# What is the best Half-Life game?

> Crowbar first, gravity gun later, headcrabs throughout. Valve's series is short on entries and long on arguments.

*By YPB Team · Published October 22, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-best-half-life-game*

---

## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Half-Life 2** — score 1000/1000
   Valve's 2004 sequel that set a new bar for physics, facial animation and storytelling in shooters.
2. **Half-Life** — score 494/1000
   The 1998 original that reinvented the first-person shooter with scripted, in-engine storytelling.
3. **Half-Life: Opposing Force** — score 369/1000
   Gearbox's 1999 expansion that retells the Black Mesa incident from a soldier's perspective.
4. **Half-Life 2: Episode One** — score 290/1000
   The 2006 follow-up in which Gordon and Alyx escape the collapsing Citadel.
5. **Half-Life: Alyx** — score 290/1000
   Valve's 2020 virtual-reality prequel, widely considered VR's flagship game.
6. **Half-Life: Blue Shift** — score 198/1000
   Gearbox's 2001 expansion following security guard Barney Calhoun.
7. **Half-Life 2: Episode Two** — score 0/1000
   The 2007 continuation of Gordon Freeman's story, ending on a famous cliffhanger.

Tags: games, sci-fi, fps, valve, half-life