Half-Life: Alyx was one of the best and most unexpected games of its generation. Not only was it the first new installment in the Half-Life series, but Half-Life: Alyx was also a VR exclusive title. Although this should have "condemned" the game to oblivion, Valve used its usual magic and somehow made it work. Still, it's a VR-exclusive title that pretty much locks it behind an expensive paywall - until now.

Thanks to the efforts of the NoVR mod team, Half-Life: Alyx is now fully playable on the PC without needing a VR headset.

All you need to do is to download the NoVR mod from modDB and you'll get to enjoy the entire Half-Life: Alyx campaign on Steam - for free!

The NoVR mod for Half-Life: Alyx launched in late March and it's still not optimal. The modders are still working hard to make sure that all the gameplay mechanics, which are designed to use with a VR headset, function well without one.

Valve had always expected that modders would try to get Half-Life: Alyx running without a VR headset. At the time of the game's announcement, Valve was confident that a mod would only justify why Half-Life: Alyx is exclusive to VR.

If you try the mod out, you'll see for yourself what Valve was talking about. Alyx introduces new ways to interact with the Half-Life universe. But, Alyx isn't just good because it's a VR game and the more time that you spend using the NoVR mod, the more you'll realize this. Alyx isn't just a novelty that jumped on the Half-Life brand. It's very much deserving as a spin-off as it boasts everything that other Half-Life games have, from creative set pieces to excellent storytelling and seamless environments that immerse you in a tale that explores various genres without forcing anything.

Still, don't be surprised if using the NoVR mod for Half-Life: Alyx makes you want to go and get a VR headset.

Speaking of VR, Valve is reportedly working on a new VR headset. Unfortunately, industry insiders don't seem too bullish on the idea of VR/AR technology anymore.