A new Half-Life 3 leak has revealed new details about the rumored game, including some new story information, advanced gameplay features, and tech upgrades.
After years of silence, it looks like Half-Life 3 is slowly creeping back into the spotlight. Over the past few months, reports and rumors have been flying around, hinting that Valve might finally be ready to bring Gordon Freeman back. From datamined leaks and claims about playtesting to cryptic teasers from the voice actor behind the mysterious G-Man, things have been heating up fast.
The biggest teaser so far? A tweet from Mike Shapiro earlier this year, who voices G-Man. Naturally, fans lost it. Combine that with insider Tyler McVicker’s claims that the game is “nearing completion” and could be announced in 2025, and it’s hard not to get excited.
New Leak Sheds Light on Half-Life 3’s Direction
Now, a new video from longtime Valve follower and YouTuber Gabe Follower has added fuel to the fire. He’s shared a ton of new info, including details about how the game might play, some of the tech being used, and even what the story might look like.
According to Gabe Follower, Valve has a project codenamed HLX, which lines up with what others have speculated to be Half-Life 3. Internal group names like “HLXAudio” and “HLXArtists” have been found in Valve’s systems—more proof something big is going on behind the scenes.
The YouTuber also talks about a recent wave of testing going on inside Valve. A few months back, developers started bringing family members and close friends into the office to test early gameplay. But that doesn’t mean the game is almost finished.
As he explains, this kind of testing happens throughout development, and Valve is known for scrapping ideas if feedback isn’t great. “Developers literally take their husband, wife, children, or friend by the hand and bring them into the office,” he says, but adds that it’s just one phase in Valve’s flexible, looping test cycle.
He also breaks down some interesting tech being used. There are mentions of advanced AI behaviors, where NPCs can have different “thinking levels” depending on how far they are from the player. In simple terms, the farther away they are, the less complex their actions. But up close? They might dodge bullets, flinch from explosions, or warn nearby allies when shot.
On top of that, there’s talk of dynamic environmental effects—like different materials reacting to fire in unique ways, and even surfaces that bounce or dent when hit. The physics system seems to be going all out, with things like soundwaves, gravity damage, and even fans that blow wind across levels.
And yes, the infamous “Xen gorilla” came up again. It started as a joke in Half-Life: Alyx, but Gabe Follower points out new tentacle particles and graffiti artwork hinting that this bizarre creature might actually show up.
Perhaps the biggest news of all? Half-Life 3 is expected to end Gordon Freeman’s story for good. According to the video, “this game will be a farewell gift to the community.” No more cliffhangers, just a proper conclusion.
Of course, it’s always good to take things like this with a grain of salt. Plans change, and Valve is known for scrapping ideas that don’t feel right. Still, with all the recent signs lining up, it’s hard not to think something real is finally on the way.
What do you think? Is this the return fans have been waiting for? Let us know your thoughts below.
