fancy graphics, and using a wired connection or strong Wi-Fi for PCVR. To reduce motion sickness, enable snap turning, lower movement speed, and take breaks if needed. If controls aren’t responding, check your VR controller bindings and ensure all firmware is up to date. By tweaking settings and troubleshooting common issues, you can enjoy a smooth and immersive VR experience in Minecraft!
Conclusion
Minecraft VR offers a unique and immersive way to experience the game, whether you’re exploring vast landscapes, mining deep underground, or building incredible structures. Choosing between Bedrock Edition (official VR support) and Java Edition (Vivecraft mod) allows players to tailor their experience based on their hardware and preferences.
- For an easy, cross-platform experience: Bedrock Edition is the best choice.
- For full immersion with enhanced VR features: Java Edition with Vivecraft provides a more advanced VR experience.
- For standalone Quest users: QuestCraft allows Minecraft Java to run without a PC, though it requires more setup.
