Half-Life

The CD version of Half Life includes "Sierra Utilities" as part of the installation process. DO NOT USE THE UNINSTALLER TO REMOVE IT. Sierra Utilities uninstaller is poorly written and will delete everything in the parent directory. For example, if the game is installed to C:\games\half life, all data in the C:\Games folder will be deleted. Reports on various forums indicate users have had their entire system critical Program Files subfolders deleted (do a search for "uninstall sierra utilities"). This happens even with the latest 1.1 patch (tested on Windows 7 64-bit). Leave Sierra Utilities alone or consider deleting it manually instead of using the uninstaller.

Graphical Tweaks

You have multiple options to gain access to higher definition models. One is using the official version of them. For other options follow this guide.

Higher resolutions (non-Steam)

To run the non-Steam version of Half Life in higher resolutions the hl.exe must be modified

Instructions

Hex Table

Resolution	String
1024x600	Replace `20 03` with `00 04` and replace `58 02` with `58 02`
1280x720	Replace `20 03` with `00 05` and replace `58 02` with `D0 02`
1280x800	Replace `20 03` with `00 05` and replace `58 02` with `20 03`
1366x768	Replace `20 03` with `56 05` and replace `58 02` with `00 03`
1440x900	Replace `20 03` with `A0 05` and replace `58 02` with `84 03`
1600x900	Replace `20 03` with `40 06` and replace `58 02` with `84 03`
1680x1050	Replace `20 03` with `90 06` and replace `58 02` with `1A 04`
1920x1080	Replace `20 03` with `80 07` and replace `58 02` with `38 04`
1920x1200	Replace `20 03` with `80 07` and replace `58 02` with `B0 04`

Field of view

When running at widescreen-resolutions adjusting the fov is probably necessary. While in game, push the ~ key, which opens the developer console. Then simply type default_fov 106.270273206 and push enter. Alternatively you can also open config.cfg located in Sierra\Half-Life\Valve\ And add the following to the bottom of it for 16:10 resolutions: default_fov 100.39487232

For 16:9: default_fov 106.270273206 If the new fov doesn't stick try creating an autoexec.cfg-file in the same folder and adding the line to it.

V-Sync

Game is locked at 72 FPS by default. To change this open config.cfg and change the line fps_max "72.0". Note though that 100 seems to be the max value.

Enabling Developer Mode

Enabling developer mode will allow you to use in-game cheats and various console commands.

Instructions

Windows 7/Vista Performance Fix

In Windows 7 or Vista some users may experience extremely low framerate during gameplay even if their PC can run other more modern games perfectly.

Follow these instructions to the problem:

Instructions

Missing Voice and Multiplayer Tabs under Options

Instructions

System requirements

Template:System Requirements

References