ETS2 VR Setup Guide: Launch Options, Comfort, and First Drive

ETS2 in VR can be excellent, but it is more sensitive than normal monitor play. Small issues with launch options, frame timing, mirrors, or scaling can turn a relaxing drive into stutter and eye strain.

Before You Start

Do this first:

1. Back up your ETS2 profile.
2. Note your current graphics settings.
3. Check the official SCS VR discussion for the active branch and launch advice.
4. Start with a clean or lightly modded profile.
5. Remove heavy graphics or traffic mods while testing.

The SCS forum is the best source for branch-specific VR details: SCS VR discussion.

First VR Settings

Use a conservative baseline:

1. Lower mirror distance and quality.
2. Avoid very high scaling at first.
3. Keep shadows and SSAO modest.
4. Test in daylight before rain or night.
5. Use a short route with easy parking.

Mirrors are expensive in ETS2. If VR stutters, they are one of the first places to look.

Comfort Checklist

Stop and adjust if:

1. Text is unreadable.
2. Mirrors require painful head turns.
3. Route Advisor blocks your view.
4. Frame timing feels uneven.
5. You feel motion sick after a few minutes.

Do not force a long delivery while uncomfortable. VR fatigue can lead to bad driving and bad settings decisions.

Mods And VR

Disable heavy graphics, traffic, and UI mods while setting up VR. Add them back one at a time only after the base game is smooth.

If your profile is heavily modded, use How to Back Up ETS2 Profiles and Saves before changing branches or launch options.

First Test Route

1. Start in a familiar city.
2. Drive a short highway job.
3. Avoid heavy cargo.
4. Use safe parking.
5. Check comfort after 10 minutes.

Once that is stable, slowly raise visual quality. Do not chase screenshots before the headset feels smooth.