The day is finally here – Halo is coming to PC. Microsoft has announced Halo: The Master Chief Collection's PC debut, detailing plans to migrate its flagship shooter franchise to Steam and Windows 10's integrated Microsoft Store.
Unveiled during its Inside Xbox live show for March, the six-piece compilation expands beyond the living room, packing the best of Halo from nearly two decades. The "first class" package is launching throughout 2019, including Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and Halo 4. A newly-unveiled six addition is also planned, reviving Bungie's legendary 2010 farewell to the franchise, Halo: Reach.
Microsoft remains tight on details, failing to outline Halo: The Master Chief Collection's release dates or pricing as of reveal. However, it's committing to staggered deployment for the year, with "each title releasing one by one over time." After Halo: The Master Chief Collection's original Xbox One debut was marred by technical issues, these stages should avoid significant issues.
Microsoft plans to debut Halo: The Master Chief Collection on PC "later this year," starting with Halo: Reach. Tailing in chronological order, Halo: Combat Evolved will follow, before the rest of the series.
Every Halo game will be available for individual purchase within Halo: The Master Chief Collection upon release, priced at a fraction of the full package. Alternatively, Halo: The Master Chief Collection falls under Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft's Netflix-style subscription service for gaming.
It's a significant milestone for the Halo franchise, with 2004's Halo 2 the last mainline entry venturing beyond the Xbox family. Microsoft has been working to correct its missteps with Halo: The Master Chief Collection since 2014, recently shipping a hefty update with 4K HDR support, new features, and various fixes. Now primed for its PC arrival, and hopes high for Halo Infinite, the future looks bright in 2019.
Master Chief returns better than ever.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection bundles together the best of Microsoft's shooter. With the campaign and multiplayer onboard, it's the essential package for any Halo fan.
