A bombshell claim has been made about Half-Life 3, perhaps the longest-running saga in the gaming world, and a bitter joke of its own.

The moment millions of gamers have been waiting 21 years, since Half-Life 2 in 2004, may be much closer than we think. According to reports based on reliable leaks, Valve is actively working on a trailer for “Half-Life 3,” and an announcement could be made very soon.

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The source of this claim is Tyler McVicker, known for his incisive leaks, particularly regarding Valve and Half-Life. In the latest episode of his “HLX Files” video series, McVicker claimed, based on inside information from the studio, that Valve has been preparing promotional material for the project, long known as “HLX.” It’s almost certain that this “HLX” codename is either a sequel to Half-Life: Alyx or a direct sequel to Half-Life 3.

The Importance of November for Half-Life

The intensification of rumors in November holds significant symbolic significance. The original Half-Life game was released on November 19, 1998, and its legendary sequel, Half-Life 2, on November 16, 2004. Valve’s choice of November as a tribute to the series’ legacy is considered a “brilliant” marketing move.

There is also speculation that Valve may pursue a marketing strategy similar to its last major game, Half-Life: Alyx. As you may recall, Alyx was released just a few months after its announcement, preventing a long, drawn-out wait. If the Half-Life 3 trailer is released this month, the game’s release date could be sometime in early 2026.

Half-Life 3 in the Polishing Stage
According to information shared by Tyler McVicker and other data miners, the “HLX” project is no longer in the conceptual or early development stages. The project is reportedly in the optimization and polishing phase, meaning it’s almost a finished product. This makes sense why a trailer is being prepared now.

Of course, it’s important to remember that all of this information is merely a powerful rumor that Valve hasn’t yet confirmed. Numerous “Half-Life 3” claims have been debunked over the years. However, this time, the source of the leak, the symbolic significance of the timing, and the emergence of technical details about the project as “HLX” have given the gaming world more hope than ever. The mere possibility that the 21-year wait is finally over has been enough to draw millions of gamers to Valve.