Virtual reality (VR) has made significant strides since the introduction of early VR headsets. While still not fully mainstream, VR technology is increasingly impacting various industries, including education and gaming. It holds the potential to revolutionize simulation games such as Farming Simulator and Flight Simulator by offering a more immersive and realistic experience.

Farming Simulator

Farming Simulator has always focused on precision and detail, offering players a realistic experience of managing a farm, from operating advanced machinery to overseeing crop cycles. Opinions on VR's impact on Farming Simulator gameplay are divided. Currently, the game lacks native VR support, but some players have turned to third-party tools like VorpX and ReShade VR to adapt the game for virtual reality, providing a unique, albeit unofficial, immersive farming experience.

Imagine if Farming Simulator were designed specifically for VR headsets. Instead of using a mouse and keyboard, players could "physically" interact with the environment pulling levers, turning wheels, pressing pedals, and walking around the farm to inspect crops. This level of immersion could create a deeper connection to the farming experience, far surpassing what traditional PC or console controls offer.

Multiplayer in VR would unlock even greater possibilities. Collaborating with friends on a shared farm could feel remarkably natural and lifelike. You could wave to a friend operating a combine harvester or point to a field that needs tending, making teamwork and communication an integral part of the gameplay.

Flight Simulator

Simulators are already beloved for their ability to replicate real-world scenarios with remarkable detail, offering players a highly immersive experience. Adding VR into the mix elevates that immersion to an entirely new level. Imagine stepping into a cockpit, surrounded by switches, dials, and panels, and being able to look around as if you’re truly preparing for takeoff. The tactile realism and sense of presence that VR provides could transform simulation games, making them feel less like games and more like genuine experiences. Aviator games like Flight Simulator aren’t only about seeing realistic surroundings; they’re about feeling you’re part of an experience. As Windows Central wrote, “Flying real-world aircraft in a 3D recreation of the entire planet Earth is a breathtaking experience anyway, but virtually inserting yourself into a cockpit with the best VR headset is on another level of immersion.” 

Challenges with VR

VR headsets often demand high-performance PCs to run smoothly, which limits accessibility for many players. Additionally, motion sickness is a significant consideration, as VR can strain the eyes or cause discomfort for some users over extended periods. To address these challenges, developers are focused on creating VR games that feel intuitive and natural while minimizing overwhelming sensations, ensuring a more enjoyable and comfortable experience for a wider audience.

The cost of headsets has come down somewhat but they’re still expensive, meaning there’s more of a barrier to entry than, for example, an Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch. Some of the headsets included in PC Mag’s “Best VR Headsets” list cost around $1,000. That’s nothing compared to Apple’s Vision Pro. As PC Mag wrote about “Who It’s For”: “People with deep pockets.” The Vision Pro would set you back $3,500. 

For gamers seeking the ultimate experience, VR headsets in the $1,000 range are often the go-to choice. These premium devices deliver superior resolution, wider fields of view, and smoother performance, which are essential for true immersion. Budget-friendly models, on the other hand, often fall short in areas like precise tracking and high-resolution displays, which can detract from the experience. In detail-oriented games like Flight Simulator and Farming Simulator, where realism is key, investing in a high-quality VR headset is typically worth it for a more engaging and lifelike experience.

What’s on the horizon?

Predicting the future of VR is challenging, but it’s undoubtedly an exciting space for simulator enthusiasts. As VR hardware becomes more affordable and developers create more games tailored for virtual reality, titles like Flight Simulator and Farming Simulator could attract a larger audience.

For example, PC Mag’s lists of the “Best VR Games” showcase a range of options for devices like the HTC Vive, Oculus Quest 2, PlayStation VR/VR2, Valve Index, and Windows Mixed Reality headsets. Among simulators, Elite Dangerous stands out with its "oceanic level of depth," though most games on the list lean towards more casual experiences. VR offers the potential for unforgettable moments imagine piloting a plane through a thunderstorm or tending crops under a serene morning sky, with visuals and immersion that bring these scenarios to life.

However, VR doesn’t yet appear to be a priority for most developers. Den of Geek’s 2025 preview of upcoming Xbox games didn’t feature any VR titles, focusing instead on major series like Star Wars, Assassin’s Creed, and Grand Theft Auto. While Star Wars: Squadrons integrated VR effectively, these examples are still rare.

Cost remains a significant barrier, and until VR headsets become more affordable, VR gaming will likely remain a niche market, despite its enormous potential.

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