Half-Life: Alyx Gameplay Video
Featured: Game Comparisons
Half-Life: Alyx Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Source 2 Engine |
| Genre | VR, First-Person Shooter, Action-Adventure, Sci-Fi, Horror |
| Initial Release | 2020-03-23 |
| Developer | Valve |
| Publisher | Valve |
| Setting | City 17 & surrounding areas, Earth (Between Half-Life 1 & Half-Life 2) |
| Perspective | First-Person (VR) |
| Platforms | PC (Windows - SteamVR Compatible) |
| Multiplayer | None (Single-Player Only, with extensive mod support via Steam Workshop) |
| Unique Feature | Flagship VR Title, Gravity Gloves Interaction, Unprecedented VR Immersion & Detail, Continuation of Half-Life Story, Source 2 Modding Tools. |
Half-Life: Alyx System Requirements
1080p
tune VR Minimum (Mapped to '1080p' key for structural consistency) – Targets baseline VR performance, suitable for Low/Medium in-game fidelity settings. Actual render resolution depends on the VR headset used.
1440p
tune VR Recommended (Mapped to '1440p' key for structural consistency) – Targets higher fidelity VR performance, suitable for High in-game fidelity settings. Actual render resolution depends on the VR headset used.
2160p
tune Extreme VR (Max Fidelity & Supersampling - '2160p' key used for structure) – Ultra in-game fidelity, significant supersampling (e.g., 150%-200%+ on high-resolution headsets) to achieve maximum visual clarity. Targets highest stable framerate supported by top-tier VR headsets (e.g., 90Hz, 120Hz+).
Half-Life: Alyx Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core I7 12700 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 140W
storage 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
1349
Model: MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I7 12700 H (Score: 900)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Score: 6600) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - VR Minimum (Targets baseline VR performance, suitable for Low/Medium in-game fidelity settings. Actual render resolution depends on the VR headset used.).
memory Intel Core I9 13900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
999
Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 13900 H (Score: 1058)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - VR Minimum (Targets baseline VR performance, suitable for Low/Medium in-game fidelity settings. Actual render resolution depends on the VR headset used.).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - VR Minimum (Targets baseline VR performance, suitable for Low/Medium in-game fidelity settings. Actual render resolution depends on the VR headset used.).
memory Intel Core I9 12900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI 150W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1397
Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 12900 H (Score: 1030)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI (Score: 7100) @ 150W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - VR Minimum (Targets baseline VR performance, suitable for Low/Medium in-game fidelity settings. Actual render resolution depends on the VR headset used.).
memory Intel Core I5 12450 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
645
Model: HP Victus 15 with RTX 3050 and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I5 12450 H (Score: 628)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - VR Minimum (Targets baseline VR performance, suitable for Low/Medium in-game fidelity settings. Actual render resolution depends on the VR headset used.).
memory Intel Core I5 12500 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 TI 80W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
710
Model: Acer Nitro 5 with RTX 3050 Ti and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I5 12500 H (Score: 633)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 TI (Score: 7220) @ 80W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - VR Minimum (Targets baseline VR performance, suitable for Low/Medium in-game fidelity settings. Actual render resolution depends on the VR headset used.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - VR Minimum (Targets baseline VR performance, suitable for Low/Medium in-game fidelity settings. Actual render resolution depends on the VR headset used.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 680 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1299
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 680 H (Score: 880)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 (Score: 7448) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - VR Minimum (Targets baseline VR performance, suitable for Low/Medium in-game fidelity settings. Actual render resolution depends on the VR headset used.).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 590 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3080 100W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
1489
Model: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 590 HS (Score: 820)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3080 (Score: 7904) @ 100W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - VR Minimum (Targets baseline VR performance, suitable for Low/Medium in-game fidelity settings. Actual render resolution depends on the VR headset used.).
memory Intel Core I7 13620 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1350
Model: MSI Katana 15 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core I7 13620 H (Score: 843)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - VR Minimum (Targets baseline VR performance, suitable for Low/Medium in-game fidelity settings. Actual render resolution depends on the VR headset used.).
-
Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 (64-bit)
64-bit Windows 10 is the officially supported operating system. Windows 11 is also generally compatible.
- memoryDirectX: Vulkan (Primary), DirectX 11
Half-Life: Alyx primarily utilizes the Vulkan API for rendering, which is recommended for best performance. DirectX 11 is also supported as a fallback.
- save_altStorage Note: ~70 GB available space (SSD Recommended)
An SSD (Solid State Drive) is strongly recommended for optimal loading times and to reduce potential stuttering during gameplay. Approximately 70 GB of free disk space is required for installation.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: 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: 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.
Half-Life: Alyx: Post-Launch Content / DLC
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.
Half-Life: Alyx: Game Editions
Half-Life: Alyx was released as a single digital edition on Steam. Owners of the Valve Index VR headset received the game for free. There were no special or collector's physical editions announced by Valve.
Half-Life: Alyx: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Half-Life: Alyx is a single-player PC VR game and does not feature any multiplayer modes, therefore no cross-platform play or cross-progression.
Half-Life: Alyx Specific Game Elements
Half-Life: Alyx Weapons
- securityGravity 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.
- securityGrenades (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.
- securityMulti-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.
- securityPistol (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.
- securityShotgun (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).
- securitySMG (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.
- securityXen 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.
Half-Life: Alyx Vehicles
- directions_carCombine 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.
- directions_carLifts & 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.
- directions_carNone (Player Controlled for General Traversal) (N/A)
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.
Half-Life: Alyx Characters
- personAlyx Vance - Protagonist / Resistance Fighter (playable)
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.
- personCombine 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.
- personDr. 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.
- personEli 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.
- personG-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.
- personHeadcrabs, 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.
- personRussell - 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').
- personVortigaunts - 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.
Top 3 Characters (Subjective):
Vance: The resourceful, determined, and witty protagonist. Her character is further developed, showcasing her capabilities and emotional depth. 2. Russell: Alyx's humorous and supportive companion via radio communication, providing guidance, tech support, and comic relief. 3. Eli Vance: Alyx's father, a brilliant scientist and leader of the resistance. His capture drives the plot, and his relationship with Alyx is central to the narrative.
Half-Life: Alyx Missions / Objectives
- flagCombat Encounters (Combine & Xen)
Objective: 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.
- flagEnvironmental Puzzle Solving
Objective: 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.
- flagMain Story Chapters (Approximately 11 Chapters)
Objective: 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.
- flagResource Scavenging & Management
Objective: 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.
- flagStealth Sequences & Evasion
Objective: 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.
- flagWeapon Upgrading (At Combine Fabricators)
Objective: 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).
Top 3 Missions/Objectives (Subjective - by Chapter Themes):
Quarantine Zone (Early Chapters): Navigating Xen-infested, dark, and claustrophobic environments, introducing key enemies like Headcrabs, Barnacles, and Zombies, emphasizing horror and puzzle-solving. 2. Jeff (Chapter 7 - Jeff): A memorable and terrifying chapter involving navigating a distillery infested with a blind but highly sensitive super-Barnacle-like creature named Jeff, requiring stealth, distraction, and environmental puzzle-solving. 3. The Vault (Final Chapters): Infiltrating a massive, ominous Combine Vault suspended above City 17, involving intense combat, complex puzzles, and major story revelations.
Half-Life: Alyx Companions / Summons
- groupNone (Physical AI Combat Companions) (N/A)
Ability: 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.
- groupRussell (Via Radio Comms) (Human)
Ability: 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.
Half-Life: Alyx Collectibles
- collections_bookmarkAmmo (Pistol Clips, Shotgun Shells, SMG Power Cells)
Location/Use: 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.
- collections_bookmarkBattery Cells (For Multi-Tool Puzzles)
Location/Use: 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.
- collections_bookmarkCombine Grenades
Location/Use: Standard fragmentation grenades used by the Combine. Can be found in the environment or taken from defeated enemies. Stored in wrist slots.
- collections_bookmarkGrub Nests / Antlion Grubs (Healing Items - Minor)
Location/Use: 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.
- collections_bookmarkHealth Syringes
Location/Use: 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.
- collections_bookmarkHidden Gnome Chompski (Easter Egg)
Location/Use: 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.
- collections_bookmarkResin
Location/Use: 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).
- collections_bookmarkVodka Bottles (For Jeff sequence)
Location/Use: Specific to Chapter 7: Jeff. Vodka bottles are used as throwable distractions to lure the sound-sensitive creature Jeff away from Alyx's path.
Top 3 Collectibles:
Small, orange cylindrical items found throughout the environment. Used at Combine fabricators to upgrade Alyx's weapons. Essential for progression. 2. Ammo & Health Syringes: Crucial consumables found in crates, shelves, or dropped by enemies. Managing these resources is key to survival. 3. Hidden Gnome Chompski (Easter Egg): A garden gnome that can be found in an early chapter and carried through a significant portion of the game for an achievement, a nod to a Half-Life community meme.
Half-Life: Alyx Armor
- shieldHealth Syringes & Health Stations
Focus/Stats: 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).
- shieldNo Equipable Armor System
Focus/Stats: 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.
Half-Life: Alyx Clothing / Appearance
- checkroomAlyx Vance's Standard Attire
Details: 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.
- checkroomGravity Gloves ('Russells')
Details: 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.
Half-Life: Alyx Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
Half-Life: Alyx is a purely single-player experience. There are no official multiplayer modes. Community-created mods might explore multiplayer concepts, but these are not part of the base game.
- labelUser Interface
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.
- labelSound and Music
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.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
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.
- labelStory and Setting
Set five years before the events of Half-Life 2. Earth is under the brutal occupation of the Combine, an interdimensional empire. Players control Alyx Vance, who, along with her father Dr. Eli Vance, is a key figure in the fledgling human resistance. When Eli is captured by the Combine, Alyx, with the help of fellow resistance member Russell, embarks on a mission through the quarantined and dangerous Sector X of City 17 to rescue him. Her journey leads her to uncover Combine secrets, confront terrifying Xen creatures, and ultimately make a discovery that has profound implications for the future and the fate of Gordon Freeman.
- labelMap Size and Regions (Level Design)
Half-Life: Alyx features a series of highly detailed, linear, and interconnected levels that make up Sector X and other parts of City 17. While not an open world, the levels are often expansive with multiple paths, hidden areas, and a strong emphasis on environmental interaction and verticality, designed specifically for VR. Key locations include abandoned city streets, derelict subway tunnels, Combine checkpoints, Xen-infested quarantine zones, a disused distillery, and a massive Combine Vault. The game world is meticulously crafted for VR immersion and interactivity.
- labelSkills and Upgrades Overview (Weapon Upgrades, Resin, Health)
Alyx does not have a traditional skill tree. Progression is primarily through upgrading her three main weapons (Pistol, Shotgun, SMG) at Combine fabricators using Resin, a collectible resource found throughout the levels. Upgrades include extended magazines, laser sights, reflex sights, burst fire modules, and grenade launchers. Alyx's health is managed by finding health stations or using health syringes. Her Gravity Gloves (Russells) are a core tool for interacting with the environment (grabbing distant objects, items) and do not receive direct upgrades, but player proficiency with them is key.
- labelTop 5 Weapons/Tools (Subjective/Iconic)
- 1. Gravity Gloves ('Russells'): Essential for interacting with the world, grabbing distant items, ammo, and Resin, and for solving environmental puzzles. 2. Pistol (Upgraded): Alyx's reliable sidearm, becomes very effective with upgrades like a reflex sight and burst fire. 3. Shotgun (Upgraded): Devastating at close range against Combine soldiers and larger Xen creatures, especially with the grenade launcher attachment. 4. Combine Pulse SMG (Upgraded): A rapid-fire weapon useful for suppressing enemies or dealing with groups. 5. Multi-Tool: Used for hacking Combine interfaces, rewiring circuits, and solving specific environmental puzzles.
- labelAccessibility Features (VR Specific)
Offers a range of VR-specific accessibility and comfort options, including multiple locomotion types (Teleport, Shift/Dash, Continuous), options for smooth or snap turning, seated and standing play modes, options to reduce motion sickness (vignetting), customizable controller bindings, and subtitle options. Height adjustment and left-handed mode are also available.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Gravity Gloves ('Russells'): Allows Alyx to intuitively point at and flick-retrieve distant objects, ammo, and Resin. A core VR interaction mechanic that feels natural and satisfying. 2. VR Combat & Reloading: Visceral combat involving physically aiming weapons, manually reloading them (e.g., ejecting magazines, inserting new ones, chambering rounds), and using cover. 3. Environmental Puzzles & Interaction: Highly interactive environments designed for VR, requiring players to physically manipulate objects, rewire circuits with the Multi-Tool, and solve physics-based puzzles.
Half-Life: Alyx Frequently Asked Questions
- help_outline Is Half-Life: Alyx a VR-only game?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.
- help_outline Where does Half-Life: Alyx fit into the Half-Life timeline?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.
- help_outline Do I need to have played previous Half-Life games to understand Alyx?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.
- help_outline What are the 'Russells' or Gravity Gloves?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.
- help_outline How long is Half-Life: Alyx?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.
- help_outline Does Half-Life: Alyx have mod support?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.