Gateway to RE Engine VR: Unlocking Virtual Reality with REFramework

Picture of Sarfaraz Ahamed
Sarfaraz Ahamed

REFramework, primarily developed by Praydog, has become a cornerstone of the PC modding community, enabling fully-featured Virtual Reality (VR) support for a wide array of Capcom titles built on the RE Engine, including:

  • Resident Evil 2 Remake
  • Resident Evil 3 Remake
  • Resident Evil 7
  • Resident Evil Village
  • Devil May Cry 5
  • Monster Hunter Rise
  • Dragon’s Dogma 2

What began as a versatile modding platform has evolved into a robust VR injector, allowing these traditionally flat-screen or third-person titles to be played in immersive, native-feeling VR.

Part 1: Key VR Features of REFramework

REFramework’s VR implementation is highly polished, offering features that make VR experiences feel natural and engaging.

1. Full 6-Degrees-of-Freedom (6DOF) Tracking

  • Headset Tracking: Supports full 6DOF, tracking pitch, yaw, roll, and positional movement for true VR presence. This precision is essential for immersion and reducing motion sickness.
  • In-Game Camera Integration: Injects a stereoscopic 3D camera into the game, giving realistic depth perception and scale absent in traditional flat-screen play.

2. Comprehensive Motion Control

  • Weapon Aiming: Physical aiming with VR controllers for pistols, rifles, and other firearms, enhancing tactical immersion.
  • Physical Interactions:
    • Manual reloading of weapons
    • Melee and knife attacks by swinging controllers
    • Item usage, including first-aid sprays and flashlights
  • Controller Compatibility: Supports Oculus Touch, Valve Index Knuckles, and other OpenVR/OpenXR controllers.

3. VR Comfort and Quality-of-Life Options

  • Locomotion: Smooth movement and turning, with comfort options like snap-turning.
  • First-Person Toggle: Converts third-person games into first-person VR experiences.
  • Decoupled Camera Pitch: Reduces vertical motion during cutscenes to minimize discomfort.
  • Roomscale Support: Enables physical movement within the play area to navigate the game world naturally.

4. OpenVR and OpenXR Compatibility

  • OpenVR (SteamVR): Default runtime with broad compatibility.
  • OpenXR: Alternative runtime for specific headsets (e.g., Oculus/Meta), which can improve performance but may omit minor features.

Part 2: Enabling VR with REFramework

Setting up VR is straightforward, assuming you have a compatible headset and an RE Engine game installed.

Step 1: Download REFramework

  • Official Source: Visit the REFramework homepage or download page for the latest stable or VR-compatible release.
  • Game-Specific Package: Download the appropriate zip for your game (e.g., RE2.zip or RE8.zip) containing dinput8.dll.

Step 2: Install REFramework

  1. Locate Game Folder: Find your game’s installation directory (e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Resident Evil 2).
  2. Extract Files: Place the contents of the zip, especially dinput8.dll, into the game folder alongside the main executable (e.g., re2.exe).

Step 3: Launch in VR

  1. Ensure VR Ready: Connect your headset and confirm your VR runtime (SteamVR, Oculus/Meta Link) is active.
  2. Launch Game: Start normally; REFramework should automatically detect your runtime and inject the VR camera.

Step 4: Configure VR Settings

  1. Open Menu: Press the INSERT key to access the REFramework overlay.
  2. VR Settings: Navigate to the VR or Script UI section.
  3. Enable Core VR Features: For third-person titles, enable First-Person Mode and configure motion controls and comfort settings.
  4. In-VR Access: Some games allow menu access via wrist overlays or controller button combinations.

Part 3: Troubleshooting Common VR Issues

IssuePossible CauseSolution
Black/stuck headset screenGraphics/display conflict, VR runtime issueSwitch to Windowed/Borderless mode, restart SteamVR or Oculus, relaunch game
Rainbow/warped colorsHDR enabledDisable HDR in Windows or temporarily unplug HDR monitor
Choppy performanceHigh VR resolution or in-game settingsLower render resolution in SteamVR/Oculus; reduce Ray Tracing, Shadows, Volumetric Lighting
Game crashes on launchOutdated mod/game version, overlay conflictsUpdate REFramework, disable overlays (Discord, GeForce Experience, MSI Afterburner)
Menu not visible in VRKeybind or input issuesUse INSERT key on desktop; for wrist overlay, aim controller correctly without pressing buttons

Advanced Note: OpenVR vs OpenXR

By default, REFramework uses OpenVR. For Oculus/Meta headsets:

  1. Set Oculus/Meta as the default OpenXR runtime.
  2. Remove any openvr_api.dll in the game folder if present.
  3. Use VR-specific OpenXR REFramework files if provided by the mod author.

By following these steps, REFramework transforms traditional RE Engine games into fully immersive VR experiences, offering 6DOF tracking, motion controls, comfort settings, and roomscale support—unlocking a new level of interaction and realism.

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