Let’s go through everything you need to know to play your favorite block-builder in VR.
Can I Play Minecraft VR With the Oculus Quest 1/2?
Before we proceed with the guide, it’s important to clarify that Minecraft does not have a native Quest app. This means that you cannot run Minecraft on a Quest without first plugging it into a sufficiently powerful PC.
If you’re uncertain, read more into the Wireless Air Link feature here.
The rest of this guide will assume you’re running Minecraft on a sufficiently powerful PC.
Which Minecraft Versions Have VR Support?
Minecraft only officially supports VR play in the Bedrock edition. This means retail versions, and those purchased from the Microsoft Store, have VR support built-in.
Fortunately, the Java Edition of Minecraft has its own way to enable VR. Instead of official support, you can play through the Java Edition using a user-made mod.
We’ll go through how to enable VR on both of these versions.
How to Play Minecraft VR Bedrock Edition
This is the most straightforward way to play Minecraft in VR. VR support is actually built into the Bedrock Edition. Enabling VR in Minecraft Bedrock Edition depends on where you’ve purchased Minecraft.
If you’ve purchased Minecraft from the official Oculus Store, Minecraft will natively show up as a VR title in your library. You don’t need to do anything further, just launch it!
If you’ve purchased Minecraft from the Microsoft Store or other source, then it’s simply a matter of launching that version from within your headset software.
For example, the Oculus VR software can automatically detect an installation of Minecraft. SteamVR or Mixed Reality environments may require a custom shortcut to launch it.
If you’re using SteamVR or otherwise can’t launch Minecraft from within your headset, follow the steps to make a custom shortcut as outlined in Minecraft’s support page. This support page also comes with a link to automate the process for you.
How to Play Minecraft VR Java Edition
Getting Java Edition to play in VR is a bit trickier. Because it has no native VR support, you’ll need to fall back on a mod to get it done. That’s where Vivecraft comes into play.
Despite the name, Vivecraft is a mod that allows any SteamVR headset to play, not just the HTC line of VR headsets. This means that at least a Steam account is required to use Vivecraft.
In order to enable Vivecraft, head over to the download page available on the Vivecraft website. You’ll have to select a slightly older version of Minecraft, as Vivecraft is usually a few updates behind.
Once you’ve downloaded the Vivecraft installer, launch the app and configure the options to your liking.
For most users, the defaults are fine. Ensure that Minecraft isn’t currently running and hit Install. The installation time will depend on your internet speed, as it will have several mod components to download.
Once the installer is done, open up the Minecraft Launcher and flip the profile to the newly created Vivecraft profile. Start SteamVR and hit play.
If your SteamVR is configured correctly, Minecraft should now launch in VR.
Explore the Virtual World of Minecraft
With VR options for both versions of Minecraft, you’ll be having fun in the virtual world in no time. Even better is that these VR versions are compatible with non-VR versions, so you can join up with your friends to explore and craft together.
Keep in mind that the official version of Minecraft VR is generally more up to date, whereas the user mod Vivecraft has a load of features not present in the official build.
Choose your headset, choose your version, and experience the fright of the creeper in all its virtual glory.
