Preloading...a MUST?

[ramon82]

So if I dont preload via steam I wont be able toplay HL2???

I ordered HL2 but got no internet at home...

 

[Biggleska]

You need the internet to activate hl2.

You DONT need to preload

 

[aeroripper]

IIRC you only need the internet for the next 2 weeks just to avoid people pirating and activating the game early.

Also you don't need to preload if your buying retail

 

[Spartan]

To my knowledge, no Internet = no Half-Life 2. It needs to be activated.

 

[xrmx]

It does say in the system specs of HL2, required - Internet connection

 

[The Dark Elf]

Buy it retail you can play without the net, Download warez you can play without the net

But if you want to update it in any way or play online you'll need
a) net
b) legit copy
c) legit steam account

or d) boyfriend/girlfriend at Valve who can steal you updates.

 

[Dr0ndeh]

Buy it retail you can play without the net, Download warez you can play without the net

But if you want to update it in any way or play online you'll need
a) net
b) legit copy
c) legit steam account

or d) boyfriend/girlfriend at Valve who can steal you updates.

or d) download the warez patches just like with CS:S

 

[Quelaar]

I think you may have to unplug your computer and drag it to an internet connection.

I've heard conflicting rumors about mandatory hl2 registry via steam, and I have to put my money on an online registry. Valve is really pushing steam as the valve gaming service, so it only makes sense that they'd want every copy of hl2 to make some connection to valve's servers.

Quelaar

 

[Crash Happy]

I don't know why there would be conflicting rumours. Go check the "Info from Valve" thread.
Connection required to activate retail copies.