Rumor: Half Life 3 seems to be in final phase of development

Valve’s most anticipated game!

It won’t be wrong to say that just like GTA 6, Valve’s Half Life 3 is also one of the most anticipated games of all time for gamers.

This game’s codename is HLX and according to recent reports and rumors from Source 2 engine updates spotted by dataminers, the game seems to be in the final stages.

Latest rumors around Half Life 3

Valve is a company that is known for its secretive approach. However, news about the HLX aka Half Life 3, seems to be slipping under their noses.

Valve insider Tyler McVicker says that recent Counter-Strike 2 updates have hinted at progress with a code reference to Half-Life 2’s thumper machines, used to repel antlions.

McVicker interprets this as a hint to dataminers, implying continued development. According to PC Gamer, the game may now be nearing completion.

Another new update has also revealed a new NPC scripting system. This is where characters offer dynamic reactions instead of usual static lines when players approach.

The presence of this feature suggests that the system is nearly complete. Leaker Gabe Follower adds that Valve’s developers are moving on to other projects, with HLX in polishing mode—tweaking art and balancing gameplay.

These latest rumors perfectly align with the May 2025 report that claimed HLX was “Playable end-to-end.”

This means that the core development has been completed and focus has moved towards polishing the game.

Also Read: All new PS6 & handheld ‘Canis’ leaks: What’s new for next-gen?

Conclusion

If these rumors are true, then there is a solid chance that we might see the first reveal of Half Life 3 by Valve by the end of this year or by early 2026.

On the basis of this, the game might have a solid chance for a 2027 launch. Remember, nothing has been confirmed yet from Valve, so all we can do is wait patiently for the official announcement.

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