Half-Life
Developed by Valve · Published by Valve
At a glance
Overview
An action game by Valve, published by Valve — single-player, multi-player, pvp, online pvp.
Steam’s own one-line description: “Named Game of the Year by over 50 publications, Valve's debut title blends action and adventure with award-winning technology to create a frighteningly realistic world where players must think to survive. Also includes an exciting multiplayer mode that allows you to play against friends and enemies around the world.” — developer/publisher text via the Steam store page.
Reception & community
Review sentiment, ownership and peak-concurrent estimates via SteamSpy; tags are player-voted on Steam. Estimates change over time.
What players say about Half-Life
Distilled by AI from 47 real Steam player reviews + verified Steam facts. The honest picture — praise and criticism both.
👍 What players love
- Timeless classic with a captivating narrative and immersive atmosphere.
- Innovative gameplay that combines shooting, puzzles, and exploration.
- Influential in shaping the FPS genre and storytelling in video games.
👎 Common complaints
- Lacks modern features like closed captioning, making it less accessible for some players.
- Fall damage can be frustrating and lead to unnecessary deaths.
- Some gameplay elements feel outdated compared to contemporary titles.
Is it worth it?
Half-Life is a landmark title in gaming history that remains relevant due to its innovative gameplay and storytelling. While it may not appeal to those who prioritize modern graphics or accessibility features, it is highly recommended for fans of classic FPS games and those interested in gaming heritage.
Getting started — quick tips
- Save frequently, especially before difficult sections to mitigate fall damage and tough encounters.
- Explore thoroughly to find health packs and ammunition, as resources can be scarce.
- Don't hesitate to experiment with different weapons and tactics to overcome various enemy types.
Features & modes
Derived from the gameplay modes and feature categories Steam lists for Half-Life.
| Feature | Supported |
|---|---|
| Single-player | Yes |
| Multiplayer | Yes |
| Co-op | No |
| Online co-op | No |
| PvP | Yes |
| Cross-platform multiplayer | No |
| Full controller support | Yes |
| Partial controller support | No |
| Steam Cloud saves | Yes |
| Steam Achievements | No |
System requirements (PC)
As published on the Steam store page. Requirements can change between updates.
Minimum
- 500 mhz processor, 96mb ram, 16mb video card, Windows XP, Mouse, Keyboard, Internet Connection
- 800 mhz processor, 128mb ram, 32mb+ video card, Windows XP, Mouse, Keyboard, Internet Connection
Supported languages (8)
Half-Life FAQ
Answered from the official Steam listing as of September 2026. Data stamp: September 2026 (oldest record; newest recorded refresh: September 2026). Recorded refreshes can include failed attempts; check Steam for current facts. Where something hasn't been announced, we say so rather than guess.
Is Half-Life worth playing today?
Yes, many players find it still holds up remarkably well and is a must-play for fans of the genre.
How difficult is the game?
The game can be challenging, especially on higher difficulties, but many players appreciate the challenge.
Does the game have modern graphics?
No, the graphics are dated, but many players argue that the gameplay and story compensate for this.
Is there any support for accessibility features?
Currently, there is no closed captioning or subtitle support, which some players find limiting.
What type of gameplay can I expect?
Expect a mix of fast-paced shooting, puzzle-solving, and exploration without lengthy cutscenes.
What kind of game is Half-Life?
Steam classifies Half-Life as a Action game, developed by Valve. Named Game of the Year by over 50 publications, Valve's debut title blends action and adventure with award-winning technology to create a frighteningly realistic world where players must think to survive. Also includes an exciting multiplayer mode that allows you to play against friends and enemies around the world.
How much does Half-Life cost?
As of September 2026, Steam lists Half-Life at $9.99. Prices and regional pricing change — check the Steam page for the current figure.
Is Half-Life single-player or multiplayer?
Steam lists these modes for Half-Life: Single-player, Multi-player, PvP, Online PvP. It supports both solo and multiplayer.
Is Half-Life on PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch?
Our data comes from the Steam (PC) store, which lists Half-Life for Windows, macOS, Linux. Console availability isn’t in our Steam-sourced data — check the official site or the console store.
Is Half-Life out yet?
Yes — Steam lists a release date of Nov 19, 1998.
What platforms is Half-Life on?
Half-Life is listed for Windows, macOS, Linux on the Steam (PC) store. Console availability isn't covered by Steam's PC store data — check the official channels.
Is Half-Life single-player or multiplayer?
Steam lists these modes: Single-player, Multi-player, PvP, Online PvP.
How much does Half-Life cost?
Steam lists it at $9.99.
What is Half-Life's Metacritic score?
Half-Life has a Metacritic score of 96/100, per the Steam store listing.
Who made Half-Life?
Half-Life is developed by Valve and published by Valve.
Where to get Half-Life
We don't sell games or track prices — this links to the official Steam store page.
View on Steam →Listing details from Valve's public Steam store data · official site. Not affiliated with Valve/Steam, Valve.