Steam users can now explore two newly released free games from the Half-Life universe, both of which are mods that have been transformed into standalone experiences. It’s important to note that these titles do not originate from Valve, and as a result, their compatibility with the Steam Deck remains uncertain, marked as “unknown.” This is a consideration for players who may wish to download these games on the handheld platform.
Game Highlights
The first of the two offerings is Half-Life Legacy, which presents a comprehensive remake of the original 1998 game. This version boasts a collection of enhancements and fixes, positioning itself as the ultimate rendition of the classic. Released this month by The Phoenix Project Software SVG, Half-Life Legacy has garnered a favorable reception, achieving a 90% approval rating based on 359 user reviews, thus earning a “Very Positive” designation on Steam.
Described as the “ultimate restoration,” Half-Life Legacy integrates faithful recreations and full compatibility with the HL25 engine. Players can expect a polished experience with numerous minor fixes, including:
- New Steam Achievements
- Removal of the bunnyhop speed-cap
- Dynamic weapon lighting
- HD-compatible HUD scaling
- An autojump option
Multiplayer Revamp
The second title, Half-Life Arena, caters to fans of the multiplayer aspect of the original game. Released by Dark Vector, this game revitalizes the Deathmatch mode into a standalone, high-energy experience. It introduces new maps, weapons, bot support, and quality-of-life improvements inspired by the head-to-head mode from the PS2 version of Half-Life.
User feedback for Half-Life Arena has also been positive, with a 93% approval rating, securing its own “Very Positive” status on Steam. Both games offer a nostalgic return to the Half-Life franchise, inviting players to engage with the beloved universe in fresh and innovative ways.
