The Hidden (video game)

The Hidden is a multiplayer first-person shooter video game modification originally developed for the Source engine, the game engine used by Valve Corporation's Half-Life 2. The mod pits a team of Infrared (IR) equipped Counter-Terrorists (CTs) against a single, nearly invisible player known as "The Hidden."

Gameplay revolves around asymmetrical combat, where the heavily armed CTs must coordinate to hunt down and eliminate the Hidden, who relies on stealth, agility, and a limited arsenal of melee weapons and distractions. The Hidden's primary advantage is its cloaking ability, rendering it almost entirely invisible, but this cloak is temporarily disabled when attacking or taking damage.

The CTs are equipped with standard firearms and tactical equipment, such as grenades and flashbangs. Their infrared vision allows them to perceive the Hidden's heat signature, although this can be disrupted by environmental factors or the Hidden's tactics.

The Hidden typically utilizes hit-and-run tactics, ambushing CTs from unexpected angles and exploiting their weaknesses. The objective for The Hidden is to eliminate all CTs or complete specific objectives within the map. Conversely, the CTs win by killing The Hidden.

The Hidden mod gained popularity for its unique gameplay mechanics and tense atmosphere, fostering a dedicated community that continues to create custom maps and modifications. While the original mod was freeware, standalone versions and spiritual successors have been released.