Halo Reach on PC: Everything you need to know

Halo: Reach.
Halo: Reach. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Halo: Reach was one of the most popular Xbox 360 games in the years before the Xbox One's release. Ever since it was added to the new console as part of the backwards compatibility program, it has maintained a healthy player base. However, something fans of the title have been asking for extensively is a port to PC. They would go on to get their wish, as it was revealed that Halo: Reach, alongside the rest of the Master Chief Collection (MCC), is being brought to PC retail services.

Here's everything you need to know about Halo: Reach on PC.

Halo Reach on PC: Gameplay and what to expect

Halo: Reach artwork.

Source: Bungie (Image credit: Source: Bungie)

Halo: Reach has been brought to PC in its entirety, and Campaign, Matchmaking, Custom Games, and Firefight are all available for players to enjoy (Forge and Theater are coming, but unfortunately weren't ready for the game's launch). In addition to this, the game is also being added to the MCC on Xbox One, and thankfully the extensive customization that Halo: Reach is known for has been brought to the MCC version on both platforms with an overhaul to how it is earned by the player. The Firefight mode uses dedicated servers. There is cross progression between both Xbox One and PC as well, though crossplay is still up in the air. The matchmaking uses the settings from the Title Update that came out for Halo: Reach after the game's original release.

Halo: Reach will look, feel, and play better than ever.

On both systems, Halo: Reach has been updated and made compatible with modern hardware, allowing gamers to enjoy the game at higher resolutions and framerates, with uncapped framerates on PC in particular. This is great news for players who can't stand the painful 30 frames per second (FPS) and motion blurring in the original game, and if you have a strong PC or an Xbox One X, you'll even be able to push 4K resolution. Without a doubt, this will be the best version of Halo: Reach ever experienced. Lastly, mod support is being considered as well, although it currently isn't a priority for the developers.

Halo Reach on PC: Release date and price

Halo: Reach multiplayer gameplay.

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

Halo: Reach arrived on the PC platform on Dec. 3, 2019 at 10 AM PST/ 1 PM ET / 6 PM GMT. On the same day, it was also integrated into the Master Chief Collection on Xbox One.

Halo: Reach Goes LiveCountdown

For all players on PC, Reach is $10. If you own the Master Chief Collection on Xbox One, you get access to the multiplayer modes for free, while you have to pay $10 to get access to Campaign and Firefight. If you happen to be an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, you get the full Reach experience at no cost on both platforms.

If you'd like to assist 343 Industries test various builds of the next Halo games coming to PC, make sure to sign up for the Halo Insider Program. Flight testing is the perfect way to give the developers a hand.

Halo Reach on PC: Where can you buy?

Halo: Reach gameplay.

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

It's fantastic that Halo: Reach has come to PC, but what service can you get it on? Currently, Halo: Reach is available on both Steam and the Windows 10 Store.

Halo: Reach is on both Steam and the WIndows 10 Store.

The ability to choose which service you like the most is great, and it's a consumer-friendly decision that shouldn't go underappreciated. With any luck, Reach will run smoothly on both Steam and the Windows 10 Store, and maybe even take advantage of the various community features offered by one or both of the services.

Halo Reach on PC: Final thoughts

A snapshot of the final cutscene of Halo: Reach.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Halo: Reach coming to PC is incredible. Tons of players never got the chance to experience Bungie's last Halo game due to Xbox exclusivity, and I'm so happy that's changing. I can't wait to see what the PC community thinks of one of Xbox's most successful titles ever.

Your thoughts

What's your opinion on Halo: Reach being on PC? Let me know what you think.

Updated: Dec. 3, 2019: This article was updated with information about the game's release.

Brendan Lowry

Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he's been an avid fan since childhood. You'll find him doing reviews, editorials, and general coverage on everything Xbox and PC. Follow him on Twitter.