Free installers often bundle spyware or trojans.
Valve occasionally offers the game for free during special anniversaries (like the recent 20th Anniversary update). half-life-2-pc-game-free-download-full-version
In late 2024, Valve released a massive free update for all owners of the game: Free installers often bundle spyware or trojans
Episode One and Episode Two are now included in the base game. half-life-2-pc-game-free-download-full-version
Unofficial versions often lack the latest 20th-anniversary updates and bug fixes.