Yes, you can absolutely play Project CARS 2 in VR without a steering wheel. The game fully supports alternative control schemes like a standard gamepad or even a keyboard and mouse. While a wheel enhances the immersion, it's not a mandatory requirement for the VR experience to function. The key is ensuring your VR headset (like Oculus Rift or HTC Vive) is properly set up and that the game's control settings are configured for your preferred input device.
The experience, however, will be significantly different. A gamepad provides a more accessible, arcade-like feel. The game's developers included extensive controller tuning options to help bridge the gap. You can adjust steering sensitivity and dead zones to find a setting that feels less twitchy and more manageable. This is crucial because in VR, the sensation of speed and spatial awareness is heightened, making smooth control inputs even more important.
For those considering this setup, here’s a comparison of the control methods:
| Control Method | Immersion Level | Ease of Setup | Precision | Recommended For |
|---|
| Steering Wheel & Pedals | Extremely High | Moderate (requires hardware) | Very High | Simulation purists, racing enthusiasts |
| Gamepad/Controller | Moderate to High | Very Easy | Good | Casual players, beginners, limited desk space |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Low | Easiest | Fair (challenging) | Last resort option |
The most important factor is your PC's performance. Project CARS 2 is demanding in VR, and maintaining a high, stable frame rate is essential to prevent motion sickness. You'll likely need to lower some graphical settings like shadows and anti-aliasing. Start with the VR preset in the game's options and adjust from there. Ultimately, playing with a gamepad in VR is a fantastic way to experience the game's immersive environments and thrilling sense of speed without the investment in a dedicated racing wheel.
