By Hiro / Director of the VRC FBT Cat Research Institute
There’s also a video version available, and an updated 2025 edition is live.
What Exactly Is FBT?
“FBT” stands for Full-Body Tracking. In VRChat, the term has become a bit of a legend.
By attaching trackers to your body, your avatar can replicate your movements — not just your head and hands, but your hips, legs, and beyond.
For VRChat dancers, socializers, and role-players, FBT is the difference between “controlling a character” and being that character.
What Do You Need for FBT?
To get FBT working, you’ll need:
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A VR headset (HMD)
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Trackers (at minimum: waist + both feet)
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PC setup that supports SteamVR
Camera-based tracking options exist, but they’re still niche. For most people, it’s all about wearing trackers.
Pro tip: I usually recommend wired PC VR headsets like the Valve Index — fewer tracking hiccups compared to wireless. But if you’re on Quest or Pico, you can still set up FBT just fine.
First Steps: Try Before You Buy
If you’re just starting out, don’t throw hundreds of dollars at the first device you see. Instead:
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Try a camera-based FBT system (like TDPT). It’s dirt cheap and gives you a feel for what FBT actually is.
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Learn about motion fidelity and calibration before committing to hardware.
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If you’re on Quest, experiment with Virtual Desktop’s “virtual tracker” feature to expand your tracking points.
If you’re on a Pico 4 (or Ultra/Pro/Neo 3), skip straight to the Pico Motion Tracker. It’s by far the easiest entry point.
The Top Recommended Devices
1st Place: Vive Tracker 3.0 + Base Station 2.0 — ≈ $720
Still the gold standard.
Setup requires base stations, but once installed, the tracking fidelity is unmatched. Motion is smooth, reliable, and consistent — something IMU-based systems still struggle to replicate.
Yes, the upfront cost is steep, but for serious VRChat dancers or long-term users, it’s the best investment.
2nd Place: Vive Ultimate Tracker (VUT) — ≈ 0
Great performance, but aimed more at advanced users.
The VUT cuts down on calibration compared to IMU systems and offers solid motion fidelity. The downside? It’s bulky, picky about lighting, and not as plug-and-play as you’d hope.
If you can tolerate the quirks, it’s a solid option — but many still prefer the classic Vive Tracker setup.
3rd Place: TDPT — ≈
The cheapest way to try FBT.
All you need is a webcam or even your smartphone, and you can see what it’s like to have your full body represented in VRChat.
Don’t expect high accuracy, but it’s a no-risk way to test the waters before dropping serious money.
4th Place: Pico Motion Tracker — –6
Perfect if you’re already a Pico 4 user.
Two ankle trackers (≈ $80 each) are enough to unlock basic FBT, and you can expand up to five points for more detailed motion.
It’s affordable, easy to set up, doesn’t require base stations, and has a crazy-long battery life (around 25 hours).
For beginners, this is the most accessible path to FBT right now.
5th Place: Haritora X2 — ≈ 0
Made by Shiftall, this is an IMU-based suit with 8 tracking points.
Setup is faster than Vive Trackers, but you’ll deal with more frequent calibration and drift. Tracking fidelity is decent — not Vive-level, but better than most IMU competitors like Sony’s mocopi.
If you want FBT without installing base stations, this is worth a look.
A Word of Caution: Buying from Resellers
On platforms like BOOTH, you’ll find DIY kits and SlimeVR bundles at tempting prices. But beware:
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Some require extra batteries or technical know-how.
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A few shady sellers delete posts, dodge responsibility, or even smear customers when problems arise (I’ve been burned myself).
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Always check for proper Japanese certifications (Giteki, PSE).
If you’re not 100% confident, stick with established manufacturers.
Key Takeaways
FBT used to be a rare, expensive luxury. Now, we have a buffet of options — but that also makes it overwhelming to choose.
Here’s the bottom line:
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Just try it first (TDPT for $4, or Pico Motion Tracker if you’re on Pico).
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Don’t get caught up in “more trackers = better.” Motion fidelity and setup hassle matter more than raw point count.
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Vive Tracker 3.0 is still king. If you want the best, save up for it.
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Pico Motion Tracker is the best beginner entry point.
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Haritora X2 is a decent middle ground if you want FBT without base stations.
Most people who quit FBT do so within 1–2 months because of the hassle. So whatever you choose, prioritize ease of setup.
Want to Chat About FBT?
If you love FBT, want advice, or just need help deciding, we’ve got a community group: “Beginner FBT Consultation & Teach/Learn Gatherings.”
I also host VRChat meetups around 9 PM where you can try things out and ask questions.
Come join us — the world of FBT is a lot more fun when shared.