Black Mesa cover art
Remake

Black Mesa

by Crowbar Collective

Released March 6, 2020 on PC and Linux.

Black Mesa Trailer thumbnail

About Black Mesa

Black Mesa is a re-envisioning of Valve Software's classic science fiction first person shooter, Half-Life. Powered by Source Engine, You will re-visit the inaugural role of Gordon Freeman and his memorable journey through the Black Mesa Research Facility. Expect detailed environments to explore, a huge cast of characters and experimental weaponry. All-new music, voice acting, choreography and added dialogue give way to a more expansive and immersive experience than ever before.

The plot of Black Mesa is almost identical to Half-Life's storyline, playable through the "Lambda Core" chapter. As in the original game, the player controls Gordon Freeman, a scientist working at the Black Mesa Research Facility. He is tasked to place a sample of a strange material into an electromagnetic instrument, using the Hazardous Environment Suit Mark IV to do so safely. However, the sample material causes a "resonance cascade", devastating the facility and creating an interdimensional rift to an alien dimension called Xen, bringing its alien creatures to Earth. Freeman survives, finds other survivors, and makes his way to the surface with the protection of his hazard suit to get help. Upon reaching the surface, however, he finds that the facility is being cleansed of any living thing - human or alien - by armed forces. From other scientists, Freeman finds the only way to stop the alien invasion is to cross over to Xen and destroy the entity holding the portal open.

Release dates by platform

PCSeptember 14, 2012 · Out now
LinuxEarly accessOctober 28, 2016 · Out now

Reviews & players

Critic score883 reviews
Steam reviewsVery Positive95% of 145K positive
Player score88557 ratings on IGDB
Playing now594on Steam at last update

PC system requirements

Official specs from Steam

Full specs

Minimum

OSWindows® 10 or Newer
Processor2.6 Dual Core Processor or Greater
Memory6 GB RAM
Graphics2 GB Dedicated Video Card or Greater
DirectXVersion 9.0c
NetworkBroadband Internet connection

Recommended

OSWindows® 10 or Newer
Processor3.2 Quad Core Processor or Greater
Memory8 GB RAM
Graphics4 GB Dedicated Video Card or Greater
DirectXVersion 9.0c
NetworkBroadband Internet connection

Black Mesa FAQ

When did Black Mesa come out?

Black Mesa was released on March 6, 2020 for PC and Linux.

Is Black Mesa on PlayStation 5?

No. Black Mesa has not been announced for PlayStation 5. It is available on PC and Linux.

Is Black Mesa on Xbox Series X|S?

No. Black Mesa has not been announced for Xbox Series X|S. It is available on PC and Linux.

Is Black Mesa on Nintendo Switch 2?

No. Black Mesa has not been announced for Nintendo Switch 2. It is available on PC and Linux.

Who is making Black Mesa?

Black Mesa is developed by Crowbar Collective.

Is Black Mesa multiplayer?

Yes. Black Mesa supports single player and multiplayer.

How much does Black Mesa cost?

Black Mesa costs $19.99 on Steam. Prices checked October 9, 2026.

Is Black Mesa good?

Steam players rate it "Very Positive" — 95% of 145,185 reviews are positive. Critics average 88/100.

What are the minimum PC requirements for Black Mesa?

The minimum GPU is 2 GB Dedicated Video Card or Greater. See the full minimum and recommended specs on our Black Mesa system requirements page.

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