Half-Life 3 Confirmed

It’s been two decades since the release of Half-Life 2, and in that time, Valve has remained tight-lipped about the possibility of a follow-up. While we’ve seen additional episodes for Half-Life 2 and the critically acclaimed VR spinoff, Half-Life Alyx, a true sequel has eluded us. Valve has also been focusing on other projects, like its upcoming FPS Deadlock. But now, after years of speculation and doubt, a credible source has reignited hopes with bold claims that Half-Life 3 is indeed real—but perhaps not in the way we expected.

The Long-Awaited Sequel

As one of the most highly anticipated first-person shooters in gaming history, Half-Life 3 has become almost mythical, especially with the cliffhanger conclusion of Half-Life 2 that left fans clamoring for more. Recently, a reliable insider known as Gabe Follower—who previously leaked accurate information ahead of Deadlock’s reveal—has claimed that Half-Life 3 is in development. In a recent video and a series of social media posts, Gabe Follower asserted that the game is reportedly titled Half-Life 3 and may serve as a sequel to Half-Life Alyx, bringing players back to the enigmatic Xen dimension.

What We Know So Far

According to Gabe Follower, Half-Life 3 will feature a semi-open world, a dynamic weather system, and a day-night cycle. The most exciting reveal, however, is the promise of advanced AI, with “smart NPCs” capable of interacting with players in more engaging ways than ever before. These features suggest that Half-Life 3 could take the franchise in a bold new direction while maintaining the core elements that have made it legendary.

The Evidence Hidden in Valve’s Games

These leaks didn’t come out of nowhere. Gabe Follower claims there are multiple references to Half-Life hidden within the files of other Valve titles, such as Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Deadlock. For instance, the files for Deadlock reportedly include references to Half-Life items like the HEV suit, gravity gun, and Xen creatures. Notably, the HEV suit has been renamed the "Burbank suit" within Deadlock's files, hinting at a possible connection between the two games.

A Cautious Optimism

Despite these exciting revelations, fans should remain cautiously optimistic. Valve has a history of starting—and then scrapping—projects that never see the light of day. Though Gabe Follower's track record lends credibility to these claims, it's important to remember the countless rumors and leaks that have emerged over the years, only to fizzle out. Until Valve officially announces Half-Life 3, it’s best to temper expectations while still holding onto hope that we may finally return to the world of Half-Life.

For more information, check out Gabe Follower’s detailed breakdown on their YouTube channel here, and the original leak via their social media here.