Alyx Vance was introduced in Half-Life 2 and played a major role in the story throughout the episodes that followed. However, the 13 year gap between Half-Life 2: Episode 2 and ha🎀s left ma🌃ny veteran players with fuzzy memories. Meanwhile, players new to the series may be asking: Who is Alyx Vance?
Alyx Vance in Half-Life 2
Alyx Vance is a prominent member of the Resistance movement against the Com♈bine, which are an alien race that invaded Earth following the Black Mesa Incident. Despite growing up under an oppressive regime, Alyx has a cheerful, friendly disposition, and exhibits a high level of self confidence. She's very close to her father, Eli Vance, who likely helped teach her the hacking skills she uses to manipulate Combine technology.
Before the events of Half-Life 2, Alyx worked with Barney Calhoun, Isaac Kleiner, Judith Mossman, and her father to help citizens escape from City 17 to Black Mesa East. She meets the player character, Gordon Freeman, when she saves him from Civil Protection units in t𝐆he first chapter of the game.
After she and Gordon regroup at Black Mesa East, she helps him escape the Combine once again, and after Eli is captured, Gordon helps Alyx search for him. By the end of Half-Life 2, Alyx and Gordon take down the Citadel in City 17🎐 together.
Alyx in Half-Life 2: Episodes 1-2
After escaping the ensuing explosion, Alyx and Gordon make their way to the White Forest Resistance base, where Eli is waiting for them. Along the way, it's revealed the G-Man believes he may be able to use Alyx in his g༒rand schemes, though it's still unclear what his plans for her are. When Alyx and Gordon arrive at the Resistance base, they're only safe for a short time before the Combine catch up with them.
The final scene of Half-Life 2: Episode 2 is burnt into the minds of most who played the series. For those who aren't familiar with the scene, it shows Alyx through Gordon's eyes as she cries over her father's dead body. This moment serves as the focal point for Half-Life: Alyx, which we get into below.
Alyx Vance in Half-Life: Alyx
As we can see through the events of the Half-Life 2 series, much of Alyx's development revolves around her dedication to the Resistance and the love she has for her father. She, like Gordon, is an instrument in the G-Man's ambiguous plans, but also a caring daughter and fierce leader. We'll likely learn more about Alyx as the Half-Life saga continues, though hopefully we won't neeﷺd to wait another 13 years for the next installment.