- Project Reclaimer X refers to the standalone Halo 3 PC launcher with server browsing, Forge, and mod support
- Requirements: Steam copy of Halo: The Master Chief Collection with Halo 3 content installed
- Max scale: Up to 128 players per match and 16-player campaign co-op
- No file damage: The client does not modify or replace original MCC game files
- Downloads: Get the client, dedicated server, and RCON tool from official releases
Project Reclaimer X Overview
Project Reclaimer X is the fan-made standalone Halo 3 PC project built around your own Steam installation of Halo: The Master Chief Collection. It delivers a dedicated client with a server browser, expanded Forge tools, campaign co-op for up to 16 players, custom game modes, and automatic mod downloads. It is an independent community project, not an official product of Microsoft, Xbox Game Studios, Halo Studios, or Bungie.
The project is currently in Early Development, so expect frequent updates as new features and fixes roll out through official releases.
Standalone Client
- Launches directly, no MCC menu needed
- Built-in server browser
- Automatic mod downloads on join
Dedicated Servers
- Up to 127 server slots
- Windows, Windows Server, and Linux Docker
- RCON remote administration
Creation Tools
- Expanded Forge with AI support
- Megalo scripting for custom modes
- Steam Workshop distribution
Visit the official site at projectreclaimer.dev for the latest client release, and grab the official installation and play guide at projectreclaimer.dev/play.
Installation Requirements & Downloads
Before installing Project Reclaimer X, confirm your setup meets the base requirements. The project runs alongside your existing Halo installation without altering original files.
| Component | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Halo: MCC (Steam) | Yes, all users | Provides base game files |
| Halo 3 Multiplayer | Yes, for MP | Required for multiplayer servers |
| Halo 3 Campaign | Yes, for co-op | Required for campaign sessions |
| Windows PC | Yes | Runs the MCC installation and client |
| Internet access | Yes | Downloads releases, joins servers |
Three separate downloads exist, each serving a different audience:
| Download | Audience | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Client | Players | Browsing and joining servers, custom content |
| Dedicated Server | Server operators | Persistent multiplayer hosting |
| RCON Tool | Administrators | Remote server commands and player management |
Only download Project Reclaimer files from the official releases page on GitHub (ProjectReclaimer/project-reclaimer-releases). Third-party mirrors are unverified and may distribute unsafe files.
Step-by-Step First Launch
Follow this sequence to go from a fresh install to your first multiplayer session. The whole setup typically takes only a few minutes once MCC and Halo 3 content are installed.
Install Halo content
Install Halo: The Master Chief Collection through Steam, and make sure the Halo 3 Campaign and Multiplayer content your target server requires is available on your system.
Download and install Project Reclaimer
Get the latest client release and extract it into its own dedicated folder, kept separate from your MCC installation directory.
Launch the standalone client
Start the client directly from its executable. You do not need to open the MCC launcher or enter the MCC in-game menu first.
Set your nickname
Open profile settings, enter a recognizable player name, and save it before joining any server.
Find and join a server
Use the server browser to filter by map, game type, version, or latency, then join and allow any required content to download automatically.
Once Project Reclaimer is installed, keep Steam signed in but skip the MCC menu entirely. The client is your direct entry point into Halo 3 multiplayer sessions.
Server Browser & Game Modes
The server browser is your main tool for finding sessions. Understanding each filter helps you land in a compatible game quickly.
| Filter | What It Shows | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Map | Active map or environment | Pick familiar maps or explore custom content |
| Game Type | Active ruleset or mode | Review rules before joining |
| Version | Client compatibility | Update client if a server needs newer release |
| Mods | Custom content in use | Allow downloads when prompted |
| Latency | Network response time | Prefer lower ping for responsive play |
| VPN | Network path indicator | Try non-VPN if connection fails |
Project Reclaimer X ships with several scripted game modes plus tools to build your own:
| Mode | Category | Core Loop |
|---|---|---|
| Gun Game | Progression | Advance through weapon sequence per kill |
| One in the Chamber | Limited ammo | Careful shots, resource recovery on kills |
| Zone Control | Objective | Capture and hold zones for score |
| Flood Infection | Infection | Humans vs Flood, conversion on kill |
| Growth | Player-state | Escalating power as match progresses |
Custom modes use JSON configuration plus Megalo scripting logic, built on a Slayer foundation. Start with timers, zones, and HUD elements, then test each rule independently before combining systems.
Forge, Co-op & Dedicated Hosting
Creator & Host Workflow:
- Open Forge and select a starting map
- Place objects, then freeze completed sections
- Add AI and gameplay elements, test routes
- Save, reload, and validate the map
- Test in multiplayer with friends
- Configure dedicated server ports and admins
- Enable anti-cheat and RCON for public hosting
Forge in Project Reclaimer X extends the classic workflow with frozen-object editing, larger construction options, and Halo 3 AI support. Objects are organized by source: STOCK, BUILT-IN, and MOD content, letting creators mix base pieces with community additions.
Campaign play supports solo, split-screen, and online co-op for up to 16 players, including mission selection, difficulty, starting points, campaign modifiers, mid-session joining, and campaign mods distributed automatically to connected players.
For hosts, the dedicated server flow covers environment choice, runtime installation, port configuration, map and mod directories, administrator lists, anti-cheat, automatic restarts, and RCON management.
Before opening a server publicly, set a strong RCON password, restrict RCON access to trusted networks, enable anti-cheat, and maintain a ban list for disruptive players.
FAQ
Q: Does Project Reclaimer X modify my Halo: MCC installation?
No. The client works alongside your existing Steam installation and does not replace or rewrite original game files. Keep MCC installed, but you never need to enter its menu to play.
Q: Do I need to own Halo: The Master Chief Collection?
Yes. Project Reclaimer uses your own Steam copy of MCC as the base game, and the Halo 3 Campaign and Multiplayer content must be installed for the sessions you want to join.
Q: How do mods download when joining a server?
When a server uses content you do not have, the client prompts you to download the missing files, either from the server itself or via supported Steam Workshop workflows. Accept the prompt and wait for installation to finish.
Q: Is Project Reclaimer X an official Halo product?
No. It is an independent fan project for Halo 3 PC players and is not affiliated with Microsoft, Xbox Game Studios, Halo Studios, or Bungie. It is currently in early development.