Valve has now started the pre-load process for Half-Life 2: Episode Two. Those who pre-purchase the game via Steam, either as part of The Orange Box or all by its lonesome, can now begin downloading game assets in anticipation of its October 10 release.

Episode Two's Orange Box buddy, the brain twisting puzzler Portal, began pre-loading yesterday. The other previously unreleased game in The Orange Box, the colorful team-based shooter Team Fortress 2, has been in open beta for pre-purchasers since September 17.

Along with Half-Life 2: Episode Two, Portal and Team Fortress 2, The Orange Box packs the original Half-Life 2 and Half-Life 2: Episode One, both of which have been available to Orange Box customers since the package debuted on September 11. Those who already own either of both of the two games can give or sell away their extra copies on October 10 via The Orange Box gift program.