When does Half-Life: Alyx take place?

Gamers everywhere are gearing up for the release of Half-Life: Alyx, an unexpected but welcome addition to the Half-Life franchise. It’s not the Half-Life 3 fans have been waiting on for years and years, but it’s certainly something. This VR game isn’t quite a sequel or prequel. Rather, Half-Life: Alyx is Half-Life 1.5.

Half-Life: Alyx takes place between the first and second games, centering on the plight of Alyx Vance and her brilliant father, Dr. Eli Vance. They’re building a resistance against the multidimensional empire known as the Combine, which is steadily taking over the world. Thankfully, Alyx comes armed with some impressive hacking and shooting skills. In the first game, Alyx appeared to die at the end, but the second game revealed that she was alive and well. As well as one can be in the midst of a hostile alien takeover.

In between the two titles, Alyx helps organize a resistance in the Combine-controlled City 17. She and her father are on the hunt for weaknesses and weapons to use against their alien overlords. The trailer reveals that Dr. Vance has been captured by the Combine, and it’s up to Alyx to save him. If you’ve played Half-Life 2 then you might be aware of how futile this mission really is …

Half-Life: Alyx‘s release warrants a replay of the other two games, but the VR experience is certain to have a few surprises in store. Sure, you might know Alyx’s icy fate thanks to Half-Life 2, but a lot can happen in a 15-hour playthrough.