Halo: The Master Chief Collection News

To help celebrate the launch of Season 8, MCC is free to play on Steam and Xbox until 11:59pm PDT on Sunday, October 17.



If you've wanted to finish the fight but have not been able to thus far, this weekend is the prime time to check it out! Jump in and experience the iconic matchmaking from across the series, explore the brand new to Halo 3 map, the tiers of unlocks, and more!

Remember this ends on Sunday, October 17 at 11:59pm PDT so pick up those sticks, or find your WASD settings, and get to slaying today!

Halo 2 was never much of a looker. But it certainly wasn't done many favours with the 2007 Vista port, whose many visual bugs carried over into the Master Chief Collection. But with this week's Season 8 update, Halo 2 is finally a somewhat nicer looking game—though I'd still rather play the Anniversary remaster...
Read more.

[h2]Halo: CE Mod Tools Update[/h2]
With the launch of Season 8 for Halo: The Master Chief Collection (MCC), the mod tools for Halo: CE have been updated. Please download the latest update via Steam and re-extract the latest tags.zip file. The name of these tools is changing to "Halo: CE Mod Tools – MCC". The tools still function like they have in the past and we have made some content changes to support both classic and remastered HUD elements. Mods should remain compatible though any tags modified in a previous version of the tools will require merging. We also made several bug fixes. Licensing for the Halo: CE mod tools remains open to anyone who is interested in creating content for Halo: CE.

As with the initial release, these tools are being provided as-is.

[h2]Halo 2 and Halo 3 Mod Tools Release[/h2]
Additionally, with the launch of Season 8 for MCC, new mod tools for Halo 2 and Halo 3 have come online in Steam. For Halo 2 and Halo 3, you will need to own a license to the base game in Steam to gain access to the tools. The Halo: CE mod tools are available to anyone, regardless of which titles you own in Halo: MCC. To acquire the current mod tools, you can click the following links to install them if you own the DLC that matches the Toolset (ex. Halo 3 DLC for MCC would be entitled to Halo 3 Mod Tools):

• Halo: Combat Evolved – https://store.steampowered.com/app/1532190
  
• Halo 2 – https://store.steampowered.com/app/1613450
  
• Halo 3 – https://store.steampowered.com/app/1695791

Or, alternatively, within the Steam app, in your Library, you can locate “Halo: CE Mod Tools - MCC” “Halo 2 Mod Tools - MCC” or “Halo 3 Mod Tools - MCC” and select to install with your Library filter set to include “Tools” as shown below.



With this download, there are several programs that everyone will have access to. If you’ve modded in the Halo community before, some may be easily recognized, while we do have an entirely new one created for folks to make modding Halo even easier. The screenshots below are specific to Halo: CE modding tools, though these tools function similarly in Halo 2 and Halo 3 as well.

Guerilla “Guerilla” – Viewing the scenario tag for “The Silent Cartographer”



This program is used to edit the values of game content, which are files collectively called “tags.” There are tags for AI, bipeds, textures (aka, bitmaps), etc. You can use this program to update and alter these.

Sapien “Sapien” – Viewing the level for “The Silent Cartographer”



This one is the world or level editor for the game. Internally, levels are referred to as “scenarios.” This program allows you to populate data related to the level itself including things such as weapon placement, AI squads, and more.

Tool
Though basic in its name, this one is a command-line-only Swiss Army knife for very specific changes. This is used to perform all the tasks related to importing source content into tag files or even to building map files. These map files are internally referred to as ‘cache files.’ But this tool will help perform all these adjustments.

Standalone
This entirely new program is basically a development build of the game itself. It runs directly off tag files instead of cache files. This is largely meant to help improve iteration times for people who are building and modding content.

This program is meant for advanced modification only. It is also targeted for non-multiplayer development only. You can’t use it to test multiplayer levels with others and it won’t even load multiplayer levels at this moment. You could load multiplayer levels as campaign levels, but it may or may not help you in your endeavors for it.

For this tool, do not expect all the bells and whistles. This is very much a what you see is what you get sort of tool.

Additional Tools
In addition to these programs, we are also including zip files of level scripts and all the tag files which go into building the campaign and multiplayer levels. To access these, you will need to extract these files to begin editing these files or building existing levels. Part of the reason for using zips is so the final tools package is smaller to download, but also so tool updates don’t inadvertently replace files you edit.

These tools are being provided as-is.

While we plan to make updates over time to address issues we see the community talking about, the level of support these tools get should not be expected to match MCC itself. These are the tools which developers used or are using. They were originally developed with the expectation that a programmer was never too far away to fix or help someone work around an issue. They can be used in many ways, but not all workflows may work as expected on your machine.

Future updates made to MCC may require you to rebuild your maps to play properly. However, we do not intend to break compatibility of tag files with tool updates, at least not without fair warning where possible. Halo: Combat Evolved, specifically, does not have a flexible tag system that can handle format changes gracefully. Later games improved this aspect. So, if such times come, all you should need to do is have the latest tools and rebuild your map. In order to take advantage of changes we make to the games; you may also need to update tags you use. Especially if you are using stock tag files (ones which are used to make the stock campaign and multiplayer levels), as these may have been changed to address bugs or other support items.

We hope you enjoy these new ways to interact with Halo and we look forward to hearing from the community on your modding endeavors. Happy Modding all!

Warriors across the ages, your time has come. Today we’re thrilled to welcome the arrival of the latest season for Halo: The Master Chief Collection – Season 8: Mythic!

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With Season 8, we’ve got new content shipping out, custom-tailored for Spartans, no matter their era of battle– and, we can’t wait for you to get your hands on it. This time around you can look forward to:

• 100 new tiers of content for Season 8 (including brand new armor sets, back accessories, vehicle skins, techsuits, and more)
• Icebox, a Halo Online map now playable in custom games and matchmaking for Halo 3
• In-campaign collectibles for Halo 3
• Updated options for Halo 3: ODST Firefight as well as Sentinels as an enemy type
• Custom Game Browser (CGB) support for Halo: CE and Halo 3
• And more!­

So settle yourselves and listen up, as the scribe is here to tell you all about what’s arrived this season. Read on and prepare to unleash your inner warrior.

[h2]MCC SEASON 8: MYTHIC[/h2]
Whether you feel most at home on Installation 04 or Reach, the battlegrounds of ancient Rome or a UNSC frigate – MCC Season 8 brings with it a heap of new content that lets you outfit your Spartan like never before. Featuring uniquely themed armor sets, vehicle skins, weapon skins, back accessories and even more, you’re going to have a lot to dive into.

Read on to get a full rundown of what you can expect once you’re all updated. Or, check out our latest edition of Seasonal Sitrep, from our very own Postums: 

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[h3]GO REALLY, REALLY MEDIEVAL[/h3]
As Season 8 rolls out so are some brand-new sets of armor aimed at letting you unleash your inner warrior. Whether you’re an ancient Spartan, a Viking of yestercentury, or a highly specialized super soldier from the near future, you’ve got a few ways to dive in and update your look. This season’s brand new armor sets, weapon skins, vehicle skins, and back accessories are just the beginning. 

[h3]DON YOUR ARMOR[/h3]
Perfecting your Spartan’s look is a task that’s always ongoing. And, while you’ve had your pick of a great many different armor sets from across Halo’s history, we’re adding in some new flair with sets inspired by ancient warriors from across the ages. And, with the addition of the Belos (for those that want to inspire looks drawn from ancient Rome), Blackguard (for those of you that might feel more at home during the Dark Ages), and Drengr (for the Spartans that prefer to pledge their allegiance to Norse gods), you’ll be prepared for any battleground.

Welcome to Season 8, Mythic, for Halo: The Master Chief Collection. [For the above image in full res, click here.]

[h3]FROM THE TECHSUIT UP[/h3]
An updated set isn’t complete without a fresh techsuit to tie the entire look together. Whether you’re a super soldier from the UNSC or you’re a freshly minted member of the Blackguard, you can unlock Latticeweave, Chainmail, and Dragonscale techsuits.

[h3]SWORD, MEET BOARD[/h3]
Making your presence known on the battlefield is always important. When you’re charging into battle, it’s best to give your teammates something inspiring to follow. With MCC Season 8 a brand-new batch of Back Accessories have been added into the game, all in the theme of the newly added armors!

[h3]WEAPON SKINS[/h3]
While the MA40 has stood the test of time, the latest weapon skins added to MCC Season 8 take it to a whole new level. By unlocking weapon skins for your Assault Rifle, Sniper, SPNKr, and more - you can give a whole new meaning to “blast from the past." 

A Spartan stands ready with new cosmetics, all arriving with MCC Season 8. [For the above image in full res, click here.]

[h3]VEHICLE SKINS[/h3]
Riding your noble steed into battle is a feeling that’s irreplaceable, to be sure, but striking fear into the hearts of your opponents is all the sweeter. With thanks to some new vehicle skins for your Warthog, Scorpion, Mongoose, and Hornet in Halo 3, you’ll be able to even make Sandtrap’s Elephant turn and run in fear. (Might take a while, though.)

Ride your noble steed, Warthog, or Hornet into battle. [For the above image in full res, click here.]

[h3]FROM REACH TO REQUIEM[/h3]
The role of Noble Six is one a great many of us have taken on. And, when filling a helmet the rest of the crew would have rather left empty – it’s important to bring something new to the table. (Aside from the lone wolf stuff.) Next time you make your way down to Sword Base, you can prepare to do so with a freshly updated helmet from the freshly introduced Belos, Blackguard, and Drengr set!

And, if you’re looking to dial up the customization even further, you can update your voices and body types in Halo: Reach and Halo 4, to make sure that your look represents you the best it possibly can. So go ahead, turn every knob and flip every dial – your Spartan’s customization journey has only just begun.

[h3]KICK SOME ICE[/h3]
A warrior is always ready to prove themselves on any battlefield, and as such, we’re doing our part to keep things interesting. Icebox, a map previously available only for Halo Online, is now available for custom games and social matchmaking in Halo 3! (If you’ve played Halo 2’s Turf you’ll already be familiar with the basics.)

Three Spartans go to battle in Icebox, a new map for Halo 3. [For the above image in full res, click here.]

[h3]CAMPAIGN COLLECTIBLES FOR HALO 3[/h3]
Next time you’re making your way through Halo 3’s campaign, make sure to double-check your corners. Each week a new set of collectible (read: shootable) golden Moas will be available around different campaign maps. Each week these will refresh – and, they’ll be part of the weekly challenge pool, so you’re not going to want to miss out. (Don’t forget to compare notes with other Spartans to track them all down!)

Leave no stone unturned in your weekly searches through Halo 3 for the Golden Moas. [For the above image in full res, click here.]

[h3]CUSTOM GAME BROWSER FOR HALO: COMBAT EVOLVED AND HALO 3[/h3]
Last season we added the Custom Game Browser (CGB) for Halo 3, and we’re thrilled to say we’ve expanded this functionality to Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2. So, no matter what kind of game you want to toss together, you’ve got the ability to tweak and fiddle with each knob at your leisure.

[h3]MOD SUPPORT FOR HALO 2: CLASSIC AND HALO 3[/h3]
Another addition we made last season was the ability for players to utilize mod tools so they can add their own custom content to Halo: Combat Evolved. Watching the community use them has been a joy, and today support for Halo 2 and Halo 3 are being added!

For a fresh set of information on how to use these Mod Tools, be sure to check out our full blog post right over here.

[h3]NEW SEASONAL NAMEPLATES[/h3]
In Season 8 of MCC we’re adding in a whole new litany of Nameplates for you to collect, and for you to further intimidate the pre-game lobby with! Dial up your in-game customization with the addition of new animated and seasonal Nameplates that will be nicely suited for any new look you’re sporting – whether you’re sporting the Drengr, ODST, or anything in between. 

[h2]TIMED CONTENT FOR SEASON 8[/h2]
Like with previous MCC seasons, Season 8 will last for limited time. With that in mind, it’s important to remember that there’s a set of timed seasonal exclusives for you to get your hands on. Some of these will be available on the Season Pass, others will be available during limited timeframes – so be sure to keep track.

[h3]SEASONAL CHALLENGES[/h3]
Like with previous seasons, during Season 8 of MCC there’s going to be some brand-new rewards up for grabs! Mind you, once the season expires so will these – so, do yourself a favor and get started on them just as soon as you can. This time around you can get your hands on the Evalach’s Lament Back Accessory, the Scorned Fate Battle Rifle Skin, and the Gilded Lion Warthog Skin.

The Gilded Lion Warthog Skin can be yours this season. [For the above image in full res, click here.]

Lamentable: Complete the “Tea Time” and “Legion’s Bane” Challenges:

• Tea Time: Defeat 5,000 Enemies. Defeating enemy players in matchmaking grants 10x progress.
• Legion’s Bane: Earn 7,000 points for kills in PvE modes. Earn 1 for Grunts, Jackals, and Drones. 5 for Elites and Brutes. 10 for Hunters and vehicles.
• Reward: Evalach’s Lament Back Accessory for Halo 3

Veteran Veneer: Complete the “Montage Starter Kit” and “Infamous” Challenges:

• Montage Starter Kit: Earn 500 Headshots in matchmade games.
• Infamous: Earn 200 multikill or spree category medals in matchmade PvP games.
• Reward: Scorned Fate Battle Rifle Skin for Halo 3

The Hogfather: Complete the “Beast Mode” and “Chrononaut” Challenges:

• Beast Mode: Earn 117 kills as either the Gunner or Driver of a Warthog while in matchmaking.
• Chrononaut: Complete a cross-game campaign playlist.
• Reward: Gilded Lion Warthog Skin for Halo 3

[h2]MCC-WIDE UPDATES[/h2]
While adding content into MCC is always something that excites us, making sure that the entire experience is seeing improvements is something we’re always focused on as well. With the arrival of MCC Season 8 we’re excited to unveil some brand-new features to improve your experience all around MCC.

[h3]PERFORMANCE UPDATES[/h3]
In order to make sure warriors old and new are able to do battle to the best of their ability, we’ve made some additional performance updates across MCC! Including:

• Legacy Halo: CE 4K HUD
• Halo 4 Reclaimer cinematic updates
• Halo 2 parity fixes
• Weapon display offsets
• And more!

For more information on these updates, be sure to check out our patch notes. 

[h2]JOIN IN ON THE ACTION[/h2]
PC players can pick up Halo: The Master Chief Collection on a few different digital storefronts of their choice:

• Xbox Game Pass for PC: Join Xbox Game Pass for PC and get Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo: Reach, and Halo 4 today as a part of Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
• Microsoft Store and Steam: The Halo: The Master Chief Collection bundle is available today for $39.99 USD, which includes today’s launch of Halo 4 along with the already available Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and Halo: Reach. Each title can be purchased individually for $9.99 USD with the exception of Halo: 3 ODST which can be purchased for $4.99 USD.
• Xbox Store: Purchase Halo: The Master Chief Collection for your Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S on the Microsoft Store as well!

[h2]FEEDBACK AND SUPPORT[/h2]
As always, if you’re having any issues or want to provide us with any feedback, our ears are wide open. Below we’ve got some handy links to get you right as rain, whether you’re looking to file a ticket to get some help – or, you just want to provide some feedback on your gameplay experience. 

[h3]FORUM FEEDBACK[/h3]
Got something you want us to get a closer eye on? Have some feedback about your gameplay experience? We’ve got some forums set up and ready to go.

And as a reminder, be sure to use these forums for suggestions and feedback, NOT bugs and issues:

• Season 8 Feedback

[h3]HALO SUPPORT[/h3]
Want to let us know about your gameplay issues? Something not working how you expect it to? Give the Halo Support Team as a heads-up!

Before you go filing a ticket, please be sure to do yourself a favor and check out the known issue lists:

• Halo: The Master Chief Collection Patch Notes
• MCC Global Known Issues
• MCC Xbox Series X|S enhancements
• Halo: Reach Known Issues
• Halo: Combat Evolved Known Issues
• Halo 2: Anniversary Known Issues
• Halo 3 Known Issues
• Halo 3: ODST Known Issues
• Halo 4 Known Issues

Always be sure to only file one ticket per issue as well, just to ensure that there’s the best chance they can isolate the problem and help you out.

And of course, for the latest updates from Halo Support, be sure to follow them on Twitter.

[h2]THANK YOU[/h2]
Three Spartans stand ready for action in Halo 3. [For the above image in full res, click here.]

Building MCC to where it is today is something we take great pride in, because we’ve done it so comprehensively with the help of our community. To the Spartans that have spent their time and effort checking out early builds, joining in on flights, and providing your feedback – thank you.

The arrival of MCC Season 8 marks a transition in how content will be rolling out for MCC - which we explain thoroughly right over here in our latest Development Update. We can’t wait to share what’s next, and we’re forever thankful to everyone that’s joined us on the journey through each Season so far.

[h3]-Andy[/h3]