Xen Cougher
|
This article is under construction as it lacks elements required to provide basic coverage of its subject and/or has yet to be fully integrated into the Combine OverWiki. |  |
|---|---|---|
When the article is brought to a verifiable and presentable state, it will be reviewed as part of the Cleanup Project. You are invited to assist in its construction with your own additions and improvements. |
|
This article would greatly benefit from the addition of one or more new images. | |
|---|---|---|
Please upload one or several relevant images (from canonical / official sources) and place it here. Once finished, this notice may be removed. |
This article is about the infectious Xen fungus. For the similarly named Xen flora, see Xen Spore. |
| |
| Xen Cougher | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Faction |
Xen flora |
| Type |
Fungus |
| Game information | |
| Entity |
xen_foliage |
The Xen Cougher,[1][2] also known as the Xen Fungus,[3] is a type of Xen fungus that first appears in Half-Life: Alyx.
Overview[edit]
The fungi thrives on organic hosts, infecting and mutating them by producing infectious spores. When a host becomes infected by these spores through inhalation or otherwise, they transform into a monstrous creature riddled with fungal growths. Jeff, a former Combine Hazmat Worker met at the Golden Lion Distillery, is the only known victim of this.
Although parasitic, the fungus is not entirely dependent on a host for survival, being seen attached to walls and other parts of the environment. It is commonly seen in the City 17 Quarantine Zone. Alyx Vance came into contact with this type of alien flora, but was spared from mutation due to her covering her mouth when in close proximity.
The Xen Cougher is known to go through at least two stages: the harmless seedling, that comes in two models, and the mature fungus that spews spores.
Behind the scenes[edit]
The Xen Cougher was used specifically to solve a long-standing challenge that the developers had with illustrating Jeff's personal perimeter. At first, solutions such as glowing tentacles on Jeff are tried to indicate the dangerous zone around it, however they proved ineffective for the playtesters who soon became adept at avoiding Jeff, making the chapter unchallenging. In the end, Coughers are used not only as an environment hazard, but also as implants on Jeff itself to give players visual feedback of the safe distance.[4]
Trivia[edit]
The fungus is similar to the Cordyceps Brain Infection from The Last of Us.
Gallery[edit]
The fungal growths on Jeff's back continually produce spores.
List of appearances[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ Half-Life: Alyx game files, particle name
xen_cougher.vpcfand numerous map names, e.g.blind_zombie_xen_cougher_track_start.vmap - ↑
Tweet: "We explored the second idea by building a prototype of the “Xen Coughers” - the little critters that make the player cough." @IamDeanTate on Twitter (October 27, 2022)
- ↑ Half-Life: Alyx game files, model name
xen_v2_fungus.vmdl - ↑ Half-Life: Alyx commentary
