After a tease earlier this week Valve’s new ‘full-length’ VR prequel to Half-Life 2 has finally been revealed in all its glory.
Half-Life: Alyx is set between the events of Half-Life 1 and Half-Life 2 and is a title made from the ground-up, exclusively for virtual reality. It is Valve’s ‘flagship’ VR title, set for release in March 2020. It will put players in the shoes of Alyx Vance, who was a companion to Gordon Freeman in Half-Life 2.
Users will require both a VR headset and a computer that meets the minimum requirements to play the title.
While the game has minimum specifications set, it does not have a higher tier of recommended specifications above that. It is likely that the minimum specs will, however, see a downgrade in visual quality, as is the case with most VR and gaming titles.
Half-Life: Alyx’s listed minimum specifications are as follows:
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Core i5-7500 / Ryzen 5 1600
- Memory: 12 GB RAM
- Graphics: GTX 1060 / RX 580 – 6GB VRAM
In terms of headsets, the game will be compatible with any SteamVR headset that uses motion controllers. This includes Windows MR headsets, the Oculus Rift and Rift S, HTC Vive and Vive Cosmos and, of course, the Valve Index.
You will also be able to use an Oculus Quest to play the game via Oculus Link, provided you have a PC and cord that are compatible with Link. Valve even list Oculus Link as an option on Half-Life: Alyx’s website.
However, it’s important to note that while any SteamVR headset with motion controllers are supported, the Valve Index’s controllers will feature more optional, but enhanced, interactions due to their distinct grip system, which includes more advanced finger tracking than other motion controllers.
What specs and headset will you be playing Half-Life: Alyx on? Let us know in the comments below.
