1. About Halo Custom Edition (CE)

Halo Custom Edition is a free multiplayer‑only version of Halo: Combat Evolved (PC). It allows user‑created content: custom maps, objects, and features not possible in the standard game. Installing Halo CE requires your original Halo PC CD key. You can keep both Halo PC and Halo CE installed side‑by‑side using the same key.

2. Downloading CE

• Halo CE installer (choose your language):
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Spanish
• v1.10 patch (required): Mirror 1 (halomaps) | Mirror 2 (Bungie)
• CD key recovery tools (if you lost your key): Tool v1 | Tool v2 (recommended)

3. Installing CE

1. Run the Halo CE installer and enter your Halo PC CD key.
2. Apply the v1.10 patch (run the downloaded patch file).
3. Enable console (for admins):
   • Navigate to your Halo CE installation folder (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Halo Custom Edition\).
   • Right‑click haloce.exe → Create shortcut. Place shortcut on desktop.
   • Right‑click shortcut → Properties → in the Target field, add -console at the end (with a space before).
     Example: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Halo Custom Edition\haloce.exe" -console
   • Press ~ (tilde) in‑game to open the console.

4. Troubleshooting CE

• Graphics: Set anti‑aliasing to “use application setting” and anisotropic filtering to “use application setting” in your GPU control panel.
• Codecs: Install Xvid codec and K‑Lite codec pack to fix video playback issues.
• Missing text chat: Download and install MSXML 4.0 SP2.

5. Using CE & Custom Maps

After launching Halo CE, connect to the Internet Lobby. In the server browser enable “Show custom maps” in the filters. You’ll see servers running custom content, but you won’t have the maps yet - that’s where HAC2 comes in.

HAC2 automatically downloads required custom maps when you join a server. No manual hunting for map files. Large maps may take a moment, but they are cached for future use.

See it in action: YouTube demonstration

6. HAC2 - Download & Installation

HAC2 (Halo Anti‑Cheat) also provides automatic map downloading and improved chat. Follow the official installation guide:

HAC2 Installation Wiki (site is safe - ignore any security warnings)

After installation, HAC2 will handle map downloads automatically whenever you join a custom map server.

7. HAC2 Settings (optional)

• Custom chat appearance: With Halo CE closed, open console (~) and type custom_chat 1 to enable styled text.
• Font size: Use font_size [size] in console, e.g. font_size 36.

1. What is Chimera?

Chimera is a modern open‑source enhancement client for Halo CE. It provides automatic map downloading, improved chat, widescreen fixes, FPS uncap, and many quality‑of‑life features. It is actively maintained and considered by many to be a more advanced alternative to HAC2.

Important: Chimera is NOT compatible with HAC2. You must uninstall or remove HAC2 before installing Chimera (delete or rename the HAC2 .dll files).

2. Download Chimera

• Latest release: github.com/SnowyMouse/chimera/releases – download the ZIP file for the newest version.
• Info & community: OpenCarnage thread (includes Discord link and additional details).
• Homepage: github.com/SnowyMouse/chimera

3. Installation

1. Locate your Halo CE installation folder (e.g. C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Halo Custom Edition\).
2. Back up your original strings.dll – rename it to strings.dll.backup or copy it to a safe location.
3. Extract the downloaded ZIP archive. Inside you'll find (at least) strings.dll and chimera.ini.
4. Copy both files into your Halo CE root folder. When prompted, overwrite the existing strings.dll.
5. Launch Halo CE normally. Chimera loads automatically – you'll see a version message in the console (~).

No additional steps are required; Chimera handles map downloads right away.

4. Configuration (optional)

• Edit chimera.ini (in your Halo CE folder) with a text editor to enable/disable features, adjust download paths, chat style, and more. The file includes comments explaining each setting.
• In‑game console commands: press ~ and type chimera help to see all available commands (e.g. chimera fps to show FPS counter).
• You can also change map download behavior, font sizes, and HUD elements via the console.

5. Using Chimera

• Auto map download: When you join a server with a custom map you don't have, Chimera will download it automatically (progress shown in chat). Maps are saved to your maps folder.
• Extra features: Widescreen fixes, improved networking, FPS uncap, and a modern chat interface.
• If you experience issues, check the OpenCarnage thread or the GitHub repository for troubleshooting.

6. Chimera vs HAC2

Chimera is under active development, supports newer operating systems, and includes many features not found in HAC2 (such as built‑in widescreen support and extensive customization). However, because they are incompatible, you must choose one client. Most players now prefer Chimera.