Are the Half-Life Xen Leaks a Hoax? The Case Against Them Just Got Stronger

We are days away from The Game Awards 2025, which means the rumor mill is in full sprint. The latest: a supposed leak claiming a new Half-Life project called 'Half-Life Xen' will drop on Steam in March 2026. Should you buy it? Short answer: no, not yet.

Where this came from

An X account going by @idontknow_17292 started posting 'leaks' this year, including some buzzy Half-Life 3 chatter. The big one making the rounds this week says Valve will unveil 'Half-Life Xen' (people are calling it HLX) and that it is set for March 2026 on Steam.

Why the internet is calling foul

Folks on X and Reddit dug in and found some very familiar patterns: AI-made images dressed up as scoops and zero verifiable track record. The account itself only launched in May, which is not exactly confidence-inspiring if you are claiming inside knowledge on Valve-level announcements.

'His RE9 leaks. Two of them AI generated. Also HLX won't be named Half-Life Xen'

That callout comes from user @berony27, who specifically pointed to two 'Resident Evil Requiem' (RE9) posts as AI-generated. The same thread also argues that even the codename talk is off, saying HLX would not actually be called 'Half-Life Xen.' In other words: even the rumor has a rumor.

So... could Valve actually show anything?

Maybe. The Game Awards stream live on December 11, and if you are going to announce a massive game, that stage is about as big as it gets. Millions watch worldwide, which is exactly the moment you want if you are Valve and you have something real to show. If HLX is a thing, this would be the time to cash in on the hype.

But none of that changes the obvious: Valve has not announced Half-Life 3, 'Half-Life Xen,' or anything in that neighborhood. Treat every 'leak' as entertainment until you see Gabe & Co. roll out an actual trailer.

• The claim: 'Half-Life Xen' (HLX) announced soon, releasing March 2026 on Steam.
• The source: a new X account (@idontknow_17292) that started in May and has been posting multiple 'leaks,' including Half-Life 3 talk.
• The debunking: users on X and Reddit flagged AI-generated images; @berony27 says two 'Resident Evil Requiem' leaks from the same account were AI. They also argue HLX would not be called 'Half-Life Xen.'
• The event: The Game Awards 2025 go live December 11, and it is the biggest, loudest place to reveal a game like this.
• The odds: the stage is perfect, the hype is real, but there is no official word from Valve. Keep expectations in check.

Bottom line

There is a non-zero chance we get a tease or a title card at TGA. There is also a very real chance we get nothing and wake up to another day of AI mockups and wishful thinking. I will watch the show like everyone else. Until then, keep your wallet closed and your hopes measured.