Half-Life 3 in Development: Insider Reveals New Details and Potential 2026 Release

Renowned dataminer and insider Tyler McVicker, who specializes in Valve games, has revealed that the company is indeed developing the much-anticipated Half-Life 3. The project is currently being worked on under the codename HLX.

McVicker mentioned that it's not yet certain whether the game will officially be titled Half-Life 3, but it is essentially the next installment in the series. The project, which has been in development since 2021, is expected to continue the story from Half-Life: Alyx, specifically picking up from the post-credits scene, with Gordon Freeman returning as the main protagonist.

The new game's story is expected to be linear, unfolding across large, expansive locations. However, players should not expect a fully open-world experience. McVicker is confident that this will be a full-fledged single-player game, not a VR-exclusive title like Half-Life: Alyx.

As for the release, the exact timing of the announcement remains unclear. Half-Life 3 is tentatively expected to release in 2026. Currently, Valve is focused on testing a new online shooter called Deadlock, which will likely keep their attention occupied for the remainder of the year.

While many gamers may have forgotten, Valve was once renowned for its full-fledged single-player games with rich story campaigns. Over time, the company shifted its focus from game development to publishing and establishing Steam as a dominant platform. Additionally, Valve's recent success with the Steam Deck has further solidified its impact in the gaming industry.