Valve made the original Half-Life free to claim and keep on Steam for the weekend around its 25th anniversary in November 2023. That promotion has ended; it is not an active free offer. Valve paired the giveaway with a substantial anniversary update, which it called the definitive version of the game.
Was the original Half-Life free to keep on Steam?
Yes, but only for a limited time. In an announcement published on November 17, 2023, Valve said: “For those new to the game, Half-Life is available for free this weekend – grab it now and keep it forever.” The offer applied to copies claimed during that promotional weekend; “keep it forever” did not mean the game would remain free to claim afterward. Valve’s announcement did not specify a precise closing hour for every region. Check the current Steam listing for today’s availability and price.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Half-Life - PC | $32.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Half-Life 2: Episode Pack - PC | $14.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Half Life 2 - PC | $13.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Half-Life 1 Anthology - PC | $30.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
The Orange Box - PC | $29.95 | Buy on Amazon |
Why did Valve make the game free?
The giveaway marked 25 years since Half-Life launched on November 19, 1998. Valve announced the promotion alongside a 25th Anniversary Update for the original game.
What did the 25th Anniversary Update add?
Valve described the update as a refreshed version of the original, with technical improvements and restored content as well as multiplayer additions.
#1 Best Overall
- New weapons; new levels; solve a variety of puzzles; first-person shooter
Technical and usability updates
- Updated graphics settings and lighting fixes.
- Widescreen field-of-view support and controller support.
- Steam Networking and Steam Deck verification.
- Bug fixes and user-interface changes.
Restored and additional content
- Half-Life: Uplink, the standalone bonus campaign.
- Four new Deathmatch maps: Contamination, Pool Party, Disposal, and Rocket Frenzy.
- Three restored maps from the Half-Life: Further Data CD: Double Cross, Rust Mill, and Xen DM.
- Additional player models and sprays, plus restored original menu artwork and the intro video.
Can you still use the pre-anniversary build?
Valve preserved the pre-anniversary version in the public steam_legacy beta branch. The branch provides a way to access the earlier build if a mod or feature behaves unexpectedly with the updated version. Valve said it considers the anniversary version definitive and will continue supporting it, while keeping the legacy build available.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Characters - Advanced facial animation system delivers the most sophisticated in-game characters ever seen. With 40 distinct facial muscles, human characters convey the full array of human emotion, and respond to the player with fluidity and intelligence
- Physics - From pebbles to water to 2-ton trucks respond as expected, as they obey the laws of mass, friction, gravity, and buoyancy
- Graphics - Source's shader-based renderer, like the one used at Pixar to create movies such as Toy Story and Monster's, Inc., creates the most beautiful and realistic environments ever seen in a video game.
- AI - Neither friends nor enemies charge blindly into the fray. They can assess threats, navigate tricky terrain, and fashion weapons from whatever is at hand
Rank #4
- 4 exciting tiles in 1 great action-adventure compilation
- Survive killer aliens in Half-Life's plot-driven, complex world
- Explore restricted areas of mysterious government facility in Blue Shift
- Opposing Force offers new arsenal of weapons and 12+ multiplayer maps
- Team-based multiplayer game, Team Fortress Classic
Rank #3
- Electronic Arts 09850 Half Life 2 PC
Rank #2
- Battle new alien foes.
- Drive new vehicles through new locations beyond City 17.
- Discover more about the award-winning story of Half-Life.
- Over 15 hours of award-winning single player gaming.
- Battle online with Half-Life 2: Deathmatch – included for no additional charge.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
