I still run 0.5 to make ED work with my Rift. Is there an idiot-proof guide on how to make it work with SteamVR ('cause I'm not that smart) ? And, more importantly, is it better with SteamVR than with 0.5 ? I have a GTX 970 and it runs quite well in open space and around planets. Just have some stutter in Stations.
Is there still this restriction of the rift only running with the refresh rate of the primary display? My PC is hooked up to a 1080p60 television so I can't run the 75Hz required for flawless VR...
As of the latest Steam VR Beta update (3rd Feb 2016), there is no longer an issue with setting the primary monitor to 60 Hz. I have also been running Runtime 0.5 because I wanted to keep the primary monitor at 60Hz, and run Rift at 75 Hz in extended mode. But this is no longer necessary.
The latest Steam VR Beta #
1454542787 has solved the Compositor issue.
There is a way for you to check this. If you run standard Steam VR and Runtime 0.8, right click on the Oculus Rift icon in taskbar, choose Configuration Utility. And from there Tools > Advanced > Show performance HUD -> Select Performance HUD -> Render Timing, you'll now see the framerate in your Rift when you run 3D programs like Elite.
To get Elite to start in VR, I believe first you need to enable Steam VR. In Steam, go to Library > Tools > Right click Steam VR -> Install Game. Once that is done, from Steam you run Elite Dangerous. It will ask if you want to run in VR mode or not, I chose just normal Elite Dangerous/Horizons without the VR (but you may have to choose the VR for first run). In the game, go to Options > Graphics and choose Primary Display, set 3D to HMD (Speakers or headphones), Save. In your Rift, you should see the Performance HUD.
Stay on the Main Menu of Elite. On the Performance HUD, you'll see that the Framerates are oscillating up and down (because your monitor is at 60 and your Rift is at 75 Hz). You'll see a lot of Dropped Frames. If you force switch your primary monitor from 60 Hz to 75 Hz, you'll see the framerate stable at 75 Hz and Dropped Frames doesn't climb at all. But for many of us, we don't want to set the primary monitor at 75 Hz due to reasons. This is just for us to check and confirm that our framerates are suffering because of the primary monitor frequency.
So quit Elite, go back to Libary > Tools > Right click on Steam VR > Properties > BETAS > Select the beta you would like to opt into > choose beta - SteamVR Beta Update then click Close.
Now if you restart Elite Dangerous again from Steam, at the option to choose which to play (Elite Dangerous, Horizons, start Elite in VR Mode), just choose either of the first two. Once you're in the Main Menu of Elite, check the performance HUD again. You'll still see the framerate oscillating in the chart, but your vsync dropped frames are not climbing, and you should see a smooth game.
Now you're running Elite Dangerous at 75 Hz in your Rift, with the mirror at 60 Hz on the Desktop.
(you can turn off the Performance HUD now)
that is strange.... every time i launch ED from steam it gives me the option to launch in vr or launch on monitor. thanks for the info however....... want to go home now
Just choose to launch on Monitor, then choose 3D: HMD from inside the game.
This thread gives me a lot of hope! How are you getting those versions? I seem to have a limited list in my SteamVR properties.
http://i.imgur.com/faMsjOC.png
I have the same list as you. The latest version
1454542787 I could only get by choosing beta - SteamVR Beta Update. Maybe they will add this version to the list later.