What you need to know
- A streamer discovered a console command that allows you to use the mouse and keyboard to move and shoot in Half-Life: Alyx instead of VR gear.
- The game lacks much functionality in this state, but it implies it may be easier to make the game playable without VR than originally thought.
- Valve's Robin Walker said he "looks forward" to seeing players create mods that remove VR from Half-Life: Alyx.
On a livestream, Twitch livestreamer and Valve News Network founder Tyler McVicker discovered that you can move around freely in Half-Life: Alyx by using mouse and keyboard instead of VR tech while datamining the game's files and messing around with the code. Soon after, he discovered the "vr_enable_fake_vr_test" console command, and when he entered it Alyx's hands popped up on the screen, allowing him to fire her gun without any VR gear. You can watch the clip below:
This is huge, as it shows that Half-Life: Alyx has basic support for moving and shooting with mouse and keyboard. This discovery comes only a day after a comment from Valve's Robin Walker that he's "looking forward" to seeing the game being modded so that it can be played with mouse and keyboard; if modders can take advantage of the basic working controls that are already present in the files, he may not have to wait long.
Sadly, the console command doesn't enable any advanced functionality, such as moving objects around in the world. Still, though, it's exciting to think that the foundations for a modded version of Half-Life: Alyx that removes the VR requirement exist. We can't wait to see what happens next.
Half-Life: Alyx is available on PC via Steam for $60.
Half-Life 3, but it's a midquel
Half-Life: Alyx is a bold comeback for Valve's previously-stagnant AAA franchise, described by Valve itself as its "flagship VR game."
Affordable accessories that'll pair perfectly with your PC
Every one of these awesome PC accessories will enhance your everyday experience — and none cost more than $30.
KLIM Aim RGB gaming mouse ($30 at Amazon)
Whether you're a gamer or not, this is an absurdly good mouse for the price. It's ambidextrous, has a responsive sensor, a braided cable, tank-like build quality, and, yes, it has RGB lighting, though you can turn it off if that's not your thing.
AmazonBasics USB speakers ($16 at Amazon)
These neat little speakers may only pack 2.4W of total power, but don't let that fool you. For something so small you get a well-rounded sound and a stylish design. And they only cost $16.
Razer mouse bungee ($20 at Amazon)
Use a wired mouse? You need a mouse bungee to keep your cable tidy and free of snags. You get no drag on the cable, and this one has subtle styling, a rust-resistant spring and a weighted base, all for $20.
