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CONTROLS & HARDWARE / VISUAL FIELD GUIDE

Set up head and face tracking

Keep camera movement, avatar expressions and voice separate.

Getting startedSolo setup4 min read
No special ship required
01
STEP 1 OF 4

Choose the effect you want

Moving the camera and animating a face are different functions.

  1. 1

    Choose the effect you want

    Decide whether you want freer camera movement, facial animation or voice communication before changing settings.

    What you should see

    You know which feature and input device to configure.

    That did not happen

    A working camera does not prove the microphone is active, and a head tracker does not necessarily capture facial expressions.

    RSI face, voice and freelook guide, updated 11 February 2025; checked 14 October 2026
What do these words mean?
Freelook
Move your view independently through the supported input.
FOIP
Camera-derived facial expressions applied to the character.
VOIP
In-game voice communication through a microphone and selected channel.
Read the complete guide as text

The same published instructions in one readable view. Use the steps above for controls and practice panels.

Choose the effect you want

Moving the camera and animating a face are different functions.

Choose the effect you want

Decide whether you want freer camera movement, facial animation or voice communication before changing settings.

Expected result: You know which feature and input device to configure.

If it did not work: A working camera does not prove the microphone is active, and a head tracker does not necessarily capture facial expressions.

Freelook
Move your view independently through the supported input.
FOIP
Camera-derived facial expressions applied to the character.
VOIP
In-game voice communication through a microphone and selected channel.

Try manual freelook first

The existing mouse input provides a useful baseline.

Try manual freelook first

Separate controls: Z

RSI documented default; your saved binding may differ.

While stationary, use the documented freelook input and move the mouse to look around.

Expected result: You recognize the difference between looking around and ordinary steering or aiming.

If it did not work: Inspect your current freelook assignment if this input does nothing. Keep it available as a fallback.

Select the intended camera

The game can detect more than one camera or mode.

Select the intended camera

Separate controls: Esc

Options > Comms, FoIP, & Head Tracking

Enable facial tracking and choose the intended camera and a suitable detected mode in the tracking options.

Expected result: The preview uses the camera you intended.

If it did not work: Close a competing camera application or select the correct device. Do not disable every other imaging device as a first step.

Calibrate in your normal posture

Lighting and face position affect calibration.

Calibrate in your normal posture

Face the screen naturally with a neutral expression and use the calibration option.

Expected result: The calibration preview reports success and tracks the face.

If it did not work: Improve even lighting and keep the face visible before retrying. Facial markers alone do not replace a successful calibration status.

Version history

Sources & guide information

Official sources checked 14 October 2026. Documented guidance and labelled suggestions; no hands-on test claimed.. Reference information, not a claim of current-patch playtesting.

RSI face, voice and freelook guide, updated 11 February 2025; checked 14 October 2026RSI tracking troubleshooting, updated 4 February 2026; checked 14 October 2026