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Difference between revisions of "Halo 2"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
Line 94: Line 94:
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 
|widescreen resolution      = true
 
|widescreen resolution      = true
−
|widescreen resolution notes=  
+
|widescreen resolution notes= Supports up to 1920x1200 by default. See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 
|multimonitor              = hackable
 
|multimonitor              = hackable
 
|multimonitor notes        = See the [http://www.wsgf.org/dr/halo-2 WSGF entry].
 
|multimonitor notes        = See the [http://www.wsgf.org/dr/halo-2 WSGF entry].
Line 100: Line 100:
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      =  
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      =  
 
|4k ultra hd                = hackable
 
|4k ultra hd                = hackable
−
|4k ultra hd notes          = Supports up to 1920x1200 by default. See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
+
|4k ultra hd notes          = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 
|fov                        = hackable
 
|fov                        = hackable
 
|fov notes                  = Default is 70°. See [[#Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]].
 
|fov notes                  = Default is 70°. See [[#Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]].
 
|windowed                  = true
 
|windowed                  = true
−
|windowed notes            = Can also use the <code>-windowed</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]]. Can be resized whilst in windowed mode using [http://www.halo2vista.com/downloads/ H2V Resizer].
+
|windowed notes            = Can also use the <code>-windowed</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]]. Use [http://www.halo2vista.com/downloads/ H2V Resizer] to resize the window.
 
|borderless windowed        = hackable
 
|borderless windowed        = hackable
−
|borderless windowed notes  = Run in windowed mode and use [https://github.com/Codeusa/Borderless-Gaming/releases Borderless Gaming]. Also implementable using the latest version of Project Cartographer's Launcher.
+
|borderless windowed notes  = Use [https://github.com/Codeusa/Borderless-Gaming/releases Borderless Gaming] while in windowed mode. Also implementable using [http://www.h2v.online/install/ Project Cartographer] launcher.
 
|anisotropic                = hackable
 
|anisotropic                = hackable
 
|anisotropic notes          = Force in the graphics card control panel.
 
|anisotropic notes          = Force in the graphics card control panel.
Line 112: Line 112:
 
|antialiasing notes        = Up to 4x [[MSAA]]. Can be improved to 8x through the graphics card control panel.
 
|antialiasing notes        = Up to 4x [[MSAA]]. Can be improved to 8x through the graphics card control panel.
 
|vsync                      = hackable
 
|vsync                      = hackable
−
|vsync notes                = Enabled by default, but can be disabled using <code>-novsync</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]]. It's also a toggleable option in the latest version of Project Cartographer's Launcher. Native vsync implementation is very bad and can cause stuttering even with required 60 FPS. Forcing it using [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/84-d3doverrider/ D3Doverrider] or your graphics control panel may fix the problem for some, otherwise reset Halo2 video settings to default and make sure Halo2  refresh (asks when selecting resolution) matches desktop refresh and then use Halo2 vsync.
+
|vsync notes                = On by default. See [[#Vertical sync (Vsync)|Vertical sync (Vsync)]].
 
|60 fps                    = true
 
|60 fps                    = true
 
|60 fps notes              = Cutscenes are capped at 30 FPS.
 
|60 fps notes              = Cutscenes are capped at 30 FPS.
 
|120 fps                    = false
 
|120 fps                    = false
−
|120 fps notes              = Halo 2 PC was programmed to run at 60 FPS only. The refresh rate can be set higher and FPS count will reflect this, but the actual game output will still be only 60 Hz. This can result in heavy stuttering on high refresh rate monitors. If you have a high refresh rate monitor, use Nvidia Inspector to frame-cap at 60 FPS.
+
|120 fps notes              = Heavy stuttering above 60 FPS. See [[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)#Frame rate capping|Frame rate capping]] to cap the frame rate.
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
Line 123: Line 123:
  
 
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
 +
{{Fixbox|1=
 +
{{Fixbox/fix|Use [http://www.h2v.online/install/ Project Cartographer] for custom resolutions|ref={{cn|date=May 2017}}}}
 +
}}
 +
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Force custom/unlisted resolution|ref={{cn|date=November 2016}}}}
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Force custom/unlisted resolution|ref={{cn|date=November 2016}}}}
−
# Set ingame resolution to a same ratio resolution like the one you want to use (example 1920*1080 for 2560*1440).
+
# Set ingame resolution to a same ratio resolution like the one you want to use (example 1920x1080 for 2560x1440).
 
# Set the game to windowed mode (mandatory).
 
# Set the game to windowed mode (mandatory).
 
# Install [http://blog.metaclassofnil.com/?tag=dsfix DSFix].
 
# Install [http://blog.metaclassofnil.com/?tag=dsfix DSFix].
Line 134: Line 138:
 
# Save your changes.
 
# Save your changes.
  
−
This solution may uncap the framerate, which can result in heavy stuttering on high refresh rate monitors. The DSFix frame rate lock commands are intended for Dark Souls and do not work for Halo 2.
+
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} This solution may uncap the frame rate, which can result in heavy stuttering on high refresh rate monitors. The DSFix frame rate lock commands are intended for Dark Souls and do not work for Halo 2.
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{ii}} The latest version of Project Cartographer's Launcher allows for custom resolutions.
 
  
 
===[[Glossary:Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]]===
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# Run the game and load a single-player or multiplayer map.
 
# Run the game and load a single-player or multiplayer map.
 
# Run H2V FOV and adjust the FOV slider.
 
# Run H2V FOV and adjust the FOV slider.
 +
}}
 +
 +
===[[Glossary:Vertical sync (Vsync)|Vertical sync (Vsync)]]===
 +
{{ii}} Native Vsync implementation (enabled by default) is very bad and can cause stuttering even with required 60 FPS.
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|1=
 +
{{Fixbox/fix|Force proper Vsync|ref={{cn|date=May 2017}}}}
 +
# Use the <code>-novsync</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]] to disable the game's Vsync. It's also a toggleable option in the [http://www.h2v.online/install/ Project Cartographer] launcher.
 +
# Force Vsync using [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/84-d3doverrider/ D3DOverrider] or your graphics card control panel.
 
}}
 
}}
  

Revision as of 16:52, 7 May 2017

Template:Infobox game/row/winporter
Halo 2
Halo 2 cover
Developers
Bungie
Pi Studios
Publishers
Microsoft Studios
Engines
Halo Engine
Release dates
Windows May 17, 2007
Halo 2 guide on StrategyWiki
Halo 2 on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png

Warnings

For Games for Windows - LIVE on Windows 8 or later, install the latest Games for Windows - LIVE software.
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

Key points

Modding tools provided on disc
All the maps from the Xbox version and its DLC are included except two
The Halo 2 Live master server went down in 2015 with no indication of its return.[1] See Project Cartographer

General information

Bungie.net - The developer's site
Halo Nation - A very detailed wiki for everything Halo related
Halo.Bungie.org - One of the biggest Halo fan sites around
Halo Maps - A fan site for downloading mods and maps for Halo 2 Vista
H2v Hub - Central Hub of the Halo 2 PC community
H2MT Repository - A massive collection of custom maps, mods, tools, & assets

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Amazon.com
Icon overlay.png
Windows

Essential improvements

Install the latest Games For Windows Live client

It is essential to install the latest GFWL client before installing Halo 2, as the version on the disc is broken.

Instructions

Skip intro videos

Instructions
The latest version of Project Cartographer's Launcher allows you to toggle the intro on and off.

Enabling Widescreen HUD

Instructions

Patches

The latest patch is v1.01. It is strongly recommended to let the GFWL client auto-update Halo 2. if problems appear, it can be downloaded manually from here.

Project Cartographer

Project Cartographer is an unofficial multiplayer mod which provides an alternative to the now defunct Games for Windows - Live platform for Halo 2 Vista. It allows players to use the Network tab as a server browser and connect via peer-to-peer (P2P) networking. This is a fast and streamlined solution as compared with available LAN gaming solutions, as it retains almost all original Live multiplayer functionality.

Download and install the mod from the official website and follow the instructions on the page.

Example map

Example is a map not included in Halo 2 by default, but is present on the Halo 2 install disc and can be obtained by installing and using the Halo 2 map editor. Example is the only multiplayer map to include Fuel Rod Cannons, and includes custom "silenced" SMGs that are quieter than the ones in other maps and have laser pointers. Example is the smallest map in any Halo game and is unusually dense with explosives.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

Template:Game data/row
System Location

Save game data location

Template:Game data/row
System Location

Video settings

In-game graphics settings.
In-game graphics settings.

Template:Video settings

Use the -monitor:(desired monitor number) parameter to change monitor for fullscreen.

Widescreen resolution

Instructions
Instructions

Field of view (FOV)

Instructions
Instructions

Vertical sync (Vsync)

Native Vsync implementation (enabled by default) is very bad and can cause stuttering even with required 60 FPS.
Instructions

Input settings

In-game general keyboard settings.
In-game general keyboard settings.
In-game keyboard remapping settings.
In-game keyboard remapping settings.
In-game controller settings.
In-game controller settings.
Aim assist is always enabled for controllers. It can be disabled using Disable Aim Assist.

Template:Input settings

Mouse acceleration

Instructions

Audio settings

In-game audio settings.
In-game audio settings.

Template:Audio settings

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Italian
Spanish
Latin America and Spanish translations are available, depends from instalation disk.

Network

Online features require a Microsoft account (optional for offline play).

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
Local play
LAN play
16 Versus
A Co-op mod is available though it is in beta.
Online play
16 Versus
A Co-op mod is available though it is in beta.

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
An unofficial update by the same people who made Project Cartographer is available here.
Self-hosting
Direct IP

Ports

Protocol Port(s) and/or port range(s)
TCP 53, 80, 443, 3074
UDP 53, 88, 1000-1006, 3074
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.
Port range 1000-1006 is required by Project Cartographer to host. See Project Cartographer
Specific details can be found here

Issues fixed

Sign-in error

If you are certain your username and password are correct, but are unable to log into Games for Windows Live, check if Xfire is running. If so, close it and try to log in again.

Extreme mouse lag/jittering

Forcing vsync will help users with fps/mouse issues. To fix said issues without the negative input lag effects of vsync, frame-cap 60 FPS in Nvidia Inspector.

Installation

Run the file "startup.exe" on the DVD in windows (right click and select compatibility) Vista Compatibility mode and the game will install and run fine without any Games For Windows Errors, it will start and stop several times while it updates Windows Live.

Nvidia GeForce GFX card errors

As of 5/26/14, Nvidia has released driver update #337.88, the driver fixes the flickering and flashing.

It has been noted that updating to the newest GeForce Experience drivers as of March 25, 2013 can result in severe artifacting of textures and in some cases a flashing phenomenon, as if the game is trying to produce two textures where every single one should render.[citation needed] The only known fix for this issue is to downgrade to graphics driver update #335.23 which can be found here.[citation needed]

Owners of GTX 540m will need to update their graphics card drivers to the latest to play Halo 2. Drivers pre-2012 have compatibility problems with said card.[2]

"One of the installation steps failed" error

You may receive this error message during installation. To fix it, exit the installer, open the redists folder on the game DVD and run vcredist.msi as an administrator. After it has finished restart the game installer and it should proceed normally.

"LIVE gaming on Windows failed to initialise" error

This error occurs on Windows 8 and later.

Download and install these 3 files which will fix the error: xliveredist.msi, gfwlclient.msi and wllogin_**.msi

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9
Shader Model support 3
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Physics Havok
Audio Dolby Digital
Cutscenes Bink Video
Multiplayer Games for Windows - LIVE

Play without Games for Windows - LIVE

Games for Windows Live can be disabled as an alternative to using a local profile.
Instructions

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) Vista
Processor (CPU) 2 GHz
System memory (RAM) 1 GB 2 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 7 GB 10 GB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce 6100
ATI Radeon X700
DirectX 9 compatible 		DirectX 10 compatible
Common myth states that Halo 2 requires Dx10. In reality Halo 2 PC uses Dx8.1 and does not require Dx10 compatible hardware.
Subsequently, Halo 2 PC may be installed on Windows XP by following this tutorial. Note, Live will be disabled.

References