Below are frequently asked questions and their answers for HL2: Episode 2.
- What is Episode 2 about?
Following the destruction of City 17 and the Citadel, Gordon Freeman finds himself stranded within the alien-infested wasteland of Earth. With the Combine cut off from Earth, the resistance seek to utilize whatever time they may have. As such, Gordon is tasked with providing Eli Vance and Dr. Kleiner, now working out of an abandoned missile silo, with the transmission Alyx recovered from the Citadel.
- So what can I expect from Episode 2 gameplay wise?
Like Episode 1, Episode 2 has a specific focus. In Episode 1, that focus was Alyx and how she aided and interacted with the player throughout the game. With Episode 2 were given larger, less-linear levels and new vehicles to drive around in them.
- What new weapons will I be using?
There will be one new weapon in Episode 2 named the Strider Buster. It is a metal object roughly the size of a watermelon. When launched at a Strider's main body with the gravity gun, it draws energy from the walker, allowing any resistance fighter to destroy the synth just by shooting it with any firearm, resulting in an explosion and the Strider's timely demise.
- Any new vehicles?
You'll be driving the new Hot Rod, an American Dream come true amongst the blight of Eastern Europe. Well, part of it. Regardless, the Hotrod is Gordon's new car, after his buggy was lost to the Combine. It is essentially a salvaged Dodge Charger with a powerful engine, good looks and a sturdy bumper for close encounters.
- What new enemies will I face?
There will be several new enemies in EP2. With the Citadel destroyed, the remains of the Combine forces in C17 are scattered thin and are fleeing in all directions. One, which you will face is the Hunter, a synth entity. Episode 2 also introduces the Antlion Worker and the Combine Advisors.
- What new locations can I expect to visit?
Now you are in the Wasteland you'll be seeing a variety of new locales. For the countryside portion Valve have taken influence from Estonia, looking at forests and riverbeds. From what we've seen you'll be visiting an abandoned mine shaft, meeting up with Eli and Kleiner within an old missile silo and taking on the Antlions in their own environment - the nests.
- How long is Episode 2?
6-8 hours.
- Does this require Half-Life 2 to play?
No, episode two is bundled in the orange box package or the episodic package. Neither of which requires Half-Life 2 to be installed.
