Half-Life 2 officially turns 20 this weekend, and to mark the occasion, Valve has released a special anniversary update, including a new documentary, commentary, the previously separate episodes 1 and 2, and more. Oh, and you'll be able to keep the game for free for the next few days.
The seminal sequel to Valve's shooter, chronicling the continuing adventures of bespectacled scientist Gordon Freeman and his deeply erotic love affair with a valuable tool, was released to the world on November 16, 2004. It was immediately heralded as a classic of the genre. , and Valve has done everything in its power to not release a numbered sequel since then.
But now, 20 years later, Valve is in the mood to celebrate and, just like when the original Half-Life hit the two big fives last year, it's released a special anniversary update that features bonus material, bits of previously separated DLC. . and a whole range of settings.
To start, there is a new documentary created by Secret Tape. “It's about much more than just creating a game,” Valve explains in its announcement. “Running out of money. Getting hacked and an early version leaked online. Getting sued by our publisher. Trying to build Steam. It's all there!” He has also uncovered a series of old presentations from around the development of Half-Life 2, which he has posted on his anniversary website.
Additionally, Valve has recorded a new Half-Life 2 commentary for its latest update, and also permanently includes Half-Life 2: Episode One, Episode Two, and Lost Coast, all previously available separately, alongside the base game. This is in addition to the addition of built-in Steam Workshop support, meaning everyone can explore and download player-created content directly from the game.
But that's not the end yet. Valve says its level designers have reviewed each map to “fix long-standing bugs, restore content and features lost over time, and improve the quality of some things like light and fog map resolution.” New graphics settings were also added, meaning players can now choose between the blood and fire effects from the original release day or those introduced in later episodes of Half-Life 2; It has updated gamepad controls and aiming assist, and it's also possible to play with only the most detailed models in High Quality mode. The full patch notes, if you're curious, can be found in Valve's announcement.
All of the above is now available as part of the free Half-Life 2 20th Anniversary Update on Steam. And if you don't already own a copy of Half-Life 2, you can download and keep it for free on Valve's platform, as long as you pick it up before Monday, November 18 at 6pm in the UK.