- Project Reclaimer Halo 3 is a standalone fan launcher for Halo 3 PC multiplayer, built around your own Steam copy of MCC.
- Core features: server browser, up to 128-player battles, 16-player campaign co-op, and expanded Forge.
- Mods install automatically: missing maps and modes download from the server or Steam Workshop when you join.
- Not official: it is a community project, not affiliated with Microsoft, Xbox Game Studios, or Bungie.
- Best starting point: install MCC on Steam, grab the client from the official releases page, and join a server.
What Is Project Reclaimer Halo 3?
Project Reclaimer is an independent fan project that gives Halo 3 on PC a modern multiplayer ecosystem. Instead of routing through the MCC menu, you launch a standalone client that provides a full server browser, dedicated servers, expanded Forge tools, automatic mod downloads, and large-scale campaign co-op. Everything runs on top of your own Steam installation of Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and the original game files are not modified.
The project is currently in Early Development, but its feature set already covers what Halo 3 PC players have wanted for years: classic custom games, community servers, and creative tools.
Standalone Client
- No MCC menu required
- Direct server browser
- Runs alongside Steam install
Big Multiplayer
- Up to 128 players per match
- Lobby voting
- Scripted game modes
Creative Suite
- Expanded Forge with AI objects
- Megalo scripting
- Steam Workshop support
Project Reclaimer is not an official product of Microsoft, Xbox Game Studios, Halo Studios, or Bungie. You must own the Steam version of Halo: The Master Chief Collection with Halo 3 content installed to play.
Feature Overview
| Feature | Details | Player Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Server browser | Filter by map, mode, version, mods, latency | Up to 128 per match |
| Campaign co-op | Solo, split-screen, online co-op with mid-game join | Up to 16 players |
| Dedicated servers | Windows, Windows Server, Linux Docker; RCON admin | 127 server slots |
| Forge | Expanded objects, AI, frozen-object editing, larger builds | Per-session |
| Mods | Auto-download, server-side sharing, Steam Workshop | Per-server content |
| Scripting | Megalo via ReachVariantTool, JSON configuration | Per-mode logic |
Installation: Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Getting started takes one session. The key principle: Project Reclaimer is a separate client, not a mod injected into MCC.
Install Halo: MCC on Steam
Install Halo: The Master Chief Collection from Steam, and make sure the Halo 3 Campaign and/or Halo 3 Multiplayer content you need is downloaded on the same PC.
Download the Project Reclaimer client
Get the latest client from the official releases page and extract it into its own dedicated folder, separate from your MCC installation.
Launch the standalone client
Run the client directly. You do not need to open the MCC launcher or enter its in-game menu first. Allow network access when prompted.
Set your nickname
Open profile or account settings, enter a recognizable player name, and save before joining a server so friends and admins can identify you.
Browse and join a server
Filter the server list by map, game type, version, or latency, pick a session with an open slot, and join. Accept any required content downloads and reconnect if prompted.
Keep the client folder intact between updates. The client handles version checks against servers, so updating when a server requires a newer release keeps your join list clean.
Download Packages at a Glance
| Package | Audience | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Client | Players | Browse servers, join sessions, download content |
| Dedicated Server | Server operators | Host persistent multiplayer servers |
| RCON Tool | Administrators | Remote server management and commands |
| MCC (Steam) | All players | Required base game and Halo 3 content |
Server Browser and Dedicated Servers
The server browser is the heart of Project Reclaimer. Each listing shows the map, active game type, client version compatibility, custom content, VPN status, and latency, giving you enough information to pick the right session before connecting.
Browser Filter Reference
| Filter | What It Shows | How to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Map | Active multiplayer environment | Pick familiar arenas or explore custom content |
| Game Type | Active ruleset or scripted mode | Confirm rules match your expectations |
| Version | Client compatibility info | Update your client when required |
| Mods | Custom maps, Forge, or scripts | Allow auto-download of missing files |
| Latency | Network response time | Prefer lower ping for responsive play |
| VPN | Network path indicator | Use when troubleshooting connectivity |
For hosts, the dedicated server package supports Windows, Windows Server, and Linux Docker deployments. The setup covers configuration files, port forwarding, map and mod directories, automatic restarts, administrator lists, anti-cheat settings, and RCON-based remote management. The official hosting guide walks through the full process.
Use a strong RCON password, restrict administrative access to trusted operators, keep anti-cheat enabled for public sessions, and maintain a ban list for repeat offenders.
Forge, Mods, and Campaign Co-op
Forge in Project Reclaimer goes beyond the classic Halo 3 editor. Object sources are split into STOCK, BUILT-IN, and MOD categories, and creators can place Halo 3 campaign AI, edit frozen objects, and assemble larger constructions than the original editor allowed.
Core Creative Workflows
| Workflow | Key Steps |
|---|---|
| Forge map build | Open editor, place objects, add AI/gameplay elements, save and reload |
| Map testing | Host a session, verify spawns and boundaries, iterate with friends |
| Mod distribution | Publish via Steam Workshop or server-side sharing |
| Mode scripting | Start from a Slayer foundation, add variables, events, and round logic |
| Campaign mods | Load compatible mission content, sync all players before launch |
Built-in Scripted Game Modes
| Mode | Category | Core Mechanic |
|---|---|---|
| Gun Game | Progression | Advance through a weapon sequence on kills |
| Growth | Player-state | Power or status grows as the match progresses |
| One in the Chamber | Limited ammo | Careful engagements with restricted resources |
| Zone Control | Objective | Capture and hold designated zones for score |
| Flood Infection | Infection | Human vs Flood roles, conversion on elimination |
Project Reclaimer supports a subset of the ReachVariantTool Megalo language. Start from a Slayer foundation, add one rule at a time, and test each independently before combining systems. JSON handles structured configuration while Megalo drives the gameplay logic.
Campaign co-op supports solo, split-screen, and online play for up to 16 players, with mission and starting-point selection, difficulty and modifier settings, campaign mod loading, and mid-session joining when the mission state permits it.
Beginner Goals Checklist
Your First Week with Project Reclaimer:
- Install MCC with Halo 3 content on Steam
- Download and launch the Project Reclaimer client
- Join a low-latency public server
- Try one custom map or scripted mode
- Complete a campaign co-op mission with friends
Once you have joined a server and played a scripted mode, you have covered the core Project Reclaimer loop. From here, Forge building and Megalo scripting are the natural next steps for creators.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to own Halo: The Master Chief Collection to play Project Reclaimer?
Yes. Project Reclaimer is a fan project that runs on top of your own Steam installation of Halo: The Master Chief Collection with Halo 3 content. It does not ship the game itself.
Q: Does Project Reclaimer modify my Halo 3 game files?
No. The client runs independently alongside your existing installation and does not replace or rewrite original game files. You launch it directly without entering the MCC menu.
Q: How do mods and custom maps get installed?
When you join a server that uses content you do not have, the client can download the missing files automatically from the server or through supported Steam Workshop workflows, then reconnect you to the session.
Q: How many players can play at once in Project Reclaimer Halo 3?
Multiplayer matches support up to 128 players, campaign co-op supports up to 16 players, and dedicated servers offer up to 127 slots.
Follow the official Project Reclaimer website and its Discord for version updates, patch notes, and community events, since the project is in active early development.