How to Stream Your Steam VR Games on Discord in 5 Easy Steps
Virtual reality (VR) gaming is exploding in popularity, and more gamers want to share their VR gameplay experiences with friends. One of the easiest ways to stream VR games is by using Discord, the popular chat app that also allows live streaming.
Streaming VR games on Discord makes it simple to broadcast your gameplay in real-time while interacting with viewers in voice and text chat. Whether you want to showcase a hilarious VR mishap or take your friends along on an epic adventure, streaming VR on Discord delivers an intimate and entertaining experience that feels like playing games together in the same room.
Hardware and Software You’ll Need
Streaming VR games requires more setup compared to streaming standard PC games. Here’s the essential hardware and software you’ll need:
VR Hardware
- A VR headset – Popular options include the Meta Quest 2, Valve Index, HTC Vive, etc.
- VR headset cables – Make sure your headset connects properly to your PC.
- VR controllers – Required for interacting with objects/navigation in VR.
PC Hardware
- A gaming PC capable of running both VR games and streaming software. An Nvidia RTX 2060 GPU or AMD Radeon RX 590 and Intel i5 CPU or equivalents are recommended minimum specs.
Software
- SteamVR – Enables VR hardware/game compatibility with your PC. Automatically installs with the Steam gaming client.
- VR supported games – See Steam store listings for VR compatibility.
- Discord – For streaming and voice/text chat.
- OBS Studio – Popular free software for capturing and streaming game footage.
Networking
- Stable high-speed internet connection – Aim for at least 10 Mbps upload for smooth streaming. Ethernet is preferred over WiFi if available.
Step 1: Set Up Your VR Hardware and Software
Before streaming, make sure your VR hardware and SteamVR software are operational:
- Install the latest graphics drivers for your GPU.
- Carefully connect your VR headset, controllers, and sensors to your PC following manufacturer instructions.
- Install and launch Steam if you haven’t already.
- Enable SteamVR in the Steam Settings > VR menu.
- Complete the one-time SteamVR setup which will test your devices and configure ideal settings.
- Browse or search for VR games in the Steam store. Check store listings for VR compatibility, denoted by a VR icon.
- Consider starting with free VR titles like Valve’s The Lab or Rec Room to get acquainted with VR mechanics before purchasing games.
Don’t rush hardware and software setup. Resolving technical problems during a live stream is frustrating for both streamer and audience. Ensuring a smooth VR experience beforehand makes streaming more enjoyable for everyone.
Step 2: Install OBS and Set Up Your VR Scene
OBS Studio is the best streaming program for new VR streamers due to being completely free and easy to configure.
- Download and install OBS Studio on your gaming PC from obsproject.com. Open and accept onboarding options.
- In the Sources panel, click the + button and select Display Capture to capture VR visuals rendered to your headset display.
- Name the source “VR Game Capture” and select your VR headset from the display menu. Click OK.
- Right-click the VR Game Capture source and select Transform > Fit to Screen to neatly fit the VR gameplay visual inside OBS.
- Add a Video Capture Device source to capture webcam video if desired. Position/resize webcam and VR sources as needed.
- Utilize other OBS sources like images, text, game capture, etc. to construct your complete stream scene and layout.
Taking time to polish and customize your VR stream layout makes streams more immersive and professional. Don’t hesitate to get creative!
Step 3: Setup Discord for Streaming
With your VR scene set in OBS, now it’s time to connect OBS to Discord:
- Join a Discord server you want to stream in or create your own.
- Click the settings icon by your name to open User Settings. Select Streamer Mode in the Privacy & Safety tab. This optimizes Discord for streaming.
- Navigate to the Keybinds tab > Add Keybind. Assign a Push-to-Talk keybind if manually muting your mic.
- Back in settings, select the Streamer Mode voice channel to automatically move you into for streams.
- Enable Discord overlays in OBS via Tools > Overlay Settings if desired. This visually embeds the Discord voice chat over the stream.
- Join your selected Discord voice channel. Click the Go Live button at the bottom of the chat window. You’re now ready to start streaming VR!
Step 4: Start Streaming and Interacting
You have everything configured, so it’s showtime! Follow these tips for smooth VR streams:
- Double check hardware/software – Confirm OBS captures VR gameplay and other sources are operational before streaming.
- Initialize calibrations in the VR game itself if needed so visuals align properly with your headset tracking.
- Get comfortable in VR first before starting stream. Adjust headset, confirm controller tracking, set game options, etc. This prevents discomfort on stream.
- When ready, click Start Streaming in OBS. Then click Go Live on Discord.
- Greet your viewers! Thank everyone for coming and give a brief intro of the VR experience you’ll be playing today.
- Stay conversational while playing your VR game. React naturally, crack jokes, scream in terror – whatever keeps it fun and engaging!
- Interact using Discord Overlays to view new chat messages. Disable additional graphics options in-game if needing more performance for streaming.
- Most importantly, have an awesome time playing VR games with your community! They’re there to support you and enjoy your reactions.
Step 5: End Stream and Troubleshoot Issues
As your epic VR stream comes to an end:
- Give advanced warning that you’re about to conclude the stream and recap any highlights from the gameplay session.
- Thank viewers again for their support and participation. Promote your next scheduled stream if you have one.
- Disable Go Live in Discord first THEN click Stop Streaming in OBS to end video broadcast.
Remember – Even experienced streamers run into technical problems now and then. The key is learning from issues and improving over time. Common VR streaming troubles and their solutions:
- Display black/frozen in OBS – PC can’t handle VR gameplay and streaming simultaneously. Lower in-game settings or upgrade hardware.
- Vr visuals stuttering/distorted – Connection unstable. Use wired Ethernet over WiFi. Reduce OBS stream settings or VR graphics options.
- Discord can’t hear mic audio – Disable “automatically determine input sensitivity” in Discord Voice settings. Boost mic volume if too quiet.
- Headset losing tracking – Clear path between sensors and headset. Avoid reflective surfaces. Add USB extenders if needed.
- Overheating warning – Add external cooling fan pointed at VR headset/PC. Improve case airflow. Lower intensive VR graphics settings.
Be patient, experiment with settings, and don’t be afraid to ask other streamers for advice. With some tuned adjustments, you’ll be hosting smooth VR streams in no time!
Stream VR Games on Discord – Transform Your Gaming Experience
Streaming stimulating VR games on Discord opens up gaming to thrilling new dimensions. Share heart-pounding adventures, awe-inspiring worlds, and laughs galore with the Discord community in real-time VR engagement.
The steps covered help you hit the ground running. But don’t stop there! Consider multi-stream setups, green screen effects, VR avatar extensions via LIV, and more. The possibilities span as far as your imagination; where will you explore next in VR?