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New VR Hand Collision, Optimized Performance & More in Unreal Engine 5: Head Mounted VR 3.0 Devlog #1

We’re excited to share the first devlog "New VR Hand Collision, Optimized Performance & More in Unreal Engine 5" for our Head-Mounted VR Plugin 3.0 update—a massive leap forward for immersive hand interactions in Unreal Engine. Dive into new physics-driven features, performance optimizations, and see how we’re raising the bar for indie VR development. Ready to level up your project?

Short Showcase

Content of "New VR Hand Collision, Optimized Performance & More in Unreal Engine 5" Devlog

Key Features

  • VR Hand Auto Rotation: "Align hands seamlessly to surfaces – Automatically adjust rotation to match nearest objects, just like Half-Life: Alyx."

  • Physics Asset-Based Hand Collision: Ditch component-based collisions – New system uses a physics assets-driven approach for smoother interactions and small ms latency.

  • Multiple Finger IK Presets: Grab, grip, and interact naturally – Switch between finger presets (inspired by Half-Life: Alyx) for different objects. Customize grips for tools, weapons, or delicate items.

  • Primitive Snap for Grab Components: Precision alignment made easy – Snap hands to cylinders, spheres, lines, or squares. Automatically match hand orientation (e.g., cylinder’s up vector) for realistic object handling.

Behind the Scenes of 3.0 Update

VR Hand Auto Rotation

When the player wants to grab an object, this feature suggests the best orientation for the hand, aligning it seamlessly to the nearest surface. Automatically adjust rotation to match objects for intuitive and immersive interactions.

VR Hand Auto Rotation in Unreal Engine 5
VR Hand Auto Rotation in Unreal Engine 5

Inspired by Half-Life: Alyx

The auto-rotation feature is inspired by mechanics in Half-Life: Alyx, where the hand always aligns perfectly with objects. This creates a seamless blend with the environment, making interactions feel natural and immersive. Our implementation takes this concept and adapts it for developers using Unreal Engine, ensuring the same level of precision and fluidity.

Optional Feature

We understand that every project is unique, so this feature is entirely optional. Developers can easily toggle it on or off based on the needs of their VR experience. Whether you want precise hand alignment or prefer manual control, the choice is yours.

Physics Asset-Based Hand Collision

Why We Rebuilt Collisions

Our new physics asset-driven system replaces the old weld-style component approach, delivering smoother interactions and low ms latency—critical for maintaining immersion in fast-paced VR environments. The old component method will be still available in the VR Hand Blueprint settings.

Why It Matters

  • Performance

  • Easy Integration

New VR Hand Physics Asset in Unreal Engine 5
New VR Hand Physics Asset in Unreal Engine 5

Multiple Finger IK Presets

This feature allows you to switch between multiple finger IK configurations, inspired by the innovative mechanics in Half-Life: Alyx. With this, you can customize grips for various objects — ensuring your VR hands adapt naturally to different interactions.

New VR Hand Multiple Finger IK Preset feature in Unreal Engine 5
New VR Hand Multiple Finger IK Preset Feature in Unreal Engine 5
New VR Hand Multiple Finger IK Preset Feature in Unreal Engine 5 | Settings
New VR Hand Multiple Finger IK Preset Feature in Unreal Engine 5 | Settings

Inspired by Half-Life: Alyx

Half-Life:Alyx Multiple Finger IK Preset Feature
Half-Life:Alyx Multiple Finger IK Preset Feature

Primitive Snap for Grab Components

Precision alignment made easy – Snap hands to cylinders, spheres, lines, or squares. Automatically match hand orientation (e.g., cylinder’s up vector) for realistic object handling.

Primitive Snap for Grab Components | VR Hands In Unreal Engine 5
Primitive Snap for Grab Components | VR Hands In Unreal Engine 5
Primitive Snap for Grab Components | VR Hands In Unreal Engine 5 | Settings
Primitive Snap for Grab Components | VR Hands In Unreal Engine 5 | Settings

Conclusion

The Head Mounted VR Plugin 3.0 update represents a significant step forward in VR development for Unreal Engine. With features like Auto Hand Rotation, Physics Asset-Based Hand Collision, Multiple Finger IK Presets, and Primitive Snap for Grab Components, developers now have access to tools that enhance immersion and interaction. Inspired by industry-leading titles like Half-Life: Alyx but tailored for flexibility, these tools empower indie developers to achieve AAA-quality experiences.


This update is not just a performance boost but also a major functional expansion, providing developers with tools that blend seamlessly into their projects. Whether you're building the next groundbreaking VR game or experimenting with immersive environments, the 3.0 update offers the performance, precision, and customization you need. Stay tuned for future devlogs as we continue to innovate and refine the plugin to support your VR projects!


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