Where to Buy Half-Life: Alyx
Half-Life: Alyx Gameplay Video
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 i7-12700H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 140W
storage 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $1349
Model: MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i7-12700H (Score: 900)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 i9-13900H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
US $999
Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-13900H (Score: 1058)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 i9-12900H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 150W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1397
Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-12900H (Score: 1030)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 i5-12450H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $645
Model: HP Victus 15 with RTX 3050 and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i5-12450H (Score: 628)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 i5-12500H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 80W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $710
Model: Acer Nitro 5 with RTX 3050 Ti and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i5-12500H (Score: 633)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 7435HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 6800H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1299
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 6800H (Score: 880)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 5900HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 100W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $1489
Model: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS (Score: 820)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 i7-13620H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1350
Model: MSI Katana 15 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i7-13620H (Score: 843)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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.).
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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 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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.