Before diving into the setup, let’s address why you would choose a Pico 4 over a Quest 2, Quest 3, or a dedicated PCVR headset like the Valve Index for trucking.
The downside? ETS2 relies on DisplayPort for the best visual fidelity. The Pico 4 streams via USB or WiFi (Wi-Fi 6). You will notice slight compression artifacts in the distance (trees shimmering), but for the relaxed pace of trucking, it is entirely acceptable.
The Ultimate Guide to Playing Euro Truck Simulator 2 in VR with Pico 4
Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) is widely considered one of the most immersive driving simulators available, but playing it on a flat screen only tells half the story. For Pico 4 owners, the headset's 4K+ resolution and pancake lenses provide a massive upgrade in clarity over older headsets, making it the perfect platform for long-haul trucking.
Because VR support in ETS2 is still technically in an "experimental" beta phase, getting it to run smoothly on a Pico 4 requires a few specific steps. 1. Enable the VR Beta Branch
ETS2 does not have VR enabled by default. You must opt into the experimental branch on Steam. euro truck simulator 2 vr pico 4
Open your Steam Library and right-click on Euro Truck Simulator 2. Select Properties > Betas.
From the dropdown menu, choose oculus - Oculus+OpenVR+OpenXR - (current version). Steam will download a small update to enable the VR files. 2. Set Launch Options
To tell the game to launch in your headset instead of on your monitor, you need to add a command line argument.
You're interested in playing Euro Truck Simulator 2 in VR on the PICO 4!
The PICO 4 is a standalone VR headset that doesn't require a PC to operate, but it can also be used with a PC for more demanding VR experiences. Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a popular truck simulation game that can be played on PC. Before diving into the setup, let’s address why
To play Euro Truck Simulator 2 in VR on the PICO 4, you'll need to:
Keep in mind that Euro Truck Simulator 2 might not be optimized specifically for VR, so you might encounter some limitations or performance issues. However, many players enjoy the game in VR, and it can be a great way to immerse yourself in the trucking experience!
Are you excited to hit the virtual roads in Euro Truck Simulator 2 on your PICO 4?
First, understand that ETS2 does not support VR through the standard Steam launch. You must:
After the download, you’ll launch the game using the “Launch with OpenVR” option or by adding -openvr to the launch options. The downside
ETS2 is an old game engine (Prism3D) that relies heavily on single-core CPU performance. However, VR doubles the rendering load.
If you have a laptop RTX 3050 or equivalent, VR might be a slideshow. Stick to flat-screen mode.
You cannot just launch the standard Steam version of ETS2. The VR implementation is an open beta that has not been updated as frequently as the main branch.
| Problem | Fix |
|---------|------|
| Game launches on monitor only | Ensure -openvr launch option is set and SteamVR is running first |
| Stuttering / low FPS | Lower graphics, reduce buffer_scale to 1.0, close background apps |
| Blurry text | Increase r_manual_stereo_buffer_scale to 1.3–1.5, disable SteamVR's resolution auto-adjust |
| Black screen / flickering | Try wired USB connection instead of Wi-Fi; toggle Direct Display mode in SteamVR settings |
| UI cut off edges | Adjust r_manual_stereo_buffer_scale or use FOV adjustment inside ETS2’s VR tab |