During the March 2019 episode of Inside Xbox, 343 Industries made the surprising announcement that Halo: The Master Chief Collection was coming to PC, through both the Windows Store and Steam. In a recent AMA (ask me anything) held on Reddit, 343 Industries answered some questions about Halo: The Master Chief Collection on PC, including what features were being considered, timetables, framerates, mod support and more.
When asked about armor customization, they said that Halo: Reach would get full customization and they were looking into bringing customization back for Halo 3.
First, we’re happy to say that Halo: Reach in MCC will in fact have the same level of “mix and match” customization found in the original games (all the individual armor pieces, etc..). As to how it’s earned, we are exploring a new and deeper progression system that retains the feel of the old systems and blends them with newer models for game progression (all based on in-game play, no type of monetization or anything of that nature).
They also talked about support for adjustable FOV (field of view) sliders.
Yes, support for FOV-sliders is the plan. We will adjust what level of FOV is supported on a title by title basis. As an example, if adjusting the FOV causes significant player/weapon model distortion, we may need to put limits in.
343 Industries is aiming to have uncapped framerates in each game, but that may need to be adjusted.
Current plan is to support ‘uncapped FPS’ in each title. But, as we move deeper into development on each title, we’ll have to determine what’s feasible within each game.
Somewhat surprisingly, mod support shouldn’t be ruled out for the future!
We are working closely with the members of the modding community (including some friends on the ElDewrito team) to explore our options for “official” mod support, but we won’t have this at launch. Our #1 priority for launch is ensuring we get each of these core games “right” for PC and security/anti-cheat is a big focus. As we’ve stated, this entire offering will grow and evolve over time.
Your progress such as achievements will carry over from Xbox! You’ll need a Microsoft Account, but not Xbox Live Gold to play.
Within MCC, yes, your progress and progression will carry-over between the console and PC versions. All stats, achievements, Forged maps, and game variants will be shared between all of the games within MCC. Mid mission saves will be unique to each platform and cannot be shared.
Your Halo: Reach unlocks and progression from the original game on Xbox 360 will NOT carry over to MCC.
And as a reminder, MCC on Steam will require a free Microsoft Account, but not Xbox Live Gold.
When will these games release? When they’re ready.
Right now the priority is getting Halo: Reach ready for public flighting and work is underway almost in parallel for Halo: CE, which will be the second game. Ultimately we want to get these games into player’s hands as soon as possible. We’re hesitant to commit to a firm time frame because the truth is they’re ready when they’re ready. Flighting will be critical to help us get these titles to a great place and depending on how that goes, it could lengthen or extend the release cadence. We’ll definitely share more details as we start ramping up flighting.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection on PC will be rolled out one game at a time, starting with Halo: Reach. We’ll keep you updated on any further news and release dates.
