Difference between revisions of "Halo: Combat Evolved"
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|winehq = 1986 | |winehq = 1986 | ||
|license = commercial | |license = commercial | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Introduction | ||
+ | |introduction = | ||
+ | |||
+ | |release history = It is a port of the 2001 Xbox game of the same name. Its multiplayer mode includes weapons and controllable vehicles unavailable in the Xbox original. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |current state = | ||
}} | }} | ||
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==Availability== | ==Availability== | ||
{{Availability| | {{Availability| | ||
− | {{Availability/row| Retail | | cd, key | {{removed DRM|SafeDisc|v2}}. Install [[#Patches|Patch | + | {{Availability/row| Retail | | cd, key | {{removed DRM|SafeDisc|v2}}. Install [[#Patches|Patch v1.10]] to play without the CD.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621065413/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/08/07/cd-no-longer-required-for-halo-pc|title=CD No Longer Required for Halo PC - IGN (Archived)|date=2023-06-23}}</ref> | | Windows, OS X }} |
}} | }} | ||
+ | {{ii}} {{removed DRM|SafeDisc|v2}} was removed on May 16, 2014 with the [[#Patches|1.10 Patch]]. | ||
{{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]. | ||
===Version differences=== | ===Version differences=== | ||
− | {{ii}} [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/235-halo-custom-edition/ Halo Custom Edition], commonly abbreviated Halo CE, is a standalone, multiplayer-only, expansion for Halo: Combat Evolved. The expansion was released on | + | {{ii}} [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/235-halo-custom-edition/ Halo Custom Edition], commonly abbreviated Halo CE, is a standalone, multiplayer-only, expansion for Halo: Combat Evolved. The expansion was released on May 5, 2004 by Gearbox Software as an unsupported version of the original game. Similar to its PC version, the expansion requires a key-code during installation. |
{{ii}} See [[#Halo Combat Evolved: Refined|Halo Combat Evolved: Refined]] to add the campaign option to Halo Custom Edition's main menu.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Amethystviper|date=2023-06-19|comment=Tested with Halo CE Refined V2 and V3 RC2.}}</ref> | {{ii}} See [[#Halo Combat Evolved: Refined|Halo Combat Evolved: Refined]] to add the campaign option to Halo Custom Edition's main menu.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Amethystviper|date=2023-06-19|comment=Tested with Halo CE Refined V2 and V3 RC2.}}</ref> | ||
==Essential improvements== | ==Essential improvements== | ||
===Patches=== | ===Patches=== | ||
− | {{ii}} [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1130-halo-combat-evolved-patch/ Patch | + | {{ii}} [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1130-halo-combat-evolved-patch/ Patch v1.10 (Windows)] fixes issues with modern hardware and replaces the [[GameSpy]] master server. Patch notes may be found [https://www.halopedia.org/Halo:_Combat_Evolved_(PC)_patches here]. Patches for Mac as well as older versions for Windows can be found [https://www.patches-scrolls.com/halo.php here]. |
− | {{ii}} The [https://macgamingmods.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=18764 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). | + | {{ii}} The [https://macgamingmods.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=18764 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). The latest official patch is required to function properly. For getting campaign saving working or using a lobby patch without Mavericks, see [https://macgamingmods.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=18764&start=45#p221818 this post]. |
===Modifications=== | ===Modifications=== | ||
====Chimera==== | ====Chimera==== | ||
− | {{ii}} [https://github.com/SnowyMouse/chimera Chimera] is a game client modification for Halo Custom Edition, PC "Retail", and Trial which extends limits, addresses some renderer issues, and applies dozens of fixes and quality of life improvements like map downloads. | + | {{ii}} [https://github.com/SnowyMouse/chimera Chimera] is a game client modification for Halo Custom Edition v1.10, PC "Retail" v1.10, and Trial v1.0 which extends limits, addresses some renderer issues, and applies dozens of fixes and quality of life improvements like map downloads. |
+ | |||
+ | ====CEnshine==== | ||
+ | {{ii}} [https://github.com/Sledmine/censhine CEnshine] is a shaders enhancement for Halo Custom Edition aiming to restore Xbox-accurate rendering. This will fix things like bump map shadows, bumped cubemap reflection, self-illumination animations, plasma shields, water effects, glasses, etc. | ||
====Halo Combat Evolved: Refined==== | ====Halo Combat Evolved: Refined==== | ||
− | {{ii}} [https://www.proxeninc.net/Halo/Refined/ Halo Combat Evolved: Refined] is an attempt to provide a port of Halo CE for the PC that is as 1:1 with the Xbox version as possible. All the bugs and inconsistencies introduced in the Gearbox port have been addressed.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https:// | + | {{ii}} [https://www.proxeninc.net/Halo/Refined/ Halo Combat Evolved: Refined] is an attempt to provide a port of Halo CE for the PC that is as 1:1 with the Xbox version as possible. All the bugs and inconsistencies introduced in the Gearbox port have been addressed.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVl7nio7Fk4|title=Halo Combat Evolved Refined vs Halo Master Chief Collection - Detailed Graphics Comparison|date=2023-06-19}}</ref> There are some improvements such as higher fidelity textures and higher resolution HUD. |
===Skip intro videos=== | ===Skip intro videos=== | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Use the <code>-novideo</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]]|ref=<ref name=" | + | {{Fixbox|description=Install [[#Chimera|Chimera]]|ref=<ref name="chimera"/>|fix= |
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Use the <code>-novideo</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]]|ref=<ref name="Keith"/>|fix= | ||
}} | }} | ||
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|4k ultra hd wsgf award = incomplete | |4k ultra hd wsgf award = incomplete | ||
|widescreen resolution = limited | |widescreen resolution = limited | ||
− | |widescreen resolution notes= See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]. | + | |widescreen resolution notes= Full support requires latest patch and external fix. See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]. |
|multimonitor = hackable | |multimonitor = hackable | ||
|multimonitor notes = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]. | |multimonitor notes = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]. | ||
|ultrawidescreen = hackable | |ultrawidescreen = hackable | ||
|ultrawidescreen notes = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]. | |ultrawidescreen notes = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]. | ||
− | |4k ultra hd = | + | |4k ultra hd = limited |
− | |4k ultra hd notes = | + | |4k ultra hd notes = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]. |
|fov = hackable | |fov = hackable | ||
|fov notes = See [[#Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]]. | |fov notes = See [[#Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]]. | ||
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|anisotropic notes = See [[#Anisotropic filtering (AF)|Anisotropic filtering (AF)]]. | |anisotropic notes = See [[#Anisotropic filtering (AF)|Anisotropic filtering (AF)]]. | ||
|antialiasing = hackable | |antialiasing = hackable | ||
− | |antialiasing notes = Use [http://dege.freeweb.hu/dgVoodoo2 dgVoodoo 2] to force [[MSAA]] | + | |antialiasing notes = Use [http://dege.freeweb.hu/dgVoodoo2/dgVoodoo2/ dgVoodoo 2] to force [[MSAA]].<ref name="Keith">{{Refcheck|user=Keith|date=2023-06-20|comment=}}</ref> Mac version has [[FSAA]] up to 9 samples. |
|upscaling = | |upscaling = | ||
|upscaling tech = | |upscaling tech = | ||
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|vsync notes = | |vsync notes = | ||
|60 fps = limited | |60 fps = limited | ||
− | |60 fps notes = | + | |60 fps notes = Designed for 30 FPS;<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/digitalfoundry-2017-df-retro-halo-the-console-shooter-evolved|date=2023-06-23|snippet=Halo aims for 30 frames per second with vertical sync engaged}}</ref> see [[#High frame rate|High frame rate]]. Final cutscene is pre-rendered at 30 FPS. |
|120 fps = limited | |120 fps = limited | ||
|120 fps notes = | |120 fps notes = | ||
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===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]=== | ||
− | {{ii}} | + | {{ii}} As of [[#Patches|v1.10]], widescreen resolutions are supported,<ref name="4K ultra HD">{{Refcheck|user=Amethystviper|date=2023-06-23|comment=Available resolutions prior to 1.10 only supports 4:3 resolutions up to 1600x1200 on a 4K display. Tested on Halo: Custom Edition with the 1.09 patch.}}</ref> although the HUD, menus, and text elements are {{Term|stretched}}. |
+ | {{ii}} Available resolutions also vary between windowed and fullscreen mode in v1.10.<ref name="widescreen resolution">{{Refcheck|user=Amethystviper|date=2023-06-19|comment=Without mods or fixes, windowed mode restricts available resolution options compared to fullscreen (e.g. 2560x1600 on a 4K display).}}</ref> | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Use Chimera|ref=<ref name="chimera">[https://github.com/SnowyMouse/chimera SnowyMouse / chimera]</ref>|fix= | + | {{Fixbox|description=Use Chimera for screen fixes|ref=<ref name="chimera">[https://github.com/SnowyMouse/chimera SnowyMouse / chimera]</ref>|fix= |
− | # Install [[#Chimera|Chimera]] to run the game at the current desktop resolution. Custom resolutions can be set in {{file|chimera.ini}}. | + | # Install [[#Chimera|Chimera]] to run the game at the current desktop resolution. |
+ | #* Custom resolutions can be set in {{file|chimera.ini}}. | ||
# Start the game and press {{key|~}} to open the in-game console. | # Start the game and press {{key|~}} to open the in-game console. | ||
# Type in <code>chimera_widescreen_fix 1</code> to fix the scaling of HUD, menu, and text elements for aspect ratios wider than 4:3. | # Type in <code>chimera_widescreen_fix 1</code> to fix the scaling of HUD, menu, and text elements for aspect ratios wider than 4:3. | ||
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===[[Glossary:Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]]=== | ||
{{ii}} By default, Halo compresses its vertical FOV rather than stretching its horizontal FOV in widescreen resolutions. | {{ii}} By default, Halo compresses its vertical FOV rather than stretching its horizontal FOV in widescreen resolutions. | ||
− | |||
{{Fixbox|description=Use Chimera|ref=<ref name="chimera"/>|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Use Chimera|ref=<ref name="chimera"/>|fix= | ||
# Install [[#Chimera|Chimera]]. | # Install [[#Chimera|Chimera]]. | ||
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===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]=== | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Start the game with the {{code|-window}} [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]]|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Amethystviper|date=2023-06-19|comment=}}</ref>|fix= | + | {{Fixbox|description=Start the game with the {{code|-window}} [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]]|ref=<ref name="Amethystviper">{{Refcheck|user=Amethystviper|date=2023-06-19|comment=}}</ref>|fix= |
}} | }} | ||
{{Fixbox|description=Use Chimera|ref=<ref name="chimera" />|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Use Chimera|ref=<ref name="chimera" />|fix= | ||
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===[[Glossary:Anisotropic filtering (AF)|Anisotropic filtering (AF)]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Anisotropic filtering (AF)|Anisotropic filtering (AF)]]=== | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Force anisotropic filtering through the GPU's control panel|ref=<ref name=" | + | {{Fixbox|description=Force anisotropic filtering through the GPU's control panel|ref=<ref name="Amethystviper/>|fix= |
}} | }} | ||
{{Fixbox|description=Use Chimera|ref=<ref name="chimera" />|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Use Chimera|ref=<ref name="chimera" />|fix= | ||
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===[[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)|High frame rate]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)|High frame rate]]=== | ||
{{ii}} The game has an issue where object movement is tied to tick rate, thus objects will never move faster than 30 FPS. | {{ii}} 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 for objects, cutscenes, and plasma projectiles, and uncaps the cinematic frame rate from 30 FPS. |
− | {{Fixbox|description= | + | {{Fixbox|description=Install [[#Chimera|Chimera]] for frame rate fixes|ref=<ref name="chimera"/>|fix= |
− | + | {{ii}} Custom frame rate cap can be set with <code>chimera_throttle_fps <value></code> in the console (default is {{code|300}}). | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
}} | }} | ||
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|closed captions notes = | |closed captions notes = | ||
|mute on focus lost = limited | |mute on focus lost = limited | ||
− | |mute on focus lost notes = Game pauses when out of focus.<ref name=" | + | |mute on focus lost notes = Game pauses when out of focus.<ref name="Amethystviper"/> |
|eax support = true | |eax support = true | ||
|eax support notes = Needs a fix for modern systems; see [[Glossary:Sound card#DirectSound hardware path|DirectSound 3D restoration software]]. May also require [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/2683-halo-combat-evolved-eax-effects-fix/ eax.dll] file to be placed in the game directory. | |eax support notes = Needs a fix for modern systems; see [[Glossary:Sound card#DirectSound hardware path|DirectSound 3D restoration software]]. May also require [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/2683-halo-combat-evolved-eax-effects-fix/ eax.dll] file to be placed in the game directory. | ||
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{{ii}} With Chimera, Halo's gamma setting is disabled due to it affecting the entire operating system's gamma.<ref name="chimera"/> | {{ii}} With Chimera, Halo's gamma setting is disabled due to it affecting the entire operating system's gamma.<ref name="chimera"/> | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Use [http://dege.freeweb.hu/dgVoodoo2/ dgVoodoo 2] (recommended)|ref=<ref name="chimera"/>|fix= | + | {{Fixbox|description=Use [http://dege.freeweb.hu/dgVoodoo2/dgVoodoo2/ dgVoodoo 2] (recommended)|ref=<ref name="chimera"/>|fix= |
}} | }} | ||
{{Fixbox|description=Use [https://www.patreon.com/user?u=44312848 Peixoto's patch]|ref={{cn|date=2023-06-19|reason=}}|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Use [https://www.patreon.com/user?u=44312848 Peixoto's patch]|ref={{cn|date=2023-06-19|reason=}}|fix= | ||
− | {{ii}} The gamma calibration | + | {{ii}} The gamma calibration does not work with this method, but the gamma level will be the game's default instead of the very dark level used by default with Chimera. The gamma correction also will not affect the entire system anymore, just the game window. |
}} | }} | ||
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{{ii}} While the Halo menu does not list refresh rates above 120 Hz, Chimera can be used to bypass this limitation. | {{ii}} While the Halo menu does not list refresh rates above 120 Hz, Chimera can be used to bypass this limitation. | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Install [[#Chimera|Chimera]] to use the system's current refresh rate|ref=<ref name=" | + | {{Fixbox|description=Install [[#Chimera|Chimera]] to use the system's current refresh rate|ref=<ref name="Keith"/>|fix= |
{{ii}} Custom refresh rates can be set in {{file|chimera.ini}}. | {{ii}} Custom refresh rates can be set in {{file|chimera.ini}}. | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | === | + | ===High frame rate issues=== |
− | + | * Checkpoints occur sooner than they typically should once reaching a safe state at >30 FPS. | |
− | {{Fixbox|description=Install [[#Chimera|Chimera]]|ref=<ref | + | * Camera shaking does not work at high frame rates. |
+ | * Auto look centering makes vehicles difficult to handle at high frame rates. | ||
+ | * Motion sensor fade is incorrect at >30 FPS. | ||
+ | * Contrails are bugged at high frame rates. | ||
+ | * Scoreboard and player names don't fade in/out correctly at high frame rates. | ||
+ | * Cinematic frame rate is capped at 30 FPS. | ||
+ | * Object movement is tied to tick rate, thus objects never move faster than 30 FPS. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Install [[#Chimera|Chimera]] to fix all frame rate issues|ref=<ref name="chimera"/>|fix= | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Graphic card not recognized by game=== | ===Graphic card not recognized by game=== | ||
− | {{ii}} The highest version of {{w|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-Level_Shading_Language|Pixel Shader}} Halo supports is 2.1. Use this to force the game to use it if | + | {{ii}} The highest version of {{w|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-Level_Shading_Language|Pixel Shader}} Halo supports is 2.1. Use this to force the game to use it if the graphics card is not recognized by the game. |
{{Fixbox|description=Use the <code>-use21</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]]|ref=<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20181025085725/http://forum.halomaps.org/index.cfm?page=topic&topicID=38090 how to improve ce graphics] (retrieved)</ref>|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Use the <code>-use21</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]]|ref=<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20181025085725/http://forum.halomaps.org/index.cfm?page=topic&topicID=38090 how to improve ce graphics] (retrieved)</ref>|fix= | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Mouse cursor leaves the window=== | ===Mouse cursor leaves the window=== | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Use [http://dege.freeweb.hu/dgVoodoo2/dgVoodoo2 | + | {{Fixbox|description=Use [http://dege.freeweb.hu/dgVoodoo2/dgVoodoo2/ dgVoodoo 2] to lock mouse cursor|ref=<ref>[[Talk:Halo: Combat Evolved]]</ref>|fix= |
}} | }} | ||
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{{Fixbox|description=Install .NET Framework 3.5 from Windows Features|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.halomods.com/ips/index.php?/topic/848-opensauce-v400-release/page__view__findpost__p__10051|title=user@ HaloMods forum|date=9 June 2023}}</ref>|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Install .NET Framework 3.5 from Windows Features|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.halomods.com/ips/index.php?/topic/848-opensauce-v400-release/page__view__findpost__p__10051|title=user@ HaloMods forum|date=9 June 2023}}</ref>|fix= | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=[https://github.com/MirisWisdom/AmaiSosu | + | {{Fixbox|description=Use [https://github.com/MirisWisdom/AmaiSosu AmaiSosu]|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= |
}} | }} | ||
Line 615: | Line 635: | ||
{{Standard table/row|-port x|Server port address used when hosting multiplayer games}} | {{Standard table/row|-port x|Server port address used when hosting multiplayer games}} | ||
{{Standard table/row|-cport x|Client port address used when joining multiplayer games}} | {{Standard table/row|-cport x|Client port address used when joining multiplayer games}} | ||
− | {{Standard table/row|-ip x.x.x.x|Server IP address used when | + | {{Standard table/row|-ip x.x.x.x|Server IP address used when using multiple IP addresses}} |
{{Standard table/row|-screenshot|Enables the {{key|Print screen}} key to generate screenshots. Having this always enabled can cause a slight decrease in performance}} | {{Standard table/row|-screenshot|Enables the {{key|Print screen}} key to generate screenshots. Having this always enabled can cause a slight decrease in performance}} | ||
{{Standard table/row|-console|Enables the debugging console}} | {{Standard table/row|-console|Enables the debugging console}} |
Revision as of 10:43, 9 February 2024
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.
Halo: Combat Evolved is a singleplayer and multiplayer first-person action, FPS and shooter game in the Halo series.
It is a port of the 2001 Xbox game of the same name. Its multiplayer mode includes weapons and controllable vehicles unavailable in the Xbox original.
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 Patch v1.10 to play without the CD.[1] |
- SafeDisc v2 DRM was removed on May 16, 2014 with the 1.10 Patch.
- The official demo for the game can be found here.
Version differences
- Halo Custom Edition, commonly abbreviated Halo CE, is a standalone, multiplayer-only, expansion for Halo: Combat Evolved. The expansion was released on May 5, 2004 by Gearbox Software as an unsupported version of the original game. Similar to its PC version, the expansion requires a key-code during installation.
- See Halo Combat Evolved: Refined to add the campaign option to Halo Custom Edition's main menu.[2]
Essential improvements
Patches
- Patch v1.10 (Windows) fixes issues with modern hardware and replaces the GameSpy master server. 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). The latest official patch is required to function properly. For getting campaign saving working or using a lobby patch without Mavericks, see this post.
Modifications
Chimera
- Chimera is a game client modification for Halo Custom Edition v1.10, PC "Retail" v1.10, and Trial v1.0 which extends limits, addresses some renderer issues, and applies dozens of fixes and quality of life improvements like map downloads.
CEnshine
- CEnshine is a shaders enhancement for Halo Custom Edition aiming to restore Xbox-accurate rendering. This will fix things like bump map shadows, bumped cubemap reflection, self-illumination animations, plasma shields, water effects, glasses, etc.
Halo Combat Evolved: Refined
- Halo Combat Evolved: Refined is an attempt to provide a port of Halo CE for the PC that is as 1:1 with the Xbox version as possible. All the bugs and inconsistencies introduced in the Gearbox port have been addressed.[3] There are some improvements such as higher fidelity textures and higher resolution HUD.
Skip intro videos
Install Chimera[4] |
---|
Use the -novideo command line argument[5]
|
---|
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\ %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Halo CE\ |
macOS (OS X) | %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Halo\ %USERPROFILE%\Documents\HLMD\ |
Video
Graphics feature | State | WSGF | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | Full support requires latest patch and external fix. See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Multi-monitor | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Ultra-widescreen | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
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) | See Anisotropic filtering (AF). | ||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | Use dgVoodoo 2 to force MSAA.[5] Mac version has FSAA up to 9 samples. | ||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | |||
60 FPS and 120+ FPS | Designed for 30 FPS;[6] see High frame rate. Final cutscene is pre-rendered at 30 FPS. | ||
High dynamic range display (HDR) | See the glossary page for potential alternatives. |
Widescreen resolution
- As of v1.10, widescreen resolutions are supported,[7] although the HUD, menus, and text elements are stretched.
- Available resolutions also vary between windowed and fullscreen mode in v1.10.[8]
Use Chimera for screen fixes[4] |
---|
|
Field of view (FOV)
- By default, Halo compresses its vertical FOV rather than stretching its horizontal FOV in widescreen resolutions.
Use Chimera[4] |
---|
Notes
|
Windowed
Start the game with the -window command line argument[9]
|
---|
Use Chimera[4] |
---|
Note
|
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Force anisotropic filtering through the GPU's control panel[9] |
---|
Use Chimera[4] |
---|
Notes
|
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 for objects, cutscenes, and plasma projectiles, and uncaps the cinematic frame rate from 30 FPS.
Install Chimera for frame rate fixes[4] |
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|
Weapon zoom blur
Disable blur with Chimera[4] |
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Notes
|
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 | Positive acceleration. Use Chimera (off by default) or Halo Mouse Tool to disable. | |
Mouse sensitivity | See Mouse sensitivity. | |
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | Set in Mouse Setup. Affects both mouse and controller Y-axis. | |
Controller | ||
Controller support | ||
Full controller support | Menus can not be navigated with a controller without third-party tools. | |
Controller remapping | Cannot bind two actions to a single button without 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 | ||
---|---|---|
Xbox button prompts | ||
Impulse Trigger vibration |
PlayStation controllers | Recognized as a generic DirectInput controller.[10] | |
---|---|---|
PlayStation button prompts | ||
Light bar support | ||
Adaptive trigger support | ||
DualSense haptic feedback support | ||
Connection modes | Wired, Wireless (Bluetooth) [10] |
Generic/other controllers | ||
---|---|---|
Button prompts | Axes and buttons are referenced by number. |
Additional information | ||
---|---|---|
Controller hotplugging | ||
Haptic feedback | ||
Digital movement supported | ||
Simultaneous controller+KB/M |
Mouse sensitivity
Set horizontal and vertical mouse sensitivities[4] |
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Notes
|
Tweak sensitivity through Halo Mouse Tool[11] |
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Alternative controller prompts
Use Chimera and enable generic prompts replacements[4] |
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|
Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | Sliders for Master, effects and music, between values of 0 to 10. | |
Surround sound | Up to 7.0 output.[12] May require DirectSound 3D restoration software. | |
Subtitles | ||
Closed captions | ||
Mute on focus lost | Game pauses when out of focus.[9] | |
EAX support | Needs a fix for modern systems; see DirectSound 3D restoration software. May also require eax.dll file to be placed in the game directory. |
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 Patch 1.10 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
Broken gamma calibration with Chimera
- With Chimera, Halo's gamma setting is disabled due to it affecting the entire operating system's gamma.[4]
Use dgVoodoo 2 (recommended)[4] |
---|
Use Peixoto's patch[citation needed] |
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|
Running the game at screen's refresh rate
- While the Halo menu does not list refresh rates above 120 Hz, Chimera can be used to bypass this limitation.
Install Chimera to use the system's current refresh rate[5] |
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|
High frame rate issues
- Checkpoints occur sooner than they typically should once reaching a safe state at >30 FPS.
- Camera shaking does not work at high frame rates.
- Auto look centering makes vehicles difficult to handle at high frame rates.
- Motion sensor fade is incorrect at >30 FPS.
- Contrails are bugged at high frame rates.
- Scoreboard and player names don't fade in/out correctly at high frame rates.
- Cinematic frame rate is capped at 30 FPS.
- Object movement is tied to tick rate, thus objects never move faster than 30 FPS.
Install Chimera to fix all frame rate issues[4] |
---|
Graphic card not recognized by game
- The highest version of Pixel Shader Halo supports is 2.1. Use this to force the game to use it if the graphics card is not recognized by the game.
Use the -use21 command line argument[13]
|
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Mouse cursor leaves the window
Use dgVoodoo 2 to lock mouse cursor[14] |
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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.[15]
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 the monitor to 60 Hz[16] |
---|
Open Sauce and Chimera not compatible
- Current versions of Chimera are incompatible with OpenSauce and HAC2. Attempting to use them at the same time will result in crashes or a white screen when launching the game. Use the older build 581 to combine Chimera with OpenSauce in order to play .yelo maps.
Open Sauce and HAC2 not compatible
Fix compatibility on Windows 8 and later[17] |
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|
Fix compatibility on Windows 7[18] |
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|
Open Sauce cannot be installed
Install .NET Framework 3.5 from Windows Features[19] |
---|
Use AmaiSosu[20] |
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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 |
Other modifications
Misc
- 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).
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.
The Silent Cartographer: Evolved
- The Silent Cartographer: Evolved is a ground-up re-imagining of the Halo: Combat Evolved map of the same name.
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.
halothirdfov
- Enables third-person mode.
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 |
-use21 | Forces the game to run as a shader 2.1 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 using 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
- ↑ CD No Longer Required for Halo PC - IGN (Archived) - last accessed on 2023-06-23
- ↑ Verified by User:Amethystviper on 2023-06-19
- Tested with Halo CE Refined V2 and V3 RC2.
- ↑ Halo Combat Evolved Refined vs Halo Master Chief Collection - Detailed Graphics Comparison - last accessed on 2023-06-19
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 SnowyMouse / chimera
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Verified by User:Keith on 2023-06-20
- ↑ [missing title] - last accessed on 2023-06-23
- "Halo aims for 30 frames per second with vertical sync engaged"
- ↑ Verified by User:Amethystviper on 2023-06-23
- Available resolutions prior to 1.10 only supports 4:3 resolutions up to 1600x1200 on a 4K display. Tested on Halo: Custom Edition with the 1.09 patch.
- ↑ Verified by User:Amethystviper on 2023-06-19
- Without mods or fixes, windowed mode restricts available resolution options compared to fullscreen (e.g. 2560x1600 on a 4K display).
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Verified by User:Amethystviper on 2023-06-19
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Verified by User:Amethystviper on 2023-06-19
- Tested with a V2 controller.
- ↑ Halo CE Mouse Tool : r/halospv3 - last accessed on June 2023
- ↑ PC Gaming Surround Sound Round-up - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ how to improve ce graphics (retrieved)
- ↑ Talk:Halo: Combat Evolved
- ↑ ASUS Soundcard: EAX/GX Issues - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Verified by User:Diegoelcapo123 on March 15, 2020
- ↑ HAC2 + OS compat fix - Halo Maps Forum - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ HAC2 + OS compat fix - open carnage Forum - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ user@ HaloMods forum - last accessed on 9 June 2023
- ↑ Alternative OpenSauce Installer - Reddit/halospv3 - last accessed on May 2023