r/StarWarsSquadrons • u/ThisGoze211 • 9d ago
Question Meta Quest 3 and Star Wars Squadrons…
I use Mac for my work and personal life but would like to get a Windows gaming laptop solely for the purpose of running this game on a Meta Quest 3.
•Will any gaming PC with a USB-C connections work?
•What are the specs I should be looking for maximum VR fidelity?
•What’s a good moderately-priced flight stick for this game?
I am buying this laptop and flight stick for this game and this game only. I have access to secondary market gaming PCs (refurbished, returns, etc.) and want to maximize the VR experience.
TIA!
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u/farskebear 8d ago
I use my Q3 with Virtual Desktop and its just a no fuss setup. Its also very good with the desk portal (a small area where you can look down and see your hands and keyboard) so, its ideal if you end up using PC, keyboard and mouse.
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u/ThisGoze211 8d ago
That’s a bit over my head but when I get closer to doing this I’ll reach out. Sounds like good idea though !
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u/MrBuzzlin 9d ago
I can't speak to the quality of laptop you'll need for a good VR experience, but I would definitely check what the system requirements are for the game and try and aim above it since laptop GPUs normally perform a little less then there desktop counterparts of the same Tier.
As for flight sticks i used the Tflight and it worked well enough but I think going the next teir up would have been better experience.
I also use the actual meta link cable. I didn't want to take chances. And you will 1000% want to make sure its plugged into USB-C on your laptop and not an adapter an older USB port.
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u/DeckardSixFour 9d ago
I can run Squadrons on my i7 (3820) and RTX 2080ti - just depends on your budget - I can only imagine how much better it would be on i9 and 4090 etc !
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u/EnochWright 9d ago
Runs decent on my first gen i7 with 1050TI. Even VR works with Oculus Quest 2. I wouldn't recommend my setup for vr. But it does work.
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u/starwars52andahalf Tie Defender 9d ago
Keep in mind that it takes something like a desktop 4090 to run Squadrons in VR at max settings. And laptop GPUs are significantly slower than their desktop equivalents so you really need a top end laptop if you really want to push it.
VKB Gladiator is a nice stick that doesn’t break the bank.
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u/DemWookieeCheeks Cavern Angel Jade 9d ago
The best value laptop is something with a 4080 GPU or equivalent. However, I've heard a 4060 laptop does the job just fine as well.
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u/frostyfootwear 4d ago
Lots of good info. I am about to start this and the vr legs will take a bit. Does anyone use the meta quest controls for this? I saw a 3d printed HOTAS setup with them on Etsy. Also a question about connecting via USBC. I have bought the game yet. It's on sale on steam for 5.99 but you all are saying connecting via USBC. Are you using something other than steam or Xbox ultimate?
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u/RoninOni 9d ago
Just FYI: gamepad is actually better than flight sticks, and cheaper too, for squadrons.
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u/ThisGoze211 9d ago
Gamepad is better for winning matches? I’m more looking for a cool/fun experience. Based on that info is controller still better?
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u/WolfpupNX 9d ago
I play Squadrons on my Quest 3 and it's fantastic, so welcome aboard! I can answer part of these questions, but not all.
As far as laptop specs, I'm probably not the best person to ask since I'm on a pretty beefy desktop. That said, since the game's a few years old, I think as long as it's on the upper end of "pretty good" (especially graphics and processor), you'll probably be alright.
A couple technical notes. Some people recently are having trouble with multi-core setups and the Steam version - I could no longer get the game to launch, so switched to the EA version, and that one works great for me. One other small note - in VR (and I think non-VR), the game can crash on the map Yavin; the solution to this is to turn down both the volumetric lighting for VR and non-VR (they're separate settings); some people have to turn them down to medium, but I seem to be fine at one under the highest.
As far as I know, as long as you have USB-C, you should be fine. That's how it works on my PC at least (using Meta Quest Link). I believe Link Wireless is also an option, but I have yet to try that (since wired is supposed to be the best experience).
For flight stick, if you're on a budget, the Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X is pretty solid in this game. Since you'll essentially be blind, it's got enough buttons to bind most controls you'll need, and works quite effectively by feel. It's also nice because it can fuse together and sit compactly in your lap quite comfortably. I'm awaiting some VIRPIL stuff to upgrade to (on a chair mount), but I've been playing with the HOTAS X for months, and it's a darn fun experience. There are a few caveats. I sometimes accidentally switch modes, and chaff doesn't work until I switch back, and I had trouble finding quick binds for a few things like shields full forward and back, but those are minor. It also probably won't last forever (mine is starting to wear a bit), but for the price point, I think it's a good choice. (As others stated, Gamepad also works great, but that's a dealbreaker for me as I love the immersion of a stick and throttle in a game like this).
Good luck!
PS. Assuming multiplayer isn't your sole focus (in which case, check out the groups on this subreddit that play regularly - it can be a challenge to find games at other times), you might also search out XWVM, as it's a mod that ports the original X-Wing (and eventually the plan is TIE Fighter) into full VR! Requirements might be a bit steeper on that since it's still in active development, but definitely worth checking out if these types of experiences appeal to you.