VRChat: Getting Started Guide

Creating Your Avatar#

So, you’re ready to dive into VRChat, and you want to look your best. The first step to standing out in this virtual world is creating your very own avatar. It’s like your digital costume, and trust us, it can be as wild, stylish, or downright strange as you want it to be. Let’s break down the process.

Finding the Right Base Model#

Before you can start customizing, you need to choose a base model. Think of it like picking a blank slate. VRChat has a good variety of pre-made avatars you can use right off the bat. To find them, start by:

Browsing the Avatar Menu: While in VRChat, open the main menu and click on ‘Avatars’. This will bring up a bunch of default avatars you can choose from.
Using the Worlds (Public or Community): Some worlds are specifically designed to let you browse user-created avatars. Search for ‘Avatar Worlds’ in the World Menu and hop into one of them. You’ll find tons of avatars made by other players.

Customizing Your Avatar#

Once you’ve settled on a base model, it’s time to add your personal flair. Here’s how you go about it:

VRChat’s Built-In Options:
- For pre-made avatars, the customization is limited but still fun. Use the ‘Expressions’ menu to change faces or poses if the avatar supports it.
Using VRM Models:
- This is for when you’re ready to step up your game. You can create or download a VRM model from services like VRoid Studio. Here’s a quick guide:
  - Create your character in VRoid Studio.
  - Export the model as a vrm file.
  - Use software like Unity with the VRChat SDK to import and set up the model. (VRChat provides a comprehensive guide for this on their website).

Advanced Customization with Unity#

If you’re looking to really personalize your avatar, you’ll need to use Unity. Here’s a simplified rundown:

Download and Install Unity:
- VRChat currently uses Unity 2019.4.29f1, so make sure you download the right version.
- Also, download the VRChat SDK from the VRChat website.
Creating Your Project:
- Open Unity and create a new 3D project.
- Import the VRChat SDK to your project (Assets > Import Package > Custom Package).
Adding Your Avatar:
- Import your VRM file to Unity.
- Use the VRChat SDK Control Panel to add your avatar. You can find this under VRChat SDK > Show Control Panel.
- Set up the necessary components (like colliders and descriptors), following the VRChat Avatar guidelines.
Uploading Your Avatar:
- Once everything is set, click ‘Build & Publish’ in the VRChat SDK Control Panel.
- Follow the prompts to name and categorize your avatar.
- Upload it, and it’ll be available in the Avatar menu under ‘My Creations’ in VRChat.

Getting Inspired#

Feeling a bit stuck or need some ideas? Check out VRChat’s community forums or hop into the game and see what other players are rocking. Creativity runs wild in VRChat, so don’t be afraid to mix and match styles until something feels just right.

Key Tips#

Experiment Freely: Don’t be afraid to try different looks. VRChat is all about self-expression.
Join the Community: Get feedback and inspiration from other users.
Practice Makes Perfect: If you’re using Unity for the first time, take your time to learn and practice. There are plenty of tutorials online.

Conclusion#

Creating your avatar in VRChat is more than just picking a look; it’s an extension of your identity in the digital world. Whether you’re using the pre-made options or venturing into custom models with Unity, the key is to have fun and let your personality shine through. Happy avatar crafting!

Understanding Basic Controls#

So, you’ve just jumped into VRChat. The virtual universe might be a bit overwhelming at first, but don’t worry—we’re here to help you get a grip on the basics. Whether you’re using a VR headset or hopping in from your PC, mastering the controls is your first step to becoming a VRChat pro.

VR Mode Controls#

If you’re using a VR headset, controls can vary a bit depending on your specific gear (like Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, or Valve Index), but here’s a general breakdown:

Movement: Use your thumbsticks or trackpad to move around. The left stick typically handles walking or running, while the right stick lets you rotate your view.
Teleportation: Some VR setups allow you to teleport. Point your controller where you want to go, and press the appropriate button (usually a trigger or grip button).
Interacting: To interact with objects, press the trigger button on your controller. It’s like using your hands in the real world—grab, poke, or throw stuff around.
Menu Navigation: Open the main menu by pressing the menu button (often found on the left controller). Use your thumbsticks or trackpad to navigate through options like avatars, worlds, and settings.
Voice Chat: Hold down the trigger or designated button to activate voice chat. This lets you communicate with other players, just like using a walkie-talkie.

Desktop Mode Controls#

No VR headset? No problem. You can still dive into VRChat using your PC. Here’s how the controls shake down in desktop mode:

Movement: Use the WASD keys to move around—W to go forward, S to step back, A to shift left, and D to move right.
Jumping: Hit the spacebar to jump. You’d be surprised how handy this can be when navigating through different worlds.
Looking Around: Move your mouse to change your view. This helps you look around and check out your surroundings.
Interacting: The left mouse button is your go-to for interacting. Click on buttons, pick up items, or wave to a friend.
Menu Navigation: Press Escape to bring up the menu. From here, you can toggle settings, swap avatars, or set your destination to new worlds.
Voice Chat: Press and hold V to talk. It’s a push-to-talk system, so no accidental broadcasting your background noise.

Customizing Controls#

One of the best things about VRChat is its flexibility. You can tweak the controls to better match your style:

In VR: Go to your VRChat Settings menu while in VR mode. There, you’ll find options to adjust your grip sensitivity, rebind buttons, and adjust locomotion preferences to prevent any motion sickness.
On Desktop: Head to the Settings menu by pressing Escape, then navigate to Controls. Here you can rebind keys and adjust mouse sensitivity to ensure everything is just right.

Hot Tips for New Players#

Practice Makes Perfect: Spend some time in quieter worlds to get used to the controls. Try out different movements and interactions so you’re comfortable before diving into more crowded areas.
Use Safety Settings: VRChat has a Safety menu where you can adjust settings to limit interactions with unknown players. This is handy if you want to avoid trolls or just need some peace.
Shortcuts Are Your Friend: Learn a few keyboard shortcuts to make your experience smoother. For example, pressing R can instantly respawn your avatar back to the start of the current world.

Getting familiar with these basic controls will make your VRChat experience a lot smoother and way more fun. So, dive in, explore the endless worlds, and don’t be afraid to make new friends along the way!

Navigating the VRChat World#

Alright, so you’ve got VRChat downloaded and you’re ready to jump into a world of endless possibilities. But wait, how do you actually get around in this crazy virtual universe? Don’t worry, we got you covered. Here’s how you can navigate VRChat without feeling lost.

The Basics: Your Home Base#

When you first log into VRChat, you’ll start in your Home world. Think of this as your personal little corner of VRChat. It’s a safe place where you can chill, customize your avatar, and get the hang of things before heading out into the wider world.

To move in VRChat, use the WASD keys on your keyboard if you’re on a PC. For VR headset users, you can walk around physically or use your thumbsticks to move smoothly or teleport around.

Visiting Other Worlds#

The fun part about VRChat is exploring new worlds. There are tons of them, ranging from nightclubs and cafes to fantasy lands and outer space adventures. Here’s how you visit them:

Open the Quick Menu: Press the ESC key on the keyboard or press B on your VR controller.
Worlds Tab: Click on the Worlds tab. Here you’ll see a bunch of worlds listed. Explore featured worlds, popular ones, or search for something specific.
Pick a World: Found a world that looks interesting? Click on it, then hit the Go or “Join” button. Voilà, you’re teleporting!

Interacting with Objects and People#

VRChat is all about social interaction and having fun. When you’re in a world, you can interact with items and other players to make your experience even cooler.

Talking and Emoting#

Chatting with friends or making new ones? Here’s how you can communicate:

Speak: Hold down the V key (PC) to talk. VR headset users often have voice chat on by default.
Emotes: Open the Quick Menu, go to Emojis, and select an emote like waving, dancing, or making silly faces.

Picking Things Up#

Want to grab a drink, play with a toy, or just pick up something off the floor? Here’s how:

Use the Left Mouse Button (PC) to click and hold objects.
On VR controllers, use the Grip buttons to grab.

Navigating your menu and settings efficiently is super important. Here’s how you can tweak settings to your liking:

Avatar: Go to the Avatars tab in your Quick Menu to pick or customize your avatar. There are tons of models you can choose from or even upload your own.
User Settings: Open the Quick Menu and find the Settings tab. Here you can adjust things like graphics, audio, and controls to better match your setup.
Friends and Social: Want to make friends or join a friend’s world? Head to the Social tab in the Quick Menu. You’ll see your friends list, friend requests, and options to join friends in their current worlds.

Pro Tips for Getting Around#

Portal Drops: Friends can drop portals to other worlds. Walk into the portal to join them.
Flight Mode: Some worlds allow flying. If enabled, double-tap the Spacebar (PC) or specific button on VR controllers to take to the skies.
Teleportation: For quick navigation, hold down the Shift key (PC) or use the thumbstick on VR controllers to bring up teleportation markers.

Safety First#

Remember, VRChat is a huge social platform, and with that comes the responsibility to stay safe and respectful.

Mute/Block Users: If someone is bothering you, open your Quick Menu, click on their avatar, and choose Mute or Block.
Report Issues: If you come across any inappropriate behavior or content, report it using the Safety settings in your Quick Menu.

That’s it! You’re now equipped with all the basics to start navigating the VRChat world. Dive in, explore, and most importantly, have fun!

Joining Your First Room#

So, you’ve just put on your VR headset or fired up VRChat on your PC. Now, it’s time to join your first room. This is where the real fun begins. Let’s walk through the steps to get you into your first virtual hangout spot.

Step 1: Completing the Tutorial#

When you first log into VRChat, you’ll find yourself in a tutorial area. This space is designed to get you familiar with the basic controls and interface. Take a few minutes to get comfortable here. You’ll learn how to move around, interact with objects, and communicate with other players. Once you’ve got the basics down, you’re ready to explore!

Press your menu button to bring up the VRChat menu. If you’re on a VR headset, this is usually one of the buttons on your controller. If you’re on a PC, hit the Escape key. The menu looks like a tablet screen with a bunch of icons and options. Don’t worry, it might seem overwhelming at first, but you’ll get the hang of it in no time.

Step 3: Navigating to the Worlds Tab#

In the menu, look for the ‘Worlds’ tab. This is essentially a portal to countless user-created rooms you can join. You’ll see a wide variety of rooms with different themes, from cozy cafes and nightclubs to massive, fantastical landscapes.

Step 4: Browsing and Searching#

Take some time to browse through the worlds. VRChat categorizes rooms into several sections:

Popular: The most visited rooms.
Friends: Rooms where your friends are hanging out.
Recent: Rooms you recently visited.
Favorites: Rooms you’ve marked to come back to later.
New: Recently created or updated rooms.

If you have something specific in mind, use the search bar at the top of the ‘Worlds’ tab. Type in keywords like “coffee” or “park,” and hit Enter to see what pops up.

Step 5: Joining a Room#

Once you find a room that piques your interest, click on its thumbnail. A detailed window will pop up, showing you more about that room, like a description, the number of players inside, and any special rules. If it all looks good, hit the ‘Join’ button. You’ll be teleported to that room, and the adventure begins!

Step 6: Navigating Your New Space#

When you enter a new room, take a moment to look around and get familiar with your surroundings. Move around using your joystick or keyboard (WASD keys usually work). If you’re in VR, you might need to use a teleport or smooth locomotion, depending on your comfort level.

You’ll likely see other avatars strolling around, chatting, and doing their thing. Feel free to walk up and introduce yourself. Don’t be shy! Most people on VRChat are pretty friendly and eager to meet new folk.

Tips for Your First Room Experience#

Check Room Capacity: It’s always a good idea to check how many people are in a room before you join. Some rooms can get pretty crowded, which can be overwhelming or laggy depending on your hardware.
Mind the Rules: Many rooms have specific rules. Look out for signs or messages that explain what you can and can’t do. Following these will ensure a better experience for everyone.
Friend Requests: Made a new friend? Send them a friend request so you can easily join them in future adventures. You can do this by clicking on their avatar and selecting ‘Send Friend Request’.

What’s Next?#

Now that you’ve joined your first room, the possibilities are endless. Explore different themes, meet new people, and perhaps even check out some mini-games or events. As you get more comfortable, you’ll discover more complex worlds and experiences. Enjoy the journey and make the most of your time in VR!

Ready to step into another dimension? Happy exploring!

Tips for New Players#

If you’ve just jumped into the eclectic world of VRChat, welcome aboard! It’s a wild, fun, and sometimes weird place. Here are some handy tips to help you get started and make the most out of your experience.

Customize Your Avatar#

Your avatar is a huge part of your identity in VRChat. Start by experimenting with the different avatars available. There are hundreds of free ones you can choose from, ranging from realistic humans to quirky animals and fantastical creatures.

How to change your avatar#

Open the Quick Menu by pressing the ESC key or the menu button on your VR controller.
Select Avatars.
Browse through the available options and select one you like.

Don’t worry if you don’t get it right the first time. Changing avatars is super easy and you can do it whenever you want.

Learn the Controls#

The controls can be a bit overwhelming at first, but you’ll get the hang of them. Here are the basics:

Movement: Use WASD keys on the keyboard or the joystick on your VR controller.
Jump: Press the space bar or the corresponding button on your VR controller.
Interactions: Use the mouse or the trigger/touchpad on your VR controller to interact with objects or menus.

Take some time to walk around and get used to the controls in a less crowded place before diving into social interactions.

Explore Different Worlds#

One of the best things about VRChat is the endless variety of user-created worlds. From cozy cafes to vast fantasy landscapes, there’s something for everyone.

How to find new worlds#

Open the Quick Menu.
Select Worlds.
Browse through featured, trending, and various categories.
Click on a world you like and hit Go.

Don’t forget to favorite the worlds you love so you can easily find them later!

Use Safety Settings#

The social aspect of VRChat is amazing, but sometimes you might want a bit more control over who can interact with you. Make use of the safety settings to manage your experience.

Adjust safety settings#

Open Quick Menu.
Select Safety.
Customize the settings based on your comfort level.

For new players, the default settings are usually fine, but it’s good to know you have the option to adjust them.

Join and Create Friend Groups#

Making friends in VRChat can turn casual gaming into an unforgettable experience. Use the social features to add friends and join or create groups.

To add a friend#

Point at the person you want to add.
Open the Quick Menu and click on their name.
Select Friend.

You can keep track of your friends and see when they’re online so you can join them in different worlds or events.

Participate in Events#

VRChat hosts a multitude of events, from open mics and dance parties to game shows and discussions. These are great opportunities to meet new people and have fun.

Find events#

Head to the Events tab in the Quick Menu.
Browse upcoming events and click Interested on ones you want to attend.

Try to attend a few events to get a feel for the community and maybe even discover new interests.

Be Mindful of Etiquette#

While VRChat is generally a friendly place, it’s important to follow some basic etiquette:

Respect personal space: Don’t crowd other avatars.
Don’t spam: Avoid unnecessary noise or text spamming.
Be respectful: Treat others how you’d like to be treated.

Following these guidelines helps keep VRChat a fun and welcoming place for everyone.

Take Breaks#

Spending hours in VR can be exhausting. Remember to take regular breaks to rest your eyes and stay hydrated. Walk around a bit, stretch, and then jump back in feeling refreshed.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a VRChat pro. Dive in, explore, and most importantly, have fun!