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Difference between revisions of "Half-Life 2"

From AppleGamingWiki, the wiki about gaming on M1 Apple silicon Macs
(Software AA is actually broken in Source 2013, it only works on Source 2007. And it's unknown whether if this leaked engine port (which actually based on nillerusr port) has it fixed (but so far tested nillerusr Android port, and Software AA remains broken). See Anti-aliasing page on VDC for more info.)
 
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{{Compatibility/macOS
 
{{Compatibility/macOS
−
|native              = Perfect
+
|native              = playable
−
|native notes        = Compiled the Source Engine Leak, can be run with an EP1/2 installation with <code>-game hl2</code> https://github.com/nillerusr/source-engine<ref>{{Refdevice
+
|native notes        = Can be run with an EP1/2 installation with <code>-game hl2</code>, saves and achievements do not sync. See [[#Fixes & Tweaks]]<ref>{{Refdevice
 
|user=PBeGood4
 
|user=PBeGood4
 
|date=29 April 2023
 
|date=29 April 2023
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}}
 
}}
  
−
==Native ARM build from leaked source==
+
==Native==
−
These instructions are based on guides written by [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMuSXs0SF_g James Hug]. This method builds a native port for older Source engine games, such as Half-Life 2, its episodes, and Portal. '''TF2 AND LATER SOURCE GAMES WON'T WORK!!'''
+
Guides originally written by [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMuSXs0SF_g James Hug]. This method builds a native port for older Source engine games, such as Half-Life 2, its episodes, and Portal.
  
−
Enter these commands into Terminal, Homebrew and Xcode Command Line Tools are required:
+
Enter these commands into Terminal, Homebrew & Xcode Command Line Tools are required:
  
 
1. Install prerequisites from Homebrew and clone Repository (added the jpeg-turbo dependency from instructions):
 
1. Install prerequisites from Homebrew and clone Repository (added the jpeg-turbo dependency from instructions):
Line 67: Line 67:
 
3. Configure, build and install the game into your Documents Folder:
 
3. Configure, build and install the game into your Documents Folder:
  
−
<pre>python3 waf configure -T release --64bits --prefix='' --build-games=[game folder] && python3 waf build && python3 waf install --destdir='~/Documents/Build/[game folder]'
+
<pre>python3 waf configure -T release --prefix='' --build-games=[game folder] && python3 waf build && python3 waf install --destdir='~/Documents/Build/[game folder]'
 
</pre>
 
</pre>
  
 
Valid Game Folder Names:
 
Valid Game Folder Names:
 
*cstrike (Counter-Strike Source)  
 
*cstrike (Counter-Strike Source)  
−
*episodic (Half-Life 2: Episode 1/2)
+
*episodic (Half-Life 2: Episode 1)
 +
*ep2 (Half-Life 2: Episode 2, can be played without <code>python3 waf build</code>)
 
*hl1 (Half-Life: Source)
 
*hl1 (Half-Life: Source)
 
*hl2  
 
*hl2  
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*hl2mp (Half-Life 2: Deathmatch)
 
*hl2mp (Half-Life 2: Deathmatch)
  
−
4. Open your Half-Life 2 Folder, and your game's subfolder. (Portal and/or Day of Defeat Source, if you're installing those games), Right-Click > "Browse local files". '''DO NOT MESS WITH THE HL2 FOLDER UNLESS YOU'RE ACTUALLY INSTALLING HL2'''!)
+
4. Open your "Half-Life 2" Folder. (Portal and/or Day of Defeat Source, if you're installing those games)
 +
''(Right-Click > "Browse local files" on Steam.)''
  
−
5. Modify Installation Files:
+
5. Modify Installation Files
 +
(If you're installing multiple games, you only need to replace the files from "[game folder]/bin"):
 
*Delete the root and game folder <code>"bin"</code> directories and <code>"hl2_osx"</code> executable
 
*Delete the root and game folder <code>"bin"</code> directories and <code>"hl2_osx"</code> executable
 
**Move your <code>"bin", "[game folder]/bin"</code> folders and <code>"hl2_launcher"</code> executable to your Half-Life 2 folder,  
 
**Move your <code>"bin", "[game folder]/bin"</code> folders and <code>"hl2_launcher"</code> executable to your Half-Life 2 folder,  
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Congratulations! You (hopefully) successfully built a working Native Source Port!
 
Congratulations! You (hopefully) successfully built a working Native Source Port!
  
−
=== Suggested settings for the native version ===
+
==Fixes & Tweaks==
−
Tested on Macbook Pro 16 2021 16 GB
 
  
−
1. '''Add launch parameters (Steam):'''
+
'''Quality/Performance''':
−
<code>-noborder -windowed -refresh 120 -autoexec</code>
+
* MBP Notch Fix. Initiates the game in windowed borderless mode, allowing the game to render beneath the MacBook's notch, ensuring interface elements and aiming are correctly displayed. (put these in your Steam Launch Options, Right-Click > "Properties..."): <code>-noborder -windowed</code>
  
−
This starts the game in the windowed borderless mode and limits FPS to 120.
+
* Cap FPS to a specific value, if using 120hz monitor (add this to your Steam Launch Options, Right-Click > "Properties..."): <code>-refresh 120</code>
−
Windowed borderless is needed to ignore the Macbook's notch (render the game under it). Otherwise the interface elements and aim are shifted incorrectly, potentially making the game less playable. Optionally, if you have EP2 installed and want to launch EP1 or base HL2 (or any other Half-Life 2 folder game), you can launch it by appending <code>-game [game subfolder name]</code>. If you'd like to play EP2 again, simply remove the <code>-game</code> parameter. '''Make sure NOT to share game "bin" folders or they WILL crash upon loading!'''
 
  
−
2. '''Add settings to autoexec.cfg'''
 
  
−
In <code>/Users/<username>/Library/Application Support/Steam/steamapps/common/Half-Life 2/hl2/cfg/autoexec.cfg</code>, add this:
+
'''Console commands'''
  
−
<pre>
+
'''THESE CONSOLE COMMANDS WILL NOT SAVE (so need to be ran at the start of each game session or after reload)!'''
−
//set the video mode to your display resolution (i.e. 1728x1117 - Default, 2056x1329 - More Space). Uncomment only the resolution you are using.
+
 
−
mat_setvideomode 1728 1117 1
+
'''Tweaks'''
−
//mat_setvideomode 2056 1329 1
+
* Asynchronous Audio. Forces audio asynchronization. Removes audio stuttering in some cases: <code>snd_async_fullyasync 1; snd_async_minsize 0; snd_noextraupdate 1</code>
−
// Forces the engine to load audio asynchronously. Removes audio micro-stuttering in some cases.
+
 
−
snd_async_fullyasync 1
+
* Texture Quality Improvement: <code>mat_picmip -1;mat_antialias 4;mat_forceaniso 8</code>
−
snd_async_minsize 0
+
 
−
snd_noextraupdate 1
+
* Disable nearby culling: <code>r_lod 0</code>
−
// Improve texture quality
+
 
−
mat_picmip -1  
+
* Enable motion blur (some people prefer it disabled): <code>mat_motion_blur_forward_enabled 1</code>
−
mat_antialias 4
+
 
−
mat_forceaniso 8
+
* Default Macbook Pro 16 resolution (can try this if the game is still not rendering under the notch): <code>mat_setvideomode 1728 1117 1</code>
−
//BELOW: Enables software AA at maximum quality. Software AA works alongside normal AA, and helps to remove further
 
−
//aliasing, such as power lines. Little to no frame loss with this enabled.
 
−
mat_software_aa_quality 8
 
−
mat_software_aa_strength 2
 
−
mat_software_aa_strength_vgui 2
 
−
mat_software_aa_blur_one_pixel_lines 0.5
 
−
mat_software_aa_edge_threshold .8
 
−
// Enables small motion blur with forward movement, feel free to remove
 
−
mat_motion_blur_forward_enabled 1
 
−
// Key binding to manually to enable some of the settings
 
−
bind "/" "r_newflashlight 0; r_lod 0; r_maxdlights 128; r_shadowmaxrendered 1024; echo 'Graphics commands have been applied.'"
 
−
</pre>
 
  
−
This will make sure that the game will run at max settings. FPS will still be 120 almost everywhere except the places in the game that were buggy on the other platforms as well.
+
* More Space resolution (can try this it the game is still not rendering under the notch): <code> mat_setvideomode 2056 1329 1</code>
  
−
<code>r_newflashlight 0</code> - disables HL2 flashlight that is not working well (causes various artefacts when interacting with shadows). With this setting the game will use the still functional HL1 implementation of flashlight.
+
'''Fixes'''
  
−
<code>r_lod 0</code> - always fully load all nearby objects (buildings, cars, etc.). Looks better as the objects will not switch their appearance suddenly when you approach them. There is little to none performance penalty on Mac with its SSD.
+
* HL2 Flashlight Fix: <code>r_newflashlight 0</code> (Replaces buggy HL2 flashlight with HL1 counterpart. HL2 flashlight typically causes various artifacts when interacting with shadows.)
  
−
<code>r_maxdlights 128; r_shadowmaxrendered 1024;</code> - could potentially improve the look of the game, feel free to remove if you see no difference.
+
'''Persist Fixes'''
  
−
Binding these <code>r_*</code> settings command to <code>/</code> key is necessary, because the game will reset these settings while in the Main Menu.
+
To make them persistent you can edit the <code>hl2.sh</code> file, add:
  
−
'''You need to tap <code>/</code> key when you already loaded the save game. The settings then will stay enabled for the whole session (even if re-loading the saves), until you exit the game
+
<pre>
−
'''
+
cat << EOF >> "${GAMEROOT}/hl2/cfg/config.cfg"
 +
sv_cheats 1
 +
r_newflashlight 0
 +
echo "Fixed flashlight via config"
 +
EOF
 +
</pre>
  
 +
at the end '''BEFORE''' <code>exit $STATUS</code>, to e.g. make the flashlight fix permanent.
 +
We have to do this since <code>hl2/cfg/config.cfg</code> is overwritten with the current user settings every time we close the game. This won't include our custom fixes, so we need to append them again every time we close the game.
  
 
==Known bugs==
 
==Known bugs==
−
- When playing with Airpods, the audio starts stuttering randomly. '''Fix:''' Mute and unmute the audio on the Macbook.
+
*When playing with Airpods, the audio starts stuttering randomly. '''Fix:''' Mute and unmute the audio on the Macbook.
  
−
- Counter-Strike: Source, Half-Life 2: Deathmatch and Day of Defeat: Source show a black screen  has no HUD on macOS Sonoma
+
*Counter-Strike: Source, Half-Life 2: Deathmatch and Day of Defeat: Source show a black screen  has no HUD on macOS Sonoma
  
 +
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l26R-dRrLZc Father Gregori & The Cart Ride are bugged in the last part of "We don't go to Ravenholm...", with the cart ride section being culled out until you enter it. ]
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}
  
 
[[Category:Games]]
 
[[Category:Games]]

Latest revision as of 05:19, 1 November 2024

Half-Life 2
Half-Life 2 cover
Developers
Valve Corporation
Publishers
2005-present Valve Corporation
Engines
Source
Release dates
macOS May 26, 2010 [1]
Reception
Metacritic 96
IGDB 91
Taxonomy
Series Half-Life
Resources
Codeweavers
WineHQ
Icon overlay.png
Half-Life 2 on HowLongToBeat
Half-Life 2 on IGDB
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Half-Life 2 guide on StrategyWiki
Half-Life 2 on MobyGames
Half-Life 2 on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
?WSGF Link #}}

macOS Compatibility

Method Rating Notes
Native Playable Can be run with an EP1/2 installation with -game hl2, saves and achievements do not sync. See #Fixes & Tweaks[2] [3]
Rosetta 2 Unknown
Compatibility layer
CrossOver Runs Installed via Steam on CrossOver 21, extreme fps drops during shootouts and explosions.
Wine Perfect Tested on M1 max with settings set to high and resolution set to 2056x1329. Runs at over 120 fps with no vertical sync. Slight stuttering in load areas.
Virtualization
Parallels Perfect Playable.[4]

Native

Guides originally written by James Hug. This method builds a native port for older Source engine games, such as Half-Life 2, its episodes, and Portal.

Enter these commands into Terminal, Homebrew & Xcode Command Line Tools are required:

1. Install prerequisites from Homebrew and clone Repository (added the jpeg-turbo dependency from instructions): 

brew install sdl2 freetype2 fontconfig pkg-config opus libpng libedit python3 jpeg jpeg-turbo && brew cleanup
git clone --recursive https://github.com/nillerusr/source-engine && cd source-engine

2. Set pkg path: 

export PKG_CONFIG_PATH="/opt/homebrew/opt/jpeg/lib/pkgconfig"

3. Configure, build and install the game into your Documents Folder: 

python3 waf configure -T release --prefix='' --build-games=[game folder] && python3 waf build && python3 waf install --destdir='~/Documents/Build/[game folder]'

Valid Game Folder Names:

  • cstrike (Counter-Strike Source)
  • episodic (Half-Life 2: Episode 1)
  • ep2 (Half-Life 2: Episode 2, can be played without python3 waf build)
  • hl1 (Half-Life: Source)
  • hl2
  • portal
  • dod (Day of Defeat: Source)
  • hl2mp (Half-Life 2: Deathmatch)

4. Open your "Half-Life 2" Folder. (Portal and/or Day of Defeat Source, if you're installing those games) (Right-Click > "Browse local files" on Steam.)

5. Modify Installation Files (If you're installing multiple games, you only need to replace the files from "[game folder]/bin"):

  • Delete the root and game folder "bin" directories and "hl2_osx" executable
    • Move your "bin", "[game folder]/bin" folders and "hl2_launcher" executable to your Half-Life 2 folder,
    • and rename "hl2_launcher" to "hl2_osx"

Congratulations! You (hopefully) successfully built a working Native Source Port!

Fixes & Tweaks

Quality/Performance:

  • MBP Notch Fix. Initiates the game in windowed borderless mode, allowing the game to render beneath the MacBook's notch, ensuring interface elements and aiming are correctly displayed. (put these in your Steam Launch Options, Right-Click > "Properties..."): -noborder -windowed
  • Cap FPS to a specific value, if using 120hz monitor (add this to your Steam Launch Options, Right-Click > "Properties..."): -refresh 120


Console commands

THESE CONSOLE COMMANDS WILL NOT SAVE (so need to be ran at the start of each game session or after reload)!

Tweaks

  • Asynchronous Audio. Forces audio asynchronization. Removes audio stuttering in some cases: snd_async_fullyasync 1; snd_async_minsize 0; snd_noextraupdate 1
  • Texture Quality Improvement: mat_picmip -1;mat_antialias 4;mat_forceaniso 8
  • Disable nearby culling: r_lod 0
  • Enable motion blur (some people prefer it disabled): mat_motion_blur_forward_enabled 1
  • Default Macbook Pro 16 resolution (can try this if the game is still not rendering under the notch): mat_setvideomode 1728 1117 1
  • More Space resolution (can try this it the game is still not rendering under the notch): mat_setvideomode 2056 1329 1

Fixes

  • HL2 Flashlight Fix: r_newflashlight 0 (Replaces buggy HL2 flashlight with HL1 counterpart. HL2 flashlight typically causes various artifacts when interacting with shadows.)

Persist Fixes

To make them persistent you can edit the hl2.sh file, add: 

cat << EOF >> "${GAMEROOT}/hl2/cfg/config.cfg"
sv_cheats 1
r_newflashlight 0
echo "Fixed flashlight via config"
EOF

at the end BEFORE exit $STATUS, to e.g. make the flashlight fix permanent. We have to do this since hl2/cfg/config.cfg is overwritten with the current user settings every time we close the game. This won't include our custom fixes, so we need to append them again every time we close the game.

Known bugs

  • When playing with Airpods, the audio starts stuttering randomly. Fix: Mute and unmute the audio on the Macbook.
  • Counter-Strike: Source, Half-Life 2: Deathmatch and Day of Defeat: Source show a black screen has no HUD on macOS Sonoma

References

  1. ↑ News - Steam For Mac Launch: Week 3 - last accessed on 2023-07-02
  2. ↑ Verified by User:PBeGood4 on 29 April 2023
    Device: M1 MacBook Pro
    Method: Compiled Source Engine Leak
    Resolution: 1920x1080
    Settings: high
    Framerate: 120+ FPS
  3. ↑ Verified by User:mokMan23 on 2023-09-25
    Device: 16GB M1 Mac Mini
    OS: macOS Sonoma 14.0 RC2
    Resolution: 2560x1440
    Settings: Very High
  4. ↑ Verified by User:gp on 7 Sep 2021
    Device: Mac M1 16 GB RAM
    OS: Windows 11 (latest Insider ISO)
    Method: Parallels 17
    Resolution: 1080p
    Settings: Medium
    Framerate: 50~60 FPS
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