When Half-Life: Alyx was first announced, there was a reaction of both surprise and joy. There was also a reaction of disappointment for some when it was also announced to be a VR-only affair. For many, they either did not have access to VR or had no interest in it. The team of the game has actually been looking forward to mods that take out VR for people to see how essential it is to the experience, and well, now seems to be the time.
There’s been a few mods and tricks to take the VR out of Alyx already, but this one from modder r57zone is the first known and public one that allows you to complete the game completely indepedent of VR with only the mouse and keyboard. You can see the mod in action below via r57zone’s YouTube channel, and you can download the tools through here.
Considering how much design went into this game’s VR, it probably isn’t the most ideal way to play, but if you don’t have the access to a good headset or you just aren’t a VR fan, this is as good a way to experience as any since it seems Valve is set on keeping Half-Life: Alyx VR-only.