Subnautica, Subnautica Below Zero and Pimax – help me, pls

Games & Software Game On!
1

Hello guys.

I have had four headsets so far (Oculus Rift CV1, HP Reverb, HP Reverb G2, Pico 4) and now I have and now I have the fifth, the Pimax Crystal Light.
With the previous four devices, Subnautica and later Below Zero worked perfectly.
I bought the Pimax in January this year and since then I have been trying to get the above two games to work in VR – unsuccessfully.

Guys, has anyone managed to use Pimax in the above games? How? Please help, because I am slowly going crazy :blush:
Both games are EpicGame launcher, NOT steam, this is important!

THX!

2

Do these two games fail to launch in VR, or are there other errors you’ve been encountering?

3

No, there is no other error. Subnautica starts, but for now, no matter what I do, there is no VR.

4

Are you using OoenXR runtime or OpenVR runtime?

You need to use OpenVR runtime unless you go a more complicated route using Opencomposite.

From Gemini AI: :sparkles:

Method API Used Pros Cons
Default (Steam) OpenVR (via SteamVR) Easier setup, uses default Steam tools Lower performance than OpenXR, designed for controller use by default
Forced (OpenComposite) OpenXR (via OpenComposite) Better performance (higher FPS), bypasses SteamVR overhead Requires extra setup with third-party tools, can be a source of instability if not configured correctly

How to Force OpenXR (Advanced Users)

To run the game using your headset’s OpenXR runtime instead of the default OpenVR/SteamVR, you typically need to use a program called OpenComposite:

  1. Set your OpenXR Runtime: Ensure your headset’s software (Oculus, Pimax, WMR, etc.) is set as the active OpenXR runtime.
  2. Install OpenComposite: Download and install the OpenComposite runtime switcher.
  3. Set Subnautica to use OpenComposite: You can set it system-wide or by placing a specific DLL file into the Subnautica game folder. The default Steam installation path is C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Subnautica.
  4. Launch the Game: Launch Subnautica directly; it should now use the OpenXR runtime and bypass SteamVR.
  5. (Optional) Use OpenXR Toolkit: For further customization and performance boosts (like adjusting sharpness or resolution), you can use the OpenXR Toolkit in compatible games.

For most users, simply running the game via SteamVR (OpenVR) is the easiest way to ensure compatibility. Performance enthusiasts may prefer the OpenXR route.

5

Do you have the Steam VR installed?

6

I played both games in flawless vr in my 8k-x in the days, but i did need to copy a few files in the game directorys.

look at: Flat2VR Modding Group

or here: GitHub - IWhoI/SubnauticaVREnhancements: Code for the Subnautica VR Enhancements Mod

or here: jbusfield · GitHub

Hope that helps.

1 Like
7

Played year ago Subnautica with mod Submersed

This mod have arms interactions. You can aim with weapons/tools. Drive vehicle with steering wheel. Looked almost like natural VR game.

But this mod didn’t worked for Below Zero. Now have some fork for it.

1 Like
8

I have played Subnautica with no issues, first ensure that you use SteamXR not Pimax OpenXR, set the roomspace in Pimax Play otherwise when launching into the game the menu to launch will not be visible

Also ensure that no features such as Quad Views, Hidden Area Mask, Eye Tracking etc and GPU Upscaling are all disabled or the game won’t launch