Half Life Alyx Supported Headsets

The long-awaited sequel to One-half-Life: ii has finally landed.

It's gorgeous. It's fun. And information technology's a VR exclusive.

While it'due south non exactly One-half-Life 3, the package it comes in remains the same: a Half-Life sequel.

Half-Life: Alyx is a first-person shooter where yous play as Alyx Vance equally she fights for survival confronting a hostile conflicting empire.

Heralded every bit one of the all-time VR titles for its narrative and gameplay, it would exist fitting to pair One-half Life Alyx with a VR console of the same quotient.

And, fortunately, there are quite a few that come to mind that would fit the beak.

The Valve Index, fabricated by the same company equally the makers of Half Life Alyx, is one clear contender.

Simply don't accept your wallets out yet. There are many other VR headsets that perform with the same firepower equally Valve's very own. Some even perform better in departments where the Valve Index is lackluster in.

Let'due south expect through some of the best VR headsets for Half Life Alyx players.

Best VR Headsets For Half Life Alyx At A Glance

Valve Index (Editor's Choice – Overall)
Oculus Rift S (Best Value)
HP Reverb G2 (Premium Selection)
HTC Vive Pro / Vive Pro 2
Oculus Quest 2
Samsung HMD Odyssey+ (Best Budget)

1. Valve Index (Editor'due south Pick – Best Overall)

Display Type:	LCD
Resolution:	1440×1600 per-centre (2880×1600)
Refresh charge per unit:	80Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz
Field of view:	130 degrees
Tracking:	External via two base stations
Audio:	Integrated headphones
Price:	$999
IPD:	58mm to 70mm

The Valve Index and Half Life Alyx get together similar bread and butter. It's the best way to play One-half-Life: Alyx as the game (which was developed by, you lot guessed it — Valve Corporation) was developed to make the well-nigh out of the Valve Index's virtual reality capabilities.

Granted, since the console fetches a high cost and demands a strong PC, its exclusivity makes it hard to recommend to but anyone. The coincidental crowd and beginners, for example, would take other VR systems that make for a improve fit.

But if you, past chance, would label yourself a hardcore gamer, and are willing to shell out big bucks for top-tier functioning, then this VR headset is by far the best option for playing Half Life Alyx.

Ok, you may inquire. What makes this console and then worth raving about?

The display resolution is fix to 1440 ten 1600 per eye, or 2880 x 1600 total. Couple this with the RGB subpixel LCD display, and y'all'll be getting beautifully crisp and sharp images that border out against mid-tier VR systems similar the Oculus Quest family.

Considering how oft you'll take to immerse yourself in world map interactions, visceral and biting combat, puzzle solving, and earth exploration — having your graphics up to par with the Valve Alphabetize is essential to make the most of your Half Life: Alyx experience.

The controllers setup of the Valve Index is likewise worthy of a mention. This game requires a lot of mitt movements, so having sophisticated controllers granting you the agency is a huge benefaction. The Valve Index, by far, excels in this department among the rest, simulating the actions of gripping objects scattered across the world as truthful-to-life as yous would outside the screen.

For the gainsay elements in detail, the 144 Hz refresh rate provides a smooth gameplay experience that doesn't stop impressing even the almost nitpicky of players. The Valve Index'south screen is fast, low-cal, and is quick to load. Fifty-fifty until now, 144 Hz refresh rate VR systems are hard to come up by, so having a Valve Index grants you the most blast bitingly quick reaction times to amp your gameplay.

The loftier FOV of 130-degrees makes reactions much quicker and adds more elements to your screen. The IPD is also gear up to between 58-70 mm, which is more than enough to cover the bulk of the population'southward preferred center altitude.

In terms of its spatial sound quality, the Valve Alphabetize has total-range, actress-aural, over-the-ears, headphones speakers that environs your ears in sound. The headset itself is comfortable and highly ergonomic, which is a given considering the high price tag.

For VR enthusiasts, the Valve Index won't disappoint. If you're still new and looking to get into virtual reality, however, you may want to consider other systems first. Or even wait for the next-gen consoles to come out birthday.

Pros:

Performance-wise, it'due south a tiptop tier VR headset
High adjustability IPD set at 58-70 mm
Good audio and comfortable headset

Cons:

Commands a high price
Hard to fix for beginners
One generation away from getting outphased

2. Oculus Rift S (Best value)

Display Type:	Fast-switch LCD
Resolution:	1280×1440 per-heart (2560×1440)
Refresh rate:	80Hz
Field of view:	110 degrees
Tracking:	6 DOF within-out tracking via five cameras
Audio:	Integrated stereo speakers
Price:	$399
IPD:	Stock-still 64mm

Do you want a VR headset that comes ready to play straight out of the box? The Oculus Rift Due south might adapt your fancy.

The Oculus Rift South is a great upkeep and beginner selection for gamers looking to dip their toes into the virtual reality infinite. Non the cheapest mind you, but the best mix of performance and cost. Information technology beats the Valve Index and HTC Vive headsets in terms of value alone, carving itself a niche every bit the best value VR headset you can find anywhere.

Its specs are considerably stiff for a mid-range VR headset — with an impressive resolution of 2560 x 1440 (the same as the Valve Index!), a respectable 80 Hz refresh rate, a wide FoV of 110 degrees, and a fast-switch LCD display. All these help pave the road for clear visual fidelity equally y'all traverse the earth in Half-Life: Alyx.

Another great perk about the Oculus Rift S lies in its tracking. Information technology removes the steps of setting up an external base station while still delivering splendid operation and accurateness. The cost too includes two touch controllers, which worked bang-up when I tested them. Just compared to Valve Alphabetize'southward sophisticated controllers, price aside, I'd choice the Index'due south controllers any twenty-four hour period of the week.

One of the Oculus Rift S's biggest drawbacks is its fixed IPD, which is locked at around 64 mm. Although for most people this effigy isn't too large of an effect, it can immediately cross out anyone who suffers from vision problems or just so happens to fall out of the IPD range.

Sadly, the Oculus Rift S volition presently exist much harder to find due to the decision of Oculus to discontinue this system. While slightly disheartening, it's good to know that the VR economic system is steadily growing and experiencing a good for you product lifecycle turnover. This would somewhen mean better systems, ameliorate games, and a healthier customs — all positive directions that'due south well worth the compromise.

Simply if y'all don't intendance about all that and just desire to know the answer to whether the Oculus Rift Due south is any good, here's my answer:

Aye. The Oculus Rift S is a proficient upkeep value system if you manage to go your easily on them. Though exist warned, they're every bit rare to come by as it is hard finding the password to your old crypto wallet.

Pros:

Keen value for its toll
Solid specs and resolution
Fuss-free gear up

Cons:

Fixed IPD
Discontinued
Difficult to notice
Average controllers

3. HP Reverb G2 (Premium Option)

Brandish Blazon:	2 x 2.89" LCD
Resolution:	2160×2160 per
Refresh rate:	90Hz refresh charge per unit
Field of view:	114 degrees
Tracking:	6DoF, Photographic camera: 4 for tracking
Sound:	10 mm, sit off the ear Valve speakers
Price:	$599
IPD:	threescore-68mm

The HP Reverb G2 is known for its one-two punch of having incredible visual clarity and immersive sound.

And information technology absolutely delivers when playing One-half-Life Alyx equally well, solidifying information technology as one of my favorite premium choice VR headset.

To flesh out an example, I was looking through a puddle on a physical floor in-game on the lens of the HP Reverb G2. While the deviation is infinitesimal, the puddle felt completely realistic and lifelike compared to the mighty Valve Index. Yes, information technology beats out the king of VRs. The detail was top-notch — and with the resolution hovering at most 2160 ten 2160, yous're graced with 4K visuals with each passing frame.

The auditory feel was zilch brusk of great either. It's designed and engineered in collaboration with Valve, offering fantastic surround sound audio that's highly immersive, meeting with all the immersive, bassy goodness players all know and love.

The refresh charge per unit and field of view are pretty impressive as well. Nothing too fancy or mind blowingly expert, merely pretty serviceable at the price of a mid-specs virtual reality organisation.

It's insane how good the HP Reverb G2 is in showing dazzling visual displays and providing brilliant sound. For that solitary, I'd consider information technology one of the best VR for Half Life Alyx. But the game is more than only those 2 things, and the HP Reverb G2 does encounter some drawbacks.

Maybe it was just an unfortunate coincidence, only the tracking and controllers sometimes didn't register the way I intended it to. The lack of capacitive finger tracking as well limited things freedom of movement quite a chip.

If these two worked out well, I would've placed information technology at the same tier as the Oculus Rift Due south — which is slightly higher up average. I really wanted to love it since it did feel good in your easily, only it's been quite underwhelming for the times I've played it. So I was a tad disappointed at that.

But overall, I'm impressed with the highs of this VR headset. Information technology's like grabbing the latest-gen high-cease graphics card installed and implanted directly on your eyes.

It's seriously that good.

Pros:

Excellent visual and audio output
Approachable price point
Respectable stats

Cons:

Tracking could be better
Lack of capacitive finger tracking
A mediocre refresh rate

four. HTC Vive Pro and HTC Vive Pro ii

Display Type:	AMOLED Screens
Resolution:	1440 10 1600 per eye (2880 ten 1600 pixels)
Refresh charge per unit:	90Hz
Field of view:	110 degrees
Tracking:	SteamVR Tracking & One thousand-sensor
Audio:	How-do-you-do-Res document headset and headphones
Price:	$1,199 (including controllers)
IPD:	virtually 60mm to 73mm

The HTC Vive Pro is another contender to the Valve Index and other mid-tier headsets lineup. Even if the base station is much cheaper, the Vive Pro manages to friction match the Valve Index in terms of display resolution clarity. The Vive Pro ii, on the other hand, evidently beats it.

For the HTC Vive Pro headset, this ways yous'll exist able to play One-half Life Alyx in high definition without compromising on the crucial gameplay elements. The refresh charge per unit is at an boilerplate xc Hz, the field of view is at 110 degrees, and it uses SteamVR tracking every bit the base of operations station tracking.

And so just like the Valve Alphabetize, yous'll have to get through the hassle of setting the station upwards and ensuring that your PC's rig is powerful plenty to run this headset. It'south no standalone virtual headset.

Equally seen above, the refresh rate is considerably less in the HTC Vive Pro when compared to the 144 Hz refresh rate ceiling of the Valve Index. Though, I exercise take to commend HTC for taking center range into account and having IPD adjustability at 60mm to 73mm.

Would I recommend this headset? Yeah, it's a solid choice.

With Valve Alphabetize consoles slowly getting more than and more harder to find, the HTC Vive Pro is a solid alternative for top-performance gaming. It also excels at what the Index could nevertheless improve on — so information technology begs the question: Will this be a collision between the ii VR makers?

Interesting competition for sure. But for now, the HTC Vive Pro and Half Life Alyx is like a chocolate assistant smoothie. Different taste profiles individually, but when combined, it produces something magical.

The sequel, HTC Vive Pro 2, has already been released on July 3rd, 2021. Another great option for most gamers at a similar price point to the Valve Index, perhaps fifty-fifty exceeding the beast in terms of value.

Pros:

Decent price bespeak
Nice brandish resolution
Great specs

Cons:

HTC Vive Pro ii is released and is loads ameliorate
Outdated
Picayune chance for future-proofing compared to the Valve Index

v. Oculus Quest 2

Display Blazon:	Single Fast-Switch LCD
Resolution:	1832×1920 pixels per heart
Refresh rate:	60hz, 72 hz
Field of view:	89 degrees
Tracking:	Within out, 6DOF
Audio:	Integrated, in-strap
Price:	$299 USD
IPD:	62-65mm

Unremarkably, the Oculus Quest 2 wouldn't be able to connect with PC games as it's purely standalone. But with the power of accessories like a USB-C blazon Link Cable chosen the Oculus Link, besides as some configurations, the upkeep-friendly Oculus Quest 2 tin can sit down with the large boys and run Half-Life Alyx as well.

Only, the killer question: is it any good?

For the price of $299, the Oculus Quest two is the cheapest mainstream VR system you can find anywhere. It'southward ridiculously inexpensive — and the less than stellar specs prove this. The resolution is an alright 1832 x 1920 pixels per center (3664×1920), which is nowhere near the greatest display out there. Probably not even striking the ranges of mid-range PC builds.

It also comes at absurdly depression refresh rate speeds at 72 Hz at the maximum. The field of view is restricted at 89-degrees too, which leaves a lot to be desired. The IPD is ever-and then-slightly adjustable betwixt the ranges of 62 to 65 mm. A good thing however is you don't need to set up a ton with this device.

It's a plug in and play sort of deal — and for One-half Life Alyx, it does run it. But it's nowhere well-nigh as adept as fifty-fifty the mid-tier VR headsets like the Rift S or HP Reverb G2.

Yeah, you're non impressing anyone with this device. Simply for people looking to price-cut their VR arrangement to hell and back, your best and most reasonable option is to buy this standalone VR headset, the Oculus Quest ii.

Pros:

A price y'all tin can't beat
Easy to ready
Specs tin run at to the lowest degree

Cons:

The specs aren't nautical chart-topping
You need to buy an Oculus Link Cable or USB-C cord
Embarrassingly low refresh rates

half-dozen. Samsung HMD Odyssey+ (Best Budget)

Brandish Type:	AMOLED, Anti-SDE
Resolution:	ane,440 X 1,600 per eye (2880 X i,600)
Refresh charge per unit:	60Hz, 90Hz
Field of view:	110 degrees
Tracking:	2 Windows MR Cameras with 6DOF, Inside-out Tracking
Audio:	AKG Premium Sound
Price:	MSRP $500
IPD:	threescore-72mm

The Windows Mixed Reality headsets are a office of Microsoft'southward lineup of virtual reality headsets that accept built-in tracking. They're known to be relatively inexpensive and, at the electric current market place'due south state, incredibly hard to find.

There accept been various iterations of this type of headset from different brands — namely Dell, HP and Acer. Only the best ones I've tried and would gladly recommend is the Samsung HMD Odyssey+.

The Odyssey+ is an sometime headset, and it'southward primary selling point — information technology'due south low price — has since been overtaken by the likes of the Oculus Quest 2 and Oculus Rift S quite recently. This makes information technology difficult to really recommend, especially if y'all can't find information technology in the first identify.

Merely if you're more concerned over the VR headset itself, it's quite comfortable. Information technology has padding around the visor, rear, and crown cushions, only a lot of the weight is distributed at the front surface area. Looking down for prolonged periods can exist quite a strain to your cervix over fourth dimension.

As for the specs, the display is one of the headset's selling points (y'all tin can tell this headset's age from a mile away…). But the cooler gimmick of this headset is the anti-screen door result (SDE), where Samsung managed to get rid of the pesky mesh black lines and promote a clear and well-baked visual experience.

The FOV is the aforementioned as the Oculus Rift Southward — which is serviceable. Merely as the latter headset fetches a cheaper toll, it's hard to recommend this WMR headset for its FOV.

Though, I must admit, the built-in headphones do provide rich sound that sound high-quality. It's piece of cake to set up too with inside-out tracking and 6DoF for room-scale gaming. Both these factors did make playing Half-Life Alyx a polish and enjoyable ride.

Overall, information technology'south a dated VR headset. I'd consider it a cheaper version of the HP Reverb G2 for the experience that it delivers. But if yous have ane lying effectually, or find ane in a garage sale — it'southward worth a good look.

Half-Life Alyx PC Minimum Requirements:

OS: Windows 10

CPU: Intel Core i5-7500 / AMD Ryzen 5 1600

RAM: 12GB RAM

GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB) / AMD Radeon RX 580 (8GB)

Depending on your VR headset, the more powerful information technology is, the higher the threshold of its minimum requirements would be also.

What is the all-time VR headset for One-half-Life: Alyx?

The Best VR headset for Half-Life: Alyx depends on your needs.

Are you lot looking for the best performing VR headset regardless of the cost tag? The Valve Index or the HTC Vive Pro 2 are bully choices.

Practise you want a beginner-friendly and piece of cake to setup headset for Half-Life Alyx? Y'all might desire to consider the Oculus Rift S, Oculus Quest 2, or the rare Samsung Odyssey+.

Are you lot looking for a highly immersive experience with nifty visuals and every bit fantastic audio? Requite the HP Reverb G2 a try!

Whatsoever the example, the ones listed above are guaranteed to give y'all a slap-up time as you play Half-Life: Alyx and other PC VR games.

We promise yous've had some insightful takeaways about the best headsets for 1 of VR'south all-time story games.

Ciao!