Half-Life
Half-Life is a 1998 first-person shooter developed by Valve for the PC. Players take the role of theoretical physicist Gordon Freeman, who must fight his way out of the Black Mesa research facility after an experiment tears open a portal to the hostile alien dimension of Xen.
The game was celebrated for weaving its story directly into gameplay, avoiding cutscenes in favor of scripted in-world events experienced entirely through Gordon's eyes, so the player never loses control. Combined with intelligent enemy soldiers who flanked and used cover, environmental puzzles, platforming sections and a seamless sense of place, it raised expectations for narrative and pacing in the shooter genre. Built on a heavily modified version of the Quake engine, it balanced action with quieter moments of exploration.
Its impact endures, and its modding community produced landmark projects, including Counter-Strike, that grew into games in their own right. Today Half-Life is readily available through digital storefronts, with community source ports and remaster projects keeping it accessible on modern systems.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Half-Life, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
| Alternative | Price | Steam Deck | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entropy: Zero 2 Indie | Free | Steam Deck Playable | PC, Linux |
| Half-Life 2 | Free | Steam Deck Verified | PC, Linux |
| Selaco Indie | € 24,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC |
| Black Mesa | € 19,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, Linux |
| Half-Life | € 8,19 | Steam Deck Untested | PC, Mac, Linux |
Entropy: Zero 2 Indie
FreeA free standalone mod of near-official quality that puts you on the Combine side of the story.
Entropy: Zero 2 runs on PC, Linux. Not available on Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
Half-Life 2
FreeThe sequel, permanently free since its twentieth anniversary, complete with both episodes.
Half-Life 2 runs on PC, Linux. Not available on Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
Selaco Indie
€ 24,99An acclaimed indie FPS with dense, reactive levels built on GZDoom.
Selaco runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
Black Mesa
€ 19,99A stunning fan-made remake rebuilt in the Source engine.
Black Mesa runs on PC, Linux. Not available on Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
Half-Life
€ 8,19The original still runs perfectly on modern PCs, now with free updates.
Half-Life runs on PC, Mac, Linux. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
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