Can Quest 3 headsets be used outdoors?
MIXED reader Leif wanted to know if VR headsets can be used outdoors. Here are our experiences with a Quest 3 and what you need to know.
Every Monday, we answer a question from our readers. Send your question to tomislav@mixed.de with "Question" in the subject line, and with any luck, we'll answer it the following Monday.
This week's question comes from our reader Leif:
Is it possible to use a VR headset outdoors? And if so, what should I keep in mind?
Hello Leif,
This is not only possible, but in my opinion, one of the best ways to experience mixed reality with a Quest 3 or 3S. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
Meta advises against outdoor use of its headsets because there are additional risks compared to home use. However, if you follow my advice carefully, you can play safely. I have often played in a nearby wooded area without anything happening to my headset or myself.
First, think about where you want to play. For example, playgrounds and sports fields, meadows or woods with firm, level ground are good. Avoid places near roads, sidewalks, and water sources. Moreover, make sure you have enough space and don't get in other people's way.
The most important thing to remember when playing outdoors is to protect the lenses inside the headset from direct sunlight. When unfiltered sunlight hits the lenses, they act like burning lenses and can damage the displays behind them in seconds. So I keep my Meta Quest 3 in a bag while I carry it to my destination, and put it back in the bag when I take a break. I also make sure that the VR headset is snug against my face and that no light is leaking into the headset from the sides.
You also need to think about when you want to play, as the weather and time of day play a role. Overcast skies are ideal, as the sunlight is often attenuated to the point where it is no longer a threat to the lenses. On a bright, beautiful day with a cloudless sky, I would only play outdoors if the playing area is covered and shaded. If you play in a wooded area like I do, a canopy of leaves can also provide protection. However, I generally avoid playing on such days because too much light can overwhelm the infrared LEDs on the VR controllers. As a result, the headset may not be able to track the controllers properly, leading to interruptions or complete failure of controller tracking. Alternatively, on days with good weather, you can play in the early morning or evening when there is less sunlight.
When playing virtual reality outdoors, you should always be accompanied by a friend for safety reasons. In mixed reality, the risk of injuring yourself or others is much lower because you are always aware of your surroundings.
Below are a few VR and MR games that I have tried out myself and that I recommend playing outdoors:
VR games that benefit from lots of outdoor space and are particularly immersive in this case are Eye of the Temple and Tea for God. In mixed reality, Demeter was a great experience. If you have someone who also owns a Quest 3 or 3S, I recommend a round of Home Sports or Spatial Ops. The latter supports local multiplayer with multiple VR headsets.
Kind regards,
Tomislav
Have you already played outdoors with your Meta Quest and if so, which games? Join the conversation on Facebook, Bluesky or X or share your opinion in the comments below.
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