This November marks a significant milestone in gaming history as Valve celebrates the 20th anniversary of its iconic first-person shooter, Half-Life 2. To honor this momentous occasion, the game is available for free on Steam until November 18, 2024, at 1 PM ET. This celebration not only allows new players to experience the game but also brings exciting updates for long-time fans.

Major Updates and Features

• Complete Experience: The anniversary update includes the Episode One and Episode Two expansions, allowing players to enjoy the entire narrative seamlessly from the main menu.
• Enhanced Graphics and Gameplay: Valve has made significant improvements to the game’s graphics settings, fixed longstanding bugs, and restored content that had been lost over the years. Players can also enjoy updated gamepad controls that align with modern gaming standards.
• Steam Workshop Integration: The update introduces Steam Workshop support directly within the game, making it easier for players to access and enable mods without leaving the game.

• Free Documentary: Valve has released a documentary on YouTube that delves into the development of Half-Life 2. It features interviews with team members discussing challenges faced during production, including financial struggles and security breaches.
• Developer Commentary: An additional 3.5 hours of developer commentary has been added to the game, providing insights into the creative process behind this beloved title.

Upcoming Releases

• Expanded Book Edition: Fans of the franchise can look forward to an expanded second edition of Raising the Bar, the behind-the-scenes book about the game’s development, set to release in 2025. This edition will include never-before-seen concept art and ideas for a potential third episode.
• Half-Life 2 RTX: A remastered version of Half-Life 2 with ray-traced graphics is in development by Orbifold Studios. Players can wishlist this remaster on Steam to stay updated on its release.

Valve’s celebration of Half-Life 2 not only commemorates its legacy but also revitalizes interest in the game with new content and features. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran player, now is the perfect time to dive back into the world of Gordon Freeman and the fight against the Combine.