I’m a Windows 10 user hoping to switch to Linux over Windows 11. One of my common uses for my computer is VR, via a Valve Index. Is this going to be a problem for me? I know historically, its been pretty bad, and ProtonDB shows very mixed ratings, but I also know Linux has been improving fast so am hoping that others will disagree with that.
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I have the OG Vive that I can’t get working in Linux (never installed Windows on my new computer so I’m honestly not sure if it’s a hardware issue). It detects the controller and headset positions, but won’t send video to the headset, everything else works.
I want to buy an Index, but Valve has been out of stock for a long time now. I searched the web and found a rumor that Valve is releasing new VR hardware in Q4 2025 in time for the holidays. I hope this is true and I can get something even better than the index :)
The index was a good headset when it came out 6 years ago. It isn’t really anymore. (In terms of visual quality at least)
I didn’t realize it was that old, where the fuck does time go?! Well hopefully this rumor is true and I can get some kickass gear soon :)
This year old video gives a breakdown of hardware, runtime specs and software. (Incoming accent)
I think the ProtonDB mixed ratings are because there are plenty of old review and people do not update much VR games. I have been using Steam VR and HTC Vive with Linux for a while now, and I remember when Creed and a couple of other games would not work. I think about 5 years ago, with Proton 5.13, that changed and since then, pretty much everything works.
My only problem is with Steam VR software that is a bit inconsistent. I used to do a bunch of stuff with it, now I just launch the games and avoid it when I can.
Index should be fine (and just about any headset that uses base stations). Inside out tracking headsets still have a ways to go (monado seems to be the only solution for them but monados’s Kalman filter needs work).
With the right hardware and the right version of Proton, the majority of Steam VR games will work with the Vive and Index out of the box. However, GPU driver issues will likely be a problem unless you’re selecting hardware that you know plays nice with Linux.
I’ve been using the Index with SteamVR for a few years and so far my experience is pretty good. Running it on an NVidia 1080TI and now 5070TI it works quite smooth. Some minor things aren’t supported, like bluetooth (use a script to turn on/off the lighthouses) and the front camera’s. But most games I’ve tried work out of the box in Proton. Performance was also good, even on a 1080TI.
Some games I’ve played wihtout much issue: Beat Saber, Maestro (they messed up Index controllers, but that is a game issue), Gorn, Alyx, PoewrbeatsVR, Waltz of the Wizard, VRChat, Walkabout Golf, Boneworks and a few more I can’t remember right now.
Unfortunately, SteamVR on Linux has a flickering bug that hasn’t been fixed in years, making games unplayable if the game is running at anything less than full FPS. It’s fine if you play less demanding games, though. (I use Valve Index and AMD RX 7900 XT)
If you use Envision instead of SteamVR, it works perfectly smooth. However, Envision isn’t fully compatible with all games. I got a particular issue where the wrist positions are slightly misplaced in VRChat, but there are already WIP changes to fix that.
So, all in all, not great, but it works. I hope SteamVR improves when Valve’s new headset comes out.
I’ve been using an Index with NVidia and never encountered this flickering. SteamVR has always worked flawlessly on most games. Except for controller issues but those are more on the game developer (only supporting/testing meta hw) and no support for bluetooth and the front camera’s.
steamvr is very buggy on linux
foss vr solutions like envision are preferred
I don’t know about the current state of wired VR for Linux.
You are mostly stuck with ALVR for wireless and a few other options like that. Though if you like Linux, ALVR is basically the Linux of wireless VR anyway. You can get it working well if you really like spending time in settings menus instead of playing games, or copying someone else’s pre-configured settings for similar hardware/networking gear/setup.
But there is a chance SteamVR/Steam link will get a decent push for Linux around the time of the Steam Frame(deckard) launch.
I have had no issues running beatsaber on my 7900xt/5800x3d. I assume you don’t mean anything else either. /s
to be honest, i have had nearly no issues running anything at all. Only bf6 has been a notable failure for me so far.
I’m on a much weirder setup than you’re proposing — Bazzite Linux with a Pico 4 connected wirelessly via ALVR — and it mostly just works. I had to jump through a few hoops to get everything working to start, mostly related to tweaking wireless and audio configuration, but these are things I doubt you’ll encounter at all with an Index. I haven’t tried a game yet that doesn’t work. I mostly just care about Beat Saber and a couple of others, but they’re all working well. I’ve even bought a few new games since switching to Linux, and I can’t recall any I’ve tried that don’t work, out of maybe a dozen or so total I’ve tried. I suspect you’ll have a much smoother experience with the Index.
Things mostly work fine in Proton, but this is more a software development and game engine issue than anything else. If developers wanted to make their games more compati5with Linux or Proton they could, it just costs money and effort.
My understanding is that if it’s an Index, you should be fine.
That being said, I don’t use one.
