Halo: The Master Chief Collection – Complete Ed…
Halo: The Master Chief Collection – Complete Edition: Everything You Need to Know
If you are a fan of sci-fi shooters, epic adventures, or iconic gaming characters, you have probably heard of Halo. Halo is one of the most influential and popular video game franchises of all time, with millions of fans and players around the world. But if you are new to the series, or want to relive the glory days of Halo, you might be wondering what is the best way to experience it.
Well, look no further than Halo: The Master Chief Collection – Complete Edition. This is the ultimate Halo package that includes six games, countless multiplayer maps and modes, and tons of features and enhancements that make it the definitive Halo gaming experience. Whether you want to play on PC or Xbox, solo or with friends, online or offline, this collection has something for everyone.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Halo: The Master Chief Collection – Complete Edition. We will explain what it is, why you should play it, and how to get it. By the end of this article, you will be ready to join the fight as the legendary Spartan 117, also known as the Master Chief.
What is Halo: The Master Chief Collection?
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is a compilation of six Halo games that span the entire saga of the Master Chief, the iconic protagonist of the series. It was originally released in 2014 for Xbox One, and later ported to PC in 2019-2020. It is developed by 343 Industries, Splash Damage, Ruffian Games, Bungie, Saber Interactive, and published by Xbox Game Studios.
A brief history of the Halo franchise
Halo is a sci-fi shooter franchise that started in 2001 with Halo: Combat Evolved for the original Xbox. It was developed by Bungie, a studio that was previously known for making games like Marathon and Myth. Halo: Combat Evolved was a huge success, both critically and commercially, and established Halo as a flagship franchise for Xbox.
Halo: Combat Evolved introduced players to the futuristic setting of the 26th century, where humanity is at war with a hostile alien alliance called the Covenant. The game also introduced players to the Master Chief, a genetically enhanced super-soldier who wears a green armor suit and a helmet that conceals his face. Along with his AI companion Cortana, the Master Chief fights against the Covenant and discovers a mysterious ring-shaped world called Halo.
Halo: Combat Evolved was followed by four sequels: Halo 2 (2004), Halo 3 (2007), Halo 4 (2012), and Halo 5: Guardians (2015). These games continued the story of the Master Chief and his allies as they faced new enemies and threats in their quest to save humanity and uncover the secrets of the Halo rings. Along with these mainline games, there were also several spin-offs and prequels that expanded the lore and gameplay of the franchise. These include Halo Wars (2009), a real-time strategy game; Halo 3: ODST (2009), a stealth-based shooter; Halo: Reach (2010), a prequel that tells the story of Noble Team; and Halo Wars 2 (2017), a sequel to Halo Wars.
In 2010, Bungie parted ways with Microsoft and handed over the development of Halo to 343 Industries, a new studio formed by former Bungie employees and other industry veterans. 343 Industries has been responsible for creating Halo 4, Halo 5: Guardians, and Halo: The Master Chief Collection. They are also working on the upcoming Halo Infinite, which is expected to release in 2021.
The games included in the collection
Halo: The Master Chief Collection includes six games that cover the entire story of the Master Chief. These are:
- Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary: A remastered version of the first game, with updated graphics, sound, and gameplay. It also features the original classic mode, where you can switch between the old and new visuals at any time.
- Halo 2: Anniversary: A remastered version of the second game, with updated graphics, sound, and gameplay. It also features the original classic mode, as well as new cutscenes and terminals that add more lore and context to the story.
- Halo 3: The third game in the series, where the Master Chief and his allies finish the fight against the Covenant and stop the activation of the Halo rings.
- Halo 3: ODST: A spin-off game that follows the story of a group of elite soldiers known as Orbital Drop Shock Troopers (ODSTs) during the events of Halo 2 and Halo 3. It features a more stealth-based and open-world gameplay than the main games.
- Halo: Reach: A prequel game that tells the story of Noble Team, a squad of Spartans who fought to defend the planet Reach from the Covenant invasion. It features a more customizable and varied gameplay than the main games.
- Halo 4: The fourth game in the series, where the Master Chief wakes up from a long cryosleep and faces a new enemy called the Prometheans, as well as a mysterious ancient evil known as the Didact.
All these games are playable in both single-player and co-op modes, with up to four players online or two players split-screen. You can also choose to play them in any order you want, or create your own playlists of missions from different games.
The features and enhancements of the collection
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is not just a simple compilation of old games. It is also a collection of features and enhancements that make it the best way to play Halo. Some of these features and enhancements are:
- Multiplayer modes: The collection includes over 140 multiplayer maps from all six games, as well as several modes such as Slayer, Capture the Flag, King of the Hill, Infection, Grifball, Firefight, and more. You can play online with up to 16 players or offline with up to four players split-screen. You can also customize your own matches with various options and settings.
- Forge mode: The collection includes Forge mode for Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 4, and Halo: Reach. Forge mode is a tool that allows you to create your own maps and modes by placing objects, weapons, vehicles, spawn points, and more. You can also share your creations with other players online or play them with your friends.
- Theater mode: The collection includes Theater mode for Halo 3, Halo 4, and Halo: Reach. Theater mode is a feature that allows you to watch and record your gameplay footage from different angles and perspectives. You can also edit your clips and screenshots with various effects and filters.
- PC optimization: The collection is fully optimized for PC gaming, with support for mouse and keyboard controls, high-resolution graphics, uncapped frame rates, ultrawide monitors, adjustable field of view, cross-play with Xbox players, Steam achievements, and more.
- Xbox optimization: The collection is also optimized for Xbox gaming, with support for Xbox One X enhancements such as 4K resolution, HDR10 color, and 60 frames per second. It also supports Xbox Series X|S enhancements such as faster loading times, higher resolution textures, improved lighting effects, and 120 frames per second.
- Seasonal content: The collection features seasonal content that adds new cosmetic items such as armor pieces, weapon skins, nameplates, visors, and more. You can unlock these items by playing the games and earning season points, or by purchasing them with real money.
- Challenges and rewards: The collection features challenges and rewards that give you more incentives to play the games and try different things. You can complete daily, weekly, and seasonal challenges that test your skills and creativity, and earn rewards such as season points, XP, and cosmetic items.
- Stats and leaderboards: The collection features stats and leaderboards that track your performance and progress across the games. You can view your stats such as kills, deaths, assists, medals, achievements, and more. You can also compare your stats with other players and see where you rank on the leaderboards.
- Accessibility options: The collection features accessibility options that make the games more playable and enjoyable for everyone. You can adjust the settings such as subtitles, colorblind mode, text chat, audio cues, controller layout, sensitivity, and more.
Why should you play Halo: The Master Chief Collection?
Now that you know what Halo: The Master Chief Collection is, you might be wondering why you should play it. Well, there are many reasons to play this collection, but here are some of the main ones:
The epic story of the Master Chief
One of the main reasons to play Halo: The Master Chief Collection is to experience the epic story of the Master Chief, one of the most iconic and beloved characters in gaming history. The Master Chief is a hero who has saved humanity and the galaxy from countless threats, such as the Covenant, the Flood, the Prometheans, and more. He is also a mystery who has never revealed his face or his real name. He is a legend who has inspired countless other Spartans and soldiers to follow his example.
The story of the Master Chief is a story of courage, sacrifice, loyalty, friendship, and destiny. It is a story that spans across six games and over 30 hours of gameplay. It is a story that will make you laugh, cry, cheer, and gasp. It is a story that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
The diverse and expansive multiplayer modes
Another reason to play Halo: The Master Chief Collection is to enjoy the diverse and expansive multiplayer modes that offer endless fun and replayability. Halo is known for its multiplayer modes that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you like competitive or cooperative gameplay, team-based or free-for-all matches, classic or modern settings, Halo has something for you.
The multiplayer modes of Halo: The Master Chief Collection are some of the best in gaming history. They are fast-paced, balanced, skill-based, and varied. They offer a wide range of maps, weapons, vehicles, power-ups, and more. They also offer a lot of customization and creativity options, such as Forge mode, Theater mode, and seasonal content. You can play online with other players from around the world, or offline with your friends on the same screen. You can also join or create your own communities and clans, and participate in tournaments and events.
The customizable and optimized PC and Xbox experience
A third reason to play Halo: The Master Chief Collection is to enjoy the customizable and optimized PC and Xbox experience that makes the games look and play better than ever. Halo: The Master Chief Collection is designed to give you the best of both worlds, whether you prefer to play on PC or Xbox. You can choose the platform that suits you best, or switch between them seamlessly with cross-play and cross-progression features.
The PC and Xbox versions of Halo: The Master Chief Collection are both fully optimized for their respective platforms, with support for various settings and enhancements that improve the graphics, performance, and gameplay of the games. You can adjust the resolution, frame rate, field of view, audio, controls, and more to your liking. You can also enjoy the benefits of Xbox One X and Xbox Series X|S enhancements, such as 4K resolution, HDR10 color, faster loading times, and 120 frames per second.
How to get Halo: The Master Chief Collection?
Now that you know why you should play Halo: The Master Chief Collection, you might be wondering how to get it. Well, there are several ways to get this collection, depending on your platform and preference. Here are some of the options:
The available platforms and storefronts
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is available on both PC and Xbox platforms. For PC, you can get it from Steam or the Microsoft Store. For Xbox, you can get it from the Microsoft Store or on a physical disc.
Steam is a popular digital distribution platform that offers a large library of games and other software. You can buy Halo: The Master Chief Collection from Steam as a single purchase that includes all six games, or as individual purchases that let you buy each game separately. You can also access Steam’s features such as achievements, cloud saves, friends list, chat, and more.
The Microsoft Store is a digital distribution platform that is integrated with Windows 10 and Xbox consoles. You can buy Halo: The Master Chief Collection from the Microsoft Store as a single purchase that includes all six games, or as individual purchases that let you buy each game separately. You can also access the Microsoft Store’s features such as achievements, cloud saves, friends list, chat, and more.
The physical disc is a tangible medium that contains Halo: The Master Chief Collection on a Blu-ray disc. You can buy it from various retailers or online stores. You can also use it to install the collection on your Xbox console without downloading it from the internet.
The pricing and bundles
Halo: The Master Chief Collection has different pricing and bundles depending on your platform and preference. For PC, you can buy the collection as a single purchase for $39.99 USD (or equivalent in your local currency), or as individual purchases for $9.99 USD each for Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and Halo 4. For Halo: Reach, you can buy it for $9.99 USD or get it for free if you already own Halo: The Master Chief Collection on PC. For Xbox, you can buy the collection as a single purchase for $29.99 USD (or equivalent in your local currency), or as individual purchases for $9.99 USD each for Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo: Reach, and Halo 4.
There are also some bundles that offer discounts or extra content for Halo: The Master Chief Collection. For PC, you can buy the Halo: The Master Chief Collection Bundle for $39.99 USD, which includes all six games and the Halo Infinite Multiplayer Beta Access. For Xbox, you can buy the Halo: The Master Chief Collection + Halo 5 Bundle for $49.99 USD, which includes all six games and Halo 5: Guardians.
The Game Pass and other benefits
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is also available on the Game Pass, a subscription service that gives you access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee. You can get the Game Pass for PC or Xbox, or both with the Game Pass Ultimate. With the Game Pass, you can play Halo: The Master Chief Collection and all its games without buying them separately. You can also enjoy other benefits such as discounts, free trials, exclusive offers, and more.
The Game Pass costs $9.99 USD per month for PC or Xbox, or $14.99 USD per month for Ultimate. You can also get a free trial for one month if you are a new subscriber. You can cancel your subscription at any time without any penalty.
Another benefit of getting Halo: The Master Chief Collection is that you will be eligible for some perks and rewards from Xbox and 343 Industries. For example, if you play any of the games in the collection before December 31st, 2021, you will receive a free copy of the Halo Infinite Campaign when it launches in 2021. You will also receive some cosmetic items for Halo Infinite Multiplayer, such as armor coatings, weapon skins, emblems, and more.
Conclusion
Halo: The Master Chief Collection – Complete Edition is the ultimate Halo package that offers six games, countless multiplayer maps and modes, and tons of features and enhancements that make it the definitive Halo gaming experience. Whether you want to play on PC or Xbox, solo or with friends, online or offline, this collection has something for everyone.
If you want to experience the epic story of the Master Chief, enjoy the diverse and expansive multiplayer modes, or customize and optimize your PC and Xbox experience, you should get Halo: The Master Chief Collection – Complete Edition today. You can buy it from Steam or the Microsoft Store for PC, or from the Microsoft Store or on a physical disc for Xbox. You can also get it from the Game Pass for a monthly fee.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection – Complete Edition is more than just a compilation of old games. It is a celebration of one of the most influential and popular video game franchises of all time. It is a tribute to the legacy of the Master Chief and his allies. It is a gift to the fans and players who have supported Halo for over two decades.
So what are you waiting for? Join the fight as the legendary Spartan 117 today.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Halo: The Master Chief Collection – Complete Edition:
- Q: Do I need to play the games in order?
- A: No, you can play the games in any order you want, or create your own playlists of missions from different games. However, if you want to follow the chronological order of the story, you should play them in this order: Halo: Reach, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3: ODST, Halo 3, and Halo 4.
- Q: Can I play with other players who have different platforms or versions?
- A: Yes, you can play with other players who have different platforms or versions, thanks to the cross-play and cross-progression features. You can play online with PC and Xbox players, as well as with players who have the individual games or the complete collection. You can also access your progress and achievements across different devices.
- Q: How much storage space do I need to install the collection?
- A: The storage space you need to install the collection depends on your platform and preference. For PC, you need about 120 GB of storage space to install all six games, or about 20 GB for each game. For Xbox, you need about 90 GB of storage space to install all six games, or about 15 GB for each game. You can also choose to install or uninstall specific games or components to save storage space.
- Q: What are the system requirements for PC?
- A: The system requirements for PC vary depending on the game and the settings you choose. However, here are the minimum and recommended system requirements for the collection as a whole:
Minimum | Recommended |
---|---|
OS: Windows 7 or higher (64-bit) | OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) |
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 960T / Intel Core i3550 | CPU: AMD FX-4100 / Intel Core i7-870 |
RAM: 8 GB | RAM: 8 GB |
GPU: AMD HD 6850 / NVIDIA GeForce GTS 450 | GPU: AMD Radeon R7 360 / NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Ti |
DirectX: Version 11 | DirectX: Version 11 |
Storage: 120 GB available space | Storage: 120 GB available space |
Sound Card: DirectX compatible sound card | Sound Card: DirectX compatible sound card |
- Q: How can I get more information or support for the collection?
- A: If you want to get more information or support for the collection, you can visit the official website of Halo at https://www.halowaypoint.com/. There you can find news, updates, forums, guides, videos, and more. You can also contact the customer support team at https://support.halowaypoint.com/ if you have any issues or questions.