Valve recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of the iconic shooter Half-Life 2 by releasing a new documentary and a major update to the game. Originally launched on November 16, 2004, Half-Life 2 has now been updated with new features, bug fixes, improved visuals, and more options. As part of the update, Lost Coast, Episode 1, and Episode 2 are now included in the full Half-Life 2 package, allowing players to enjoy all these games within Half-Life 2 itself.
One significant addition to the game is the inclusion of developer commentary, with nearly 4 hours of insights recorded by the team. Additionally, Valve has introduced Steam Workshop support, making it easier for players to add new levels, weapons, and mods to the game. This update also includes improvements to gamepad controls, auto-aim, graphical options, HDR settings, and more.
Despite the updates, the original version of Half-Life 2 will still be available on Steam for those who prefer the classic experience or have mods that are not compatible with the updated version. To further celebrate the anniversary, Valve is offering Half-Life 2 (including all Episodes) for free for a limited time, until November 18. This is a great opportunity for both new players and fans of the game to experience or revisit this classic title.
Valve’s commemoration of Half-Life 2’s anniversary follows a similar update for the original Half-Life in November 2023, marking 25 years of the franchise. With Portal’s anniversary approaching in 2027, fans may have more exciting updates and celebrations to look forward to from Valve in the future. The legacy of Half-Life 2 continues to endure, with its engaging gameplay, compelling story, and extensive modding community keeping players entertained for years to come.