Widescreen Gaming Forum

==Game Information==

Half-Life is an FPS from Valve Software and Sierra. It is a landmark FPS title, and is arguably the most innovative and influential FPS since DOOM.

==Version==

This information is based on the latest version of Half-Life, delivered by Steam.

==Method==

Go to SteamAppshalf-lifevalve, and open autoexec.cfg. Add this line to it:
default_fov xxx

I recommend 100 for 16:10 monitors and 105 for 16:9 monitors (default is 90).

Widescreen resolutions are selectable in the ingame options screen. You need to set the "Display mode" to "Widescreen," and then widescreen resolutions will be selectable.

==Screen change==

This game is Hor+, dependant on your FOV setting.


1024x768, default_fov 90


1280x800, default_fov 100

==Supported resolutions==

I have successfully run this game at these resolutions: 1280x720, 1280x800, 1440x900, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200.
However, it did NOT run at 1280x768, so 17" 15:9 LCD users (like me) are out of luck.


==Singleplayer anomalies==

The entire game is played from a first person POV. To the best of my knowledge, the default_fov var applies throughout the whole game.


==Multiplayer support==

I tried several servers, and all of them recognized the default_fov var and allowed it to be set as high as 170. Note, however, that this only applies to Half-Life Deathmatch, and may not apply to Steam's standalone multiplayer games. For example, Counterstrike does not allow you to increase your FOV.


==Aspect ratio support==

The game's aspect ratio automatically matches your resolution. But the wider your aspect ratio, the higher the FOV needs to be to maintain Hor+.


1280x720, default_fov 105


1280x800, default_fov 100

==HUD stretch==

The HUD does not stretch. It scales correctly.


==Cut-scenes==

Half-Life is famous for having no cut-scenes whatsoever.


==Grading==

Calculated grade: C+
This SHOULD have been a B+, but the lack of 1280x768 means that 15:9 display users will have to hack a resolution into their drivers, a resolution that doesn't match their screen's aspect ratio. This seems like such a strange omission; every other widescreen-aware game I've played worked fine at 1280x768.

Major unresolved issues:
None.

Minor unresolved issues:
None.

Summary of widescreen-related flaws:
1280x768 unsupported.
.ini solution.

Do you know if it's possible to change the FOV for counter-strike 1.6?

edit: btw Playing HL good FOV change.

I do not believe that changing the FOV in CS 1.6 is possible. The default_fov var does not effect the visible FOV, though it does effect your "look" speed. I'm not holding this agains Half-Life, though, since CS 1.6 is technically a separate game at this point.

ya, cs is kinda like it's own game now but it is a hl mod and still when you go into cs and than task manager your not going to see cs.exe your going to see hl.exe this sucks I want to change the FOV for cs 1.6 like you did in half life is it possible?

edit: also I use 110 for my defualt FOV for 1680x1050 looks good to me.

I have the Game of the Year edition (hence no ) and unfortunately it doesnt seem to support 1680x1050, kinda looks pixelated and crap. I've reduced resolution to 1024x768 and and its playable but I was hoping my new monitor would make the game look better. Anyone have any tips for me?

Yep. Download Steam, and register your CD key on it. You will be able to download the Steam version of Half-Life for free. The non-steam version of Half-Life just isn't going to work in widescreen.

Yep. Download Steam, and register your CD key on it. You will be able to download the Steam version of Half-Life for free. The non-steam version of Half-Life just isn't going to work in widescreen.

You won't have to download the whole thing though, just the updates. It moves your current install to the steam directory. Once it has done, it is advisable to create a backup of the game through steam so you don't have to go through the process again. You can then put your original disc in its cover and put it in a drawer - never to be seen again.

I followed the instructions exactly... I have the downloaded version of Half-Life via Steam... the only thing that shows up in the autoexec.cfg file is "exec violence.cfg". I put the "default_fov 100" below it and saved... but still nothing. I have a 16x10 screen, 1680x1050.

As of the latest GoldSrc(Half Life 1) Engine update HL(And presumably all Mods) have native 2560x1600 support.

thx to BooTx I got 1680x1050 working in the non-steam version. tested with version 1.1.0.8 & the newest for non-steam 1.1.1.0. menu is still 4/3 but the game itself runs at 1680x1050 with default_fov 100.39487232

here's the link the the his topic
[url]http://www.widescreengamingforum.com/node/10641]

& a detailed report
[url]http://www.widescreengamingforum.com/node/10658]