Xen

Xen is the fifteenth chapter of Half-Life.

It is an alternate dimension discovered by Black Mesa scientists prior to the original Half-Life. Black Mesa sent expedition teams into Xen to collect alien samples, and is the source of the crystal that triggers the resonance cascade early on in the game.

Architecture

Xen consists mostly of organic, spongelike platforms floating in a nebulous void. Various energy spires and other organic growths are commonplace. Xen occasionally features larger cave systems underground. The gravity on Xen is lower than on Earth.

Xen was often criticized for its frustrating "jumping puzzles". Therefore, it is best to relegate moving platforms to an atmospheric role rather than a gameplay mechanic.

Environment

Xen's lighting consists mainly of glowing crystals and bio-luminescent tubes. Odd fungi and pillars and can be seen spread around in areas.

NPCs

No humans should ever be seen in a Xen level except for that one scientist in c4a3. Occasional dead expedition members can create a disturbing and desolate atmosphere, however.

Aliens should include headcrab, the barnacle, and the vortigaunt.

Maps

The following .bsp comprises this chapter.

• c4a1

Gallery

• 

  Xen teleporter

• 

  Xen has a strange purple fog in some areas

Half-Life Chapters
Hazard Course t0a0	Black Mesa Inbound c0a0	Anomalous Materials c1a0	Unforeseen Consequences c1a1
Office Complex c1a2	"We've Got Hostiles!" c1a3	Blast Pit c1a4	Power Up c2a1
On a Rail c2a2	Apprehension c2a3	Residue Processing c2a4	Questionable Ethics c2a4d
Surface Tension c2a5	"Forget About Freeman!" c3a1	Lambda Core c3a2	Xen c4a1
Gonarch's Lair c4a2	Interloper c4a1a	Nihilanth c4a3	Endgame c5a1