Halo PC/Custom Edition & Community Server - Games

[IMG]http://s23.postimg.org/4p8b44s0b/screenshot_32.png[/IMG] [B] Halo Custom Edition[/B] (Halo CE for short) is a semi-official modification of Halo for the PC (Halo PC). Halo CE offered the extensibility of custom maps, but even further than that, the malleability of the engine meant that, years later, the game would be ripped open and made fit for modern modding standards. If you played Halo PC before, you've probably heard of this. If you still run Halo PC, you're a terrible person and should install custom edition. It literally has all of the same content (except singleplayer, which I will explain better later on). Useful Links: [URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/"]Halomaps.org, your one stop for all custom maps and mods[/URL] [U][B]I own Halo! I want to play this! [/B][/U]You don't even need your CD anymore! As long as you have your CD Key, you can play. Just follow these short steps: 1. [URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=410"]Download Halo Custom Edition[/URL] (This download is English, there are various other languages available as well) 2. Install with your CD Key 3. Run haloupdate.exe from your game directory (i.e. Program Files/Microsoft Games/Halo Custom Edition) [thumb]http://s23.postimg.org/ent9qm1fv/screenshot_33.png[/thumb] [U]4. Still in your game directory, open the redist folder, and install msxmlenu.msi. This will fix a bug where chat sometimes disappears.[/U] 5. [B]You're ready to play![/B] [I]But don't just yet[/I], there is one more important step to take. [B][U]Install a custom client[/U][/B] You can choose from two clients: [URL="https://code.google.com/p/open-sauce/downloads/detail?name=OpenSauce_Halo1_CE_20130120.7z&can=2&q="]OpenSauce[/URL] - Expands the graphical limits - Plays on v1.00 and v1.09 servers - Map downloading support - FOV adjustment - Weapon position adjustment - Post processing - Expanded scripting support for map makers This client is good for content creators. [URL="http://www.modacity.net/forums/showthread.php?24960-HAC-2-Release"]HAC 2[/URL] - Expands the graphical limits (somewhat) - Plays on v1.00 and v1.09 [B]and v1.10[/B] servers - Map downloading support - FOV adjustment - Server bookmarks - HUD color customization - Experimental 3D chat - Sightjacker - Scope blur removal - Multi-team vehicle (on servers running SAPP) This client is ideal for normal players -- [B]Currently the community server only supports map downloads for HAC 2 clients. We are working to fix this.[/B] Important: When v1.10 is released for Custom Edition, these clients will likely not work until they are updated. You will need to uninstall the custom client if you wish to play on servers after that point. [U][B]Shader patch Note: This apparently does not work for Custom Edition [/B][/U]Apparently there is a stark difference between the PC and Xbox version of Halo, and that difference is missing shaders. If you want your Halo to look the best it can, TheLolrus has provided an easy guide to do this. [QUOTE=TheLolrus;44795591]Ok, here's a more detailed/consolidated shader patch post. The shader patch file is being hosted on my Dropbox account at these links - [URL="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/46021174/Facepunch/Halo/Restored_Shaders.7z"]in .7z form,[/URL] and [URL="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/46021174/Facepunch/Halo/Restored_Shaders.zip"]in .zip form.[/URL] The tool to patch the shaders into the game, Helpful Halo Hacking Tool, can be found [URL="http://download.cnet.com/Halo-Combat-Evolved-HHHT-Utility/3000-7441_4-10292158.html"]here.[/URL] Make sure to click the direct download link below CNET's giant green download button so you can avoid whatever gross installer they've bundled with it. [t]http://imgur.com/DunOE3f.png[/t] First, make sure you know where the bitmaps.map file is located on your computer. Above, I've highlighted the default directory on my OS with an ugly red box (if you use a 32 bit OS then Program Files (x86) will simply be named Program Files). Safety first, so back up bitmaps.map, just in case. [t]http://imgur.com/CUKjSVx.png[/t] After starting HHHT, make sure it's located the maps directory properly. If not, point it in the right direction. Next, you'll need to tell it where your patch file is. Navigating the folder selection dialog is a pain in the ass, so it's easiest to take the .ppf file and put it in HHHT's own directory, as I think it starts by looking there. Once that's set up, click on bitmaps.map to tell the program which file you want to patch, and double-click the patch file listed in the big gray box on the right. This adds it to the little box below it, indicating it's ready to be patched in. The last step is to click 'Apply Patch(es)'. It'll complain about not having a backup folder set, but you've already done that (or you don't care), so just tell it to piss off, and you'll be done.[/QUOTE] [U][B]Playing Singleplayer in Custom Edition [/B][/U] Halo CE doesn't come with any single player maps, and it doesn't have the GUI to handle them either. This doesn't mean you can't still play them, though. There is a [URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?nid=386"]halomaps.org guide[/URL] to setting this up, but I am listing these here as well as a couple custom campaigns. First thing you want to do is download a UI for single player [I]These will override the ui.map in your maps folder, so make a backup before proceeding.[/I] These are some of your choices: [URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=1546"]The Maw UI[/URL] [URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=2741"]Yoyorast Island UI[/URL] (no update) [URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=3298"]Starwars UI[/URL] (for added confusion) [URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=3905"]Mohamad UI[/URL] (???) [B][URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=4688"]UI Plus[/URL][/B] (Halo 3 music, no update) [B][URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=6382"]Ryno UI[/URL][/B] (Simple, ONLY added campaign menu) [B][URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=6617"]Universal UI[/URL][/B] (Apparently there are firefight maps. Huh.) Next, you will want to do one of two things. Copy the single player maps from an existing Halo PC installation or the install disc, or download all of them. Here is a (presumably) complete list of the single player maps on halomaps.org. [I]Download each one of these and place them in the maps folder in your Halo CE installation.[/I] [URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=1681"]A10 - The Pillar of Autumn[/URL] [URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=1678"]A30 - Halo[/URL] [URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=1682"]A50 - Truth and Reconciliation[/URL] [URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=1701"]B30 - The Silent Cartographer[/URL] [URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=1702"]B40 - Assault on the Control Room[/URL] [URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=1718"]C10 - 343 Guilty Spark[/URL] [URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=1719"]C20 - The Library[/URL] [URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=1711"]C40 - Two Betrayals[/URL] [URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=1712"]D20 - Keyes[/URL] [URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=1720"]D40 - The Maw[/URL] As for custom campaigns, the only fully fledged campaign to be created from scratch is the Lumoria campaign [B][URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?pg=1&sid=41"]Lumoria campaign files[/URL][/B] The CMT campaign is a graphical and mechanical update of the original campaign, full of neat graphics and diverse weapons. [B][URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?pg=1&sort=-1&sid=35&cd=0&fc=0&fc2=0"]CMT campaign files[/URL][/B] (included in these files is a .yelo version of one of the campaign levels, if you are using OpenSauce you should check it out. It is basically a tech demo of OS) [B][URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?pg=1&sid=37"]More custom single player maps...[/URL][/B] [U][B]Facepunch Community[/B][/U] [IMG]http://s23.postimg.org/yxql5r2kr/fphalo.png[/IMG] [URL="http://facepunch.com/member.php?u=194888"][B]ArcticRevrus [/B][/URL]was generous enough to host a server for FPers to play on. [B]Server[/B]: Facepunch Community Halo Server [B]Address[/B]: arcticrevr.us (port 2302) Feel free to suggest some good custom maps and we'll see about adding it to the map cycle.

Main question is, where is the server hosted? The US, right? Halo CE doesn't have the best netcode in the world, and playing at a high ping is suffering.

Hell yes, I am going to go find my cd-key right now.

Halo:CE's net code is pretty atrocious, I'd recommend installing this for the server. From personal experience I noticed a huge difference in shot registration. [url]http://www.modacity.net/forums/showthread.php?24803-Release-Halo-No-Lead-Fix-(Server-side)[/url]

Anybody know where I can purchase a digital copy? I've been trying to get this game for ages but I'm not willing to pay $20 or more along with shipping cross-border for it.

Sooooo who wants to play?

Was online co-op ever made possible in CE?

[QUOTE=Grenadiac;44794744]Was online co-op ever made possible in CE?[/QUOTE] I remember there was a remake of the campaign maps in CE. Not sure if you could run them in multiplayer, but that would amount to some form of cooperative play if you could.

A big map pack svn or something'd be nice so I didn't have to download each map I'm missing individually

[QUOTE=SonicXV;44794290]Important: When v1.10 is released for Custom Edition, these clients will likely not work until they are updated. You will need to uninstall the custom client if you wish to play on servers after that point.[/QUOTE] v1.10? But isn't Gearbox busy with other stuff?

[QUOTE=Dr Nick;44794768]I remember there was a remake of the campaign maps in CE. Not sure if you could run them in multiplayer, but that would amount to some form of cooperative play if you could.[/QUOTE] You [i]can[/i] run maps meant for singleplayer, but CE doesn't synchronize AI. I remember playing a custom map with other people wondering why they were running around shooting at nothing. Turned out to be AI enemies that didn't exist for anyone else. [editline]12th May 2014[/editline] [QUOTE=Vipes;44794794]v1.10? But isn't Gearbox busy with other stuff?[/QUOTE] Not Gearbox. It's one guy from Bungie plus 3 other people from various mod projects.

[QUOTE=TheLolrus;44794811]Not Gearbox. It's one guy from Bungie plus 3 other people from various mod projects.[/QUOTE] Ahh. What's all to be in the patch? Hopefully they'll fix the missing shaders/textures, give a widescreen support?

Apart from the master server switch: [quote]This update is a maintenance release, just to keep Halo working. There are no plans to ever add new features (that will be left to the modders). However, Roger did throw in a few nice fixes: - permit resolutions up 4800x3600 - enable active camo on Nvidia (it will render like other cards now instead of just alpha blending) - fixed video memory value to support 2GB cards - fixed handling of periods in map names - network access is enabled in devmode - sv_ban_penalty in init.txt works to set new values - models node limit raised to 63 - ignores checksum of strings.dll - various overflow, validation and other code fixes[/quote] Sourced from [url=http://halo-fixes.findforum.net/t4-some-details-about-the-internet-lobby-fix]this thread.[/url] So you'll get your widescreen support, but the shaders will probably stay as they are, i.e. you'll have to patch them yourself.

shit i wish i had halo isn't there going to be a steam release anyway?

[QUOTE=Highwind017;44794517]Main question is, where is the server hosted? The US, right? Halo CE doesn't have the best netcode in the world, and playing at a high ping is suffering.[/QUOTE] Server is hosted in East Coast US on about an 80 meg upstream with 1 hop to level 3. If your going to find a good connection to a US server from the UK, this is the one it would be. [editline]12th May 2014[/editline] [QUOTE=gk99;44794771]A big map pack svn or something'd be nice so I didn't have to download each map I'm missing individually[/QUOTE] See the OP, HAC2 seems to have the largest library of ingame downloads, I will also compile a pack and keep it up to date once we get a proper rotation

[QUOTE=TheLolrus;44794842]Apart from the master server switch: Sourced from [url=http://halo-fixes.findforum.net/t4-some-details-about-the-internet-lobby-fix]this thread.[/url] So you'll get your widescreen support, but the shaders will probably stay as they are, i.e. you'll have to patch them yourself.[/QUOTE] Is this update released yet?

[QUOTE=mark6789;44794899]Is this update released yet?[/QUOTE] Not officially; you can pull the test build from that thread, but it's not final, so it has to be installed manually, and I assume once it's complete you'll have to update again.

Ugh this text chat is killing me also OS cant download h2_new_mombasa

Mombasa broke the server, go to CTF hugeass!

[QUOTE=Pops;44794858]isn't there going to be a steam release anyway?[/QUOTE] No official word on the Steam release, but who knows, this patch might exist just because of a Steam Release in the works, as well as Gamespy shutting down. [QUOTE=TheLolrus;44794842]So you'll get your widescreen support, but the shaders will probably stay as they are, i.e. you'll have to patch them yourself.[/QUOTE] Finally native widescreen support. But the shaders is a bug by definition, not a feature.

From what I remember the shaders are straight-up missing from the files, not just bugged. It counts as a bug, but unless the guy who posted the changelist forgot to mention it, no code fix will bring them back. They've been missing from HPC since release, after all, and evidently it was never seen as a problem worth fixing. On the plus side, self-patching the shaders doesn't cause any problems with multiplayer and is relatively easy to do, but I'm not sure if said patch works with CE (or if CE was ever missing them to begin with).

[QUOTE=TheLolrus;44794811]You [i]can[/i] run maps meant for singleplayer, but CE doesn't synchronize AI. I remember playing a custom map with other people wondering why they were running around shooting at nothing. Turned out to be AI enemies that didn't exist for anyone else.[/QUOTE] Ugh that's disappointing as hell.

I'd like to see HCE anniversary on PC. Halo Anniversary Custom Edition? Halo Custom Edition Anniversary Edition?

[QUOTE=TheLolrus;44794980]From what I remember the shaders are straight-up missing from the files, not just bugged. It counts as a bug, but unless the guy who posted the changelist forgot to mention it, no code fix will bring them back. They've been missing from HPC since release, after all, and evidently it was never seen as a problem worth fixing. On the plus side, self-patching the shaders doesn't cause any problems with multiplayer and is relatively easy to do, but I'm not sure if said patch works with CE (or if CE was ever missing them to begin with).[/QUOTE] I know the shaders and whatnot are missing, and since it was Bungie doing the patch this time, I figured they'd have all the assets as they actually made the game, while Gearbox did a somewhat OK port. Don't get me wrong, Gearbox added a lot of good shit in, as well as improving Halo in most areas, but you can't deny that they goofed in other areas that haven't been fixed. And with Bungie doing the patch, now would be the perfect time to fix them. Anyway, got a link on how to self patch the missing content? [editline]12th May 2014[/editline] Saw they had a github, apparently I'm not the only one who thinks this [url]https://github.com/wreiske/halobugs/issues/3[/url]

Could we get [URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=826"]this map[/URL] added?

[URL="http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=2192"]This map is a needed must[/URL]. I simply love it.

[QUOTE=Vipes;44795016]I know the shaders and whatnot are missing, and since it was Bungie doing the patch this time, I figured they'd have all the assets as they actually made the game, while Gearbox did a somewhat OK port. Don't get me wrong, Gearbox added a lot of good shit in, as well as improving Halo in most areas, but you can't deny that they goofed in other areas that haven't been fixed. And with Bungie doing the patch, now would be the perfect time to fix them. Anyway, got a link on how to self patch the missing content? [editline]12th May 2014[/editline] Saw they had a github, apparently I'm not the only one who thinks this [url]https://github.com/wreiske/halobugs/issues/3[/url][/QUOTE] [url=http://ph.bungie.net/halopctestbuilds/halopc-1.10.4.zip]Linked to from the thread I got the changelist from.[/url] I also really hope they decide to fix the shaders properly as well.

I remember a map I loved a long time ago for CE, it was two islands with an underwater bridge between the two. I remember there were hovercraft vehicles on the surface and a hydralisk easter egg hidden at the bottom of a stairwell. I can't remember what it was called but I think it was made by a Facepunch member. Anyone know what I'm on about?

[url]http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=2179[/url] [url]http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=2501[/url] [url]http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=4957[/url] I remember spending hours and hours on these. Especially YoYo Island.

[QUOTE=Grenadiac;44795115]I remember a map I loved a long time ago for CE, it was two islands with an underwater bridge between the two. I remember there were hovercraft vehicles on the surface and a hydralisk easter egg hidden at the bottom of a stairwell. I can't remember what it was called but I think it was made by a Facepunch member. Anyone know what I'm on about?[/QUOTE] Oh God I think I remember that one too. At least, I remember the Hogboats (assuming this is the same map you're talking about) were uncontrollable.