TL;DR
Gunman Contracts – Stand Alone, the standalone version of the popular Half-Life: Alyx mod, will launch in early access on September 10th for PC VR and flatscreen. Built in Unity instead of Source 2, it features new weapons, three story contracts, and score-based modes, with a $25 price tag that will rise as content is added.
The indie developer behind the acclaimed Half-Life: Alyx mod Gunman Contracts has announced that the standalone version, Gunman Contracts – Stand Alone, will launch in early access on September 10th for PC VR and flatscreen. Built in Unity rather than Source 2, the game brings new weapons, new contracts, and a full single-player experience without requiring Half-Life: Alyx.
Developer Arne Burkert (ANB_Seth) today revealed that Gunman Contracts – Stand Alone will hit Steam early access on September 10th at a price of $25. Unlike the original mod, which required Half-Life: Alyx and included only Parts 1 & 2, this is a fully independent game built from the ground up in Unity. It promises an intense, action-movie-inspired shooting experience where players take on the role of ‘the Gunman,’ a professional operative working for an elusive order that delivers justice beyond the law.
The early access launch will include three story contracts, replayable score-based game modes, and the gunman’s base for training. According to ANB_Seth, more contracts and content will arrive in free future updates. The studio also stated that the price will increase as additional contracts and features are added leading up to version 1.0, which is slated to include ‘at least 3 more contracts in new locations, new weapons and new features that come with them.’
Gunman Contracts
Goes Stand Alone
The beloved Half-Life: Alyx mod — famous for its John Wick-style gunplay — becomes a fully independent game rebuilt in Unity. No headset library required, no Source 2 dependency. The Gunman returns on September 10th.
“More contracts and content is slated to come in free future updates.”— ANB_Seth (Arne Burkert), Developer
What Early Access Delivers
Gunman Contracts – Stand Alone is a self-contained action-movie shooting experience. You play as “the Gunman,” a professional operative working for an elusive order that delivers justice beyond the law — battling the ruthless crime syndicate known as the Collectors.
Three Story Contracts
Cinematic, action-movie-inspired missions that expand on the mod’s Parts 1 & 2, rebuilt from the ground up for a standalone narrative.
Score-Based Modes
Replayable game modes built around scoring, letting players chase mastery of the tight, kinetic gunfighting the mod was praised for.
The Gunman’s Base
A home hub for honing skills and testing the expanded arsenal of new weapons added for the standalone release.
From Mod to Milestone
A path rarely taken in VR: a beloved free mod evolving into a sustainable commercial product — with free updates promised and the price rising as content grows.
The Mod Era
Two-part Half-Life: Alyx mod earns acclaim for John Wick-style gunplay. Requires the base game.
Unity Rebuild
Experience rebuilt from the ground up in Unity — independent of Source 2 and Valve’s flagship title.
Early Access
Sept 10 launch at $25 on Steam: three contracts, score modes, base, and new weapons.
Version 1.0
At least 3 more contracts in new locations, new weapons, and new features via free updates.
Mod vs. Standalone
| Feature | Original Mod | Stand Alone |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Source 2 | Unity |
| Requires Half-Life: Alyx | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| VR headset needed | ✓ Required | ~ Optional (flatscreen supported) |
| Story contracts | 2 (Parts 1 & 2) | 3 at launch, 6+ at v1.0 |
| Score-based modes | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Training base | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Price | Free (mod) | $25, rising with content |
The Standalone at a Glance
Still unknown: how the Unity build compares to Source 2 in physics and visual fidelity, the flatscreen control scheme, performance across PC configurations, and the exact scope and stability of the three launch contracts.
Before You Wishlist
Do I need Half-Life: Alyx to play?
No. This is a standalone game built in Unity and does not require Half-Life: Alyx or any Source 2 title.
What platforms are supported at launch?
PC VR headsets and flatscreen (non-VR) displays via Steam on September 10th.
What’s included in early access?
Three story contracts, replayable score-based game modes, and the gunman’s training base — with more content arriving in free updates.
How much will it cost?
$25 at early access launch. The studio states the price will increase as contracts and features are added leading up to version 1.0.
Will there be more content after launch?
Yes. Version 1.0 is planned to include at least 3 more contracts in new locations, plus new weapons and features — all via free updates.
From Mod to Standalone: A Milestone for VR Indie Development
This release marks a notable transition from a beloved mod to a commercial standalone product, a path rarely taken in the VR space. Gunman Contracts was already one of the most full-featured mods for Half-Life: Alyx, praised for its John Wick-style gunplay and cinematic action. By rebuilding the experience in Unity and removing the dependency on Valve’s flagship VR title, the developer opens the game to a wider audience, including flatscreen players who may not own a VR headset.
The move also signals growing maturity in the VR indie ecosystem, where successful mods can evolve into sustainable standalone projects. For fans of the original mod, the standalone version promises an expanded experience with new weapons and contracts, while newcomers get a self-contained entry point. The decision to offer free updates and a price increase over time suggests a long-term commitment to the game’s development, which could set a precedent for other VR modders considering a similar leap.
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The Original Mod and Its Legacy
Gunman Contracts first gained attention as a mod for Half-Life: Alyx (2020), offering a fast-paced, action-movie-inspired single-player campaign. Players took on the role of the Gunman, a professional operative battling a ruthless crime syndicate called ‘the Collectors,’ who kidnap and kill innocents. The mod’s polished gunplay and cinematic set pieces earned it a strong following within the VR community, and it was often cited as one of the best reasons to own Half-Life: Alyx.
The mod originally shipped in two parts, requiring the base game to run. Now, with the standalone version, the developer has rebuilt the experience in Unity, adding new weapons and contracts while preserving the core fantasy of going full John Wick against the Collectors. The shift from Source 2 to Unity is significant, as it allows the game to be sold independently and reach players without Half-Life: Alyx.
“More contracts and content is slated to come in free future updates.”
— ANB_Seth (developer)
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What’s Still Unknown About the Standalone Release
While the announcement confirms the release date and core features, several details remain unclear. It is not yet known how the Unity-built version will compare to the original Source 2 mod in terms of physics, visual fidelity, and overall feel. The flatscreen version’s control scheme and performance on various PC configurations have also not been detailed. Additionally, the early access build’s stability and the exact scope of the three story contracts have not been fully described. Whether the game will live up to the mod’s reputation for tight, kinetic gunplay remains to be seen.
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Launch Day and the Road to Version 1.0
Gunman Contracts – Stand Alone is set to launch on Steam on September 10th at $25. Following the early access release, the developer plans to deliver free updates with additional contracts and content, with the price increasing as the game expands. The version 1.0 roadmap includes at least three more contracts in new locations, new weapons, and new features. Players interested in the game can wishlist it on Steam ahead of launch.
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Key Questions
Do I need Half-Life: Alyx to play Gunman Contracts – Stand Alone?
No. This is a standalone game built in Unity, so it does not require Half-Life: Alyx or any other Source 2 title.
What platforms will the game support at launch?
The game will be available on PC VR headsets and flatscreen (non-VR) displays via Steam on September 10th.
What content is included in the early access launch?
The early access version includes three story contracts, replayable score-based game modes, and the gunman’s base for training. More content will be added in free updates.
How much will the game cost, and will the price change?
The early access price is $25. The studio says the price will increase as more contracts and content are added leading up to version 1.0.
Will there be more content after early access?
Yes. The developer has confirmed free future updates, and version 1.0 is planned to include at least three more contracts in new locations, new weapons, and new features.
Source: Road to VR
