How to Boost Frame Rates on VR Games

This article discusses deeply how to boost frame rates on VR games. Boosting frame rates can take your VR game experience to a whole new level. For faster gameplay, VR games will need to process at least 60 frames per second. 

We recommend applying techniques mentioned in this article, such as the DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), allowing PC gamers to enhance their graphics performance using AI. When you apply DLSS, frame rates process faster for VR games.

DLSS-supported VR titles include The Radius, Wrench, and a survival shooter. Also, other games that can double frame rates are Everspace 2, Aron’s Adventure, Amid Evil, and Scavengers. Today, over 50 games support DLSS.

So let’s dive in and find out more on how to boost frame rates on VR games.

What is the importance of frame rates?

Learning how to boost frame rates on VR games is very crucial for better gameplay. Frame rates have great importance in VR game performance because processing more frames per second means the more immersive the experience for the VR gamer.  

Most VR games can process up to 60 frames (images) per second with the help of robust graphics cards. Graphics cards play a vital role in increasing the frame rates on VR games.

The primary goal of VR software developers is to process up to 90 frames per second so that the VR gamer moves through the virtual world, experiencing high-quality gameplay. 

For the hardware, if you use a VR headset like Oculus Quest 2 or HTC Vive Pro 2, which is usable on all SteamVR games and compatible with the glasses, you can improve the performance of your VR gaming.

We recommend the following PC specifications for an incredible VR gaming experience and boosting of frame rates:

• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti
• Processor: Intel Core i7, 8th Gen, and AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
• Display: Full HD 144Hz
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• USB: 4 USB 3.0 ports and 1 USB 2.0 port
• Memory: 16 GB+ RAM
• Operating System: Windows 10 64 bit 

5 ways to boost frame rates on VR games:

Here are the five ways to boost frame rates on VR games:

• Boost frame rates with AMD FSR
• Using DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling)
• Using SteamVR, Enable Smooth Motion
• Using Temporal Solution Multiplexing Technique
• Using GeForce or AMD software

1. Boost frame rates with AMD FSR

AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) uses robust technology to increase frame rates and maintain high resolution. Without needing to upgrade your graphics card, AMD FSR helps VR gamers enjoy a top-notch gaming experience.

This technology shares similarities with Nvidia’s DLSS. Both will help you accomplish 60 FPS in your gaming, although FSR uses different upscaling techniques. FSR leverages spatial upscaling, which only uses the source image.

There are four FSR modes that you would use: 

• Ultra quality
• Quality
• Balanced
• Performance

The Performance mode offers the highest FPS during gameplay, and Quality provides the lowest. The results may differ from game to game, depending on the FSR mode and the type of graphics card you use.

2. Using DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling)

DLSS is an AI technology that Nvidia developed, which enhances your VR gaming performance and boosts the frame rates on VR games even at higher settings. The main idea behind this technology is to lower the workload on the GPU.

It renders the source image with low resolution, and it uses artificial intelligence to enhance the image by giving the impression that it runs at a higher resolution. The game runs faster even if you use a 4k monitor because the frame rates are boosted.

DLSS technology is evolving and constantly updating to process more frame rates per second. There are multiple DLSS settings for you to choose from, including Quality, Balance, and Performance modes to enhance the visuals on your screen.

3. Using SteamVR, Enable Smooth Motion

Motion smoothing is automatically enabled by the Oculus software, and you don’t have the option to turn it off. The SteamVR offers an identical setting for HTC Vive and Valve Index headsets. To ensure the frame rates process at a higher rate, make sure it is on.

1. The connected VR hardware is revealed in the SteamVR window. From there, tap the Menu option located at the top left and now select Settings.
2. Choose Video, located on the left side.
3. Make sure the motion smoothing is switched on.
4. If you have some games that hang or are still lagging, you need to change the settings individually by using the option per application video settings.
5. From the drop-down list, choose the game that you wish to change the settings, and you can select any option on motion smoothing.

Once you have gone through the above process, you will see the frame rates are processing better.

4. Using Temporal Solution Multiplexing Technique

Temporal solution multiplexing is a technique of creating frames with low resolution between frames with high resolution. Once you collect the data from the frames with high resolution, upconvert the frames with low resolution.

Described in a paper submitted by the University of Cambridge, this technique applies a new frame rate amplification technology concept.

The VR headset, which processes the video data that was sent, usually requires high bandwidth. So, in using this method, the frame rate increases with high resolution.

5. Using GeForce or AMD software

To boost frame rates, you need to optimize your graphics using GeForce or AMD software. Both software enables VR games to process images faster without disrupting the gameplay. Both GeForce and AMD software are highly recommended for VR gaming for better performance.

Follow the steps to optimize your settings in the Nvidia GeForce application:

1. In the taskbar, tap the Search Windows field.
2. Now, type GeForce Experience, and on the keyboard tap Enter.
3. On the top right corner of your screen, tap the More option.
4. Now, you will get the option to Optimize all games, so click it.

Now your hardware would use the best-recommended settings for Nvidia. AMD also has similar settings and works the same way as GeForce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Comment below with your favorite method that you think should be added to the list to boost frame rates on VR games.