Oculus Rift Configuration Guide – Simulation Gaming

Live for Speed (LFS)

The core game of Live for Speed can be downloaded for free, giving you access to a couple of track and three cars. There are two premium packages available to unlock more cars and tracks, which I highly recommend you do. There’s a good range of tracks and cars (see the full list below), but there are some in particular that stand out for playing in VR. The game features VR compatible menus, which are like viewing a huge menu screen on an IMAX type display, so it’s fairly easy to navigate settings, track selection and more without removing the DK2 headset. In-race, the game has ghost style menu overlays, allowing you to change settings without leaving the virtual cockpit of the car.

• Blackwood
• South City
• Fern Bay
• Autocross
• Kyoto Ring
• Westhill
• Aston

The open wheel cars are beyond entertaining to drive. The camera sits you nice and low in the open wheel cars, allowing you lean your head around to see the wheels of the car, check your mirrors and more. It feels so good as the Oculus feels like you’re wearing a racing helmet, only further adding to the immersion. The graphics aren’t the best, but they polished enough to give you a pleasant experience and the game provides an impressive sense of speed.

• XF GTI
• XR GT
• Formula BMW FB02
• XR GT Turbo
• RB4 GT
• FXO Turbo
• LX4
• LX6
• MRT5
• UF 1000
• Raceabout 06
• FZ50
• Formula XR
• XF GTR
• UF GTR
• Formula V8
• FXO GTR
• XR GTR
• FZ50 GTR
• BMW Sauber F1.06

Control Tests

LFS has extensive controller customisation, unfortunately it can also be a rather complicated process to set up and configure; it may take you some trial and error. You have to custom configure each of your controllers and I found that keyboard, mouse, controllers and steering wheels were all fully compatible and all axis were detected with no issues. You must define which axis are active then apply the axis to the function you require. You can fully adjust sensitivity, dead zones, turning ratios and more, so you should be able to set up your favourite control with extreme precision (with a little effort).

The control pads worked relatively well, but the game has clearly been designed to work best with a wheel. I highly recommend you use a wheel for this game, only use a control pad if you have no other option.

Oculus Configuration

LFS isn’t too graphics card intensive, so an Oculus capable rig shouldn’t have much trouble pushing the graphics settings to their maximum (within reason). The game has native Oculus support, simply load the game with the Oculus Rift turned off and go into the graphics settings. Select “3D”, here you will see there is an option for Oculus Rift. Select that option and double-check that the resolution is correct; ideally 1920 x 1080 @75Hz. The game should ask you to restart the game, select yes and it will quit to desktop. Make sure the Rift is in extended mode and configured as display 2. Turn on the rift and star the OculusConfigUtility tool. Restart the game and you should be good to go!

If the game fails to load on the DK2, simply quit the game and configure the Oculus Rift as your primary display.

Additional Oculus Configuration

I have seen some judder issues in this game when you first start a race. These issues seem to smooth themselves out after about 30 seconds usage, so don’t be too hasty to quit if settings don’t look ideal.

The graphics settings can sometimes get mixed up when you restart the game, be sure to check the resolution tab when the game is running on DK2. It needs to be set at 1920 x 1080 75Hz for smooth operation.

If some issues persist, please return to the general tips on the first page of this article.