Overview
- Dedicated fans have recreated the City 17 scene from Half-Life: Alyx for Meta Quest 3.
- The Meta Quest 3 allows for wireless VR gaming, albeit with certain restrictions.
- A developer has released a Unity version of this scene for Quest 3 users.
A Half-Life: Alyx enthusiast has achieved a remarkable feat by recreating the iconic opening scene from the game for the Meta Quest 3, a standalone VR headset. While users have historically been able to play Half-Life: Alyx via PC with the Quest 3, this adaptation allows gameplay without the necessity of a connected computer.
The Meta Quest 3 is an advanced gadget, yet it faces limitations. As a wireless standalone device, it struggles with graphically intensive VR titles unless linked to a powerful PC capable of handling the graphical load. Still, the dedication of fans like this one showcases the potential of pushing the device’s limits beyond conventional boundaries.
Developer Boris Novikov has demonstrated what many deemed impossible by successfully bringing the City 17 scene to life on the Meta Quest 3. This endeavor required more than mere porting; Novikov meticulously extracted assets from Half-Life: Alyx, including sound, models, and physics interactions, and recreated the scene using Unity. The result is a functioning version of the opening that allows players to navigate City 17 and interact with its environment. Although some frame rate drops were noted, the experience occasionally reached a commendable 72 FPS.
Watch the demonstration hereWatch the demonstration here
Can the Meta Quest 3 Run Half-Life: Alyx Independently?
Novikov’s initiative stems from the notable advancements in technology since the initial launch of Half-Life: Alyx and the original Oculus Quest. Drawing on the capabilities of the XR2 Gen 2 chipset in the Meta Quest 3, he speculated that it could manage the demands of this scene — and his instincts proved correct. Furthermore, rumors suggest Valve’s impending release of a new wireless VR headset, equipped with similarly potent technology, indicating a promising future where VR gamers may enjoy demanding titles like Half-Life: Alyx on completely standalone devices.
For those eager to experience Novikov’s creation, the developer has made an APK for the Unity version available to individuals who own a Meta Quest 3 and are comfortable installing custom APKs. The download link can be found in his YouTube demonstration. Unfortunately, users with other Meta Quest models, including Quest 2 or Quest Pro, may not be able to access this adaptation due to hardware constraints. However, since the Meta Quest 3S shares the same chipset and RAM as the Meta Quest 3, it is possible it may function as well. This innovation underlines the continually improving capabilities of mobile GPUs within the Quest line, hinting at an exciting future for virtual reality.