Improve graphics

[bronsky]

Any tip to improve graphics? I'm pretty sure my attempt failed for Ep 1 (and probably for HL2 VR as well), as the instructions were always a bit confusing (even with a mod installer). I'd love to play episode 2 VR in the most beautiful and immersive way, so if someone has clear, like step by step instructions for a good graphic mod...

[qwertylesh]

the easiest way to get better graphics on the basegame HL2VR is to opt into the new content branch. Use the passcode bleedingedge2 on the game properties to do so.

for the episodes I would hope that in time fans of the vr mods will make workshop packs that achieve something along the same lines for textures and stuff. (workshop would be real easy to opt into once fans have made improved content)

[Kako]

Originally posted by qwertylesh:

the easiest way to get better graphics on the basegame HL2VR is to opt into the new content branch. Use the passcode bleedingedge2 on the game properties to do so.

for the episodes I would hope that in time fans of the vr mods will make workshop packs that achieve something along the same lines for textures and stuff. (workshop would be real easy to opt into once fans have made improved content)

hahahaha, I just did that. Started up follow freeman, and instead of being stuck up with the snipers, barney just casually fought with the resistance in this 3,00 version

[qwertylesh]

the branches aren't interoperable Kako.

so, if you change branches you should begin a new game by using the map command in console to start back to where you were up to. alternatively you can run Restart after loading a save, but a fresh start is always recommended to avoid jankyness.

[Kako]

Originally posted by qwertylesh:

the branches aren't interoperable Kako.

so, if you change branches you should begin a new game by using the map command in console to start back to where you were up to. alternatively you can run Restart after loading a save, but a fresh start is always recommended to avoid jankyness.

I did not load a save. I started a new game, at chapter 11 :)

[bronsky]

Finally completed Episode 2 without any mod, and the graphics are OK as they are. But thanks for the information, qwertylesh! It makes me want to play HL2 VR again.

[Atarian]

qwertylesh, what kind of improvements graphically can we expect from using the bleedingedge2?

[``~Scre@m~``]

i kinda have the same issue as OP.. anything in the distance is a pixelated mess.. this effect usually happens in outdoor maps (especially half-transparent textures like fences) .. is that because of a episode's 2 bloom+HDR ? ep1 and hl2 didnt look that "blocky"..

[qwertylesh]

Originally posted by SJD:

qwertylesh, what kind of improvements graphically can we expect from using the bleedingedge2?

Sorry for the delayed reply.

The bleedingedge2 aka "3.0 next generation" branch aims to provide a generally higher fidelity experience while staying incredibly true to the original Half Life 2 visual aesthetic. It will slowly get more improvements over time, and it already has many things improved inclding:
-> upscaled the most offending textures (i.e walls small spaces, corkboards, power pylons etc.)
-> other visual improvements like better models (i,e 3D vines opposed to the 2D originals, better combine recharger stations, etc)
-> other map improvements that won't be in retail (i.e fixing spots the player can fall into and get stuck, script sequence issues and so on)
-> very nice light and particles

Heres some old screenshots showing how pretty it is https://twitter.com/Flat2VR/status/1571610207972728838

but if you have the time and download capacity, for the best experience go ahead and clean your hl2vr steam directory, switch branches, then verify the files, and give it a try without using an old save.
you can always wipe the path, switch back to the main branch and verify files again later if you decide you want the original lower resolution Retail experience. :)

[qwertylesh]

Originally posted by ``~Scre@m~``:

i kinda have the same issue as OP.. anything in the distance is a pixelated mess.. this effect usually happens in outdoor maps (especially half-transparent textures like fences) .. is that because of a episode's 2 bloom+HDR ? ep1 and hl2 didnt look that "blocky"..

It may be the fog system that does this, some levels were developed worse (for it) than others like the coast/sandtraps.

[Atarian]

qwertylesh, any updates on progress of the bleedingedge2 branch?

[qwertylesh]

The progress is quite slow, some team members are helping with the flat RTX remake (this wont be compatible with hl2vr but some model improvements may get backported helping 3.0 progress). The rest of the team is fitting in separate texture, model and bug fixing work as time permits. our last update to the branch was to address an issue where map nodegraphs was breaking save games. theres been some difficulty with the build pipeline (causing instability + missing hands, etc) so we are holding off on frequent small updates for the time being to keep the release more stable.

[qwertylesh]

I'd encourage anyone who wants to play it (the basegame branch) to share their feedback on the flat discord( https://flat2vr.com/ ), the more playthrough feedback we get the better off the branch will be in the long run. :)