..\Valve\Steam\SteamApps\[your user name]\half-life\valve\maps\[map name.bsp]

"..\Valve\Steam\Steam.exe" -applaunch 70 +skill 3 +map [map name]

Skill: 3 (hard), 2, 1 (easy).

Example:

"C:\Program Files\Valve\Steam\Steam.exe" -applaunch 70 +skill 3 +map kosovo2k -console +sv_cheats 1

Note that -console can be added to the command line to enable the console, and +sv_cheats 1 can be added to enable god mode, notarget and noclipping.

Installation for mods (indicated by below):

..\Valve\Steam\SteamApps\[your user name]\half-life\[mod folder name]

"..\Valve\Steam\Steam.exe" -applaunch 70 -game "[mod folder name]"

"C:\Program Files\Valve\Steam\Steam.exe" -applaunch 70 -game "visitors" -console +sv_cheats 1

Installation for Opposing Force (maps only):

..\Valve\Steam\SteamApps\[your user name]\opposing force\gearbox\maps\[map name.bsp]

"..\Valve\Steam\Steam.exe" -applaunch 50 +skill 3 +map [map name]

"C:\Program Files\Valve\Steam\Steam.exe" -applaunch 50 +skill 3 +map opfor1 -console +sv_cheats 1

Important Notes

• Occasionally, Half Life does not recognise the pak files contained in a mod folder. If you've set up your mod correctly and it is not found when you run your command line, extract the entire pak file using pakscape and copy all the folders and files to the mod's folder. As long as the original structure is preserved this will allow Half Life to run the mod.
• Always play the training level first, as most mods for Half Life come with custom training.
• If you cannot edit your controls through the menus in game, copy your config.cfg from the valve directory to the mod directory. Do not use the in game controls menu, or the new cfg will be overwritten.
• If the mod crashes to the desktop on startup, with no error message, check to see if the following folders are present in the mod folder: cl_dlls and dlls. If they are, it is likely that these files are out of date and this is causing the crash. Go to the \valve directory and copy both the valve\cl_dlls and valve\dlls folder and paste them both into the mod folder, overwriting any files or folders with the same name. This should fix the problem.

Steam Splash Screens

Many mods were made with custom splash screens which appear when the mod starts. I have converted these for use with Steam and uploaded them seperately, with a link adjacent where available indicated by a lambda . To use, click on the lamda next to the mod name which will take you to the Filefront download page. Once downloaded, simply extract the zip file to the relevant mod folder, making sure to preserve folder structure, and you should then see the custom screen behind the main menu when the mod starts. A general splash screen, which will override the default screen, is shown on the left.

Pre-Steam Installation

These mods will all also work using a pre-Steam installation, as long as it is patched to the latest version. (1.1.1.0). Some will work with earlier versions, some will not. The advantage of using a pre-Steam installation with a pre-Steam mod is that the custom menu screen associated with the mod will be displayed. To install and run, use the same directory structure and syntax as above, but replace "..\Steam.exe" -applaunch 70 with "..\hl.exe". It is otherwise the same. Don't forget to leave the CD in the drive for the music.

Example:

C:\SIERRA\Half-Life\hl.exe -game peace -console +sv_cheats 1