Half-Life 2 gets major update to celebrate 20th anniversary

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the legendary Half-Life 2, Valve has released a major update with a series of notable improvements. Not only does Valve integrate Steam Workshop support directly into the game, but it also fixes bugs, restores some lost content, adds new graphics settings, updates gamepad controls, and more. Notably, from now until 1pm ET on November 18, you can download the game for free on Steam. After that, the price will return to $9.99.

Expanded Update with Episode One and Episode Two

Valve has integrated both the popular Episode One and Episode Two expansions into the original Half-Life 2. Players can access them right from the game's main menu. Notably, Valve says you'll automatically move on to the next expansion after completing the current one.

Additionally, you can now access the Steam Workshop via the 'Extras' menu without having to exit the game to enable mods.

Improved maps and graphics features

Valve announced that they have made major improvements to Half-Life 2's map system. These changes not only fix long-standing bugs, but also restore neglected content and features, and improve lighting quality and fog effects.

If you're a fan of the classic feel, Valve has also added the option to use the blood and fire effects from the original release. The game's gamepad controls have also been updated to match the Half-Life 1 Anniversary Update from last year.

Keep the old version

If you want to experience the old version of Half-Life 2, Valve still has that option. Just switch to the Public Beta branch called "steam_legacy" and download the 'Pre-20th Anniversary Build.'

Documentaries and exclusive content from Valve

As part of the 25th anniversary of the original Half-Life, Valve has released a free Half-Life 2 documentary, now available on YouTube. The film takes viewers back to the development team to hear about the game's development, its budget crunch, its infamous hack, its legal battles with the publisher, the birth of Steam, and more.

In addition to the documentary, Valve has also shared old Half-Life 2 demo videos, including the demo that was scheduled to be shown at E3 2022 but was canceled at the last minute. The update also adds 3.5 hours of in-game commentary from the development team.

Valve will also republish Raising the Bar, which is scheduled to be released in 2025. This expanded edition will not only tell the entire development story of Half-Life 2, but will also include previously unpublished sketches from Episode One and Episode Two, as well as ideas and experiments for Episode Three, which was never completed.

Half-Life 3 Coming Soon? Maybe?

With all the efforts to revive the Half-Life franchise, can we expect Valve to finally announce Half-Life 3? Only time will tell. But for now, this update is certainly a meaningful gift for the community of fans of this legendary game.

Marvin Fry

Update 09 December 2024