Do I need to play the original before HL:A?

[rmcgrath]

Wondering if it's necessary to play the original game first or I can start with Alyx. Please share opinions.Thanks.

[rmcgrath]

Also, as an additional question, will it play properly with the Vive XR Elite and is there anything I need to know related to controllers, etc? Thanks.

[Schranzi]

Originally posted by rmcgrath:

Wondering if it's necessary to play the original game first or I can start with Alyx. Please share opinions.Thanks.

i played the halflife 2 mod first, than Alyx and all available Custom Mods ^^

[V I D A L]

You need to play Half-Life 2, Episode 1 and Episode 2 before playing HLA. Ideally.
You don't need to play HL1.

[OZZO]

I don't think that you need to play any of HL earlier games. They are way outdated by modern standards, and there is not much connection to HL:Alyx anyway. The only story related connection is in the last chapter. I think you can safely treat HL:Alyx as a standalone game and just enjoy this masterpiece.

If you like, there is a short video on YouTube that recaps the story from all HL series.

[IanL]

Although not necessary, as you could just read up on the back story so the game makes more sense, I'd definitely recommend playing the main franchise entries first as they are such great games and iconic milestones in game development.

I'd recommend playing Black Mesa first, the much more up to date graphically remake of Half-Life 1, then Half-Life 2 and the episodes. HL2 and the episodes can even be played in VR using the free mods available.

[bronsky]

Half Life 2 VR mods are among the best VR games. You don't need to play them, but you'll be missing out on something special if you don't.

[butcher]

You don't necessarily have to, but it would help you understand whats going on more. And yes, it does run on Vive XR Elite.

[butcher]

Also, if you want you can do Half-life 2 VR mod if you want to stay in VR the whole time.

[rmcgrath]

Thanks for the info, guys. I'll take your advice and get to it as soon as I finish the VR version of Myst.

[aalucylex]

You could also do HL2 MMOD. It enhances the game with new visuals and particles, a few new settings as well, the bad thing about it is that you have to download it through MODDB but you still get achievements.

[karmazyn1]

I recommend playing HL1 first, then HL1 opposing force, HL2, HL2 E1 and E2. Then you can play Alyx.

[Bullett00th]

Playing through Alyx now, the narrative is VERY enjoyable specifically to the fact that it's very much tied to the ending of EP2 and Alyx as a character in general.

As such, I'd highly recommend playing through HL2, EP1 and EP2 before you dive into Alyx. It simply puts things into context, otherwise it will be 'just a cool VR game'.

It's optimal to also play HL1 - whether the original or the Black Mesa fan remake - up to you. But it's not necessary.


All ar great games definitely worth experiencing