SteamVR 2.18 fixes async reprojection on AMD, adds USB tethered Quest streaming
Valve's SteamVR 2.18 stable release includes multiple Linux-specific fixes for AMD GPUs, GPU selection, and OpenXR startup, alongside new Quest USB tethering and a default Aurora environment.
Summary
Valve released SteamVR 2.18 with platform-wide fixes and new features. Linux users gain corrected async reprojection on AMD, proper hybrid GPU selection, systemd-less compatibility, and resolved OpenXR launch crashes. The update also adds USB tethered streaming for Meta Quest headsets and makes Aurora the default VR environment.
Linux and platform fixes in SteamVR 2.18
- AMD async reprojection: Fixed failing async reprojection on AMD GPUs, a critical performance feature for smooth VR rendering on Linux
- Hybrid GPU systems: Fixed GPU selection on machines with both discrete and integrated graphics
- Systemd independence: Restored compatibility with Linux distributions that do not use systemd
- OpenXR startup: Eliminated crashes when launching OpenXR games if SteamVR was not already running
- Driver compatibility: Removed VK_KHR_maintenance_9 requirement to support older graphics drivers on Linux
- Steam Frame: Controllers now default to gamepad input in VR games lacking native VR input support; eye openness data exposed via OSC (requires SteamOS 0.4.3+)
- Quest USB tethering: New wired streaming option over USB, requiring latest Steam Link app on Quest
Why it matters
The Linux fixes address long-standing pain points for VR on AMD hardware and non-standard distributions, while the VK_KHR_maintenance_9 removal extends support to older Mesa and proprietary driver installations. USB tethered Quest streaming provides a lower-latency alternative to WiFi for Steam Link users.
Original reference: www.gamingonlinux.com →