- Project Reclaimer PC is a standalone Halo 3 fan launcher built for Steam's Master Chief Collection.
- Core features: server browser, 128-player battles, 16-player campaign co-op, expanded Forge, mods.
- No MCC menu needed: the client launches directly and never modifies original game files.
- Dedicated servers: host up to 127 slots on Windows, Windows Server, or Linux Docker.
- Free download: official releases come from the Project Reclaimer GitHub releases page.
What Is Project Reclaimer on PC?
Project Reclaimer PC is an independent fan project designed for Halo 3 players and modders on Windows. It runs alongside your own Steam installation of Halo: The Master Chief Collection (MCC), adding a standalone client with a server browser, expanded Forge tools, mod support, multiplayer, and campaign co-op. It is not an official product of Microsoft, Xbox Game Studios, Halo Studios, or Bungie.
The project exists to restore and extend the classic Halo 3 PC experience: quick server browsing, community-run dedicated servers, and creative tools that go beyond what the standard MCC interface offers. Because Project Reclaimer is a separate client, it does not rewrite or replace your original MCC files — Steam only needs to provide the base game data.
Always download Project Reclaimer from the official channels: projectreclaimer.dev and the official GitHub releases page. Avoid third-party mirrors, as unofficial downloads may bundle unwanted software.
Core Feature Overview
| Feature | What It Does | Limit / Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Server Browser | Browse and join community servers by map, mode, and ping | Filter by version and mods |
| Large Multiplayer | Big-team custom battles | Up to 128 players |
| Campaign Co-op | Online Halo 3 campaign sessions | Up to 16 players |
| Expanded Forge | More objects, frozen-object editing, AI support | STOCK, BUILT-IN, MOD sources |
| Dedicated Servers | Persistent community hosting | Up to 127 slots |
| Mod Support | Steam Workshop and automatic server-side downloads | Content synced on join |
Project Status (October 2026)
Project Reclaimer is currently in early development. Features, modes, and tooling continue to change between releases, so always check the official site and Discord for the latest client version before troubleshooting compatibility issues.
PC Setup Guide: From Steam to First Match
Getting started takes roughly four steps: prepare MCC, grab the client, launch it directly, and join a server. The full official instructions live on the How to Play page.
Install Halo: MCC on Steam
Purchase and install Halo: The Master Chief Collection through Steam, then make sure the Halo 3 content (Campaign and/or Multiplayer) is downloaded. Project Reclaimer reads from this installation — you must own the base game.
Download the Project Reclaimer Client
Get the latest client release from the official GitHub releases page. Extract or install it into its own dedicated folder, kept separate from the MCC installation directory for clean updates.
Launch the Standalone Client
Run the Project Reclaimer executable directly. You do not need to open the MCC launcher or enter its in-game menu first. Allow network access when prompted and wait for the server list to load.
Set Your Nickname and Join a Server
Open the profile settings, choose a recognizable player name, then use the server browser to filter sessions by map, game type, version, or latency and connect. If the server requires custom content, the client handles the download automatically.
- Launching MCC first is unnecessary — the Project Reclaimer client is the entry point.
- Missing Halo 3 content in Steam will block Halo 3-based sessions.
- Placing the client inside the MCC folder can complicate updates and mod management.
Server Browser and Dedicated Hosting
The server browser is the heart of the Project Reclaimer PC experience. It shows live sessions with map, mode, player count, version, mod tags, VPN status, and latency so you can pick the right match before connecting.
Server Browser Filters Explained
| Filter | What It Tells You | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Map | Active multiplayer environment | Pick familiar arenas or discover customs |
| Game Type | Active ruleset (Slayer, CTF, scripted modes) | Check rules before joining |
| Version | Client compatibility reported by server | Match your installed release |
| Mods | Custom maps, scripts, Forge content | Accept downloads when prompted |
| Latency | Network response time | Prefer low ping for responsive play |
| VPN | Connection path indicator | Useful when troubleshooting access |
For hosts, Project Reclaimer also ships a dedicated server package and an RCON utility. The official hosting guide covers the full deployment workflow.
Windows Host
- Manual installation
- Local testing friendly
- Direct file access
Windows Server
- Persistent hosting
- Scheduled maintenance
- Service-based operation
Linux Docker
- Containerized deployment
- Repeatable setups
- Isolated dependencies
Before opening a public server: forward the required ports through your firewall, configure the administrator list, enable anti-cheat protections, set a strong RCON password, and run the server under a process supervisor with automatic restart.
Forge, Mods, and Custom Modes
Forge in Project Reclaimer goes well beyond the classic editor. The official Forge page highlights Halo 3 AI support, frozen-object editing, and larger-scale construction, with objects organized by STOCK, BUILT-IN, and MOD sources.
Forge Creation Workflow
| Stage | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| 1. Start | Open Forge, pick a base map, enter the editor |
| 2. Build | Place structures, spawns, scenery from the palette |
| 3. Expand | Edit frozen objects, assemble large constructions |
| 4. Script | Add AI encounters and gameplay objects |
| 5. Validate | Save, reload, confirm changes persist |
| 6. Test | Play with friends, fix, repeat the cycle |
Mod Types and Distribution
Map Mods
- Custom arenas
- Community layouts
- Server rotations
Campaign Mods
- Custom missions
- Co-op scenarios
- Workshop distribution
Forge Content
- Experimental designs
- Community arenas
- Objective layouts
Mode Scripts
- Custom objectives
- Special rules
- Megalo logic
When you join a server running content you do not have, the client can fetch missing files from Steam Workshop subscriptions or automatic server-side sharing — no manual file hunting required.
Project Reclaimer supports part of the ReachVariantTool Megalo language for custom game modes, alongside built-in scripted modes like Gun Game, One in the Chamber, Zone Control, and Flood Infection. Start from a Slayer foundation and add variables, timers, zones, and HUD elements step by step.
Campaign Co-op on PC
Halo 3's campaign plays differently at scale. Project Reclaimer supports solo, split-screen, and online cooperative sessions with up to 16 players, plus campaign mods with mid-session joining.
| Setting | Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Solo, split-screen, online co-op | Online supports the 16-player limit |
| Mission | Any Halo 3 mission + starting point | Later starts useful for testing |
| Difficulty | Easy through Legendary | Affects enemy pressure |
| Modifiers | Campaign skulls and mod changes | Keep consistent across players |
| Joining | Mid-session join when allowed | Depends on checkpoint state |
Campaign Co-op Pre-Launch Checklist:
- Confirm every player has compatible Halo 3 content
- Agree on mission, difficulty, and starting point
- Install campaign mods on all clients before launch
- Let late joiners wait for content transfer to finish
- Have the host ready to reload if the session breaks
Test a campaign mod solo first. If a mission misbehaves, drop back to the unmodified campaign to isolate whether the mod or the session settings caused the issue.
FAQ
Q: Is Project Reclaimer free to play on PC?
The Project Reclaimer client itself is a free fan project downloaded from the official GitHub releases. However, you must own the Steam version of Halo: The Master Chief Collection with Halo 3 content installed, since the client runs alongside your legitimate game files.
Q: Does Project Reclaimer modify my Halo MCC installation?
No. Project Reclaimer runs as an independent client and does not replace or rewrite original MCC game files. Steam simply provides the base Halo 3 content the client uses.
Q: How many players can join a Project Reclaimer session?
Multiplayer sessions support up to 128 players, while Halo 3 campaign co-op supports up to 16 players. Dedicated servers can be configured with up to 127 player slots.
Q: Is Project Reclaimer an official Halo product?
No. It is an independent fan project and is not affiliated with Microsoft, Xbox Game Studios, Halo Studios, or Bungie. Follow official channels at projectreclaimer.dev for news and updates.