Difference between revisions of "Halo: Combat Evolved"
From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
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==Availability== | ==Availability== | ||
{{Availability| | {{Availability| | ||
− | {{Availability/row| Retail | | cd, key | {{removed DRM|SafeDisc|v2}}. Install the latest [[#Patches|patch]] to play without the CD.<ref> | + | {{Availability/row| Retail | | cd, key | {{removed DRM|SafeDisc|v2}}. Install the latest [[#Patches|patch]] to play without the CD.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/08/07/cd-no-longer-required-for-halo-pc|title=CD No Longer Required for Halo PC - IGN|date=May 2023}}</ref> A similar situation happened with the OS X version. | | Windows, OS X }} |
}} | }} | ||
{{ii}} The official demo for the game can be found [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/132-halo-combat-evolved-pc-demo/ here]. | {{ii}} The official demo for the game can be found [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/132-halo-combat-evolved-pc-demo/ here]. | ||
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# Press {{key|~}} again to close the console. | # Press {{key|~}} again to close the console. | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Disable mouse acceleration through Halo Mouse Fix|ref=<ref> | + | {{Fixbox|description=Disable mouse acceleration through Halo Mouse Fix|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/halospv3/comments/9gu58a/i_am_the_developer_of_halo_ce_mouse_tool_and_i_am/e696fm5/|title=I am the developer of Halo CE Mouse Tool and I am completely rewriting everything. Looking for input on how to improve everything. : halospv3|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix= |
# Download [https://www.reddit.com/r/halospv3/comments/9gu58a/i_am_the_developer_of_halo_ce_mouse_tool_and_i_am/e68o4k3/ Halo Mouse Fix]. | # Download [https://www.reddit.com/r/halospv3/comments/9gu58a/i_am_the_developer_of_halo_ce_mouse_tool_and_i_am/e68o4k3/ Halo Mouse Fix]. | ||
# Extract the archive to the <code>controls</code> sub-folder of your main game folder. | # Extract the archive to the <code>controls</code> sub-folder of your main game folder. | ||
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|separate volume notes = Master, effects and music. | |separate volume notes = Master, effects and music. | ||
|surround sound = true | |surround sound = true | ||
− | |surround sound notes = Up to 7.0 output.<ref> | + | |surround sound notes = Up to 7.0 output.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://satsun.org/audio/|title=PC Gaming Surround Sound Round-up|date=May 2023}}</ref> May require [[Glossary:Sound card#DirectSound hardware path|DirectSound 3D restoration software]]. |
|subtitles = false | |subtitles = false | ||
|subtitles notes = | |subtitles notes = | ||
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# Install .NET Framework 3.5. | # Install .NET Framework 3.5. | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=[https://www.reddit.com/r/halospv3/comments/6in0qj/alternative_opensauce_installer/ Alternative OpenSauce Installer]|ref=<ref> | + | {{Fixbox|description=[https://www.reddit.com/r/halospv3/comments/6in0qj/alternative_opensauce_installer/ Alternative OpenSauce Installer]|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/halospv3/comments/6in0qj/alternative_opensauce_installer|title=Alternative OpenSauce Installer - Reddit/halospv3|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix= |
* Just extracts the game files and requires no dependencies. | * Just extracts the game files and requires no dependencies. | ||
}} | }} | ||
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===Activating hardware acceleration or environmental sound causes sounds to cut out randomly=== | ===Activating hardware acceleration or environmental sound causes sounds to cut out randomly=== | ||
− | {{--}} ASUS sound cards cut out short-duration audio streams for power management, as a result the assault rifle will become silent when holding the fire button.<ref> | + | {{--}} ASUS sound cards cut out short-duration audio streams for power management, as a result the assault rifle will become silent when holding the fire button.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-1753466/sound-card-sounds-cut-sputter-xonar-dgx.html#11344439|title=ASUS Soundcard: EAX/GX Issues|date=May 2023}}</ref> |
{{Fixbox|description=Add the sound card to the <code>config.txt</code> file|ref={{cn|date=March 2017}}|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Add the sound card to the <code>config.txt</code> file|ref={{cn|date=March 2017}}|fix= | ||
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|macos intel 32-bit app = true | |macos intel 32-bit app = true | ||
|macos intel 64-bit app = false | |macos intel 64-bit app = false | ||
− | |macos arm app = | + | |macos arm app = unknown |
|macos app notes = In June 2006, a new release of the game was released that updated the game to a universal binary, adding support for Intel processors.<br><br>Unfortunately, this was not followed up with a 64-bit Intel update, which makes the game stuck at 32-bit; and therefore, unable to work on 10.15 "Catalina" and later. | |macos app notes = In June 2006, a new release of the game was released that updated the game to a universal binary, adding support for Intel processors.<br><br>Unfortunately, this was not followed up with a 64-bit Intel update, which makes the game stuck at 32-bit; and therefore, unable to work on 10.15 "Catalina" and later. | ||
}} | }} |
Revision as of 03:46, 13 May 2023
This page is for the original 2003 PC release. For the remaster, see Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.
Developers | |
---|---|
Bungie | |
Windows | Gearbox Software |
macOS (OS X) | Westlake Interactive |
Publishers | |
Microsoft Game Studios | |
OS X | MacSoft |
Engines | |
Halo Engine | |
Release dates | |
Windows | September 30, 2003 |
macOS (OS X) | December 12, 2003 |
Reception | |
Metacritic | 83 |
Taxonomy | |
Monetization | One-time game purchase |
Modes | Singleplayer, Multiplayer |
Pacing | Real-time |
Perspectives | First-person |
Controls | Direct control |
Genres | Action, FPS, Shooter |
Vehicles | Automobile, Flight, Tank |
Art styles | Realistic |
Themes | Sci-fi, Space |
Series | Halo |
Halo | |
---|---|
Halo: Combat Evolved | 2003 |
Halo 2 | 2007 |
Halo: Spartan (series) | |
Halo Online | 2015* |
Halo 5: Forge | 2016 |
Halo Wars (series) | |
Halo Recruit | 2017 |
Halo: The Master Chief Collection (series) | |
Halo Infinite | 2021 |
Warnings
- The macOS (OS X) version of this game does not work on macOS Catalina (version 10.15) or later due to the removal of support for 32-bit-only apps.
Key points
- For shorthand clarity in a PC context, the standard vanilla version of the game is Halo PC. The modded version of the game is Halo CE (Halo Custom Edition)
- Patch 1.10 fixes issues with modern hardware and replaces the GameSpy master server.
- Animations, effects, and cutscenes are capped at 30 FPS.[1] See High frame rate.
General information
- Bungie.net - The developer's site
- Halo.Bungie.org - One of the biggest Halo fan sites around
- Halo Maps - A fan site for downloading mods and maps for Halo Custom Edition
- Fan-made forum thread about enhancing many aspects of Halo CE and Halo PC. Newly Updated.
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | SafeDisc v2 DRM. Install the latest patch to play without the CD.[2] A similar situation happened with the OS X version. |
- The official demo for the game can be found here.
Essential improvements
Patches
- Patch 1.10 updates the Windows version. Includes all previous patches. Patch notes may be found here. Patches for Mac as well as older versions for Windows can be found here.
- The Mavericks/Lobby patches for the OS X version switches to the new Patch 1.10 lobby servers and optionally fixes compatibility with OS X Mavericks (10.9). Still requires the latest official patch to function properly. For getting campaign saving working or if you just want the lobby patch, no Mavericks, see this post.
- Assault Rifle HUD meter fix, Captain Keyes Xbox Skin and Explosive's Shader Restoration Patch (European version here) or Quagmirian's Xbox Multi Pack + Assault Rifle Xbox Skin adds missing/changed Xbox textures & shaders. Requires Halo Map Tools and/or a PPF patcher (Explosive's pack only; must be applied before the others).
Halo Custom Edition
- Halo Custom Edition allows players to play multiplayer Halo games on user-created maps.
Modifications
Chimera
- Chimera is a mod for the Custom Edition of Halo v1.10 which contributes a wide variety of essential features to enhance or fix Halo.
- Installation instructions can be found here.
- Newer versions implement Lua scripting.
Peixoto's patch
- Fixes gamma calibration on chimera
- Forced resolution and SSAA planned
Halo Combat Evolved: Refined
- The Refined project is an attempt to fix issues and replace existing compressed textures with high-fidelity ones.
- Requires the Custom Edition and Chimera to work
Open Sauce
- Open Sauce is a mod for Halo Custom Edition that fixes multiple issues and adds several features for modders.
Halo Anticheat 2
- Halo Anticheat 2 (or HAC2) is a mod that fixes multiple issues and adds several features. Supports all versions of Halo: Combat Evolved and Custom Edition.
- Open Sauce and Halo Anticheat 2 are not compatible with each other. Only one of the mods can be installed at any given point. That being said, a potential workaround is available
Halo Mini Demo
- HaloMD is a mod (perhaps even the only one) for the Mac release of Halo that addresses compatibility issues with later operating systems and adds support for hosting and playing on custom maps (Custom Edition was not released for the Mac). Note that non-Mac users as well as Mac users with systems too old to run MD can join MD servers by ensuring they have the correct maps installed (base game, not Custom Edition) and by manually joining a server on their lobby. There is even a script for non-MD Mac users assist in hosting MD maps here. Note that this too does not run on 10.15 "Catalina", at least for now.
Skip intro videos
Use the -novideo command line argument[3]
|
---|
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Halo\ |
macOS (OS X) |
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Halo\ |
macOS (OS X) | %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Halo\ |
- Custom Edition saves in
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Halo CE\
- Mini Demo saves in
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\HLMD\
Video
Graphics feature | State | WSGF | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Multi-monitor | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Ultra-widescreen | |||
4K Ultra HD | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Field of view (FOV) | See Field of view (FOV). | ||
Windowed | See Windowed. | ||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | See Windowed. | ||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | Force in the graphics card control panel. | ||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | Use dgVoodoo to force MSAA (buggy[4]), or use injectSMAA. Mac version has builtin FSAA up to 9x sampling. |
||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | |||
60 FPS and 120+ FPS | Some elements run at 30 FPS. The final cutscene is pre-rendered at 30fps. See High frame rate. | ||
High dynamic range display (HDR) | See the glossary page for potential alternatives. |
Widescreen resolution
Use Chimera[5] |
---|
|
Field of view (FOV)
- By default, Halo compresses its vertical FOV rather than stretching its horizontal FOV in widescreen resolutions.
Set vertical FOV[5] |
---|
|
Set custom FOV[citation needed] |
---|
|
Set custom FOV[6] |
---|
|
Use haloThirdFov.exe |
---|
|
Windowed
Run in windowed/borderless mode[citation needed] |
---|
|
High frame rate
- The game has an issue where object movement is tied to tick rate, thus objects will never move faster than 30 FPS. Chimera adds interpolation to the game for objects. Unlike MCC, it also adds it for particles, too.
Fix issues with 30 FPS animations and cutscenes[5] |
---|
|
Pixel Shader
- The highest version of Pixel Shader Halo supports is 2.1. Use this to force the game to use it if your graphic card isn't recognized by the game.
Start the game with the -use21 command line argument[7]
|
---|
Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | Mac version doesn't allow binding functions to modifier keys and only allows 4 mouse buttons + scroll wheel. | |
Mouse acceleration | See Mouse acceleration. | |
Mouse sensitivity | See Mouse sensitivity. | |
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Controller | ||
Controller support | ||
Full controller support | Menus can not be navigated with a controller with out third-party tools. | |
Controller remapping | You cannot bind two actions to a single button with out third-party tools. | |
Controller sensitivity | Set in Controls Setup → Advanced while the gamepad is selected as a device. | |
Controller Y-axis inversion | Set in Mouse Setup. |
Controller types |
---|
XInput-compatible controllers |
---|
PlayStation controllers |
---|
Generic/other controllers |
---|
Additional information | ||
---|---|---|
Button prompts | ||
Controller hotplugging | ||
Haptic feedback | ||
Digital movement supported | ||
Simultaneous controller+KB/M |
Mouse acceleration
Disable mouse acceleration through Chimera[5] |
---|
|
Disable mouse acceleration through Halo Mouse Fix[8] |
---|
|
Mouse sensitivity
Set horizontal and vertical mouse sensitivities[5] |
---|
Notes
|
Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | Master, effects and music. | |
Surround sound | Up to 7.0 output.[9] May require DirectSound 3D restoration software. | |
Subtitles | ||
Closed captions | ||
Mute on focus lost | ||
EAX support | Needs a fix for modern systems; see DirectSound 3D restoration software. |
Localizations
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | ||||
Traditional Chinese | Only in Chinese version of the game | |||
French | Only in French version of the game | |||
German | ||||
Italian | ||||
Spanish |
Network
Multiplayer types
Type | Native | Players | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Local play | 8 | Use Nucleus Co-op. Requires Halo Custom Edition. | ||
LAN play | Versus | |||
Online play | Versus The official GameSpy server has been shut down; apply the official 1.10 patch to use a replacement. |
Connection types
Type | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Matchmaking | ||
Peer-to-peer | ||
Dedicated | ||
Self-hosting | ||
Direct IP |
Ports
Protocol | Port(s) and/or port range(s) |
---|---|
TCP | 80 |
UDP | 2302, 2303 |
- Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.
VR support
3D modes | State | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|
vorpX | G3D Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list. |
Devices | |||
---|---|---|---|
Tobii Eye Tracking | Works with Tobii EyeX tracker or Tobii EyeX 4C and 5 headtracker plugins for FaceTrackNoIR. | ||
TrackIR | Works with FreeTrack 2.0 protocol using software like FaceTrackNoIR. | ||
Novint Falcon |
Issues fixed
Make Open Sauce and Halo Anticheat 2 compatible
Fix compatibility on Windows 8 and later[10] |
---|
|
Fix compatibility on Windows 7[11] |
---|
|
Open Sauce can't be installed
Install missing dependency[12] |
---|
|
Alternative OpenSauce Installer[13] |
---|
|
Run the game at screen refresh rate
- Refresh rates up to 120 Hz are available; 144 Hz and above require a fix.
Set refresh rate through Chimera[3] |
---|
|
Buggy auto-centering of vehicles
- In stock Halo, vehicle auto centering is based on frame rate. Chimera allows you to either fix it or turn it off completely, as this can be annoying.
Fix auto-centering[5][14] |
---|
|
Enable Vsync and set your monitor to 60 Hz[15] |
---|
Mouse wheel activates other background windows
Use dgVoodoo 2 to lock mouse cursor[16] |
---|
Confine cursor to window[citation needed] |
---|
|
Activating hardware acceleration or environmental sound causes sounds to cut out randomly
- ASUS sound cards cut out short-duration audio streams for power management, as a result the assault rifle will become silent when holding the fire button.[17]
Add the sound card to the config.txt file[citation needed]
|
---|
//If the AudioVendor already exists: 0xDEVID = "Sound Card Name" // EXAMPLE: 0x8788 = "ASUS Essence STX II" HeadRelativeSpeech EnableStopStart break //If the AudioVendor doesn't exist: AudioVendor = 0xVENDOR_ID "Vendor Name" // EXAMPLE: AudioVendor = 0x13F6 "C-Media" 0xDEVICE_ID = "Sound Card Name" // EXAMPLE: 0x8788 = "ASUS Essence STX II" HeadRelativeSpeech EnableStopStart break |
- i.e. The flyby for the Halo ring in the main menu background is not following the correct path.
Enable Vsync and set your monitor to 60 Hz[18] |
---|
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
Direct3D | 9.0b | |
OpenGL | 1 | OS X only. |
Shader Model support | 1.1, 1.4, 2.0 |
Executable | PPC | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Windows | ||||
macOS (OS X) | In June 2006, a new release of the game was released that updated the game to a universal binary, adding support for Intel processors. Unfortunately, this was not followed up with a 64-bit Intel update, which makes the game stuck at 32-bit; and therefore, unable to work on 10.15 "Catalina" and later. |
Middleware
Middleware | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Audio | DirectSound3D | |
Cutscenes | Bink Video | Only for credits, post-credit sequence, and intro videos. |
Multiplayer | GameSpy | Was shutdown in late 2014. New host uses HostPC.com |
Halo Custom Edition campaign port
Restore classic campaign[citation needed] |
---|
Notes
|
Disable zoom blur
Block zoom blur[5] |
---|
Notes
|
Modifications
CMT SPV3
- SPV3 is a revamp of the original campaign, featuring new weapons, enemies, vehicles, abilities, features and levels.
Project Lumoria
- Project Lumoria is a brand new campaign story for Halo CE; stays true to the classic Halo CE feel.
Command line parameters
- See command line arguments on how to use the following options.
Parameter | Description |
---|---|
-nosound | Disable all sound |
-novideo | Disable video playback |
-nojoystick | Disable joysticks and gamepads |
-nogamma | Disables adjustment of gamma |
-useff | Forces the game to run as a fixed function card |
-use11 | Forces the game to run as a shader 1.1 card |
-use14 | Forces the game to run as a shader 1.4 card |
-use20 | Forces the game to run as a shader 2.0 card |
-safemode | Disables as much as possible when running the game |
-window | Run the game in windowed mode |
-width x | Forces the game to run at a specified resolution |
-vidmode w,h,r | Forces the game to run at the width(w), height(h), and refresh(r) specified |
-adapter x | Forces the game to run fullscreen on a multimon (multiple monitors) adapter |
-port x | Server port address used when hosting multiplayer games |
-cport x | Client port address used when joining multiplayer games |
-ip x.x.x.x | Server IP address used when you have multiple IP addresses |
-screenshot | Enables the Print Screen key to generate screenshots. Having this always enabled can cause a slight decrease in performance |
-console | Enables the debugging console |
-devmode | Enables the Halo Developer Mode |
System requirements
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | 98SE | ME, 2000, XP |
Processor (CPU) | 733 MHz | |
System memory (RAM) | 128 MB | 256 MB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 1.3 GB | |
Video card (GPU) | 32 MB of VRAM DirectX 9.0b compatible |
macOS (OS X) | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | ||
Operating system (OS) | 10.2.8 (10.3.9 for UB version) | |
Processor (CPU) | PowerPC G4 800 MHz | |
System memory (RAM) | 256 MB | |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 1.4 GB (1.5 GB for UB version) | |
Video card (GPU) | Nvidia GeForce 2MX/ATI 7500 or better (ATI Radeon 8500/9000, GeForce
3Ti/4Ti for UB version) 32 MB of VRAM |
References
- ↑ KornnerStudios / OpenSauce-Release / issues / #33 - remove 30fps animations — Bitbucket - last accessed on 2017-05-13
- ↑ CD No Longer Required for Halo PC - IGN - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Verified by User:Keith on 2020-03-13
- ↑ VOGONS • View topic - WIP versions
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 SnowyMouse / chimera
- ↑ HAC 2 Development » Commands - last accessed on 2017-03-13
- ↑ how to improve ce graphics (retrieved)
- ↑ I am the developer of Halo CE Mouse Tool and I am completely rewriting everything. Looking for input on how to improve everything. : halospv3 - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ PC Gaming Surround Sound Round-up - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ HAC2 + OS compat fix - Halo Maps Forum
- ↑ HAC2 + OS compat fix - open carnage Forum
- ↑ user@ HaloMods forum
- ↑ Alternative OpenSauce Installer - Reddit/halospv3 - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Chimera - Page 13 - Halo CE: Asset Releases - Open Carnage
- ↑ Verified by User:Diegoelcapo1231 on March 15, 2020
- ↑ Talk:Halo: Combat Evolved
- ↑ ASUS Soundcard: EAX/GX Issues - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Verified by User:Diegoelcapo123 on March 15, 2020
- ↑ Halo Custom Edition How Do I Play the Single Player Campaign