Store Page
Black Mesa
All Discussions Screenshots Artwork Broadcasts Videos Workshop News Guides Reviews

Black Mesa

Store Page
Black Mesa > Guides > Otternosk's Guides
1,889 ratings
Black Mesa 100% Achievements Guide
By Otternosk
This is a 100% achievements guide, including the new ones and the hidden ones.

Do not worry if I don't reply immediately to your comments, I might be busy. It can take a while.




12
167
12
7
5
9
7
3
6
3
5
5
5
5
4
2
2
2
2
   
Award
Favorite
Favorited
Unfavorite
Created by
Otternosk
Offline
Category: Achievements
Languages: English
Content Descriptors: Frequent Violence or Gore
Posted
Updated
5 Apr, 2020 @ 5:40pm
25 Aug, 2020 @ 1:32pm
30,375 Unique Visitors
2,850 Current Favorites
Guide Index
Overview
First of all, THANK YOU
 
small changes coming soon! 
INTRODUCTION
 
Tips & Tricks for a good run
 
Chapter 2 - Anomalous Materials 
Brownian Motion 
Convection Refinement 
Caffeine Extraction 
Proverbial Tinkerer 
Resonance Procrastinator 
Less Than Desirable Consequences (NEW) 
Chapter 3 - Unforeseen Consequences 
Prophylactic Suggested 
Inflammatory Actions 
Unified Coupling Theorum 
Mega Hertz 
Rare Specimen 
Well-Done (NEW) 
Chapter 4 - Office Complex 
Permeable Infrastructure 
Calculated Trajectory 
Our Brain And Your Brawn (NEW) 
Chapter 5 - "We've Got Hostiles!" 
Digital Wizardry 
Kinetic Repulsion 
Chapter 6 - Blast Pit 
Remote Detonation 
Chapter 7 - Power Up 
Gray Matter Propulsion 
One Step Ahead (NEW) 
Chapter 8 - On A Rail 
Chapter 9 - Apprehension 
Dead Reckoning 
Chapter 11 - Questionable Ethics 
Ethically Questionable 
Quantum Capacitance 
Universal Gravitation 
Futile Resistance 
Pepperoni Precipitation (HIDDEN) 
Chapter 12 - Surface Tension 
Centripetal Attraction 
Nuclear Fishin' 
Stealth Technology (NEW) 
Chapter 13 - "Forget About Freeman!" 
Chapter 14 - Lambda Core 
Premature Expulsion 
Hyper Saturation Conundrum 
Xen When (HIDDEN) 
Chapter 15 - Xen 
Prolific Popper (NEW) 
The Rarest Specimen (HIDDEN) 
Orbital Trajectory (NEW) 
Following the Rules (HIDDEN) 
The Plan (HIDDEN) 
Unquestionably Ethical (HIDDEN) 
Chapter 16 - Gonarch's Lair 
Gonad Glider (NEW) 
Doctor's Signature (NEW) 
Post-Mortem Interval (NEW) 
Chapter 17 - Interloper 
Anti-Matter Over Mind (NEW) 
Laser Immunization (NEW) 
PhD in Pacifism (NEW) 
Contest Propellant (HIDDEN) 
Black Mesa Decathlon Winner (NEW) 
Chapter 18 - Nihilanth 
Specimen GG (NEW) 
Late for Work (NEW) 
Chapter 19 - Endgame 
Limitless Potential (STORY-RELATED) 
Rather an Anticlimax (STORY-RELATED} 
Conclusion
 
Comments
First of all, THANK YOU
I remember struggling with most achievements due to the lack of a clear, complete guide.
I always loved Black Mesa and its achievements, some of the most creative and not necessarily story-linear I've seen in a videogame.

One day I gave myself the goal of making guide to help the community, even if there would have been only 1k people visiting it. My goal was to help othezrs the best way I could offer.

today, this guide has over 5k views, has a constant 5-stars rating and has almost 60 awards.

All the supportive comments, correcting something or helping each others, or just thanking me for the guide, means a lot.

So,

Thank You to all of you, even if you just used the guide for one particular achievement. It really means a lot!


<3 - Janthan

small changes coming soon!
Hello dear Black Mesa players,

I know I don't respond to comments a lot, not because i forget or simply don't, but because I'm often busy with other things going on in my life.

BUT, soon, I'll have a 1 week break to myself, no one to disturb, no school, no work, nothing.

The guide will get some changes for the best! such as:

  • a FAQ section
  • tips for each achievements
  • how long for each achievements
  • stats
  • and many more...

stay tuned!
INTRODUCTION
Hi! This is a complete guide to get every achievement, including the new and hidden ones. They are separated in chapters.

For every achievement, the format will be the following

Top: Achievement's description
Left: The Achievement's icon
Right: Related Chapters
Bottom: How to Obtain, plus a screenshot for visualization

If you ever need to reset an achievement for various reasons, here is the command:
achievement_reset <achievement name>

Here is a list of the names, plus a description[docs.google.com]


If there's anything missing or want to add something, just comment below!

Guides for Hat/Pizza/Cyanogen and Protozoans are coming VERY soon

Tips & Tricks for a good run
You have to play say when you hunt for achievements.

Here is a list of things you should and should NOT do during a run:

✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
DO

  • keep track of your achievements via the menu

  • Don't be afraid to try more than once!

  • Ask questions when not sure

  • quicksaving often enough (for your liking)

  • When doing achievements that require a specific number, try to keep a record of how many you got and where; could help a lot (for example, Prolific Popper)

  • Always look for opportunities

  • Reset achievements when in need

  • Take your time for achievements like Laser Immunization

❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌
DO NOT

  • Enable
    sv_cheats 1
    don't try to use any commands / cvars if they might prevent you to obtain achievements

  • Try to go too fast

  • Attempt an achievement that could kill you without saving

  • Try to bring the Pizza and the Hat at the same time WITHOUT KNOWING WHAT YOU ARE DOING

  • Try to mess with the game files to obtain achievements and change something related to it



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You should also note that:

  • Some achievements won't unlock first try, simply cause most of the time it's either bugged, or the triggers isn't working properly (like Xen When)

  • The command
    Buddah
    will not require Server Cheats to be on thus making achievement hunting easier. Thank you @Solid Snake
    please note that "sv_infinite_ammo 1" will require Server Cheats to be enabled and cannot be used

  • Some achievements had their logo change

  • the preferable way to turn off Server Cheats is either to type
    sv_cheats 0
    quicksave, then reload the save.

  • using Noclip, God, and other Server Cheats, then turned them off and loading a save, is possible

  • the achievements "with a count" doesn't need to be completed in one run and the progress will be saved. But, it might be a good idea to keep track of which one you got and did not!
Chapter 2 - Anomalous Materials
Here are the achievements you can get in this chapter:

  • Brownian Motion
  • Convection Refinement
  • Caffeine Extraction
  • Proverbial Tinkerer
  • Resonance Procrastinator
  • Less Than Desirable Consequences (NEW)
Brownian Motion
"Pass the toilet paper to the scientist in need"
Associated Chapter:
  • Anomalous Materials
How to obtain:
Just before putting on the HEV Suit, go towards the bathroom. In one of the stalls, there is a struggling scientist, who asks for toilet paper. On the counter just behind, there is a couple rolls. Pass one to the poor guy.

Convection Refinement
"Ruin the microwave casserole"
Associated Chapter:
  • Anomalous Materials
How to obtain:
Instead of going straight to the locker room, why not stop by the break room? There is a security guard and a scientist. And there is also a microwave, with a casserole inside. Press a button on the microwave and watch hilarity ensues.


Caffeine Extraction
"Perform surgical caffeine extraction from 20 vending machines"
Associated Chapters:
  • Anomalous Materials
  • Unforeseen Consequences
  • Office Complex
  • "We've Got Hostiles !"
  • ... all of those where you can find a vending machine (so not on Xen)
How to Obtain:
See a vending machine? Press on it. Make sure you're hurt, though, otherwise there will be no soda for you. You can also use the one in the break room before the incident and use it 20 times.


Proverbial Tinkerer
"Interfere with the alarm and laptop in Anomalous Materials"
Associated Chapters:
  • Anomalous Materials
How to obtain:
Once in the lobby, go look at the computer on your left. Once the scientist got mad at you, go behind the desk and activate the alarm. The guard will also get mad. Congratulation, now everybody's mad at you, not just because you're late.

Resonance Procrastinator
"Refuse to insert the specimen into the Anti-Mass Spectrometer"
Associated Chapters:
  • Anomalous Materials
How to obtain:
As you can predict the future, you decide to not insert the specimen into the AMS. Yet, you still blow it up.

Less Than Desirable Consequences (NEW)
"Die in the AMS Beam before starting the experiment"
Associated Chapters:
  • Anomalous Materials
How to obtain:
not inserting the specimen in the AMS isn't enough. Jump in the beam, so they will have to abort the experiment.

Chapter 3 - Unforeseen Consequences
You can begin these achievements in this chapter:

  • Prophylactic Suggested
  • Inflammatory Actions
  • Unified Coupling Theorum
  • Mega Hertz
  • Rare Specimen
  • Well-Done (NEW)

You can get these achievements in this chapter (if you're lucky):
  • Caffeine Extraction
Prophylactic Suggested
"Get overtaken by a Headcrab's ample anterior"
Associated Chapter:
  • Unforeseen Consequences
  • ... up to Gonarch's Lair
How to obtain:
Don't attack the headcrab. Let it attack you.




Inflammatory Actions
"Kill a Headcrab using fire"
Associated Chapter:
  • Unforeseen Consequences
How to obtain:
Grab a flare. Toss it on a Headcrab (not a Zombie) and watch it burn.


Unified Coupling Theorum
"Help the Barnacle and Headcrab find true love"
Associated Chapters:
  • Unforeseen Consequences
  • ... up to Gonarch's Lair (if you're lucky)
How to obtain:
In order to obtain the achivement, you need to lure a Headcrab so it jumps on a Barnacle's tongue, TEN TIMES. The two easiest places are in "We've Got Hostiles !", where there is a conveyor belt ending with a Barnacle, and in Xen. See the associated screenshots.

Mega Hertz
'Kill five Enemies with one Grenade"
Associated Chapters:
  • Unforeseen Consequences
  • ... up to Interloper
How to obtain:
Find a place with a lot of enemies concentrated in one corner. Use a Grenade to blow at least five of them.
Rare Specimen
I WILL MAKE A FULL GUIDE SOON
"Send the Hidden Hat to Xen"
Associated Chapters:
  • Unforeseen Consequences
  • ... up to Lambda Core
How to obtain:
The hat is found in Unforeseen Consequences (the map is bm_c1a1b)

Your journey consists of bringing it to the Lambda Core, and jump in the portal with it.
Well-Done (NEW)
"Cook a Grenade for too long"
Associated Chapters:
  • Unforeseen Consequences
  • ... up to Nihilanth
How to obtain:
Grab a grenade. Keep it in your hand until it blows up. It will hurt
Do to this: hold your "attack1" or "attack2" key (mouse 1 or mouse 2, normally) to throw / roll the grenade. Instead of leaving your hand, it will stay, and eventually blow up.

Chapter 4 - Office Complex
Here are the achievements associated to this chapter:

  • Permeable Infrastructure
  • Calculated Trajectory
  • Our Brain and Your Brawn (NEW)

You can also get these achievements:

  • Caffeine Extraction
  • Inflammatory Actions
  • Mega Hertz
Permeable Infrastructure
"Use the alternate path in Office Complex"
Associated Chapter:
  • Office Complex
How to obtain:
After defeating the Vorts with the help of your new buddy(ies), run straight ahead. You will find yourself in a room with a couch and a couple chairs, as well as a dead scientist. There is a ladder leading somewhere just in front of you. Break the tiles that block the way and use this secret shortcut to leave your new friend(s) there.

Calculated Trajectory
"Kill 10 airborne Headcrabs using the Shotgun"
Associated Chapters:
  • Office Complex
  • ... up to Gonarch's Lair
How to obtain:
Wait until a Headcrab jumps, then shoot it using the Shotgun once it's in the air.

Our Brain And Your Brawn (NEW)
"Assemble all the possible scientists and Guards at the end of Office Complex"
Associated Chapters:
  • Office Complex
How to obtain:



These guys will follow you:
!THEY MIGHT LOOK DIFFERENT FOR YOU!
1/6 - Guard










2/6 - Guard










3/6 - Female Scientist










4/6 - Guard










5/6 - Guard | 6/6 - Scientist










You need to bring them here:
Chapter 5 - "We've Got Hostiles!"
You can begin these achievements in this chapter:

  • Digital Wizardry
  • Kinetic Repulsion

You can also get these achievements:

  • Calculated Trajectory
  • Mega Hertz
  • Caffeine Extraction
  • Unified Coupling Theorum
Digital Wizardry
"Kill 10 enemies with a reprogrammed Sentry"
Associated Chapters:
  • "we've Got Hostiles !"
  • On A Rail
  • Surface Tensions
How to obtain:
Without activating the turret, grab it and point it towards an enemy (excluding Marines). The turret should then kill the enemy.

Kinetic Repulsion
"Kill a Marine with their own Grenade"
Associated Chapters:
  • "We've Got Hostiles !"
  • ... up to "Forget About Freeman !"
How to obtain:
As soon as the Marine throws a grenade at you, pick it up and throw it back. The Marine should then blow up.
Chapter 6 - Blast Pit
You can begin this achievement in this chapter:

  • Remote Detonation

You can get these achievements:

  • Mega Hertz
  • Calculated Trajectory
Remote Detonation
"Kill a Barnacle with a Satchel"
Associated Chapters:
  • Blast Pit
  • ... up to Xen
How to obtain:
Give a Barnacle a deadly meal. Throw a satchel on his tongue and once it's his "mouth", detonate it.











Thank you @mike for the screenshot!
Chapter 7 - Power Up
You can begin these achievements in this chapter:

  • Gray Matter Propulsion
  • One Step Ahead (NEW)

You can get these achievements:

  • Mega Hertz
  • Calculated Trajectory
  • Kinetic Repulsion
Gray Matter Propulsion
"Headshot 20 Enemies with the .357 Magnum"
Associated Chapters:
  • Power Up
  • ... up to Interloper
How to obtain:
After defeating the tentacles, the next step will be to descend in the pit where it lived. At the bottom of it, there is a .357 Magnum. Once you have it, use it to headshot at least 20 enemies. The easiest way to get the achievement is to use it against Houndeyes and Marines.


One Step Ahead (NEW)
"Kill 10 Enemies with Tripmines"
Associated Chapters:
  • Power Up
  • ... up to Lambda Core
How to obtain:
Once you get the Tripmines, plant them in strategical areas to blow up, in total, 10 Enemies.

Chapter 8 - On A Rail
There are no achievements to begin in this chapter


You can get these achievements in this chapter:

  • Gray Matter Propulsion
  • Mega Hertz
  • Kinetic Repulsion
  • One Step Ahead (NEW)

Chapter 9 - Apprehension
You can begin these achievements in this chapter:

  • Dead Reckoning

You can also get these achievements:

  • Remote Detonation
  • Gray Matter Propulsion
  • One Step Ahead
Dead Reckoning
"Kill an Assassin with the .357 Magnum"
Associated Chapters:
  • Apprehension
  • Lambda Core
How to obtain:
Use the .357 Magnum to kill an assassin. The easiest way to do it is in Lambda Core, where some will literally jump in front of you.

Chapter 11 - Questionable Ethics
You can begin these achievements in this chapter:

  • Ethically Questionable
  • Quantum Capacitance
  • Universal Gravitation
  • Futile Resistance
  • Pepperoni Precipitation (HIDDEN)*

You can get these achievements:

  • Gray Matter Propulsion
  • Mega Hertz
  • Caffeine Extraction

* Full guide coming soon
Ethically Questionable
"Conduct all of the Questionable research experiments"
Associated Chapters:
  • Questionable Ethics




How to obtain:
1/5 - AGrunt:
Press a button on the console, situated in the room on your left.








2/5 - Snarks Cannon:
Press the big red button on your right. Then, press repeatedly the small red button until there is no snarks left.







3/5 - Vaporizer Room:
You will pass through this room just after the Snark Cannon Room/ On the left, there are stairs leading to a control room. Press the "Door Release" button on the console, to free the bullsquid. Then, press the big red button on the right.





4/5 - Gas Canister:
In the same room you find the Snarks and the Xenarium, you can find a Gas Canister on the counter. Grab it and insert it in the associated compartment. Press the button to fill the Xenarium with cyanogen.





5/5 - Laser
After activating the four AUX lasers, activate the main one WITHOUT unplugging the shield.







A huge thanks to all of you who helped me for this achievement!
Quantum Capacitance
"Overcharge it anyway"
Associated Chapters:
  • Questionable Ethics
  • ... up to Interloper
How to obtain:
After witnessing the death of two people, pick up the still-intact Tau Cannon and keep your finger on the trigger until it overcharges. Ta-daa, you hurt yourself!

Universal Gravitation
"Get killed by your own Snarks"
Associated Chapters:
  • Questionable Ethics
  • ... up to Nihilanth
How to obtain:
Drop a couple Snarks on the ground where you are alone (no aliens, guards, scientists, etc.) and let them kill you.

Futile Resistance
"kill 10 enemies using Snarks"
Associated Chapters:
  • Questionable ethics
  • ... up to Interloper
How to obtain:
Use your Snarks to annihilate 10 enemies. Simply drop them and watch them run after the ones you want to eliminate.

Pepperoni Precipitation (HIDDEN)
I WILL MAKE A FULL GUIDE SOON
"View the *other* secret ending"
Associated Chapters:
  • Questionable Ethics
  • ... up to Nihilanth
How to obtain:
You can find the pizza in Questionable Ethics. Once you have it, you will have to bring it with you up to Nihilanth’s portal. The Pizza will spawn at the same place as the Hat once you have entered Xen.
(Thank you @Still Alive for the reminder)

Chapter 12 - Surface Tension
You can begin these achievement in this chapter:

  • Centripetal Attraction
  • Nuclear Fishin'
  • Stealth Technology (NEW)

You can also get these achievements:

  • Gray Matter Propulsion
  • Quantum Capacitance
  • Universal Gravitation
  • Futile Resistance
  • Kinetic Repulsion
  • One Step Ahead
Centripetal Attraction
"Kill 20 Enemies with the Hivehand"
Associated Chapters:
  • Surface Tensions
  • ... up to Interloper
How to obtain:
Once you get the Hivehand, use it to terrorize 20 enemies.


Nuclear Fishin'
"Kill an Ichthyosaur with either the Tau or Gluon"
Associated Chapters:
  • Surface Tensions
  • Forget About Freeman !
  • Xen
How to obtain:
Using the Tau or Gluon, kill an Ichthyosaur. It's that simple
Thank you @Hyo for reminding me about the Ichthyosaur in Forget About Freeman!

Stealth Technology (NEW)
"Escape the Hangar in Surface Tension without alerting the Soldiers"
Associated Chapters:
  • Surface Tension
How to obtain:
If you do exactly as the guard says, the Soldiers will not notice you.


Chapter 13 - "Forget About Freeman!"
You can get these achievement:

  • Kinetic Repulsion
  • Centripetal Attraction
  • Universal Gravitation
  • Futile Resistance
  • Gray Matter propulsion
  • Nuclear Fishin’
Chapter 14 - Lambda Core
You can begin these achievements in this chapter:

  • Premature Expulsion
  • Hyper Saturation Conundrum
  • Xen When (HIDDEN)

You can get these achievements:

  • Remote Detonation
  • Gray Matter Propulsion
  • Mega Hertz
  • Rare Specimen *

* Full guide coming soon
Premature Expulsion
"Use an entire clip of Gluon ammo in one continuous shot"
Associated Chapters:
  • Lambda Core
  • ... up to Nihilanth
How to obtain:
Use the Gluon Gun until there is no energy left and you have to use another weapon.

Hyper Saturation Conundrum
"Drown in Lambda Core's coolant"
Associated Chapter:
  • Lambda Core
How to obtain:
Once you're in presence of Coolant, jump in it and drown.


Xen When (HIDDEN)
"Wait too long to jump into the Lambda Teleporter"
Associated Chapters:
  • Lambda Core
How to obtain:
Don't jump when the guy tells you. Continue running like a fool until the portal explodes.

According to @Jehauri's comment: you can die and not reload your previous save and the achievement could still pop up











IF IT DOESN'T WORK:

If the portal doesn't explode after two minutes, reload your last save.
Then, open the console command, once the guy told you to jump in the portal, and type:

sv_cheats 1 ent_fire sequence_timer_portalfail enable sv_cheats 0
quicksave, then reopen the console and type:
disconnect
reload your last save, and the portal should explode in under a minute.
Chapter 15 - Xen
You can begin these achievement in this chapter:

  • Prolific Popper (NEW) *
  • The Rarest Specimen (HIDDEN) *
  • Orbital Trajectory (NEW)
  • Following the Rules (HIDDEN)
  • The Plan (HIDDEN) *
  • Unquestionably Ethical (HIDDEN) *

You can continue this achievement:

  • Pepperoni Precipitation

* Full guides are coming soon
Prolific Popper (NEW)
I WILL MAKE A FULL GUIDE SOON
"Kill all Protozoans in the Borderworld"
Associated Chapters:
  • Xen
  • Gonarch's Lair
  • Interloper


How to obtain:
Everytime you see this creature:











Kill it.

There are 64 of them in Xen:

37 in XEN
22 in GONARCH'S LAIR
5 in INTERLOPER


The Rarest Specimen (HIDDEN)
I WILL MAKE A FULL GUIDE SOON
"Carry the Hidden Hat to Endgame"
Associated Chapters:
  • Unforeseen Consequences (or Xen, if you already started)
  • ... up to Endgame
How to obtain:

There are the first steps for the Hat:

The hat is found in Unforeseen Consequences (the map is bm_c1a1b) Your journey consists of bringing it to the Lambda Core, and jump int the portal with it.


Once you are in Xen, don't panic if the Hat doesn't appear next to you when you wake up.
Complete the introductory section first.

You will stumble on this island:










The Hat will be located here:
Orbital Trajectory (NEW)
"Skip the opening Xen island with a secret jump"
Associated Chapters:
  • Xen
How to obtain:
See the screenshots


Overview:
Following the Rules (HIDDEN)
"Use the welcome mat"
Associated Chapters:
  • Xen
How to obtain:
Directly when entering the lab, there is a white board.
Do as Dr. Horn says, and keep the labs clean.
First, stand on the mat for a couple seconds. Then, press the "use" key to trigger the achievement.


The Plan (HIDDEN)
I WILL MAKE A FULL GUIDE SOON
"Use Cyanogen to kill Gonarch"
Associated Chapters:
  • Xen
  • Gonarch's Lair



How to obtain:
You can find the Gas Canister in the Xen labs:












After your first encounter with Gonarch, and after following her, you will arrive in a room with this teleporter:
Put the Gas Can on it and activate the teleporter, so you won't have to bring it with you.










You will find this supply pod just before entering her Lair. On your left, there will be a new passageway. Enter it.








You will find the canister and this machine. To obtain this achievement, put the canister in the compartment and press the button. The Cyanogen will fill Gonarch's Lair and kill her.
To leave, there are ledges on your far left. Jump on them to leave the room.
Unquestionably Ethical (HIDDEN)
"Don't use the Cyanogen and let the Gonarch live"
Associated Chapters:
  • Xen
  • Gonarch's Lair



How to obtain:
Here is the previous achievement's instruction:

I WILL MAKE A FULL GUIDE SOON
You can find the Gas Canister in the Xen labs: After your first encounter with Gonarch, and after following her, you will arrive in a room with this teleporter: Put the Gas Can on it and activate the teleporter, so you won't have to bring it with you. You will find this supply pod just before entering her Lair. On your left, there will be a new passageway. Enter it. You will find the canister and this machine. To obtain this achievement, put the canister in the compartment and press the button. The Cyanogen will fill Gonarch's Lair and kill her To leave, there are ledges on your far left. Jump on them to leave the room.

To let the Gonarch live, don't put the canister in the machine, and leave the room without killing her.
There are ledges on your far left. Jump on them to leave the room.
Chapter 16 - Gonarch's Lair
You can begin these achievements in this chapter:

  • Gonad Glider (NEW)
  • Doctor's Signature (NEW)
  • Post-Mortem Interval (NEW)

You can continue this achievement:

  • Prolific Popper (NEW) *

* Full guides are coming soon
Gonad Glider (NEW)
"Get whacked into Oblivion in the ledge fight"
Associated Chapters:
  • Gonarch's Lair
How to obtain:
Let Gonarch whack you in the void. Stay put, and she'll come and hit you at full speed. Now, you will spend the rest of your days floating in Xen. What a terrifying death.

You should note that the achievement doesn't always pop up. Best trick is to save, and retry until it pops up

Doctor's Signature (NEW)
"Deliver the finishing blow to Gonarch with your Crowbar"
Associated Chapters:
  • Gonarch's Lair
How to obtain:
After weakening Gonarch enough, whip out your crowbar and hit her furiously while dodging her final attacks.

Post-Mortem Interval (NEW)
"Find each member of the missing research teams"
Associated Chapters:
  • Gonarch's Lair
How to obtain:
There is 7 bodies located in Gonarch's Lair's maps. See the screenshots for their locations.

DISCLAIMER: YOU NEED TO DO "THE PLAN" IN ORDER TO GET THE 7th BODY!
To register the bodies, click 'e' (or your use key) until you hear a distinctive sound.

1/7
Just before the Healing Pool and the Crystal. In the area full of bullsquids.



2/7
When Gonarch is stumping over you, and there is no escape.








3/7
In the area with purple crystals.









4/7
It's impossible to miss. After Gonarch's blocks the cave's exit, and after the healing pool and the crystal, the body will be stuck in a web.







5/7
When Gonarch jumps. Before you start running away, there is a small cave on the left with the body inside







6/7
Before lighting everything on fire, when Gonarch is waiting for you, look on your left and there is a body. It's impossible to miss.







7/7 - ONLY WITH 'THE PLAN'!
After inserting (or not...) the gas in the compartment, jump on the nearby ledges on the far left. Just before exiting the lair, there is the body hanging on a spike.







IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO REDO THE ACHIEVEMENT:
Before reaching Gonarch's lair, there will be a small pod, opened and empty. Stops right there.
Open the console and type:
sv_cheats 1 noclip sv_cheats 0
close the console then quicksave
once this is done, reopen it and type:
disconnect
reload your last save and enter the room.
Chapter 17 - Interloper
You can begin these achievements:

  • Anti-Matter Over Mind
  • Laser Immunization
  • PhD in Pacifism
  • Contest Propellant
  • Black Mesa Decathlon Winner

You can get this achievement:

  • Prolific Popper *

* Full guide is coming soon
Anti-Matter Over Mind (NEW)
"Kill a Controller without killing any of its mind-controlled Vortigaunt slaves"
Associated Chapters:
  • Interloper
How to obtain:
Controllers will mind-control the Vorts. If you're a kind soul, please only kill the controllers, and let the Vorts live. The Vorts will thank you later.

Laser Immunization (NEW)
"Complete Interloper without taking any laser damage"
Associated Chapters:
  • Interloper
How to obtain:
Quicksaves and avoiding as much as possible the lasers do the trick.


PhD in Pacifism (NEW)
"Don't kill any Vortigaunts in the Borderworld"
Associated Chapters:
  • Interloper
How to obtain:
There is a total of 7 maps in Interloper where Vortigaunts are present. The easiest way to spare them is to focus primarily on the Controllers and not mind them at all.


Contest Propellant (HIDDEN)
"Find the snack supply canister"
Associated Chapters:
  • Interloper
How to obtain:
After the Vortigaunt Village Attack, but before entering the lift, there will be two crates blocking a doorway on your left:












Break them, and at the top, you will find snacks!
Black Mesa Decathlon Winner (NEW)
"Escape the Gargantua's Lair without taking any damage from Gargantuas"
Associated Chapters:
How to obtain:
Run.
You shouldn't save or load during the Gargathon, or you will not be able to obtain the achievement.

Chapter 18 - Nihilanth
You can get these achievements:

  • Specimen GG (NEW)
  • Late for Work (NEW)
Specimen GG (NEW)
"Take out all three Healing Crystal in Nihilanth's Chamber at the same time"
!NECESSARY TO OBTAIN: LATE FOR WORK!
Associated Chapters:
  • Nihilanth
How to obtain:
Place three Satchels where the three Crystals are. Once Nihilanth summons them, use the remote to detonate the three at the same time.

Late for Work (NEW)
"Defeat Nihilanth in under four minutes"
Associated Chapters:
  • Nihilanth




How to obtain:
first of all, you need to do these steps:
Place three Satchels where the three Crystals are.

Then, use the Gluon, Tau or RPG to destroy the three shields covering the crystals, removing his shield's outer defenses. Then, use the Gluon to destroy the shield and hurt Nihilanth. Use the satchel remote detonator to destroy the three healing crystals at the same time.
Then, use, once again, the Gluon, Tau or RPG to deal damage, until the Crystal at the back of nihilanth's head appears. Use the remaining ammo in the Gluon Gun to deal the most damage and destroy the crystal in no time.

Chapter 19 - Endgame
You can get these achievements in this chapter:

  • Limitless Potential (STORY-RELATED)
  • Rather an Anticlimax (STORY-RELATED)
Limitless Potential (STORY-RELATED)
"Accept G-Man's offer of employement"
Associated Chapters:
  • Endgame
How to obtain:
Story-related. When G-Man tells you it's time to choose, step in the portal.


Rather an Anticlimax (STORY-RELATED}
"Decline G-Man's offer of employement"
Associated Chapters:
  • Endgame
How to obtain:
Instead of stepping into the portal and continuing the Half-Life storyline, stay in the back of the tram and wait until G-Man accepts your action as a no.

Conclusion
I hope this guide helped you!

It is my pleasure to help you with achievements, don't be afraid to comment below to let me know what you think.

And, don't be afraid if you have any questions or concerns, I am always open to suggestions

I am currently working on three "companion-guides" to help with various achievements. I will post an update once they are done!

If you want a translation, don't be afraid to volunteer and help make this guide available in other languages! I am currently working on a french version.

184 Comments
< >
2 High 2 Die 13 Apr @ 10:28am 
Good guide still in 2024. A few sections have achievements that happen at the beginning of a chapter at the end of the section, which i dont understand. But at least the information is all there.
LIM TAT 6 Apr @ 7:52pm 
is this guide still valid for 2024?
♿SoSo 12 Feb @ 11:11am 
Question, can I enjoy the game to the end, and then load each save to do the achievements?
Bielbo Baggins 28 Jan @ 11:00am 
Is this guide finished and usable then?
Baiku 29 May, 2023 @ 1:19pm 
Good guide because he didn't give up.
Ruffus Jubei 22 May, 2023 @ 11:38am 
Got Gonad Glider first try. Spawn the boss then back up to the ledge and wait. Unlocked immediately after it hit me. Cool guide. :tri_edge:
Painless 5 Feb, 2023 @ 1:15pm 
Maybe put Rare Specimen at the top of ch.3 cuz you can't go back by the time you get grenades.
Nerdspartan 24 Jul, 2022 @ 2:01pm 
Thanks a lot for the guide! Getting that pizza up the ladders is such a pain lol
Ranger Jackal 23 Jul, 2022 @ 5:24am 
Thank you for the guide. Thanks to you I was able to get all of the achievements in the game. Although I could also mention to get the Laser Immunization achievement you also need to avoid the lasers where you drop down and there are multiple lasers shooting out of some kind of a square object. You get attacked by Alien controllers after you destroy a pipe behind it. You'll know when you see it.
Frozen Cold 19 May, 2022 @ 1:28am 
For the "The Plan" acheivement, I can't get to the room with the the teleporter. I'm where I should be though, right after the Gonarch runs away, you follow her for a short bit, and then fall through some webs. Down there in that cavern area is where the teleporter should be, but I can't get to it. There are webs and stalagmites and stalagtites blocking entry. Help!