Half-Life 2: Episode 3 fan game, Project Borealis, gets a free demo

A free demo for Project Borealis, a fan-made game inspired by the cliffhanger from Half-Life 2: Episode Two, has been released.

Announced in 2017, the game aims to flesh out what was interpreted by some to be a Half-Life 2: Episode 3 synopsis published that same year by ex-Valve writer Marc Laidlaw.

The group of fans making the game, collectively known as Icebreaker Industries, describe Project Borealis: Prologue as “a condensed, standalone game experience showcasing an early look and feel” of the final product.

Powered by Unreal Engine 5, it promises “a faithful recreation of iconic Half-Life 2 movement and gameplay mechanics” with completely updated visuals and an original score.

“Project Borealis represents a fan-made effort to realize a cohesive story conclusion to the episodic series,” reads a description on the prologue’s Steam page.

“This prologue chapter invites players back into the HEV suit of Gordon Freeman, offering a glimpse into the next chapter of his journey.”

Players need to own a copy of Half-Life 2 to play Project Borealis: Prologue.

Valve co-founder and CEO Gabe Newell said in 2021 that the company had multiple games in development and was keen to make more single-player experiences following Half-Life Alyx’s release the previous year.

The company’s most recent release was last year’s multiplayer tactical FPS Counter-Strike 2. Its next looks set to be multiplayer hero shooter Deadlock, which was officially announced in August.