Half-Life: Alyx is already being played with keyboard and mouse

The Twitch streamer, and Valve News Network Founder, Tyler McVicker, was able to get Half-Life: Alyx working using keyboard and mouse. This was possible thanks to console commands that Valve had left within Half-Life: Alyx, not thanks to a new game mod or exploit. 

Strangely, a command called “vr_enable_fake-vr_test” was found within the game, which was able to point Alyx’s hands up without the need for a VR headset or motions controls. Other commands could also enable a Half-Life 2 style HUD and spawn some Half-Life 2 weapons. 

These findings don’t just make a non-VR mod for Half-Life: Alyx possible, it makes it probable. The basis for a non-VR version of the game is already present, though it’s undeniable that a non-VR version of Half-Life Alyx will deliver a sub-par experience. 

Below is a clip from McVicker’s Twitch stream, which showcases Half-Life Alyx running outside of VR. It is only a matter of time before modders create a fully working non-VR version of Half-Life Alyx.