When it comes to Halo, it’s safe to say that most of the focus is currently on the upcoming Halo Infinite and what it will bring to the franchise. However, 343 Industries isn’t ending support for Halo: The Master Chief Collection just because the new game is coming out. On the contrary, 343 recently revealed a slew of new features that are on the way for the collection, headlined by eventual cross play support later this year.
In a recent blog post, 343 confirmed that Halo: The Master Chief Collection is getting cross play in 2020, and it will include input-based matchmaking. This means that Xbox One players using a controller won’t have to play with PC players using a mouse and keyboard setup if they don’t want to, which should ensure that the online multiplayer stays fair. Meanwhile, 343 confirmed a number of other features in the works for Halo: The Master Chief Collection later this year as well.
Besides cross play support, 343 also confirmed that Halo: The Master Chief Collection is adding a custom game browser, graphics and audio options for specific games in the collection, mouse and keyboard support for Xbox, and the ability to link one’s Steam account, among other new features. Needless to say, 343 is looking to expand Halo: The Master Chief Collection in big ways in 2020 and beyond, even with the Halo Infinite launch right around the corner.
Meanwhile, those on PC can expect 343 to continue expanding the PC version of Halo: The Master Chief Collection as well. This will include the addition of Halo 3: ODST’s campaign, as well as Halo 4. Fans can also expect Halo 3: ODST’s Firefight game mode to make its way to both the PC and Xbox versions of Halo: The Master Chief Collection, with all of this expected to come by the end of the year.
When this content does come to Halo: The Master Chief Collection on PC, it will be interesting to see if it will include any enhancements. The Halo 3 PC port included some improvements when compared to the console version of the game, including the addition of a brand new Acrophobia skull that equips players with a jetpack in the campaign. This makes hunting down the campaign’s elusive skulls and finding secret areas much easier, so it’s been a well-received feature by fans.
It seems as though 343 and Microsoft are remaining committed to Halo: The Master Chief Collection, so fans can look forward to new content, even after Halo Infinite launches this holiday season.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is out now for PC and Xbox One.
Source: Halo Waypoint
