ReactOS Can Now Run Half-Life 2

Just a month ago, the original Half-Life ran on ReactOS. Now the open-source operating system, which aims to provide Windows binary compatibility, has reached another milestone: Half-Life 2 is now running as well.

From Half-Life to Half-Life 2 in 30 Days

In early June, ReactOS already demonstrated running the original Half-Life on an Intel Sandy Bridge desktop with an NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS. This week, the project announced on X that Half-Life 2 is also running successfully. Testing was performed using a GeForce GTX 960, the NVIDIA 368.61 legacy Windows driver, and Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Windows drivers.

User Aotori Hibiki recorded a demo on YouTube showing the game in action. The footage suggests that the game runs smoothly, which is notable for an operating system that is still considered to be in alpha development after nearly three decades of work.

First Windows NT6 System Call

In a separate milestone, ReactOS recently implemented its first Windows NT6 system call. While small in scope, this represents an important step toward compatibility with Windows Vista and later versions. Until now, development has primarily focused on NT5.x compatibility (Windows XP / Server 2003).

What Is ReactOS?

ReactOS is an open-source operating system designed to run Windows applications and drivers natively, without modification. The project has been in development since 1996 and remains in an alpha stage. It is not based on Linux, but instead aims to reimplement the Windows NT architecture and APIs from scratch.

For gaming enthusiasts, the ability to run Half-Life 2 is a strong signal of progress. If an open-source Windows-compatible system can handle a demanding 3D title like this, it highlights steady improvements in driver support and API implementation. More information is available on the ReactOS project website.