Half-Life 3 rumors heat up as Valve prepares new Steam hardware

Anticipation around Valve is rising again, as several well-known insiders claim Half-Life 3 is closer to an official reveal than ever. After the presentation of Steam Frame, a new Steam Machine and an updated Steam Controller, fans felt a wave of nostalgia and naturally wondered about the legendary trilogy.

Although Valve once again kept quiet about a sequel to its landmark shooter, several sources insist the silence is a pause before a real announcement. Content creator Gabe Follower, known for accurate Deadlock leaks, indicated that Half-Life 3, working under the codename HLX, is expected to be unveiled by the end of the year. Another insider, Tyler McVicker, suggested on a stream that news could surface within the next two or three weeks.

Insider Gaming, however, is taking a more cautious line. Their reporting suggests a major reveal at The Game Awards 2025 is unlikely. The outlet’s founder, Tom Henderson, also noted he had heard about a significant unannounced release penciled in for March.

That timing would dovetail with Valve’s broader plans, as the refreshed Steam Machine, Steam Frame and Steam Controller are slated for early 2026. It is reasonable to think Half-Life 3 could become the centerpiece of that push—a killer feature capable of selling the hardware on its own. As strategies go, that would be smart positioning.

Valve has already said the success of the new Steam Machine will hinge on games. And if the third chapter of Half-Life launches as a Steam exclusive, that would make the Steam Machine the only console able to run it, setting up a strong debut for the device. The logic is hard to miss.