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Difference between revisions of "Half-Life 2"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(→‎Additional mods: Added the "Enhanced Valve Logo".)
 
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{{Infobox game/row/developer|Valve Corporation}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Valve Corporation}}
 
|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sierra Entertainment}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sierra Entertainment|2004-2005}}
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Valve Corporation}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Valve Corporation|2005-present}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|1C-SoftClub|Russia (original release)}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Buka Entertainment|Russia (re-release)}}
 
|engines      =  
 
|engines      =  
{{Infobox game/row/engine|Source}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/engine|Source|Original|name=Source 2004}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/engine|Source|Current|name=Source 2013 Singleplayer}}
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|November 16, 2004}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|November 16, 2004|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://store.steampowered.com/oldnews/345|title=News - Half-Life® 2 Released For Play|date=2023-07-02}}</ref>}}
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|May 26, 2010}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|May 26, 2010|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://store.steampowered.com/oldnews/3874|title=News - Steam For Mac Launch: Week 3|date=2023-07-02}}</ref>}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|May 9, 2013}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|May 9, 2013}}
 
|reception    =  
 
|reception    =  
Line 16: Line 19:
 
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|half-life-2|91}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|half-life-2|91}}
 
|taxonomy    =  
 
|taxonomy    =  
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes|Singleplayer}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing|Real-time}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | None }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives|First-person}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes             | Singleplayer }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls|Direct control}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing           | Real-time }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres|Shooter}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives     | First-person }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles|Automobile, Naval/watercraft, Off-roading}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls         | Direct control }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles|Realistic}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres           | FPS, driving}}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes|Eastern Europe, Post-apocalyptic, Sci-fi}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series|Half-Life}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles         | Automobile, Naval/watercraft, Off-roading }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles       | Realistic }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes           | Post-apocalyptic, Sci-fi, Eastern Europe }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series           | Half-Life }}
 
|steam appid  = 220
 
|steam appid  = 220
|steam appid side = 323140, 466270
+
|steam appid side = 219, 323140, 466270, 290930
 
|gogcom id    =  
 
|gogcom id    =  
 
|official site= https://www.half-life.com/en/halflife2
 
|official site= https://www.half-life.com/en/halflife2
 
|hltb        = 4248
 
|hltb        = 4248
 +
|lutris      = half-life-2
 +
|mobygames    = 15564
 
|strategywiki = Half-Life 2
 
|strategywiki = Half-Life 2
|mobygames    = half-life-2
 
 
|wikipedia    = Half-Life 2
 
|wikipedia    = Half-Life 2
 
|winehq      = 2095
 
|winehq      = 2095
Line 37: Line 44:
 
}}
 
}}
  
'''Key points'''
+
{{Introduction
{{ii}} Installing the [[#Half-Life 2: Update|Update mod]] is recommended to fix [https://web.archive.org/web/20160830085422/http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1286478 numerous bugs] introduced by various later updates.
+
|introduction      =
{{++}} Numerous [[#Mods|mods]] are available for the game, including new levels and completely new game modes.
+
 
 +
|release history  = The retail release was published by Sierra Entertainment up until the publisher lost all publishing rights to Valve's titles in 2005. Valve subsequently partnered with Electronic Arts to distribute later retail versions of the game and future titles. The macOS (OS X) version was released in 2010 and the Linux version later in 2013, both coinciding with the launch of Steam on their respective platforms.
 +
 
 +
|current state    = Like most of Valve's library, the game still receives bug fixes and general maintenance updates. It also enjoys a large community base, and various mods are released regularly.
 +
}}
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
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==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Steam, DRM-free | European copies also include {{DRM|SecuROM|5}}.<br>Collector's Edition copies can bypass Steam if you launch <code>hl2.msi</code> directly. 5 to 6 CD's or 1 DVD. | | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Steam, disc | {{removed DRM|SecuROM|5}}. Removed in a December 2004 update. 5-6 CDs or 1 DVD.<br> | | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| Steam | 220 | DRM-free | DRM-free when launched directly from the executable. Some features will not be available (such as Achievements) when launched outside of Steam.{{cn|OS X testing needed|date=October 2018}} |  | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
+
{{Availability/row| Steam | 220 | DRM-free | DRM-free when launched directly from the executable. Some features (such as achievements) are unavailable when launched outside of Steam. |  | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
 
}}
 
}}
{{ii}} A demo is available.
+
{{ii}} A demo is available from {{store link|Steam|219}}.
{{ii}} All versions require {{DRM|Steam}}.
+
{{++}} The soundtrack is available for free from {{store link|Steam|323140}}.
{{++}} Soundtrack is available for free {{store link|Steam|323140|here}}.
 
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
 
===Peixoto's patch===
 
===Peixoto's patch===
[https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Peixoto Peixoto's patch] forced resolution allows in high resolution without shrinking the HUD\menus. Super sampling anti-aliasing is also possible.
+
[https://1drv.ms/u/s!ApHOE-Ru-xkGgZkOtWEHQyuRYq2NWQ?e=VD0U6w Peixoto's patch] forced resolution allows in high resolution without shrinking the HUD or menus. [[SSAA|Super sampling anti-aliasing]] is also possible.
  
 
===Skip intro videos===
 
===Skip intro videos===
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{{Fixbox|description=Command line|ref=<ref name="Sui" />|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Command line|ref=<ref name="Sui" />|fix=
 
# See [[Glossary:Command line arguments|Command line arguments]].
 
# See [[Glossary:Command line arguments|Command line arguments]].
# Use <code>-console</code> then in the console write <code>bind F2 "toggleconsole"</code>
+
# Use <code>-console</code>, then write <code>bind F2 "toggleconsole"</code> in the console.
  
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
{{ii}} You can replace <code>F2</code> with any key of your choice.
+
{{ii}} Any key can be substituted for {{key|F2}}.
 
}}
 
}}
  
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}}
 
}}
  
===Mods===
+
==={{store link|Steam|290930|Half-Life 2: Update}}===
{{ii}} For additional, nonessential mods, see [[#Additional mods|Additional mods]].
+
{{++}} An unofficial update that fixes [https://web.archive.org/web/20160830085422/http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1286478 bugs], improves the lighting, draw distance and adds new effects among others.
 
 
===={{store link|Steam|290930|Half-Life 2: Update}}====
 
{{++}} An unofficial update that fixes bugs, improves the lighting, draw distance and adds new effects among others.
 
 
{{ii}} Standalone; uses a separate installation folder, separate save and configuration files, and separate Steam AppID.
 
{{ii}} Standalone; uses a separate installation folder, separate save and configuration files, and separate Steam AppID.
{{--}} Does not include newer official updates, including [https://store.steampowered.com/news/54632/ an update that fixed NPCs not blinking]. This particular bug can be fixed in Update by copying the vanilla ''client.dll'' and ''server.dll'' from {{code|{{p|game}}\hl2\bin}} to Update's {{code|{{p|game}}\hl2\bin}}.<ref>[https://steamcommunity.com/app/290930/discussions/2/6244776732845239476/#c6244776732846241850 Is the eyes bug fixed in this version of the game? - comment #2]</ref> Can also use the .dlls from [https://steamcommunity.com/app/220/discussions/0/353916184343324908/ this] pack.
+
{{--}} Does not include newer official updates, which introduced new bug fixes and features, follow [https://pastebin.com/xbGQnaSL this guide] or use [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/2588-hl2-update-source-2022-patch-updated-2023/ this patch] ([https://gamebanana.com/mods/429040 Mirror] <!-- [ Mirror 2] -->) to update the game.
 
 
====[https://gamebanana.com/mods/6627 Half-Life 2 Upscaled Model Textures]====
 
{{ii}} Textures for all NPCs, some weapons, some items, some crates, and some vehicles, upscaled with Topaz A.I. Gigapixel.
 
{{++}} Upscaled textures are faithful to the original textures.
 
{{++}} Works with Half-Life 2: Update.
 
{{--}} Large download at over 6.5 GB, including patches. Around 12.5 GB once extracted.
 
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
{{Game data/config|Steam|{{p|game}}/hl2/cfg/}}
+
{{Game data/config|Steam|{{p|game}}\hl2\cfg\}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{XDG|false}}
 
{{XDG|false}}
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===Save game data location===
 
===Save game data location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
{{Game data/saves|Steam|{{p|game}}/hl2/save/}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Steam|{{p|game}}\hl2\save\}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
|discord               =  
+
|discord                   =  
|discord notes         =  
+
|discord notes             =  
|epic games store       =  
+
|epic games launcher       =  
|epic games store notes =  
+
|epic games launcher notes =  
|gog galaxy             =  
+
|gog galaxy               =  
|gog galaxy notes       =  
+
|gog galaxy notes         =  
|origin                 =  
+
|origin                   =  
|origin notes           =  
+
|origin notes             =  
|steam cloud           = true
+
|steam cloud               = true
|steam cloud notes     = Approx. 100 MB available.
+
|steam cloud notes         = Saves and most settings. Approx. 100 MB available.
|uplay                  =  
+
|ubisoft connect          =  
|uplay notes           =  
+
|ubisoft connect notes     =  
|xbox cloud             =  
+
|xbox cloud               =  
|xbox cloud notes       =  
+
|xbox cloud notes         =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Video==
 
==Video==
{{Image|Half Life 2 General Video.png|In-game general video settings.}}
+
{{Image|Half Life 2 General Video.png|General video settings}}
{{Image|Half Life 2 Advanced Video.png|In-game advanced video settings.}}
+
{{Image|Half Life 2 Advanced Video.png|Advanced video settings}}
 
{{Video
 
{{Video
 
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/half-life-2
 
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/half-life-2
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|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = gold
 
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = gold
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
|multimonitor wsgf award    = silver
+
|multimonitor wsgf award    = gold
 
|widescreen resolution      = true
 
|widescreen resolution      = true
 
|widescreen resolution notes=  
 
|widescreen resolution notes=  
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|ultrawidescreen notes      =  
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      =  
 
|4k ultra hd                = true
 
|4k ultra hd                = true
|4k ultra hd notes          = Interface scales poorly.
+
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
 
|fov                        = true
 
|fov                        = true
|fov notes                  = Values between 75° and 90° vertical can be set via ingame slider.<ref>[https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Field_of_View Field of View - Valve Developer Community]</ref> Default is 75°. For higher values use [https://www.moddb.com/games/half-life-2/addons/half-life-2-unlocked-fov this mod] or follow [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1806796168 this guide].
+
|fov notes                  = Values between 75° and 110° (up to 120° using {{code|fov_desired}} or via Gamepad UI) vertical can be set via ingame slider.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Field_of_View|title=Field of View - Valve Developer Community|date=May 2023}}</ref> Default is 75°.
 
|windowed                  = true
 
|windowed                  = true
 
|windowed notes            =  
 
|windowed notes            =  
|borderless windowed        = hackable
+
|borderless windowed        = true
|borderless windowed notes  = See [[#Borderless fullscreen windowed|Borderless fullscreen windowed]].
+
|borderless windowed notes  = Update the game and set to Run in a window (No Border), otherwise use {{code|-windowed -noborder}} (for old version) [[Command line arguments|Command line argument]]
 
|anisotropic                = true
 
|anisotropic                = true
|anisotropic notes          =  
+
|anisotropic notes          = Bilinear, trilinear, 2X, 4X, 8X, 16X
 
|antialiasing              = true
 
|antialiasing              = true
 
|antialiasing notes        = Up to 8x [[MSAA]]. [[SGSSAA]] available with [[Nvidia Profile Inspector]] flag <code>0x000000C1</code>.
 
|antialiasing notes        = Up to 8x [[MSAA]]. [[SGSSAA]] available with [[Nvidia Profile Inspector]] flag <code>0x000000C1</code>.
 +
|upscaling                  = unknown
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 
|vsync                      = true
 
|vsync                      = true
|vsync notes                =  
+
|vsync notes                = Double buffered <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qShOm6pwUbA|title=Black mesa vsync is double buffered|date=2024}}</ref>
 
|60 fps                    = true
 
|60 fps                    = true
 
|60 fps notes              =  
 
|60 fps notes              =  
 
|120 fps                    = true
 
|120 fps                    = true
|120 fps notes              = Frame rate cap can be changed by changing <code>fps_max</code> in  the [[#Enabling the console|developer console]]. To uncap FPS or cap FPS higher than 300 you must first set <code>sv_cheats = 1</code> before using <code>fps_max</code>. <code>sv_cheats = 1</code> will also disable achievements.
+
|120 fps notes              = 300 FPS cap by default. With console, can change <code>fps_max</code> up to <code>1000</code>; use <code>0</code> for uncapped framerate.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Mr. obsolete 341|date=2021-11-22|comment=}}</ref>
 
|hdr                        = false
 
|hdr                        = false
 
|hdr notes                  = Rendered image uses {{term|SDR}} color space. In-game {{term|HDR}} option refers only to {{term|HDR Rendering}}.
 
|hdr notes                  = Rendered image uses {{term|SDR}} color space. In-game {{term|HDR}} option refers only to {{term|HDR Rendering}}.
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|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{ii}} '''Half-Life 2: Update''' uses the '''Half-Life: Source''' profile in Nvidia Profile Inspector, but uses the same antialiasing and HBAO compatibility flags as vanilla '''Half-Life 2'''
 
{{ii}} HBAO available with Nvidia Profile Inspector flag <code>0x0000002C</code>.
 
{{ii}} HBAO available with Nvidia Profile Inspector flag <code>0x0000002C</code>.
 
+
{{ii}} If '''Half-Life 2: Update''' is blurry with SGSSAA, try [[Glossary:Anti-aliasing_(AA)#Hybrid-Sampling_Anti-Aliasing_.28HSAA.29|HSAA]] for a cleaner image with [[Nvidia Profile Inspector]] flag <code>0x000000C1</code>. Follow same rules listed under [[Glossary:Anti-aliasing_(AA)#Sparse_Grid_Super-Sampling_Anti-Aliasing_.28SGSSAA.29|SGSSAA]] section.
===[[Glossary:Borderless fullscreen windowed|Borderless fullscreen windowed]]===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref=<ref name="Sui" />|fix=
 
# See [[Glossary:Command line arguments|Command line arguments]].
 
# Use <code>-window -noborder</code>
 
 
 
'''Notes'''
 
{{ii}} For the Oculus Rift, set <code>vr_force_windowed 1</code> in the [[#Enabling the console|developer console]].
 
}}
 
  
 
==Input==
 
==Input==
{{Image|Half Life 2 Remapping.png|In-game key map settings.}}
+
{{Image|Half Life 2 Remapping.png|Key map settings}}
{{Image|Half Life 2 Mouse Gamepad.png|In-game mouse/gamepad settings.}}
+
{{Image|Half Life 2 Mouse Gamepad.png|Mouse/gamepad settings}}
 
{{Input
 
{{Input
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap                = true
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|touchscreen notes        =  
 
|touchscreen notes        =  
 
|controller support        = true
 
|controller support        = true
|controller support notes  = To make {{code|controller vibration}} work, download an updated version of the SDL2 file and replace it with the one in the HL2 folder. [https://www.libsdl.org/release/SDL2-2.0.12-win32-x86.zip SDL2] This works for any Source engine based game.  
+
|controller support notes  =  
|full controller          = hackable
+
|full controller          = true
|full controller notes    = Use [https://www.moddb.com/mods/xbox-360-ui-mod-for-pc Controller UI Mod] for a console style menu that can be navigated with a controller. Use the console command {{code|exec 360controller}} to automatically setup Xbox controller support (if not already configured at startup).
+
|full controller notes    = Native since 2022 update, use {{code|-gamepadui}} [[Command line arguments|Command line argument]] to enable Gamepad UI. By default, this will also enable Vulkan, which can cause the game to crash on incompatible hardware.<br><br>If you want to enable the Gamepad UI on systems with GPUs that does not support Vulkan, use {{code|-dx9}} alongside {{code|-gamepadui}} in order to force the game to launch with DX9 mode instead of Vulkan, while having Gamepad UI enabled.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Kr0tchet|date=2024-01-27}}</ref><br><br>For older version of the game (or some third-party mods) please use [https://www.moddb.com/mods/xbox-360-ui-mod-for-pc this X360 Gamepad UI mod] instead, however keep in mind that it does not include the latest patches for the game, which fixes various bugs<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Kr0tchet|date=2024-01-27|comment=Bugs such as Dropship gun unable to turn in any direction will reappear once the Xbox 360 UI mod is installed.}}</ref>.  
 
|controller remap          = true
 
|controller remap          = true
 
|controller remap notes    =  
 
|controller remap notes    =  
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|xinput controllers        = true
 
|xinput controllers        = true
 
|xinput controllers notes  =  
 
|xinput controllers notes  =  
|xbox prompts              = unknown
+
|xbox prompts              = limited
|xbox prompts notes        =  
+
|xbox prompts notes        = Supported via [[Steam#Steam Input|Steam Input]] API.
|impulse triggers          = unknown
+
|impulse triggers          = false
 
|impulse triggers notes    =  
 
|impulse triggers notes    =  
|dualshock 4              = false
+
|dualshock 4              = true
 
|dualshock 4 notes        =  
 
|dualshock 4 notes        =  
|dualshock prompts        = hackable
+
|dualshock prompts        = limited
|dualshock prompts notes  = Requires mods.
+
|dualshock prompts notes  = Supported via [[Steam#Steam Input|Steam Input]] API.
|light bar support        = false
+
|light bar support        = unknown
 
|light bar support notes  =  
 
|light bar support notes  =  
|dualshock 4 modes        = false
+
|dualshock 4 modes        = Wired, Wireless, Bluetooth
|dualshock 4 modes notes  =  
+
|dualshock 4 modes notes  = <ref>{{Refcheck|user=Al2009man|date=2022-05-05|comment=Tested on DualShock 4 V2 and DualSense Controller while Steam Input is forcefully disabled. <br><br>As of this writing: Left/Right Joystick does not work if Steam Input (under Legacy mode) is enabled.}}</ref>
 
|tracked motion controllers= true
 
|tracked motion controllers= true
|tracked motion controllers notes = Supports [[Controller:Razer Hydra|Razer Hydra]].
+
|tracked motion controllers notes = Supports [[Controller:Razer Hydra|Razer Hydra]]. Use [https://store.steampowered.com/app/658920/HalfLife_2_VR_Mod/ Half-Life 2: VR Mod] for tracked motion controllers support in VR.
 
|tracked motion prompts    = unknown
 
|tracked motion prompts    = unknown
 
|tracked motion prompts notes =  
 
|tracked motion prompts notes =  
|other controllers        = unknown
+
|other controllers        = true
|other controllers notes  =  
+
|other controllers notes  = Both [[Controller:Switch Pro Controller|Nintendo Switch Pro Controller]] and Generic Gamepads are supported via [[Steam#Steam Input|Steam Input]] API
|other button prompts      = unknown
+
|other button prompts      = nintendo
|other button prompts notes=  
+
|other button prompts notes= [[Controller:Switch Pro Controller|Nintendo Switch Pro Controller]] button prompts are supported via [[Steam#Steam Input|Steam Input]] API
 
|button prompts            = xbox, dualshock, nintendo
 
|button prompts            = xbox, dualshock, nintendo
|button prompts notes      = Use [https://www.moddb.com/mods/xbox-360-ui-mod-for-pc Controller UI Mod] to get a choice of button prompts such as Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3/4, Switch, and more.
+
|button prompts notes      = The new Controller-centric UI will automatically change the button prompts based of the controller you have connected (through Steam Input API).<br><br>For older version of the game (or third-party mods that doesn't support the Gamepad UI), use [https://www.moddb.com/mods/xbox-360-ui-mod-for-pc Controller UI Mod] to get a choice of button prompts such as Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3/4, Switch, and more.  
 
|controller hotplug        = true
 
|controller hotplug        = true
 
|controller hotplug notes  =  
 
|controller hotplug notes  =  
|haptic feedback          = false
+
|haptic feedback          = limited
|haptic feedback notes    =  
+
|haptic feedback notes    = Supported via [[Steam#Steam Input|Steam Input]] API. <br><br>If using the old version or Legacy XInput mode: you can bring back Controller rumble by download an updated version of the [https://www.libsdl.org/download-2.0.php/ SDL2 runtime binary] (choose Runtime Binaries x86) and replace it with the one in <code>{{P|game}}\bin</code>.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Al2009man|date=2022-05-05|comment=Seems like this method no longer works on Steam Deck branch.}}</ref> This works for any Source engine based game.
 
|simultaneous input        = true
 
|simultaneous input        = true
 
|simultaneous input notes  =  
 
|simultaneous input notes  =  
|steam input api          = false
+
|steam input api          = true
 
|steam input api notes    =  
 
|steam input api notes    =  
 
|steam hook input          = unknown
 
|steam hook input          = unknown
 
|steam hook input notes    =  
 
|steam hook input notes    =  
|steam input presets      = unknown
+
|steam input presets      = true
|steam input presets notes =  
+
|steam input presets notes = PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Controller & Steam Deck (under Standard and Motion Controls presets)
|steam controller prompts  = unknown
+
|steam controller prompts  = true
|steam controller prompts notes =  
+
|steam controller prompts notes = Uses [[Steam#Steam Input|Steam Input]] API's built-in Button Icons
 
|steam cursor detection    = unknown
 
|steam cursor detection    = unknown
 
|steam cursor detection notes =  
 
|steam cursor detection notes =  
Line 246: Line 243:
  
 
==Audio==
 
==Audio==
{{Image|Half Life 2 Audio.png|In-game audio settings.}}
+
{{Image|Half Life 2 Audio.png|Audio settings}}
 
{{Audio
 
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
Line 259: Line 256:
 
|mute on focus lost notes = Under a check box in the '''Audio''' menu.
 
|mute on focus lost notes = Under a check box in the '''Audio''' menu.
 
|eax support              = hackable
 
|eax support              = hackable
|eax support notes        = Set <code>snd_legacy_surround 1</code> in console (or launch the game with <code>+snd_legacy_surround 1</code>), ''4 speakers'' in options, and use [[DSOAL]] for binaural HRTF mixing.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnIVLWr5Y2k Half-Life 2 with 3D spatial sound 🎧 (OpenAL Soft HRTF audio)]</ref>
+
|eax support notes        = Set <code>snd_legacy_surround 1</code> in console (or launch the game with <code>+snd_legacy_surround 1</code>), ''4 speakers'' in options, and use [[DSOAL]] for binaural HRTF mixing.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnIVLWr5Y2k|title=Half-Life 2 with 3D spatial sound 🎧 (OpenAL Soft HRTF audio)|date=9 June 2023}}</ref>
 +
|royalty free audio      = always on
 +
|royalty free audio notes =
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 270: Line 269:
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Belarusian
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = hackable
 +
|notes    = Fan translation, [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2838439269 Steam Workshop]. In testing stage.
 +
|fan      = true
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
Line 382: Line 389:
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Brazilian Portuguese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041231045822/http://jogos.uol.com.br/ultnot/pc/ult182u3131.jhtm|title=UOL Jogos, 29/12/2004 (archived).|date=May 2023}}</ref>
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Brazilian Portuguese
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = hackable
 +
|subtitles = hackable
 +
|notes    = [https://www.moddb.com/mods/halflife2dublado Mod DB.]
 +
|fan      = true
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
Line 388: Line 411:
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
  |notes    = Original localization by SDL [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=612972608 here]
+
  |notes    = By default, the steam version has a new localization by "Buka". However, after the "SteamPipe" update, errors appeared in the localization, such as the effect of broken phrases. Therefore, it is recommended to download [http://bbs.hl-inside.ru/showthread.php?threadid=58203 the patch], made by guys from the "hl-inside" forum.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Russian
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = hackable
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = First offical localization by SDL and published for retail by "SoftClub" [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=612972608 here]
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 471: Line 502:
 
|vorpx notes                = Officially supported game, see [https://www.vorpx.com/supported-games/ official vorpx game list].
 
|vorpx notes                = Officially supported game, see [https://www.vorpx.com/supported-games/ official vorpx game list].
 
|vr only                    = false
 
|vr only                    = false
|htc vive                    = unknown
+
|htc vive                    = hackable
|htc vive notes              =  
+
|htc vive notes              = Use [https://store.steampowered.com/app/658920/HalfLife_2_VR_Mod/ Half-Life 2: VR Mod].
 
|oculus rift                = true
 
|oculus rift                = true
|oculus rift notes          = Available under Video Settings. See the [https://developer.oculusvr.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=957 Oculus Rift forums] for further instructions.
+
|oculus rift notes          = Available under Video Settings (except newer versions). See the [https://developer.oculusvr.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=957 Oculus Rift forums] for further instructions. Enable borderless window on Oculus Rift using <code>vr_force_windowed 1</code>. Use [https://store.steampowered.com/app/658920/HalfLife_2_VR_Mod/ Half-Life 2: VR Mod] on newer versions.
 
|osvr                        = unknown
 
|osvr                        = unknown
 
|osvr notes                  =  
 
|osvr notes                  =  
|windows mixed reality      = unknown
+
|windows mixed reality      = hackable
|windows mixed reality notes =  
+
|windows mixed reality notes = Use [https://store.steampowered.com/app/658920/HalfLife_2_VR_Mod/ Half-Life 2: VR Mod].
 
|keyboard-mouse              = true
 
|keyboard-mouse              = true
 
|keyboard-mouse notes        =  
 
|keyboard-mouse notes        =  
Line 485: Line 516:
 
|novint falcon              = true
 
|novint falcon              = true
 
|novint falcon notes        =  
 
|novint falcon notes        =  
|trackir                    =  
+
|trackir                    = hackable
|trackir notes              =  
+
|trackir notes              = Works with FreeTrack 2.0 protocol using software like [http://facetracknoir.sourceforge.net/ FaceTrackNoIR].
|tobii eye tracking          =  
+
|tobii eye tracking          = hackable
|tobii eye tracking notes    =  
+
|tobii eye tracking notes    = Works with [http://facetracknoir.sourceforge.net/Trackers/Tobii.htm Tobii EyeX tracker] or [http://facetracknoir.sourceforge.net/Trackers/Tobii4C.htm Tobii EyeX 4C and 5 headtracker] plugins for [http://facetracknoir.sourceforge.net/ FaceTrackNoIR].
|play area seated            =  
+
|play area seated            = true
 
|play area seated notes      =  
 
|play area seated notes      =  
|play area standing          =  
+
|play area standing          = true
 
|play area standing notes    =  
 
|play area standing notes    =  
|play area room-scale        =  
+
|play area room-scale        = true
 
|play area room-scale notes  =  
 
|play area room-scale notes  =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 503: Line 534:
 
===Purple and black textures===
 
===Purple and black textures===
 
{{ii}} See [[Engine:Source#Broken textures|missing textures]].
 
{{ii}} See [[Engine:Source#Broken textures|missing textures]].
 
===No lighting after Black Mesa East===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Activate the High Dynamic Range in the Advanced Video Options|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}}}
 
 
===Stuck in Black Mesa East===
 
{{ii}}Bug that happens in unpatched retail versions through steam.
 
The digital version of steam is not affected by this error since it will be automatically patched to the latest version.
 
{{Fixbox|description=Walk into the elevator, '''Quick Save''' {{key|F6}}, then '''Quick Load''' {{key|F9}}.}}
 
 
===Not enough space on disk (retail)===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Copy the files|ref=<ref name="Sui" />|fix=
 
* Copy all the files from the disc to a new folder, then run <code>setup.exe</code>
 
}}
 
 
===Available memory less than 128 MB(retail) ===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Setting the compatibility mode|ref=<ref name="Sui" />|fix=
 
# See [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]].
 
# Go to <code>{{p|game}}</code> and find <code>hl2.exe</code>
 
# Set the executable to run under the '''Windows XP (Service Pack 3)''' compatibility mode.
 
}}
 
  
 
===Half-Life 2 stuck on DirectX v8.0===
 
===Half-Life 2 stuck on DirectX v8.0===
Line 540: Line 551:
  
 
===SteamVR launches automatically when attempting to enter Options===
 
===SteamVR launches automatically when attempting to enter Options===
{{Fixbox|description=Modify the gameinfo.txt file|ref=<ref>https://steamcommunity.com/app/290930/discussions/2/2826511721278755116/</ref>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Modify the gameinfo.txt file|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/290930/discussions/2/2826511721278755116/|title=Steam Community|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
 
# Navigate to <code>{{P|game}}/hl2/</code> and open <code>gameinfo.txt</code> with a text editor of your choice.
 
# Navigate to <code>{{P|game}}/hl2/</code> and open <code>gameinfo.txt</code> with a text editor of your choice.
 
# Find the value of <code>supportsvr</code> and change it from <code>1</code> to <code>0</code>.
 
# Find the value of <code>supportsvr</code> and change it from <code>1</code> to <code>0</code>.
Line 546: Line 557:
 
{{ii}} If you reinstall the game or verify the integrity of the files, this change will be reverted.
 
{{ii}} If you reinstall the game or verify the integrity of the files, this change will be reverted.
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
===Missing music and sound effects (Fedora Linux)===
 +
{{--}}  Certain music and sound files won't be played when using Fedora Linux.
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Use Proton version of Half-Life 2}}
  
 
==Other information==
 
==Other information==
 
===API===
 
===API===
 
{{API
 
{{API
|direct3d versions      = 6, 7, 8, 8.1, 9
+
|direct3d versions      = 9, 9Ex
|direct3d notes        =  
+
|direct3d notes        = Initially had compatibility levels for Direct3D 6 - 8.1 cards. Current version only supports compatibility levels for 8 and later.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=kr0tchet|date=2022-04-02|comment=Previously tested years ago, DX feature level 6.0 are likely non-functional since Source 2006 engine update and looks the same as DX7 level. Since Source 2009 update (in 2010), DX7 level will also get reset to DX8 level once you have changed the video settings or by launch the game again without that -dxlevel 70 command line.<br>Furthermore, these will not change the actual renderer to Direct3D 8 and older, the game will always runs on Direct3D 9 regardless which DX level is running on.}}</ref><ref>{{Refcheck|user=Aemony|date=2023-10-08|comment=Game seems to use D3D9Ex (though not FlipEx) based on my testing today.}}</ref>
 
|directdraw versions    =  
 
|directdraw versions    =  
 
|directdraw notes      =  
 
|directdraw notes      =  
Line 562: Line 577:
 
|mantle support        =  
 
|mantle support        =  
 
|mantle support notes  =  
 
|mantle support notes  =  
|vulkan versions        =  
+
|vulkan versions        = hackable
|vulkan notes          =  
+
|vulkan notes          = Enable Vulkan using {{code|-vulkan}} [[Command line arguments|Command line argument]]. Works via DXVK translation layer.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/valve-quietly-updates-half-life-2-with-increased-fov-ultrawide-support-and-ancient-bug-fixes/|title=pcgamer.com|date=May 2023}}</ref> Windows<ref>{{Refcheck|user=kr0tchet|date=2022-04-02|comment=dxvk_d3d9.dll exists in game directory (Windows only) [[File:DXVK HL2 proof.jpg]]
 +
}}</ref><ref>{{Refcheck|user=Expack3|date=2022-04-04|comment=Windows version seems to use DXVK v1.8.1-3-gd3e43ed3, based on output log.}}</ref> & Linux only.{{cn|date=2022-03-31|reason=}}
 
|dos modes              =  
 
|dos modes              =  
 
|dos modes notes        =  
 
|dos modes notes        =  
Line 570: Line 586:
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = true
 +
|windows arm app        = unknown
 
|windows exe notes      = 64-bit version is no longer available<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news030105hl2|title=64-bit Half-Life 2 released - Eurogamer.net|date=2020-08-27}}</ref>
 
|windows exe notes      = 64-bit version is no longer available<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news030105hl2|title=64-bit Half-Life 2 released - Eurogamer.net|date=2020-08-27}}</ref>
|mac os x powerpc app  =  
+
|mac os x powerpc app  = unknown
 
|macos intel 32-bit app = true
 
|macos intel 32-bit app = true
 
|macos intel 64-bit app = false
 
|macos intel 64-bit app = false
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 
|macos app notes        = {{CN|date=August 2015}}
 
|macos app notes        = {{CN|date=August 2015}}
|linux powerpc app      =  
+
|linux powerpc app      = unknown
 
|linux 32-bit executable= true
 
|linux 32-bit executable= true
 
|linux 64-bit executable= false
 
|linux 64-bit executable= false
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 
|linux executable notes = {{CN|date=August 2015}}
 
|linux executable notes = {{CN|date=August 2015}}
 
}}
 
}}
Line 589: Line 608:
 
|interface        =  
 
|interface        =  
 
|interface notes  =  
 
|interface notes  =  
|input            =  
+
|input            = SDL
 
|input notes      =  
 
|input notes      =  
 
|cutscenes        = Bink Video
 
|cutscenes        = Bink Video
Line 618: Line 637:
 
{{++}} Enhances visual effects, weapon animations, sound, and gunplay. Most features can be toggled on and off.
 
{{++}} Enhances visual effects, weapon animations, sound, and gunplay. Most features can be toggled on and off.
 
{{ii}} Compatible with all official Half-Life 2 titles and [https://store.steampowered.com/app/235780/MINERVA/ MINERVA] and the [https://www.moddb.com/mods/fakefactory-cinematic-mod FakeFactory Cinematic Mod]. Compatibility patches made by the community for other mods and games based around the Half-Life 2 gameplay and various other addons can be found [https://www.moddb.com/mods/hl2-ep2-enhased-mod/addons here].
 
{{ii}} Compatible with all official Half-Life 2 titles and [https://store.steampowered.com/app/235780/MINERVA/ MINERVA] and the [https://www.moddb.com/mods/fakefactory-cinematic-mod FakeFactory Cinematic Mod]. Compatibility patches made by the community for other mods and games based around the Half-Life 2 gameplay and various other addons can be found [https://www.moddb.com/mods/hl2-ep2-enhased-mod/addons here].
 +
 +
====[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1676306500 Half-Life 2 4X AI Textures]====
 +
{{ii}} Textures for all NPCs, some weapons, some items, some crates, and some vehicles, upscaled with Topaz A.I. Gigapixel.
 +
{{++}} Upscaled textures are faithful to the original textures.
 +
{{++}} Works with Half-Life 2: Update.
 +
{{--}} Large download at over 6.5 GB, including patches. Around 12.5 GB once extracted.
 +
 +
====[https://archive.org/details/hl2aiupscaledmodeltextures Half-Life 2 Upscaled Model Textures]====
 +
{{ii}} A similar mod to the Half-Life 2 4X AI Textures but only for NPCs.
 +
{{++}} Smaller than Half-Life 2 4X AI Textures. At 840 MB and 2.31 GB once extracted.
 +
 +
====[https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/2946-enhanced-valve-logo-for-half-life-2/ Enhanced Valve Logo]====
 +
{{++}} Makes the Valve logo (Open Your Mind from 2007) higher quality using the version from the Source SDK Base 2007.
  
 
==System requirements==
 
==System requirements==
Line 637: Line 669:
 
|recGPU2  = ATI Radeon X800
 
|recGPU2  = ATI Radeon X800
 
|recVRAM  = 512 MB
 
|recVRAM  = 512 MB
|notes    = {{ii}} Windows 98SE, ME, and 2000 were previously supported operating systems for the game, but as future updates for this game and Steam occurred; the support for these operating systems were dropped with non-Collector's Edition retail copies.<br/>{{ii}} Must be [[#Availability|run without Steam]] to play on XP and Vista.
+
|notes    = {{ii}} The original system requirements were as follows: Windows 2000/XP/ME/98, a 1.2 GHz processor (2.4 GHz recommended), 256 MB RAM (512 MB recommended), DirectX 7, and 4.5 GB hard disk space<br/>{{ii}} Windows 98SE, ME, and 2000 were previously supported operating systems for the game, but as future updates for this game and Steam occurred; the support for these operating systems were dropped with non-Collector's Edition retail copies.<br/>{{ii}} Must be [[#Availability|run without Steam]] to play on XP and Vista.
 
}}
 
}}
  

Latest revision as of 18:40, 29 March 2024

Half-Life 2
Half-Life 2 cover
Developers
Valve Corporation
Publishers
2004-2005 Sierra Entertainment
2005-present Valve Corporation
Russia (original release) 1C-SoftClub
Russia (re-release) Buka Entertainment
Engines
Original Source 2004
Current Source 2013 Singleplayer
Release dates
Windows November 16, 2004[1]
macOS (OS X) May 26, 2010[2]
Linux May 9, 2013
Reception
Metacritic 96
IGDB 91
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase
Microtransactions None
Modes Singleplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives First-person
Controls Direct control
Genres FPS, Driving
Vehicles Automobile, Naval/watercraft, Off-roading
Art styles Realistic
Themes Post-apocalyptic, Sci-fi, Eastern Europe
Series Half-Life
Half-Life 2 on HowLongToBeat
Half-Life 2 on IGDB
Half-Life 2 guide on StrategyWiki
Half-Life 2 on MobyGames
Half-Life 2 on Wikipedia
Half-Life mods and fangames (series)
Half-Life 1998
Half-Life: Opposing Force 1999
Half-Life: Blue Shift 2001
Codename: Gordon 2004
Half-Life: Source 2004
Half-Life 2 2004
Half-Life 2: Deathmatch 2004
Half-Life 2: Lost Coast 2005
Half-Life Deathmatch: Source 2006
Half-Life 2: Episode One 2006
Half-Life 2: Episode Two 2007
Portal (series)
Half-Life: Decay (unofficial port) 2008
Half-Life: Alyx 2020

Warnings

The macOS (OS X) version of this game does not work on macOS Catalina (version 10.15) or later due to the removal of support for 32-bit-only apps.

Half-Life 2 is a singleplayer first-person FPS and driving game in the Half-Life series.

The retail release was published by Sierra Entertainment up until the publisher lost all publishing rights to Valve's titles in 2005. Valve subsequently partnered with Electronic Arts to distribute later retail versions of the game and future titles. The macOS (OS X) version was released in 2010 and the Linux version later in 2013, both coinciding with the launch of Steam on their respective platforms.

Like most of Valve's library, the game still receives bug fixes and general maintenance updates. It also enjoys a large community base, and various mods are released regularly.

General information

GitHub Issue Tracker for Linux bugs in Half-Life 2 and other Source-based games
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Icon overlay.png
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
SecuROM 5 DRM. Removed in a December 2004 update. 5-6 CDs or 1 DVD.
Windows
Steam
DRM-free after installation through Steam client (notes may include more details)
DRM-free when launched directly from the executable. Some features (such as achievements) are unavailable when launched outside of Steam.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
A demo is available from Steam.
The soundtrack is available for free from Steam.

Essential improvements

Peixoto's patch

Peixoto's patch forced resolution allows in high resolution without shrinking the HUD or menus. Super sampling anti-aliasing is also possible.

Skip intro videos

Use -novid command line argument[3]

Enabling the console

A list of console commands can be found here.
Command line[3]
  1. See Command line arguments.
  2. Use -console, then write bind F2 "toggleconsole" in the console.

Notes

Any key can be substituted for F2.
Options menu[3]
  1. Go to Options, select the Keyboard tab and click on Advanced.
  2. Check Enable the developer console and open the console by using ~.

Half-Life 2: Update

An unofficial update that fixes bugs, improves the lighting, draw distance and adds new effects among others.
Standalone; uses a separate installation folder, separate save and configuration files, and separate Steam AppID.
Does not include newer official updates, which introduced new bug fixes and features, follow this guide or use this patch (Mirror ) to update the game.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Steam <path-to-game>\hl2\cfg\
This game does not follow the XDG Base Directory Specification on Linux.

Save game data location

System Location
Steam <path-to-game>\hl2\save\

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
Steam Cloud
Saves and most settings. Approx. 100 MB available.

Video

General video settings
General video settings
Advanced video settings
Advanced video settings

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
Multi-monitor
Ultra-widescreen
4K Ultra HD
Field of view (FOV)
Values between 75° and 110° (up to 120° using fov_desired or via Gamepad UI) vertical can be set via ingame slider.[4] Default is 75°.
Windowed
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Update the game and set to Run in a window (No Border), otherwise use -windowed -noborder (for old version) Command line argument
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Bilinear, trilinear, 2X, 4X, 8X, 16X
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Up to 8x MSAA. SGSSAA available with Nvidia Profile Inspector flag 0x000000C1.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
Double buffered [5]
60 FPS and 120+ FPS
300 FPS cap by default. With console, can change fps_max up to 1000; use 0 for uncapped framerate.[6]
High dynamic range display (HDR)
Rendered image uses SDR color space. In-game HDR option refers only to HDR Rendering.
Half-Life 2: Update uses the Half-Life: Source profile in Nvidia Profile Inspector, but uses the same antialiasing and HBAO compatibility flags as vanilla Half-Life 2
HBAO available with Nvidia Profile Inspector flag 0x0000002C.
If Half-Life 2: Update is blurry with SGSSAA, try HSAA for a cleaner image with Nvidia Profile Inspector flag 0x000000C1. Follow same rules listed under SGSSAA section.

Input

Key map settings
Key map settings
Mouse/gamepad settings
Mouse/gamepad settings

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Full controller support
Native since 2022 update, use -gamepadui Command line argument to enable Gamepad UI. By default, this will also enable Vulkan, which can cause the game to crash on incompatible hardware.

If you want to enable the Gamepad UI on systems with GPUs that does not support Vulkan, use -dx9 alongside -gamepadui in order to force the game to launch with DX9 mode instead of Vulkan, while having Gamepad UI enabled.[7]

For older version of the game (or some third-party mods) please use this X360 Gamepad UI mod instead, however keep in mind that it does not include the latest patches for the game, which fixes various bugs[8].
Controller remapping
Controller sensitivity
Controller Y-axis inversion
Controller types
XInput-compatible controllers
Xbox button prompts
Supported via Steam Input API.
Impulse Trigger vibration
PlayStation controllers
PlayStation button prompts
Supported via Steam Input API.
Light bar support
Adaptive trigger support
DualSense haptic feedback support
Connection modes Wired, Wireless (Bluetooth), Wireless (Bluetooth)
[9]
Tracked motion controllers
Supports Razer Hydra. Use Half-Life 2: VR Mod for tracked motion controllers support in VR.
Button/gesture prompts
Generic/other controllers
Both Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and Generic Gamepads are supported via Steam Input API
Button prompts
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller button prompts are supported via Steam Input API
Additional information
Button prompts
The new Controller-centric UI will automatically change the button prompts based of the controller you have connected (through Steam Input API).

For older version of the game (or third-party mods that doesn't support the Gamepad UI), use Controller UI Mod to get a choice of button prompts such as Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3/4, Switch, and more.
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
Supported via Steam Input API.

If using the old version or Legacy XInput mode: you can bring back Controller rumble by download an updated version of the SDL2 runtime binary (choose Runtime Binaries x86) and replace it with the one in <path-to-game>\bin.[10] This works for any Source engine based game.
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M
Steam Input
Steam Input API support
Official controller preset(s)
PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Controller & Steam Deck (under Standard and Motion Controls presets)
Steam Controller button prompts
Uses Steam Input API's built-in Button Icons

Audio

Audio settings
Audio settings

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Game volume and music slider.
Surround sound
4.0, 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound. 7.1 output may require DirectSound3D restoration software.
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Under a check box in the Audio menu.
EAX support
Set snd_legacy_surround 1 in console (or launch the game with +snd_legacy_surround 1), 4 speakers in options, and use DSOAL for binaural HRTF mixing.[11]
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Belarusian
Fan translation, Steam Workshop. In testing stage.
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Czech
Fan translation including dubbing, download.
Danish
Dutch
Finnish
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Norwegian
Polish
Portuguese
Brazilian Portuguese
[12]
Brazilian Portuguese
Mod DB.
Russian
By default, the steam version has a new localization by "Buka". However, after the "SteamPipe" update, errors appeared in the localization, such as the effect of broken phrases. Therefore, it is recommended to download the patch, made by guys from the "hl-inside" forum.
Russian
First offical localization by SDL and published for retail by "SoftClub" here
Spanish
Swedish
Thai

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
32 Users will need to open the developer console and type "maxplayers 4; sv_lan 1" and "map d1_trainstation_01" in the console. Do note that the game will not load an autosave, but you and your partner will respawn instead.
Online play
10 Use Synergy.

Connection types

VR support

3D modes State GG3D Notes
Native 3D
Nvidia 3D Vision
See also Helix Mod: Half Life 2:Update.
TriDef 3D
iZ3D
vorpX
G3D, DirectVR
Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list.
Headsets
SteamVR
Use Half-Life 2: VR Mod.
Oculus VR (LibOVR)
Available under Video Settings (except newer versions). See the Oculus Rift forums for further instructions. Enable borderless window on Oculus Rift using vr_force_windowed 1. Use Half-Life 2: VR Mod on newer versions.
Windows Mixed Reality
Use Half-Life 2: VR Mod.
Devices
Tracked motion controllers
Supports Razer Hydra. Use Half-Life 2: VR Mod for tracked motion controllers support in VR.
See Input for details.
Traditional controller
See Input for details.
Keyboard/Mouse
Tobii Eye Tracking
Works with Tobii EyeX tracker or Tobii EyeX 4C and 5 headtracker plugins for FaceTrackNoIR.
TrackIR
Works with FreeTrack 2.0 protocol using software like FaceTrackNoIR.
3RD Space Gaming Vest
Novint Falcon
Play area
Seated
Standing
Room-scale

Issues fixed

Windows

TweakGuides has created a comprehensive guide for fixing issues in this game which can be found here.

Purple and black textures

See missing textures.

Half-Life 2 stuck on DirectX v8.0

Command line parameter[3]
  1. See Command line arguments.
  2. Use -dxlevel 95, start the game and configure the desired video settings.
  3. Remove the command line before starting the game again.

Notes

Not removing the command line will cause the game to set the options to their default values.

Cyrillic Font Issue in Linux

Cyrillic Font Issue in Linux[citation needed]

Find and remove the Helvetica font.

SteamVR launches automatically when attempting to enter Options

Modify the gameinfo.txt file[13]
  1. Navigate to <path-to-game>/hl2/ and open gameinfo.txt with a text editor of your choice.
  2. Find the value of supportsvr and change it from 1 to 0.

Notes

If you reinstall the game or verify the integrity of the files, this change will be reverted.

Missing music and sound effects (Fedora Linux)

Certain music and sound files won't be played when using Fedora Linux.
Use Proton version of Half-Life 2

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9, 9Ex Initially had compatibility levels for Direct3D 6 - 8.1 cards. Current version only supports compatibility levels for 8 and later.[15][16]
OpenGL 2.1 OS X and Linux only.
Vulkan
Enable Vulkan using -vulkan Command line argument. Works via DXVK translation layer.[17] Windows[18][19] & Linux only.[citation needed]
Shader Model support 1.x, 2, 3
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
64-bit version is no longer available[14]
macOS (OS X)
[citation needed]
Linux
[citation needed]

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Physics Havok Heavily modified variant.
Audio Miles Sound System
Input SDL
Cutscenes Bink Video Used for startup videos and in-game movies.
Anti-cheat Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC)

Launch options

A list of command lines can be found here and here.
Instructions[3]
  1. See Command line arguments.
  2. Enter your commands.

Additional mods

An extra list of mods can be found here. To view the most-rated mods, click here.
A discussion of various graphic improvement mods can be found here.

Half-Life 2: Survivor

An unofficial port of the Japanese arcade version.
This mod does not require Steam in order to run, but it requires you to use old files from Source SDK Base 2006. Click at the link above for more info.

Half-Life 2: MMod

Enhances visual effects, weapon animations, sound, and gunplay. Most features can be toggled on and off.
Compatible with all official Half-Life 2 titles and MINERVA and the FakeFactory Cinematic Mod. Compatibility patches made by the community for other mods and games based around the Half-Life 2 gameplay and various other addons can be found here.

Half-Life 2 4X AI Textures

Textures for all NPCs, some weapons, some items, some crates, and some vehicles, upscaled with Topaz A.I. Gigapixel.
Upscaled textures are faithful to the original textures.
Works with Half-Life 2: Update.
Large download at over 6.5 GB, including patches. Around 12.5 GB once extracted.

Half-Life 2 Upscaled Model Textures

A similar mod to the Half-Life 2 4X AI Textures but only for NPCs.
Smaller than Half-Life 2 4X AI Textures. At 840 MB and 2.31 GB once extracted.

Makes the Valve logo (Open Your Mind from 2007) higher quality using the version from the Source SDK Base 2007.

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10
Processor (CPU) 1.7 GHz
System memory (RAM) 512 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 6.5 GB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce FX 5700
ATI Radeon 9500
128 MB of VRAM
DirectX 8.1 compatible
The original system requirements were as follows: Windows 2000/XP/ME/98, a 1.2 GHz processor (2.4 GHz recommended), 256 MB RAM (512 MB recommended), DirectX 7, and 4.5 GB hard disk space
Windows 98SE, ME, and 2000 were previously supported operating systems for the game, but as future updates for this game and Steam occurred; the support for these operating systems were dropped with non-Collector's Edition retail copies.
Must be run without Steam to play on XP and Vista.
macOS (OS X)
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 10.5.8, 10.6.3
Processor (CPU) 1.7 GHz
System memory (RAM) 1 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 4.6 GB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce 8000 Series
ATI Radeon X1600
Intel HD 3000


References

  1. News - Half-Life® 2 Released For Play - last accessed on 2023-07-02
  2. News - Steam For Mac Launch: Week 3 - last accessed on 2023-07-02
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Verified by User:Suicide machine on August 11, 2016
  4. Field of View - Valve Developer Community - last accessed on May 2023
  5. Black mesa vsync is double buffered - last accessed on 2024
  6. Verified by User:Mr. obsolete 341 on 2021-11-22
  7. Verified by User:Kr0tchet on 2024-01-27
  8. Verified by User:Kr0tchet on 2024-01-27
    Bugs such as Dropship gun unable to turn in any direction will reappear once the Xbox 360 UI mod is installed.
  9. Verified by User:Al2009man on 2022-05-05
    Tested on DualShock 4 V2 and DualSense Controller while Steam Input is forcefully disabled.

    As of this writing: Left/Right Joystick does not work if Steam Input (under Legacy mode) is enabled.
  10. Verified by User:Al2009man on 2022-05-05
    Seems like this method no longer works on Steam Deck branch.
  11. Half-Life 2 with 3D spatial sound 🎧 (OpenAL Soft HRTF audio) - last accessed on 9 June 2023
  12. UOL Jogos, 29/12/2004 (archived). - last accessed on May 2023
  13. Steam Community - last accessed on May 2023
  14. 64-bit Half-Life 2 released - Eurogamer.net - last accessed on 2020-08-27
  15. Verified by User:kr0tchet on 2022-04-02
    Previously tested years ago, DX feature level 6.0 are likely non-functional since Source 2006 engine update and looks the same as DX7 level. Since Source 2009 update (in 2010), DX7 level will also get reset to DX8 level once you have changed the video settings or by launch the game again without that -dxlevel 70 command line.
    Furthermore, these will not change the actual renderer to Direct3D 8 and older, the game will always runs on Direct3D 9 regardless which DX level is running on.
  16. Verified by User:Aemony on 2023-10-08
    Game seems to use D3D9Ex (though not FlipEx) based on my testing today.
  17. pcgamer.com - last accessed on May 2023
  18. Verified by User:kr0tchet on 2022-04-02
    dxvk_d3d9.dll exists in game directory (Windows only) DXVK HL2 proof.jpg
  19. Verified by User:Expack3 on 2022-04-04
    Windows version seems to use DXVK v1.8.1-3-gd3e43ed3, based on output log.