Anyone who knows a thing or two about the gaming industry has seen technology advance in this field over the years. We've definitely come far from playing Tetris in 2D and black and white resolution. Among the latest and most popular gaming technology currently trending is VR, also known as virtual reality.
There are many games that have been adapted to this technology and there are also some that were specifically created to be played on something known as a VR headset. This blog post is about explaining the relationship between VR and CSGO. VR has many benefits and wonderful opportunities, and here we will discuss all you need to know about it.
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What is Virtual Reality?
Before we can dive in deeper and talk about Counter-Strike and VR, first let's establish what exactly this is and what it means for CS:GO players. In order to enjoy this experience, you need to have a VR headset. This is basically a device that you mount on your head and over your eyes. The headset has a special screen that lets you see just like you were seeing through a pair of glasses.
If you turn your head, you see the area around you just as you were actually there. Imagine playing CS:GO and turning instantly to shoot someone behind you, switching targets, or anything else. This could definitely make things a lot more enjoyable.
Can You Play CSGO in VR?
Currently, CSGO has millions of players enjoying the game every single day. Many of them who've heard of VR are eagerly waiting to see Counter-Strike Global Offensive be playable with a virtual reality headset. However, CSGO is a game that has grown so much over the years and Valve has made it to be almost perfectly balanced for all players. This includes many of the skills required to play CS:GO like aiming, reflexes, and others to be as close as equally challenging for everyone.
VR technology simply isn't quite there yet to be able to allow players to play CS:GO with the same comfort and ease. For example, you would need to be physically fit and have enough stamina to be able to play CS:GO in VR. Your reflexes would need to be sharper, as your player moves as fast as you do in the real world, unlike moving the mouse. Until this type of technology improves more and allows the balance and comfort like CS:GO currently offers its players, we will have to wait a bit more for it to be available in VR as well.
But, if you enjoy CS:GO and VR and you badly want to try a first-person shooter game that is VR supported, there are still a few very amazing alternatives that you will definitely find yourself enjoying just as much as CS:GO.
What Are Some CSGO Alternatives That Are VR Supported?
Since Valve didn't create CS:GO as a game intended for being playable in VR, we have to wait like everyone else for this to change. However, there are a few great FPS games that were specially made to be playable this way. In fact, a few of them are only playable in VR and no other way. Keep reading to find a few great ones like CS:GO. Most of these are built with the Source 2 engine, allowing for a better VR and 3D gaming experience.
Half-Life: Alyx
This amazing alternative to Counter-Strike Global Offensive that is VR supported is also made with the Source 2 engine, and came out quite recently. It was published in 2020 and was developed by Valve. The story takes place between the events of Half-Life and Half-Life 2.
Half-Life: Alyx introduces you to a character named Alyx Vance. He is on a mission to locate and seize a superweapon that is in the hands of the alien known as Combine. Half-Life: Alyx was specially made to be played in VR, making it one of the best first-person shooter games that you can play that will be anything even remotely close to a CS:GO VR mode experience.
Is Hal-Life: Alyx Free?
Given that Half-Life: Alyx is still a fairly new game, we doubt that it will become free on Steam anytime soon. Currently, you may get this one for around $70. But, if you want to view it at a cheaper price, then make sure to look for sales on the Steam website as this way you can cut down on a lot of expenses. Sales can definitely be a great advantage to a player.
Pavlov
Another really cool version of a VR game that comes close to Counter-Strike Global Offensive is known as Pavlov VR. This game is a bit older, as it was published in 2017. It's another game where the primary focus was to make it VR compatible. Today, it is still available to be played this way and it is better than ever, thanks to the helpful updates it keeps receiving.
It's not exactly a new first-person shooter game, but as we said, the updates constantly improve its look and feel, making it one of the most popular games on Steam. There's no doubt that this one is going to rise in fame even more, as more and more updates introduce countless new weapons and exciting battle features. Unlike Half-Life: Alyx by Valve, Pavlov uses Unreal Engine 4 instead of the Source 2 engine. Above all else, Pavlov VR may be the best and closest thing to experiencing CSGO in VR at this current time. It's definitely already the first choice for many players.
Is Pavlov Free?
The answer to this question may be in need of some explaining as it can be both yes and no. Currently, the PC VR version of Pavlov is already around $25 on the Steam website. However, it is also available to install on the Oculus Quest, making it possible to be played on the Oculus Rift headset. This version of Pavlov is completely free to get and you will have access to plenty of great features.
Conclusion
Virtual Reality is definitely taking the gaming world by storm, as it offers a new and unique experience that is coming closer to being perfect. Thanks to things like Source 2, Valve, and many amazing members of the community, the VR world will soon be more common than we may think. There is no doubt that CS:GO will follow in the same path as these games, as it too has the potential of having VR support. Even competitive matches could go along with VR, and change the industry forever.
There is much we do not fully understand yet, but there is no doubt that VR is changing the industry and the world along with it. Both the software and the hardware need to be perfected in order for us to enjoy its full benefits and take things to the next level. However, we feel that we've never been closer.
