- Project Reclaimer is a standalone fan launcher built on your Steam copy of Halo MCC's Halo 3 content
- Core features: server browser, up to 128-player matches, 16-player campaign co-op, and expanded Forge
- No MCC menu needed: launch the client directly; original game files are not modified
- Mod handling: missing maps and modes download automatically from servers or Steam Workshop
- Status: Early Development, with releases published on the official GitHub
What Is Project Reclaimer for Halo MCC?
Project Reclaimer is an independent fan project for Halo 3 PC players. It runs alongside your own Steam installation of Halo: The Master Chief Collection, extracting Halo 3's multiplayer, campaign, and Forge into a dedicated standalone client. It is not an official product of Microsoft, Xbox Game Studios, Halo Studios, or Bungie.
The project's headline numbers tell the story of its ambition:
| Feature | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Max players per match | 128 | Far beyond MCC's vanilla limits |
| Campaign co-op | 16 players | Solo, split-screen, and online supported |
| Dedicated server slots | 127 | Self-hosted persistent servers |
| Mod distribution | Steam Workshop + server-side | Automatic downloads on join |
| Scripting | Megalo (ReachVariantTool subset) | JSON configuration layer |
| Project status | Early Development | Continuous updates via GitHub releases |
Project Reclaimer is not a free copy of Halo 3. You must own and install Halo: The Master Chief Collection on Steam, including the Halo 3 Campaign and Multiplayer content, before the client can run any sessions.
Key resources every player should bookmark:
| Resource | Purpose | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Official site | Project overview and feature pages | projectreclaimer.dev |
| How to Play | Install and join instructions | projectreclaimer.dev/play |
| Forge page | Expanded Forge and AI details | projectreclaimer.dev/forge |
| Hosting guide | Dedicated server setup | projectreclaimer.dev/host |
| Releases | Client, server, and RCON downloads | GitHub Releases |
Step-by-Step: Installing and Joining Your First Server
The setup path is short because Project Reclaimer is a standalone client — you never open the MCC menu to play. Follow this sequence:
Install Halo MCC content on Steam
Install Halo: The Master Chief Collection through Steam and make sure the Halo 3 Campaign and/or Halo 3 Multiplayer components are downloaded. Project Reclaimer uses these files but does not rewrite them.
Download the Project Reclaimer client
Grab the latest client from the official releases page and extract it into its own folder, separate from your MCC installation directory.
Launch the standalone client
Start the client directly from its executable. Steam can stay signed in, but you do not need to enter the MCC in-game menu at any point.
Set your nickname
Open profile settings, choose a recognizable player name, and save. This name appears in session lists and to server administrators.
Browse, filter, and join
Use the server browser to filter by map, game type, version, or latency. Pick a server with an open slot, join, and let the client download any required content before the session starts.
Many community servers share connection details in Discord. Copy the server address from a Discord invitation and use it directly in the client to land in the same session as your friends.
Server Browser and Dedicated Hosting
The server browser exposes the information you need to compare sessions before connecting:
| Filter | What It Shows | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Map | Active multiplayer environment | Pick a familiar arena or explore custom maps |
| Game Type | Active ruleset or scripted mode | Confirm rules match your expectations |
| Version | Client compatibility info | Update the client if the server requires it |
| Mods | Custom maps, modes, Forge content | Allow automatic downloads when prompted |
| VPN | Network path indicator | Try a non-VPN route if connection fails |
| Latency | Network response time | Prefer lower ping for responsive play |
For hosts, the dedicated server package supports Windows desktop installs, Windows Server, and Linux Docker deployments. A well-run server follows this checklist:
Dedicated Server Essentials:
- Use a dedicated directory separate from the player client
- Open and forward all required ports through the firewall
- Place maps and mods in the expected server directories
- Configure admin list, anti-cheat, and ban controls before going public
- Enable automatic restart and log capture for crash recovery
- Secure RCON with a strong password and restricted access
Project Reclaimer ships a separate RCON utility for remote administration — changing maps, kicking players, and applying bans without touching the host machine directly. Treat RCON credentials like server root access.
Forge, Mods, and Scripted Game Modes
The expanded Forge is where Project Reclaimer separates itself from vanilla MCC. The object palette distinguishes STOCK, BUILT-IN, and MOD sources, supports Halo 3 campaign AI placement, frozen-object editing, and larger-scale construction than the base editor allows.
Map Mods
- Custom arenas and community layouts
- Server-specific map rotations
- Auto-downloaded on join when missing
Campaign Mods
- Custom missions and co-op scenarios
- Workshop-distributed story content
- Content syncs before session launch
Mode Scripts
- Megalo logic with JSON configuration
- Timers, zones, HUD, round controllers
- Built on a Slayer-style foundation
The project ships several ready-to-play scripted modes that double as learning references for creators:
| Mode | Category | Core Mechanic |
|---|---|---|
| Gun Game | Progression | Advance through weapon sequence on kills |
| Growth | Player-state | Power or status scales as match progresses |
| One in the Chamber | Limited ammo | Restricted resources, careful engagements |
| Zone Control | Objective | Capture and hold zones for score |
| Flood Infection | Infection | Human vs. Flood role conversion |
Follow the proven cycle: open Forge, place objects, freeze completed sections, add gameplay and AI elements, save, reload, then test with friends in the intended mode. Record problems, return to the editor, and repeat — never ship a map tested only from the editor camera.
Campaign Co-op and Content Requirements
Campaign play supports solo, split-screen, and online co-op with up to 16 players. Before launching, the host locks in the mission, starting point, difficulty, and any campaign modifiers. Mid-session joining is supported where the current checkpoint and encounter state allow it.
| Setup Stage | What to Decide | Common Pitfall |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Solo, split-screen, or online group | Forgetting the 16-player online limit |
| Mission | Mission and starting checkpoint | Players expecting a different mission |
| Difficulty | Level plus campaign modifiers | Mixed settings when testing mods |
| Content | Campaign mod installation | Incomplete content blocks entry |
| Join flow | Mid-game joining where permitted | New players moving during load |
In a modded campaign session, every connected player must have compatible content. Wait for content transfer to finish before starting — players with incomplete files may be blocked from entering the mission.
FAQ
Q: Does Project Reclaimer require Halo MCC?
Yes. Project Reclaimer is a fan launcher that runs on top of your own Steam installation of Halo: The Master Chief Collection with Halo 3 content. It is not a standalone copy of the game and does not replace official MCC matchmaking.
Q: Does Project Reclaimer modify my Halo MCC files?
No. The client works alongside the existing installation and does not rewrite or replace original game files. You launch Project Reclaimer directly without opening the MCC menu.
Q: How do I get mods when joining a server?
When a server requires content you do not have, the client can download the missing files automatically from the server, or you can subscribe to supported items through Steam Workshop. Wait for installation to finish, then reconnect if prompted.
Q: Can I host my own Project Reclaimer server?
Yes. The dedicated server package supports Windows, Windows Server, and Linux Docker deployments, with configuration files, port setup, map and mod directories, anti-cheat options, and remote administration through the RCON tool.
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. It is currently in Early Development, with releases published through the project's official GitHub page.