Playing Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) on the Pico 4 transforms a relaxing drive into a deeply immersive "therapy" session, where you physically turn your head to check mirrors and feel the true scale of the cab. Essential Setup Guide
Since ETS2 doesn't support VR natively, you must use the experimental "Oculus" beta branch.
Switch to the VR Beta: In your Steam Library, right-click Euro Truck Simulator 2 → Properties → Betas and select oculus - Experimental Oculus support.
Add Launch Options: In the General tab under "Launch Options," type: -openvr if using SteamVR.
-openxr if using Virtual Desktop with the VDXR runtime for better performance.
Disable Steam Overlay: Uncheck "Use Desktop Game Theatre while SteamVR is active" to prevent it from launching as a flat screen.
Connect & Play: Use Virtual Desktop (recommended for wireless) or Pico Connect (for wired/USB). If the game displays on your monitor instead of the headset, press F11 to toggle VR mode. Optimization for Pico 4
ETS2's engine is older and can be demanding. Use these tweaks for a smoother experience:
ETS2 & ATS VR 90hz Godlike 3120x3120 perfection : r/trucksim
Driving the Future: Euro Truck Simulator 2 The marriage of Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2)
headset transforms a standard driving simulation into a deeply immersive professional trucking experience. By leveraging the Pico 4's pancake lenses and high resolution, players gain a level of spatial awareness—such as physically turning to check mirrors—that traditional monitors cannot replicate. www.overclockers.co.uk 1. Initial Setup and Beta Access Euro Truck Simulator 2 euro truck simulator 2 vr pico 4
does not support VR natively in its main release; instead, users must access an "experimental" beta branch on Steam. www.overclockers.co.uk Opt-in to Betas : In the Steam Library, right-click Euro Truck Simulator 2 Properties , then navigate to the Select VR Branch : Choose the branch typically labeled oculus - Oculus/OpenVR
(even when using a Pico headset) to download the necessary VR files. Launch Parameters : Under the tab in Properties, add
to the Launch Options to force the game into VR mode upon startup. 2. Connection Methods: Wireless vs. Wired
For Pico 4 users, the choice of streaming software significantly impacts visual clarity and stability.
To play Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) on the Pico 4, you must opt into a specific VR beta on Steam and configure your launch options. Because the Pico 4 uses SteamVR for PC connection, you generally need to target the OpenVR or OpenXR runtimes. 1. Initial Setup in Steam
Since VR is not "native" in the standard version, you must download the experimental VR branch:
Opt into Beta: Right-click Euro Truck Simulator 2 in your Steam library, go to Properties > Betas, and select oculus - Oculus+OpenVR+OpenXR - (current version).
Launch Options: In the General tab of Properties, enter -openvr or -openxr in the Launch Options field.
Disable Desktop Cinema: Uncheck "Use Desktop Game Theatre while SteamVR is active" to ensure it launches directly into the headset. 2. Connecting the Pico 4
You can use either the official Pico Connect (formerly Streaming Assistant) or Virtual Desktop: Playing Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) on the
Virtual Desktop (Recommended): Often provides better visual clarity and performance for simulators. Ensure you use the "High" or "Ultra" graphics preset in the Virtual Desktop settings if your PC allows.
Pico Connect: If using this, set the render resolution to "Auto" or "Custom 100%" in SteamVR. 3. Optimizing Performance ETS2 is notoriously CPU-heavy in VR, and the Go to product viewer dialog for this item. 's high resolution can be demanding:
In-Game Scaling: Keep this at 100%. Do not use the in-game supersampling, as it clashes with VR resolution.
Graphics Tweaks: Lower Vegetation Detail and Mirror Quality first, as these are the biggest performance killers.
Refresh Rate: If you experience stuttering, try locking your headset to 72Hz instead of 90Hz to provide a more stable frame time.
Resolution Fix: If the game appears on your monitor instead of the headset, press F11 to toggle the display. How to play ETS2/ATS in VR with HTC Vive/Oculus Rift/OSVR
Playing Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) on the Pico 4 transforms a standard driving simulation into a deeply immersive, spatial experience. By leveraging the headset's high-resolution pancake lenses and a PC's processing power, players can move beyond the limitations of a flat screen to sit directly in the cabin of a multi-ton freighter. The Core Experience: Presence and Scale
The primary appeal of using the Pico 4 for ETS2 is the sense of scale. In VR, the truck's interior isn't just a 2D image; it is a physical space where you can lean forward to check mirrors or turn your head to gauge distance when merging into traffic. This naturalistic movement eliminates the need for cumbersome camera-control keys, allowing for more intuitive driving that mirrors real-world habits. Setting Up the Pico 4 for ETS2
Unlike many modern titles, ETS2 requires a specific setup to enable VR mode.
Opt into Beta: In the Steam Library, you must right-click ETS2, go to "Properties," navigate to the "Betas" tab, and select the "oculus – Experimental Oculus support" or "openvr" branch. Part 4: The "Holy Grail" Graphics Settings for
Launch Options: Add -oculus or -openvr to the game's launch options in Steam to force the VR engine to trigger upon startup.
Connection Method: While Pico's Streaming Assistant (now Pico Connect) is a capable free option, many enthusiasts prefer Virtual Desktop for its superior encoding options and performance tweaks like SSW (Synchronous Spacewarp).
For a visual walkthrough on getting the game running on your Pico headset: How to RUN Euro Truck Simulator 2 in VR on PICO 4? DINLOG / БЛОГ YouTube• Feb 10, 2024 Performance and Optimization
Running ETS2 in VR is notoriously demanding on hardware because the game engine was not originally built for it. How to Play Euro Truck Simulator 2 in VR - Overclockers UK
Here’s a concise article-style overview based on the search phrase "Euro Truck Simulator 2 VR Pico 4".
ETS2 is notoriously unoptimized. If you just set everything to "Ultra," you will get 30 FPS and vomit. Here is the recommended settings profile for a Pico 4 targeting 72Hz (stable) .
The Pico 4 is not an Oculus headset, so you have two main connection methods:
For over a decade, Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) has been the gold standard for relaxing simulation. But once you have experienced the winding roads of Germany or the cliffs of Norway in Virtual Reality, playing on a flat screen feels like steering a truck with a gameboy.
With the rise of standalone headsets, the Pico 4 has emerged as a serious contender against the Meta Quest lineup. Thanks to its pancake lenses, superior balance, and higher resolution, many sim racers and truckers are asking the same question: Can I play Euro Truck Simulator 2 VR on my Pico 4?
The short answer is yes. But it is not a "plug and play" console experience. It requires patience, a decent PC, and a few software tweaks.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know: from setting up the Pico 4 for PCVR, installing the correct ETS2 VR beta branch, optimizing graphics for performance, and configuring your controls to avoid VR sickness.
oculus - Oculus + OpenVR - 1.49 (compatible) (The version number may change, but look for the branch that includes Oculus/OpenVR).