Common Mistakes to Avoid When Playing VR Games

18 February 2025

Virtual reality (VR) gaming has taken the gaming world by storm, offering incredibly immersive experiences and jaw-dropping visuals. Whether you’re swinging a sword, solving puzzles, or exploring alien worlds, VR allows you to feel like you're part of the action. But let’s be real: as fun as VR gaming is, it’s not without challenges. If you’re new to VR or even a seasoned gamer, you’ve probably made—or are about to make—some avoidable rookie mistakes.

Don’t worry, though. We’ve all been there. This guide goes over some common mistakes gamers make when playing VR games and how to sidestep them like a pro. Ready to level up your virtual adventures? Buckle up (or strap in your headset), and let's dive in!

1. Skipping the Tutorial: The Fast-Track to Frustration

Let’s kick things off with a classic mistake: skipping tutorials. Seriously, how many of us skip through instructions in games, thinking, "I'll figure it out"? In VR, this approach can lead to confusion, frustration, and possibly a face-plant into your coffee table.

VR isn’t like traditional gaming. You’re navigating a whole new dimension—literally. Tutorials teach you how to use controllers, manage movement, and interact with the environment. Before shrugging them off, remember this: the extra 10 minutes you spend now can save you hours of headaches later. Trust me, you don’t want to be the person Googling, “Why am I spinning in circles in VR?” mid-game.

2. Forgetting to Clear Your Play Area: The Doorway to Disaster

This is a biggie. VR games often require a lot of movement. You’ll be ducking, diving, and waving your arms like a maniac. If you don’t clear your play area, you’re setting yourself up for a real-world obstacle course. Furniture, pets, or random clutter can quickly turn your gaming session into a blooper reel.

Take five minutes before you jump into VR to declutter your space. Move chairs, coffee tables, or anything fragile out of reach. If you’ve got a dog that loves to chill wherever you are, it might be worth putting them in another room. Oh, and check your ceiling fan—yes, people do accidentally punch those.

3. Ignoring the Headset’s Fit and Comfort: Recipe for a Headache

Your VR headset is your gateway to another world, but if it’s not fitted properly, it can become the gateway to a migraine. A lot of players forget to adjust the straps, making the headset either too tight or so loose it wobbles every time you move.

Take the time to adjust your headset so it feels snug but not uncomfortable. If the weight feels uneven or the lenses aren’t aligned with your eyes, you’ll probably end up squinting or straining, which can ruin the experience. Also, don’t skip cleaning the lenses. Smudges might not seem like a big deal, but they can distort the visuals and make everything feel blurry. A microfiber cloth will do wonders!

4. Overdoing It: VR Fatigue Is Real

We’ve all been there—obsessed with a new game and binge-playing until our eyes feel like sandpaper. In VR, though, overdoing it is a whole different beast. Extended play sessions can lead to motion sickness, dizziness, and even a feeling called "VR hangover," where your brain struggles to adjust back to the real world.

Set time limits for your VR sessions. Start small, like 20-30 minutes, and gradually increase as your body gets used to it. Also, listen to your body. Feeling slightly off? Take a break. Remember, gaming is supposed to be fun—not a test of your endurance.

5. Turning Too Quickly or Overusing Smooth Locomotion

Movement in VR can take some getting used to. Most headsets allow you to turn by physically rotating your body or using the controller’s joystick. Here’s the catch: whipping your head around too quickly or relying heavily on smooth locomotion (as opposed to teleportation-style movement) can make you feel like you’re on a very unpleasant rollercoaster.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, try using teleportation for in-game movement. It’s less disorienting because it minimizes the disconnect between what your brain expects and what you see. For turning, use small, incremental movements until your body adapts. Slow and steady wins the race, especially in VR.

6. Not Adjusting the Guardian Boundary: The Safety Net You Didn’t Know You Needed

One of the coolest features in VR headsets is the Guardian boundary. This lets you set up a virtual "safe zone" in your play area. When you’re about to step outside of it, the system gives you a warning. Think of it as the invisible fence for your gaming adventures.

Failing to set this up—or setting it incorrectly—is a recipe for accidents. Nobody wants to end their session by accidentally punching a wall or tripping over a lamp. Be thorough when calibrating your boundary, and update it every time you switch to a new play area.

7. Neglecting to Take Care of Your Hardware

VR gear isn’t cheap, so it pays to take care of your equipment. Some gamers make the mistake of leaving their headset out in direct sunlight, which can damage the lenses. Others forget to clean the controllers, only to find them sticking or unresponsive down the line.

Get into the habit of storing your VR headset in a cool, dry place when you’re not using it. Wipe down the lenses regularly with a microfiber cloth, and check the controllers for any sign of wear and tear. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your gear in tip-top shape.

8. Ignoring Social Features: Missing Out on Multiplayer Fun

VR gaming isn’t just a solo experience—it’s also a fantastic way to connect with friends or meet new people. Yet, many players overlook the social features, sticking to single-player modes without even exploring multiplayer options.

Games like Beat Saber, Rec Room, and VRChat offer multiplayer modes where you can interact with others. It’s like hanging out with friends, but in a virtual space where you can be a wizard, a robot, or whatever you want. Don’t undersell the social side of VR; it’s often where the best (and funniest) moments happen.

9. Playing on a Weak PC or Poor Internet Connection

If you’re using a PC-based VR setup, the hardware you’re running matters—big time. Trying to play demanding games on a subpar PC will give you lag, stuttering, and a generally crappy experience. Similarly, if you’re using cloud-based gaming or multiplayer titles, a shaky internet connection is going to be a major buzzkill.

Make sure your PC meets the recommended specs for VR gaming, not just the minimum. And if you’re playing online, ensure your internet connection is stable. Nothing ruins the immersion quicker than laggy gameplay or a sudden disconnection.

10. Failing to Get Comfortable Before Playing

This one’s underrated but oh-so-important. If you dive into VR while wearing tight clothing, heavy jewelry, or anything that might get in the way, it can distract you big time. The same goes for your surroundings—if the room is too hot or you don’t have a drink nearby, you’ll be uncomfortable before you even reach the first level.

Before you start, take a minute to ensure you’re comfortable. Set the temperature in the room to a nice, chill level, wear something that allows free movement, and keep some water handy. It’s the small things, but they make a huge difference.

11. Not Exploring Calibration Options

Every VR headset comes with calibration options that help optimize visual clarity and performance. A lot of people skip this step, assuming the default settings will work fine—but spoiler alert: they usually don’t.

Take the time to adjust your inter-pupillary distance (IPD) settings, lens alignment, and other calibration options. This ensures you’re getting the best visual experience possible and reduces strain on your eyes.

Conclusion

Diving into the world of VR gaming is exciting, but like any new adventure, it comes with a learning curve. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can enjoy a smoother, more immersive experience without any unnecessary hiccups. Remember, VR is all about having fun, so don’t sweat it if you make a mistake or two. Just learn from it and keep gaming!

Now, go grab your headset, clear your play area, and get ready to conquer virtual worlds like the VR champ you are.