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