DOOM Eternal vs Half-Life: Alyx

• Perspective: First-Person
• Multiplayer: BATTLEMODE (2v1 Asymmetrical PvP), Horde Mode (Single-Player)
• Setting: Earth, Hell, Urdak, Sentinel Prime, Various Dimensions
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia (discontinued)
• Unique Feature: Aggressive Push-Forward Combat, Resource Management via Glory Kills/Chainsaw/Flame Belch, Advanced Traversal (Dash, Meathook), Deep Lore Expansion, Master Levels.

• Perspective: First-Person (VR)
• Multiplayer: None (Single-Player Only, with extensive mod support via Steam Workshop)
• Setting: City 17 & surrounding areas, Earth (Between Half-Life 1 & Half-Life 2)
• Platforms: PC (Windows - SteamVR Compatible)
• Unique Feature: Flagship VR Title, Gravity Gloves Interaction, Unprecedented VR Immersion & Detail, Continuation of Half-Life Story, Source 2 Modding Tools.

• None (Gameplay): The Doom Slayer fights entirely alone during the single-player campaign. There are no AI companions that directly assist in combat.
• VEGA (Guidance/Narrative): While not a combat companion, VEGA provides crucial mission information, manages the Fortress of Doom, and contributes significantly to the narrative and lore exposition.
  AI

• Russell (Via Radio Comms): While not physically present, Russell is Alyx's constant companion via radio communication. He provides mission objectives, guidance, technical support, lore exposition, and humorous commentary throughout the game. He is crucial for narrative progression and player guidance.
  Human
• None (Physical AI Combat Companions): Alyx undertakes her physical journey through City 17 alone. She does not have any AI-controlled combat companions that follow her or fight alongside her in the traditional sense, emphasizing her vulnerability and resourcefulness in the VR environment.

• Toys (Vinyl Figurines): Small, hidden collectible figures representing various demons, characters, and items from the Doom universe. Each level typically has 2-3 toys hidden in secret areas.
• Codex Pages: Lore entries found throughout levels that expand on the game's universe, characters, demons, locations, weapons, and the history of the Sentinels, Maykrs, and Hell. Essential for understanding the deeper narrative.
• Albums (Music Discs): Hidden collectible records featuring music tracks from previous id Software games (like classic Doom, Quake, Wolfenstein) and some original tracks. These can be listened to in the Doom Slayer's room in the Fortress of Doom.
• Cheat Codes: Floppy disk-like items hidden in levels that unlock various cheat codes (e.g., infinite ammo, all runes, specific suit modes). Once found, cheats can be enabled when replaying missions but disable Slayer Gate access.
• Praetor Suit Points: Tokens carried by ghostly Sentinel guards or found in caches. Used to upgrade the Praetor Suit's abilities and systems.
• Sentinel Crystals: Crystals that allow the Slayer to choose between upgrading maximum Health, Armor, or Ammunition capacity. Unlocking both linked upgrades on a crystal grants an additional passive perk.
• Empyrean Keys: Earned by completing challenging Slayer Gates (optional combat encounters with high difficulty). Used in the Fortress of Doom to unlock the Unmaykr weapon.
• Sentinel Batteries: Power sources found in levels or earned from completing mission challenges. Used in the Fortress of Doom to unlock rooms containing collectibles like Praetor Suit Points, Runes, or cosmetic skins.

• Resin: Small, orange, cylindrical pieces of Combine material found scattered throughout all levels, often in crates, shelves, or hidden nooks. Collected and used at Combine Fabricator stations to upgrade Alyx's three main weapons (Pistol, Shotgun, SMG).
• Ammo (Pistol Clips, Shotgun Shells, SMG Power Cells): Found in Combine supply crates, on defeated enemies, or in the environment. Essential for combat. Alyx can store a limited amount on her person and in her backpack.
• Health Syringes: Medical items that restore Alyx's health. Found in medical kits, bathrooms, or sometimes dropped by Combine medics. Stored in wrist slots for quick access.
• Combine Grenades: Standard fragmentation grenades used by the Combine. Can be found in the environment or taken from defeated enemies. Stored in wrist slots.
• Grub Nests / Antlion Grubs (Healing Items - Minor): In Xen-infested areas, Alyx can find Antlion grubs in nests. Crushing them provides a small amount of healing. A nod to Half-Life 2: Episode Two.
• Vodka Bottles (For Jeff sequence): Specific to Chapter 7: Jeff. Vodka bottles are used as throwable distractions to lure the sound-sensitive creature Jeff away from Alyx's path.
• Battery Cells (For Multi-Tool Puzzles): Small cylindrical batteries that must be found and inserted into specific slots to power up doors, lifts, or other machinery as part of environmental puzzles solved with the Multi-Tool.
• Hidden Gnome Chompski (Easter Egg): A single, well-hidden garden gnome. Finding it and carrying it to a specific later point in the game unlocks an achievement, referencing a long-running Valve gag.

• Demonic Invasion
• Saving Humanity
• Hell on Earth
• Interdimensional Warfare
• Ancient Alien Civilizations (Sentinels & Maykrs)
• The Doom Slayer's Rage
• Apocalyptic Power
• Resource Management
• Fast-Paced Combat
• Lore Expansion

• Alien Occupation & Resistance
• Father-Daughter Relationship
• Hope in Oppression
• Scientific Discovery & Peril
• Body Horror (Headcrabs
• Xen Creatures)
• Totalitarian Control (The Combine)
• VR Immersion
• Prequel Story
• Environmental Storytelling

• Combat Shotgun (Mods: Sticky Bombs, Full Auto): Shotgun (Versatile)
  A reliable early-game shotgun. Sticky Bombs provide ranged explosive capabilities, while Full Auto turns it into a rapid-fire close-quarters weapon.
• Heavy Cannon (Mods: Precision Bolt, Micro Missiles): Assault Rifle (Precision/Burst)
  A versatile automatic rifle. Precision Bolt offers a scoped, high-damage single shot, while Micro Missiles launch a volley of small rockets.
• Plasma Rifle (Mods: Heat Blast, Microwave Beam): Energy Rifle (Sustained/Focused Damage)
  Fires rapid plasma projectiles. Heat Blast unleashes a shockwave after sustained fire. Microwave Beam locks onto and stuns enemies, eventually causing them to explode.
• Rocket Launcher (Mods: Remote Detonate, Lock-On Burst): Explosive Launcher (Area/Focused Damage)
  Fires powerful rockets. Remote Detonate allows manual explosion. Lock-On Burst fires a three-rocket salvo at a targeted enemy.
• Super Shotgun (Meathook): Shotgun (Close Range, Mobility)
  Iconic double-barreled shotgun with immense close-range damage. The Meathook attachment allows the Slayer to grapple onto enemies, pulling himself towards them or setting them on fire.
• Ballista (Mods: Arbalest, Destroyer Blade): Energy Projectile (Heavy Damage/Utility)
  Fires a powerful energy bolt. Arbalest charges a high-damage explosive shot. Destroyer Blade launches a wide, short-range energy wave that can clear groups.
• Chaingun (Mods: Mobile Turret, Energy Shield): Automatic Firearm (High Rate of Fire)
  A gatling-style weapon. Mobile Turret deploys four barrels for devastating sustained fire (at the cost of movement). Energy Shield provides frontal protection while firing.
• BFG-9000: Ultimate Weapon (Area Clearing)
  Fires a large plasma orb that tethers to and damages multiple enemies in a wide area. Extremely powerful with limited ammunition.
• Unmaykr: Ultimate Weapon (Focused Energy Barrage)
  An ancient Sentinel weapon unlocked using Empyrean Keys. Fires a rapid spread of energy projectiles, sharing ammo with the BFG. More focused damage than the BFG.
• Crucible: Melee (Ultimate Blade)
  A powerful Sentinel energy sword capable of instantly killing most standard demons with a single strike. Has limited charges replenished by finding Crucible pickups.
• Doomblade: Melee (Integrated Arm Blade)
  The Slayer's retractable arm blade, primarily used for Glory Kills and Blood Punch attacks.
• Chainsaw: Utility/Melee (Ammo Generation)
  Instantly kills most demons (except Super Heavy) and causes them to drop a large amount of ammunition. Requires fuel, which recharges over time or via pickups.
• Equipment Launcher (Frag Grenade, Ice Bomb): Shoulder-Mounted Utility
  Allows the Slayer to fire Frag Grenades for area damage or Ice Bombs to freeze enemies, making them vulnerable or easier to manage. Upgradable.
• Flame Belch: Shoulder-Mounted Utility (Armor Generation)
  Sets enemies on fire. Damaging ignited enemies causes them to drop armor shards. Upgradable.
• Blood Punch: Melee (Empowered Strike)
  A powerful shockwave melee attack charged by performing Glory Kills. Can break enemy defenses or deal significant area damage. Upgradable.
• Sentinel Hammer (DLC - The Ancient Gods Part Two): Melee/Utility (Area Stun/Resource Generation)
  A powerful warhammer that creates a shockwave, stunning demons and causing them to drop health/ammo when combined with Flame Belch or Ice Bomb.

• Pistol (USP Match / Alyx's Pistol): Handgun (Semi-Automatic)
  Alyx's starting weapon. A reliable semi-automatic pistol. Can be upgraded with a reflex sight, laser sight, extended magazine, and a burst fire module.
• Shotgun (Modified Winchester 1887 / 'Old Reliable'): Shotgun (Pump-Action/Lever-Action Hybrid)
  A powerful close-quarters weapon. Can be upgraded with a laser sight, double shot capability (fires two shells at once), and a grenade launcher attachment (fires explosive grenades).
• SMG (Combine Pulse Submachine Gun): Submachine Gun (Automatic)
  A rapid-firing Combine weapon. Can be upgraded with an extended magazine, laser sight, and reflex sight. Effective against groups or for sustained fire.
• Gravity Gloves ('Russells'): Utility Tool / Pseudo-Weapon
  Not a traditional weapon, but Alyx's primary tool for interacting with the environment. Allows her to target and flick distant objects (ammo, Resin, health syringes, physics objects) into her hands. Can be used offensively by throwing explosive objects or heavy items at enemies.
• Grenades (Combine Grenades): Throwable Explosive
  Standard fragmentation grenades found in the environment or dropped by Combine soldiers. Can be stored in wrist slots and thrown physically by the player.
• Multi-Tool: Utility Tool (Hacking/Puzzle Solving)
  A handheld device used to hack Combine interfaces, disable force fields, solve electrical circuit puzzles by redirecting power, and scan objects for information.
• Xen Grenades / Snarks (Implied/Contextual): Organic Throwable (From Xen Creatures)
  Players can often find and throw explosive Xen flora (like 'Boom Blobs') or potentially use Snark-like creatures found in specific containers, though these are environmental interactions rather than equippable weapons.

• Praetor Suit: The Doom Slayer's advanced combat armor. Provides base protection (Armor points) and can be upgraded with Praetor Suit Points to enhance various systems: Fundamentals (health, armor, ammo capacity), Environment (resistance to hazards), Frag Grenade, Ice Bomb, and Flame Belch (capacity, cooldowns, effects). Armor is a resource that absorbs damage before health and can be replenished by Flame Belching enemies or finding armor pickups.
• Runes: Up to three Runes can be equipped at a time, providing powerful passive abilities and buffs. Examples include 'Savagery' (faster Glory Kills), 'Seek and Destroy' (longer Glory Kill range), 'Air Control' (better mid-air maneuverability), 'Dazed and Confused' (longer enemy stagger time), 'Saving Throw' (survive one fatal blow).
• Sentinel Crystals: Collectible items that allow the Slayer to choose between upgrading maximum Health, Armor, or Ammunition capacity. Unlocking both upgrades on a crystal grants an additional passive perk.

• No Equipable Armor System: Alyx Vance does not have an equipable armor system where players can find or upgrade different pieces of armor for stat boosts. Her survivability is based on her base health, which can be restored using Health Syringes found in the environment or from Health Stations. Player skill in combat, using cover effectively, and managing resources are key to survival.
• Health Syringes & Health Stations: Health Syringes are consumable items stored in Alyx's wrist slots that provide instant healing. Wall-mounted Health Stations can also be found, allowing Alyx to restore her health by interacting with them (often requiring a puzzle or power to activate).

• Doom Slayer Armor Skins: Players can unlock a wide variety of cosmetic skins for the Doom Slayer's Praetor Suit. These are earned through game progression, completing challenges, finding secrets, linking accounts (e.g., Slayers Club), participating in in-game events, or via DLC/Deluxe Edition. Skins range from classic Doomguy looks to unique demonic or Sentinel-themed designs but offer no gameplay advantages.
• Weapon Skins: Similarly, many weapons have unlockable cosmetic skins that change their appearance without altering their stats or functionality. Earned through similar methods as armor skins.
• Player Profile Customization (Podiums, Animations, Icons, Titles - BATTLEMODE): In BATTLEMODE, players can customize their Slayer and Demon podiums, intro/victory animations, profile icons, and titles to personalize their online presence.

• Alyx Vance's Standard Attire: Alyx wears a consistent outfit throughout the game, consisting of a practical jacket (often with a Black Mesa logo reference), shirt, pants, and her iconic fingerless gloves which house her health/ammo display and are part of the Gravity Glove system. There are no player-controlled clothing customization options for Alyx; her appearance is fixed for the narrative.
• Gravity Gloves ('Russells'): These are a key piece of Alyx's gear, not clothing in the traditional sense, but visually distinct. They are black and yellow and integral to her ability to interact with the VR world. They are not customizable in appearance.

• None (Player Controlled for Traversal)
  The Doom Slayer primarily traverses environments on foot, utilizing his advanced mobility (double jump, dash, climbing, meathook). There are no player-controlled vehicles like cars or bikes for general traversal.
• Fortress of Doom (Hub): Celestial Space Station / Hub World
  The Doom Slayer's mobile headquarters. While not a 'vehicle' in the traditional sense, it travels between dimensions and serves as a central hub where the player can access collectibles, upgrade weapons and suit, practice in a training room (Ripatorium), and select missions. It is not directly piloted by the player during gameplay missions.
• Contextual/Environmental Vehicles (e.g., Demonic Machinery, Lifts): Interactive Environment Elements
  Levels may feature lifts, jump pads, teleporters, or large pieces of demonic/Sentinel machinery that the Slayer interacts with for progression or traversal, but these are not freely pilotable vehicles.

• None (Player Controlled for General Traversal)
  Alyx Vance traverses all environments on foot using various VR locomotion options (Teleport, Shift, Continuous). There are no player-controlled vehicles like cars, bikes, or aircraft for general navigation in the game.
• Combine Razor Train (Contextual / Environmental): Mass Transit / Enemy Transport
  The iconic Combine Razor Trains are present in City 17's environment and feature in some scripted sequences or as background elements, but Alyx does not pilot or directly control them.
• Lifts & Elevators (Environmental): Mechanical Traversal
  Various lifts and elevators are found within levels, providing vertical traversal. Alyx interacts with them to move between floors or different sections of a facility.

• Doom Slayer (The Slayer / Doomguy): Protagonist
  The legendary, silent, and unstoppable warrior prophesied to destroy the forces of Hell. He is driven by pure rage and an unyielding determination to protect humanity and eradicate all demons. His origins and history with the Sentinels and Maykrs are further explored.
• VEGA: Ally / AI Assistant
  An advanced artificial intelligence originally from Mars, now integrated into the Slayer's Fortress of Doom. VEGA provides mission intel, manages the Fortress, and offers analytical support. Revealed to have a deeper connection to Urdak and The Father.
• Khan Maykr: Main Antagonist (Base Game)
  The supreme ruler of Urdak and the Maykr race. She orchestrates the invasion of Earth to produce Argent Energy, believing it necessary for her people's survival, making a pact with Hell.
• Hell Priests (Deag Nilox, Deag Ranak, Deag Grav): Antagonists / Lieutenants
  Three high-ranking priests of Hell, formerly Sentinels, who serve the Khan Maykr and are key targets for the Doom Slayer to disrupt Hell's invasion of Earth.
• The Betrayer (Valen): Supporting Character / Sentinel Exile
  A former Sentinel warrior who betrayed his people to Hell in exchange for the return of his son's life (who was turned into the Icon of Sin). He aids the Slayer with information and the Sentinel Hammer in the DLC.
• The Father (Voice): Entity / Creator Figure
  The supreme being of Urdak, creator of the Maykrs and potentially the multiverse. VEGA is a fragment of his consciousness. His true nature and intentions are a central part of the lore.
• Samuel Hayden (Seraphim - DLC): Ally / Ambiguous Figure
  The former head of the UAC on Mars, now revealed to be the Seraphim, a Maykr who aided the Slayer. He continues to play a complex role in the events of The Ancient Gods DLC.
• The Dark Lord (Davoth - DLC): Main Antagonist (The Ancient Gods)
  The true creator of Hell, Jekkad (later Hell), Urdak, and all dimensions, including the Maykrs and The Father. He is the ultimate adversary the Doom Slayer must face to end the eternal conflict.
• Intern (UAC Hologram - DLC): Supporting Character (Comic Relief - DLC)
  A UAC employee hologram encountered in The Ancient Gods - Part One, providing humorous commentary and minor assistance.

• Alyx Vance: Protagonist / Resistance Fighter
  The main playable character. A resourceful and skilled member of the human resistance against the Combine. Daughter of Dr. Eli Vance. She is determined, witty, and possesses a strong moral compass. The game explores her capabilities and resolve before she meets Gordon Freeman.
• Eli Vance: Supporting Character / Resistance Leader / Scientist
  Alyx's father, a brilliant scientist formerly of Black Mesa and a key leader in the resistance. His capture by the Combine at the start of the game is the catalyst for Alyx's mission.
• Russell: Ally / Resistance Technician & Inventor
  A quirky and humorous resistance member who communicates with Alyx via radio throughout her journey. He provides technical support, guidance, and invents crucial gear for Alyx, including the Gravity Gloves (which he calls 'Russells').
• Combine Overwatch (Various Voices/Units): Primary Antagonistic Force
  The military arm of the interdimensional Combine empire occupying Earth. They are cold, calculating, and technologically superior. Communicate via standardized radio chatter. Alyx confronts various soldier types and their technology.
• Vortigaunts: Allies / Enslaved Alien Species
  An alien species from Xen, formerly enslaved by the Nihilanth and now also oppressed by the Combine. Some Vortigaunts aid the resistance and Alyx, possessing unique energy-based abilities and cryptic wisdom.
• G-Man (Brief Appearance/Reference): Enigmatic Interdimensional Figure
  The mysterious, pan-dimensional 'bureaucrat' who has influenced events throughout the Half-Life series. His presence is felt, and he makes a pivotal appearance that recontextualizes past and future events.
• Dr. Judith Mossman (Mentioned/Implied): Scientist / Double Agent
  While not directly appearing in person for most of the game, her actions and involvement with Eli Vance and the Combine are referenced, linking to the broader Half-Life narrative.
• Headcrabs, Zombies, Barnacles, etc. (Xen Creatures): Antagonistic Fauna/Flora
  Various hostile lifeforms originating from the borderworld Xen, now infesting parts of City 17 due to Combine activity or portals.

• Campaign Story Missions (e.g., Hell on Earth, Exultia, Cultist Base, Doom Hunter Base, Nekravol, Urdak, Final Sin)
  A series of linear, action-packed levels where the Doom Slayer battles through demonic hordes across Earth, Hell, Urdak, and other dimensions to find and kill the Hell Priests, stop the Khan Maykr, and ultimately destroy the Icon of Sin. Each mission features intense combat arenas, platforming sections, secret hunting, and often culminates in a boss fight or major story development.
• Slayer Gates
  Optional, high-difficulty combat encounters found within campaign levels. Completing a Slayer Gate rewards an Empyrean Key, used to unlock the Unmaykr weapon in the Fortress of Doom. These are intense tests of skill against waves of tough demons.
• Secret Encounters
  Timed combat challenges hidden in levels. Completing them within the time limit (and sometimes with specific conditions) rewards Weapon Points for upgrading weapon mods.
• Master Levels (e.g., Super Gore Nest Master Level)
  Significantly harder, remixed versions of existing campaign levels with different enemy compositions, more aggressive AI, and increased resource scarcity. Designed for maximum challenge and replayability.
• The Ancient Gods - Part One & Part Two (DLC Campaigns)
  Two substantial story expansions that continue the Doom Slayer's narrative after the main game. Part One involves retrieving The Father's life sphere and stopping the Seraphim's plans. Part Two sees the Slayer leading Sentinel armies against the Dark Lord in the heart of Hell to end the eternal conflict.
• Horde Mode
  A wave-based survival mode where the Doom Slayer fights increasingly difficult waves of demons across various arenas to achieve a high score and unlock cosmetic rewards. Features rounds with different objectives and random buffs/debuffs.

• Main Story Chapters (Approximately 11 Chapters)
  A linear series of chapters that progress the narrative of Alyx Vance's mission to rescue her father, Eli Vance, from the Combine. This involves navigating various sectors of City 17, infiltrating Combine facilities, confronting Xen creatures, solving environmental puzzles using VR interactions and the Multi-Tool, and ultimately reaching a massive Combine Vault. Each chapter presents unique environments, challenges, and story developments.
• Environmental Puzzle Solving
  Throughout the levels, Alyx must solve various environmental puzzles to progress. These often involve using the Gravity Gloves to manipulate objects, finding and placing battery cells, rewiring circuits with the Multi-Tool (involving 3D holographic puzzles), disabling Combine security systems, or navigating hazardous terrain.
• Combat Encounters (Combine & Xen)
  Engage in intense first-person combat against Combine soldiers (various types with different weapons and tactics) and hostile Xen creatures (Headcrabs, Zombies, Barnacles, etc.). Combat emphasizes physically aiming, reloading weapons, using cover, and utilizing throwable items like grenades or environmental explosives.
• Stealth Sequences & Evasion
  Certain sections require or encourage stealthy approaches to bypass heavily armed Combine patrols, avoid waking dormant enemies, or navigate areas with unkillable threats like Jeff. This involves using cover, distractions, and careful movement.
• Resource Scavenging & Management
  Continuously search the environment for vital resources: Resin (for weapon upgrades), ammunition for Alyx's three firearms, health syringes, Combine grenades, and other useful items. Efficiently managing these limited resources is key to survival.
• Weapon Upgrading (At Combine Fabricators)
  Locate Combine fabricator stations and spend collected Resin to unlock and apply various upgrades to Alyx's pistol, shotgun, and SMG, enhancing their capabilities (e.g., adding sights, extended magazines, alternate fire modes like a grenade launcher).

1. BATTLEMODE (2v1 PvP): An asymmetrical mode where two player-controlled demons team up against one fully-loaded Doom Slayer. Each demon has unique abilities and summons. 2. Invasion Mode (Canceled): A planned mode where players could invade another's campaign as a demon, which was ultimately canceled. Horde Mode was added as a single-player wave-based survival mode.

Available in Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition. Deluxe Edition included the Year One Pass (The Ancient Gods - Part One & Part Two DLCs), Demonic Slayer Skin, and Classic Weapon Sound Pack. A Collector's Edition included a wearable Doom Slayer Helmet replica, SteelBook, lore book, lithograph, and all Deluxe Edition digital content.

The main post-launch content was the two-part story expansion 'The Ancient Gods - Part One' and 'The Ancient Gods - Part Two,' which continue the Doom Slayer's story after the main campaign. Numerous free updates added Master Levels (remixed, harder campaign levels), new BATTLEMODE arenas and demons, cosmetic skins, and quality-of-life improvements like Horde Mode.

Valve released extensive modding tools (Source 2 SDK) for Half-Life: Alyx, leading to a vibrant community workshop scene with numerous custom maps, campaigns, and experiences created by users. No official story DLC or expansions have been released by Valve for Alyx.

• Q: Is DOOM Eternal a direct sequel to DOOM (2016)?
  A: Yes, DOOM Eternal directly continues the story of the Doom Slayer from where DOOM (2016) left off, expanding significantly on the lore and universe.
• Q: What is the 'Doom Dance' or 'Funky Fetus' combat loop?
  A: This refers to the core gameplay loop of DOOM Eternal: aggressively engaging demons, using Glory Kills on staggered enemies to regain health, using the Chainsaw on weaker demons for ammunition, and using the Flame Belch to set enemies on fire and make them drop armor shards when damaged. This constant resource management through offensive actions is key to survival.
• Q: What are Master Levels?
  A: Master Levels are remixed versions of campaign levels with significantly increased difficulty, different enemy placements, and new challenges. They are designed for experienced players seeking a greater test of skill.
• Q: How does the Meathook on the Super Shotgun work?
  A: The Meathook is a grappling hook attached to the Super Shotgun. It can latch onto demons, rapidly pulling the Slayer towards them. This is used for aggressive closing of distances, setting up close-range shotgun blasts, aerial maneuvering, and can be upgraded to set hooked enemies on fire (generating armor with Flame Belch).
• Q: What is BATTLEMODE?
  A: BATTLEMODE is DOOM Eternal's 2v1 asymmetrical multiplayer mode where two player-controlled demons (choosing from types like Mancubus, Marauder, Revenant, etc., each with unique abilities) fight against one fully kitted Doom Slayer. It's a best-of-five rounds mode focused on tactical team play for demons and aggressive skill for the Slayer.
• Q: Does DOOM Eternal have ray tracing?
  A: Yes, ray-traced reflections were added to DOOM Eternal in a post-launch update for PC (NVIDIA RTX and AMD RX 6000 series and newer) and current-gen consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X). This feature enhances visual quality but is demanding on hardware.

• Q: Is Half-Life: Alyx a VR-only game?
  A: Yes, Half-Life: Alyx was designed from the ground up exclusively for virtual reality and requires a compatible PC VR headset (like Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift/Quest with Link, Windows Mixed Reality) and motion controllers to play.
• Q: Where does Half-Life: Alyx fit into the Half-Life timeline?
  A: Half-Life: Alyx is a prequel set between the events of the original Half-Life and Half-Life 2. It takes place five years before Gordon Freeman's return in Half-Life 2.
• Q: Do I need to have played previous Half-Life games to understand Alyx?
  A: While Half-Life: Alyx tells a self-contained story focused on Alyx Vance, familiarity with the Half-Life universe, characters (like Eli Vance, G-Man), and the Combine will significantly enhance the appreciation of its narrative, lore, and the impact of its ending. However, it can still be enjoyed by newcomers.
• Q: What are the 'Russells' or Gravity Gloves?
  A: The Gravity Gloves, nicknamed 'Russells' by Alyx after their inventor, are a pair of gloves that allow her to target distant objects and flick her wrist to pull them towards her through the air. They are a core VR mechanic for interaction, looting, and puzzle-solving.
• Q: How long is Half-Life: Alyx?
  A: A typical playthrough of the main story campaign takes around 12-15 hours, though this can vary depending on exploration, puzzle difficulty, and player skill. The Steam Workshop offers many additional hours of community-created content.
• Q: Does Half-Life: Alyx have mod support?
  A: Yes, Valve released official modding tools (Source 2 SDK) for Half-Life: Alyx, which has led to a thriving modding community creating custom maps, new campaigns, gameplay modifications, and other experiences available through the Steam Workshop.

Powered by id Tech 7, DOOM Eternal boasts incredible visual fidelity and performance. It features highly detailed environments, gruesome demon designs, spectacular particle effects, and smooth, fast-paced animations. The engine is known for its ability to handle intense action at high framerates. Ray-traced reflections were added post-launch, enhancing visual quality on supported hardware.

Developed on the Source 2 Engine, Half-Life: Alyx sets a new benchmark for visual fidelity and detail in VR. It features incredibly realistic environments with high-resolution textures, advanced lighting and shadow effects, and detailed character/enemy models. The level of interactivity with objects in the environment is exceptional, designed to leverage VR capabilities. The game is renowned for its atmospheric and immersive world.

Iconic heavy metal soundtrack composed by Mick Gordon (main game) and Andrew Hulshult & David Levy (DLCs). The music is dynamic, intensifying with combat and perfectly complementing the aggressive gameplay. Sound design is visceral, with powerful weapon effects, distinct demonic roars, and satisfying feedback for Glory Kills and resource pickups.

Original score composed by Mike Morasky, featuring atmospheric electronic and orchestral pieces that build tension, enhance horror, and underscore dramatic moments. Sound design is crucial for VR immersion, with highly realistic spatial audio, distinct enemy vocalizations (Combine radio chatter, Headcrab screeches, Barnacle clicks), and impactful weapon sounds. Environmental audio plays a key role in detecting threats and navigating.

Fast-paced and clear HUD displaying health, armor, ammo, Rad Suit/Oxygen levels, Equipment Launcher charges, Blood Punch/Flame Belch cooldowns, and available Chainsaw pips. Weapon wheel for selection. Codex entries provide extensive lore. Brightly colored pickups (health, ammo, armor) are easily identifiable in combat.

Designed for VR immersion. Health and ammo are displayed on Alyx's left glove. Weapon selection is often done by reaching over the shoulder or via a wrist-mounted menu. The Gravity Gloves provide intuitive object interaction. Inventory (syringes, grenades, Resin) is managed via wrist slots or a backpack accessible by reaching behind the shoulder. Minimal on-screen HUD elements to maximize immersion.

Includes a range of accessibility options: customizable controls (full remapping on PC), subtitle customization (size, background, speaker names), colorblind modes (Protanopia, Deuteranopia, Tritanopia), options to reduce camera shake and motion blur, adjustable UI opacity, and options for hit marker visuals and sound cues.

• Official system requirements for DOOM: The Dark Ages from id Software / Bethesda Softworks. Performance can vary significantly depending on specific hardware, settings, areas in-game, and background applications. An NVMe SSD is mandatory for all configurations. Hardware ray tracing support is a minimum requirement.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs may work if their performance is comparable. However, DOOM: The Dark Ages is a demanding title with mandatory ray tracing. High-end laptop hardware with sufficient VRAM, adequate TGP (Total Graphics Power) for the GPU, and robust cooling will be necessary for an optimal experience, especially at higher settings and resolutions. Performance on laptops can vary significantly based on these factors.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Adequate TGP for the specific laptop GPU is crucial for achieving expected performance levels.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Excellent cooling is essential to prevent severe thermal throttling during sustained gameplay in demanding titles like DOOM: The Dark Ages.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Laptops with robust CPU power limits will perform better, especially in CPU-intensive scenarios.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM generally benefits gaming performance.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus (if available) is highly recommended for optimal framerates by directly connecting the dedicated GPU to the display.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS (including Frame Generation; DLSS 4 reported by some sources), AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR; FSR 3.1 reported), and Intel XeSS.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: DOOM: The Dark Ages features always-on ray-traced global illumination. Ray-traced reflections (quality can be adjusted, including off), texture pool size, shadow quality, and overall resolution significantly impact performance. Utilizing upscaling technologies (DLSS, FSR, XeSS) is highly recommended for achieving target framerates, especially at higher resolutions and graphics settings.
• Game Name: DOOM Eternal

• OFFICIAL SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS for Half-Life: Alyx (VR Game). This information has been adapted to the provided JSON structure. Half-Life: Alyx is a VR-exclusive title with established requirements. The '1080p' and '1440p' tier keys from the template are used here to represent 'VR Minimum' and 'VR Recommended' specifications, respectively. The '2160p' tier has been populated with hardware for an 'Extreme VR / Max Supersampling' scenario, which is not an official Valve-defined tier but represents a very high-end target.
• Laptop Performance Note: For VR titles like Half-Life: Alyx, laptop models of listed desktop GPUs must have comparable performance. Sufficient TGP (Total Graphics Power) for the GPU, robust cooling, and correct port connections for the VR headset are critical for a good VR experience.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Adequate TGP is crucial for VR performance on laptops, ensuring the GPU can deliver its expected power.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Excellent cooling is essential to prevent thermal throttling and maintain stable frame rates, which is vital for VR comfort.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Sustained CPU performance is important for physics calculations, AI, and overall game logic in demanding VR scenarios.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus can reduce latency and improve framerates by allowing the dedicated GPU to connect directly to the display (or VR headset via appropriate ports), which is highly beneficial for VR.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: The game engine (Source 2) features dynamic resolution scaling and allows for fixed render resolution overrides (per-eye) to manage performance for VR. SteamVR also provides global and per-application resolution settings.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: In-game graphics fidelity settings (Low, Medium, High, Ultra), the VR headset's native refresh rate (e.g., 90Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz), and the render resolution (per-eye) are the most significant factors affecting performance and visual quality. Maintaining a stable framerate matching the headset's refresh rate is crucial for a comfortable and immersive VR experience.
• Game Name: Half-Life: Alyx

• Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS (including Frame Generation; DLSS 4 reported by some sources), AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR; FSR 3.1 reported), and Intel XeSS.
• Key Settings Impact: DOOM: The Dark Ages features always-on ray-traced global illumination. Ray-traced reflections (quality can be adjusted, including off), texture pool size, shadow quality, and overall resolution significantly impact performance. Utilizing upscaling technologies (DLSS, FSR, XeSS) is highly recommended for achieving target framerates, especially at higher resolutions and graphics settings.

• Upscaling Tech: The game engine (Source 2) features dynamic resolution scaling and allows for fixed render resolution overrides (per-eye) to manage performance for VR. SteamVR also provides global and per-application resolution settings.
• Key Settings Impact: In-game graphics fidelity settings (Low, Medium, High, Ultra), the VR headset's native refresh rate (e.g., 90Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz), and the render resolution (per-eye) are the most significant factors affecting performance and visual quality. Maintaining a stable framerate matching the headset's refresh rate is crucial for a comfortable and immersive VR experience.

• G P U T G P: Adequate TGP for the specific laptop GPU is crucial for achieving expected performance levels.
• Cooling Thermals: Excellent cooling is essential to prevent severe thermal throttling during sustained gameplay in demanding titles like DOOM: The Dark Ages.
• C P U Power Limits: Laptops with robust CPU power limits will perform better, especially in CPU-intensive scenarios.
• R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM generally benefits gaming performance.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus (if available) is highly recommended for optimal framerates by directly connecting the dedicated GPU to the display.

• G P U T G P: Adequate TGP is crucial for VR performance on laptops, ensuring the GPU can deliver its expected power.
• Cooling Thermals: Excellent cooling is essential to prevent thermal throttling and maintain stable frame rates, which is vital for VR comfort.
• C P U Power Limits: Sustained CPU performance is important for physics calculations, AI, and overall game logic in demanding VR scenarios.
• M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus can reduce latency and improve framerates by allowing the dedicated GPU to connect directly to the display (or VR headset via appropriate ports), which is highly beneficial for VR.