Valve is celebrating Half-Life 2’s 20th anniversary with updates including bug fixes, restored content, improved graphics, and Steam Workshop support. Episodes One and Two are now bundled, and it’s all free on Steam until November 18. There’s also a feature length documentary exploring its iconic development. Legendary.

Destiny: Rising has been officially announced. A free-to-play mobile RPG shooter, is set in the Destiny universe. Developed by NetEase Games, the creators of Diablo Immortal, with Bungie overseeing, it launches its closed alpha on November 1. Expect campaign missions, multiplayer modes, and both old and new characters in an alternate post-Dark Age timeline. Feels like a bit of an oof.

Squirrel with a Gun delivers a zAnY, sandboxy experience where you control a gun-toting squirrel causing chaos in a suburban neighbourhood. It’s got some clever platforming and puzzle mechanics, and for a short time is a light-hearted, fun gameplay loop. Its absurd premise is the selling point, and you’ll know if you’ll enjoy it after seeing like 10 seconds of any gameplay.

KILL KNIGHT is a fast-paced, demanding, isometric shooter blending the brutality of DOOM with Crimsonland-like mechanics. Set in an eldritch hellscape dripping with vibes, its tight combat systems, rewarding progression, and striking visuals make it engaging, addictive and ultra cool.

The Forever Winter is a co-op survival PvE extraction shooter set in a bleak, mech-dominated, war-torn world. It’s super punishing; you’re not the hero in this world, scavenging for resources amidst constant threats. The atmosphere and dynamic combat are terrifying, keeping you constantly on edge. Won’t be for everyone, but a great addition to the genre.

UFO 50 is a collection of 50 retro-style games from famed indie devs Mossmouth and friends, crossing a wide variety of genres. While each game is simple in design, they offer surprising depth and at times challenge - but more than anything, demonstrate a wild imagination and passion for game design. The nostalgic visuals, creative concepts, and sheer variety make it a fun, unique and inspiring experience.

Take a look at another Alan Wake II expansion: Lake House, revealing fresh supernatural horrors. Set to launch in October.

Valve makes games! Initially kept under wraps via an invite-only system, Deadlock blends MOBA elements with shooter mechanics: its fast-paced, lane-based gameplay combines elements from the likes of Dota and Overwatch and is immediately compelling. While still in very early development, the game shows immense promise: everything already feels great and the setting, tone and aesthetic are super cool.

It’s another survival horror MMO set in a post-apocalyptic world infested with monstrous creatures! Once Human has something, though - the world is wonderfully creative and its crafting and base-building are intuitive and satisfying. Great visuals and an atmospheric setting, but it feels typically grindy and repetitive over time. Definitely worth checking out for fans of the genre.

The First Descendant is an almost aggressively pedestrian looter shooter - neither exceptional nor terrible. It combines ideas well but is held back by shameless drive toward microtransactions and apparent lack of identity: part Destiny, part Warframe, lots of fanservice. While the visuals and cooperative systems are strong, its gunplay and movement feel pretty average, and overall inconsistent quality and monetisation model won’t appeal to everyone. Worth a quick go if you wanna turn your brain off for a while.