Halo OG v0.5.1

Halo OG brings original Xbox Halo: Combat Evolved to native platforms, with community maps downloaded in the background.

Platform	Download
macOS (Apple Silicon)	Halo-OG-macos-arm64.dmg
Windows	halo-windows-release.zip
Linux	halo-linux-release.zip
Android	halo-android-release.zip

Overview

Halo OG v0.5.1 adds four Digsite maps and Team Slayer Pro, with more control over player sounds and fixes for aiming and split-screen. Fresh Mac settings now select Native Metal, which reduces rendering overhead and prepares learned shaders before gameplay. Desktop players can change rendering resolution without restarting. An experimental camo and Overshield sync repair is available through network.experimental_powerup_sync in config.toml and remains off by default.

• Digsite maps: play Chillout Dig, Damnation Dig, Exhibit Dig and Prisoner Dig in regular modes or with Fiesta Uncut and All. Regular versions keep their reviewed weapon sets and omit the Battle Rifle; Fiesta All uses the existing 31-weapon pack.
• Team Slayer Pro: a new locked preset includes timers, Precision Spread, stronger camo and Just Me sounds. Original built-in gametypes are hidden by default; enable Default Game Types in Game Settings to show them.
• Audio: Just Me keeps your movement and weapon-handling sounds audible to you while suppressing them for other players. Upcoming rocket, camo and Overshield names play before the countdown.
• Input and split-screen: menus block gameplay controls, camera shake stays visible, and aiming respects firing limits. Precision Spread centers the pistol reticle. Teammate panes stay stable through respawns, with menus and scoreboards overlaying both panes.
• Resolution: apply Native or 480p-2160p rendering resolutions in Game Settings without restarting on Mac Native Metal and Windows/Linux OpenGL.
• Native Metal: Mac settings without a saved renderer choice now select Native Metal; saved ANGLE choices remain in effect. GPU vertex decoding reduces CPU preparation and uploads, while subsequent launches prepare learned shaders and pipelines before gameplay. Unseen shaders still compile when first encountered.

All commits since v0.5.0

• 53762eb fix(input): block gameplay controls while in-game menus are open
• 803a87f fix(effects): retain camera shake across render frames
• 237a753 fix(camera): align direct aim with unit firing bounds
• 219fb8d fix(audio): announce upcoming item waves before countdown
• a56459a fix(render): keep teammate split screen stable through respawns
• ffefdb6 fix(ui): overlay split-screen menus and teammate scoreboard
• 2f64c35 fix(menu): use faster navigation without a saved setting
• 405b6cc feat(gametypes): add locked Team Slayer Pro and optional stock presets
• f47fa1b fix(menu): use consistent native multiplayer pause layouts
• 76c3342 feat(maps): support streamed multiplayer maps up to 512 MiB
• 84d23e3 feat(maps): add profile-driven V5 conversion with original asset policies
• 4080fd2 fix(hud): use original up-res HUD assets on converted maps
• 89297f8 fix(maps): preserve authored original weapon placements in converted maps
• 57c0782 fix(cache): invalidate stale map copies using source content hashes
• 3134aa1 fix(ui): handle missing profiles in gametype cards
• dbcb343 feat(audio): add Just Me movement and weapon sounds
• 00a976c fix(hud): center the pistol reticle with Precision Spread
• 4a8d516 docs(releases): define player-facing community highlights
• b5cd49e feat(network): add experimental camo and overshield sync repair
• 7a8ea1e docs: define focused testing and concise documentation policies
• ba6d14e test: isolate exploratory Metal checks and trim brittle fixtures
• 21cd782 ci: remove duplicate checks and validate directory service
• ac788b1 fix(releases): require same-source Apple regression checks
• 8158735 fix(maps): accept punctuation in authored scenario paths
• 32a458d feat(maps): enforce reviewed weapon lineage and audited omissions
• c9331b2 fix(metal): avoid redundant copies in aligned vertex expansion
• 18fa83e feat(metal): attribute cutscene stalls to render phases and submissions
• 2169492 fix(metal): skip unchanged rendered water mip copies
• 261c74f feat(video): add live resolution controls for Metal and desktop OpenGL
• fcafeca fix(metal): reduce submission overhead with retained 16 MiB batches
• 3fd13c8 fix(metal): cache immutable shader binding requirements
• 3a355a7 fix(metal): warm learned shaders and pipelines before gameplay
• a873873 fix(metal): copy each guest packet once into owned GPU storage
• 6c5dbda docs(metal): record cutscene stall analysis and measured improvements
• e1f7025 feat(maps): stage downloads with catalog snapshot guards
• c3dfef5 feat(fiesta): admit larger catalogs for Digsite companion maps
• 122a237 chore(release): prepare Halo OG v0.5.1
• 62cc7f2 fix(fiesta): keep older clients on their compatible download catalog
• 9a7f53e feat(metal): decode compact vertex input on the GPU by default
• a1367ec feat(macos): use native Metal as the default renderer
• 5cbe451 test(settings): align save fixtures with current preferences
• 3d80abc fix(video): declare screen resize commit before OpenGL initialization
• f6a2efe docs(releases): include final Metal changes in v0.5.1 overview
• 31acc83 docs(console): add command and variable reference
• 8fdf2d1 test(camera): provide unit aiming bounds in direct camera fixture
• 3be808a refactor(network): retire experimental powerup synchronization
• d6113d9 test(menu): align repeat fixtures with fixed faster navigation
• 0c32420 test(menu): exercise current native settings and pause widgets
• 9745c2b Revert "refactor(network): retire experimental powerup synchronization"
• cf39474 test(mouse): expect Just Me when cycling audio settings
• 01fad02 docs(releases): describe opt-in powerup synchronization in v0.5.1
• 107a41a chore: ignore local Cloudflare runtime cache
• c5cd1d9 test(render): validate stable teammate panes and fullscreen overlays
• bf77e9b test(macos): check the current Fiesta catalog batch limit
• 25d686e test(render): assert retail omits teammate fullscreen overlays
• 0f017aa test(weapons): use portable case comparison in Windows fixtures
• fec3fdf test(hud): preserve nonreturning assertion failures on Windows
• 7e6f1ce test(network): verify powerup creation guards reset
• 6f07741 test(weapons): assert map initialization clears engine state

Full comparison

Supply your own Xbox NTSC Halo XISO or extracted data (01.10.12.2276). See the platform setup guides and playtesting guide; the README describes this fork. Mac, Windows and Linux automatically download approved complete community maps; Android map setup remains manual.

Timer Audio recordings are a separate optional download. Mac, Windows, Linux and Android download recordings automatically in the background; restart after their first installation.

The Mac app is ad-hoc signed and unnotarized; read macos-README.txt before first launch. Linux needs 32-bit runtime dependencies.

All four builds use source 6f07741b4df71744ec5d6b133d3e1bd6c9637958 and network protocol 11; players should use this same release. Checksums and CI provenance are attached. Physical cross-platform and Internet/NAT play still need testing.

Halo OG v0.5.0

Halo OG brings original Xbox Halo: Combat Evolved to native platforms, with community maps downloaded in the background.

Platform	Download
macOS (Apple Silicon)	Halo-OG-macos-arm64.dmg
Windows	halo-windows-release.zip
Linux	halo-linux-release.zip
Android	halo-android-release.zip

Overview

This update adds an optional Team Split Screen prototype for System Link team games, showing your view above one living remote teammate's view. It also hides the Mac menu bar and Dock during focused fullscreen play. The teammate pane is an experimental camera view reconstructed from existing network updates, so it can appear delayed or choppy.

• Team Split Screen: hosts can enable the prototype under Multiplayer, Edit Gametypes, Game Options, Set Game Rules. Enable Team Play first; CTF includes the option directly. Off remains the default.
• Teammate view: machines with one local player can show one eligible on-foot teammate below their own view. The pane has a name label and omits weapon hands, HUD and atmospheric effects; audio and controls stay with the local player. Use matching builds to see teammate panes on every machine.
• Mac fullscreen: the menu bar and Dock hide while the game has focus. Release the mouse with F12 and move to the top edge to reveal the menu bar; opening native settings restores system controls.

All commits since v0.4.0

• 2554369 fix(macos): hide menu bar and Dock during fullscreen play
• 457ba27 feat(multiplayer): add optional teammate split-screen prototype
• c9a8a36 feat(tools): add interactive local teammate-view runner
• 62698bf fix(test): include teammate menu helpers in settings fixtures
• 194c521 ci: verify teammate fixtures and complete iOS app builds
• 2373cb1 chore(release): prepare Halo OG v0.5.0
• 20787ea fix(test): validate teammate counters on newer Clang

Full comparison

Supply your own Xbox NTSC Halo XISO or extracted data (01.10.12.2276). See the platform setup guides and playtesting guide; the README describes this fork. Mac, Windows and Linux automatically download approved complete community maps; Android map setup remains manual.

Timer Audio recordings are a separate optional download. Mac, Windows, Linux and Android download recordings automatically in the background; restart after their first installation.

The Mac app is ad-hoc signed and unnotarized; read macos-README.txt before first launch. Linux needs 32-bit runtime dependencies.

All four builds use source 20787ea03e7d99e261cd525a009f9aa11b8d5f41 and network protocol 11; players should use this same release. Checksums and CI provenance are attached. Physical cross-platform and Internet/NAT play still need testing.

Halo OG v0.4.0

Halo OG brings original Xbox Halo: Combat Evolved to native platforms, with community maps downloaded in the background.

Platform	Download
macOS (Apple Silicon)	Halo-OG-macos-arm64.dmg
Windows	halo-windows-release.zip
Linux	halo-linux-release.zip
Android	halo-android-release.zip

Overview

This update expands Fiesta with Uncut and All weapon sets and adds optional Upres HUD, fonts and menu titles. It also adds Hardcore camo, solo multiplayer starts and fixes for controls, rendering and Overshield feedback. The public arsenal upload is deferred, so expanded Fiesta currently requires matching arsenals installed manually.

• Fiesta: select Uncut or All in Item Options to spawn with two different random weapons, including weapons absent from the selected map. The reviewed arsenal contains nine recovered Uncut weapons and 31 playable definitions for All; choosing All displays Pfiesta in the menu.
• Hardcore camo: hosts can remove the camouflage tint under Edit Gametypes, Performance, Camo. Normal remains the default.
• Upres: optional sharper HUD artwork, scalable fonts and menu titles are available under Game Settings, Video, Asset Quality. Original remains the default; restart after changing the saved choice.
• Solo multiplayer and controls: start Split Screen or System Link alone with START. Faster menu navigation preserves individual presses and repeats after a 500 ms hold, then every 100 ms; Original remains the default.
• Rendering and audio: Smooth Motion keeps cameras and objects aligned after simulation catch-up, and Metal reuses shader and render work while supporting imported BC2/BC3 cube textures. Recognized passive Overshield drain no longer triggers shield-hit feedback on joining clients.
• Credits: the About page now includes the original Xbox Halo team alongside this port's contributors.

All commits since v0.3.1

• 08ef504 perf(metal): avoid redundant writes when copying geometry packets
• 69deba4 perf(metal): reuse compatible opaque render passes
• 62e89e5 docs: record Metal performance implementation commits
• 94b845e feat(gameplay): add Normal and Hardcore camo gametype setting
• 174fc7f fix(audio): keep passive Overshield drain out of damage feedback
• 124cd1f feat(release): author player-facing release overviews
• 0c2f2d5 feat(multiplayer): allow solo Split Screen and System Link starts
• eefc86d fix(input): delay Faster menu repeats and preserve discrete presses
• de52b60 fix(test): isolate renderer benchmark app identity
• 2dc6397 fix(input): use a 500 ms hold and 100 ms repeats for Faster menus
• 31fe106 test(ui): follow Performance Options layout in mouse fixtures
• 3112dcd test(hud): check damage authorization after shield updates
• 78731af test(multiplayer): fix Linux and Windows solo-start fixtures
• 1a12910 test(multiplayer): verify countdown broadcasts in legacy lobbies
• 33350b5 feat(credits): include the original Xbox Halo team in About
• 8dd629b feat(video): add optional high-resolution HUD across renderers
• fca76d5 perf(metal): reuse compiled functions for identical shaders
• 19743f0 fix(render): keep camera and objects aligned after tick catch-up
• cdeca32 test(render): compare original and interpolated motion settings
• f13f49d docs: record native renderer performance and motion validation
• 7ad3151 chore: sync main into native renderer performance work
• a0e61c0 feat(video): add optional Upres fonts and menu titles
• 13a3cd9 docs: record installed renderer and motion smoke checks
• b24dbaa test(macos): show frame rate during game playtests
• eefc7b6 perf(metal): reduce renderer stalls and stabilize catch-up motion
• e949d60 chore: merge latest origin main into local development
• 8dd20c4 fix(build): preserve leading underscores in assembly string data
• c12948b fix(metal): support authored BC2 and BC3 cube textures
• c9ed32a feat(assets): build and publish verified global Fiesta arsenals
• fe5da37 feat(fiesta): add global weapon sets and verified arsenal downloads
• 5bcac34 fix(macos): correct Fiesta downloader types and disk-space checks
• 075c3e5 fix(windows): expose shared Fiesta cache and hash headers
• cd694d5 ci: validate expanded Fiesta caches and asset delivery
• c15085e fix(release): keep setup notes and packaging fixtures current
• 04d0191 chore(release): prepare v0.4.0 with deferred arsenal uploads
• 935090c fix(test): validate HUD filtering precision and standalone ANGLE loading
• 5a0c822 fix(test): build text and atlas fixtures on Windows
• d6101d9 test(multiplayer): verify ordinary lobbies clear expanded cache state
• af15d03 test(release): include bundled notices in artifact identity fixtures
• 6c25e58 fix(test): unload Windows atlas DLL before temporary cleanup
• 91d46f8 test(video): verify texture arena allocation sizes in every fixture mode
• d067844 fix(test): use Windows CRT flags in Fiesta protocol fixtures

Full comparison

Supply your own Xbox NTSC Halo XISO or extracted data (01.10.12.2276). See the platform setup guides and playtesting guide; the README describes this fork. Mac, Windows and Linux automatically download approved complete community maps; Android map setup remains manual.

Timer Audio recordings are a separate optional download. Mac, Windows, Linux and Android download recordings automatically in the background; restart after their first installation.

The Mac app is ad-hoc signed and unnotarized; read macos-README.txt before first launch. Linux needs 32-bit runtime dependencies.

All four builds use source d067844d6e673e66273162c17e25ac77e4cdd43d and network protocol 11; players should use this same release. Checksums and CI provenance are attached. Physical cross-platform and Internet/NAT play still need testing.

Halo OG v0.3.1

Halo OG brings original Xbox Halo: Combat Evolved to native platforms, with community maps downloaded in the background.

Platform	Download
macOS (Apple Silicon)	Halo-OG-macos-arm64.dmg
Windows	halo-windows-release.zip
Linux	halo-linux-release.zip
Android	halo-android-release.zip

Key changes

• fix(linux): launch invites from executable paths containing percent signs
• test(ci): run gameplay and network fixtures on Windows and Linux
• test(ci): preserve UTF-8 paths in the Linux invite fixture
• test(windows): allow standard CRT calls in map lifecycle fixtures
• test(ci): observe fixture counters under Clang 23

All commits since v0.3.0

• 36d662b Fix duplicate public System Link games and score metadata
• 0527bef Align engine build number with gray home menu footer
• c9cbed9 Move historical engine build into Settings About page
• c6ef70a Fix Halo OG Discord playing presence
• 75bb3a4 Track guest header dependencies against final objects
• 18f30a0 Add ranked contributors and website to Settings About
• 54c6276 Add experimental native Metal renderer for macOS
• 63848a2 Merge current main into native Metal renderer
• 6dd7432 Add native Metal frame caps and render resolution presets
• 3344441 docs: require focused, typed commits for clear changelogs
• 2fa3333 fix(input): map left bumper to grenades and right bumper to flashlight
• 90c4c10 fix(ui): rename PB Options to Performance Options without clipping
• 4ac49ec feat(maps): add OG and community map-set toggles
• d5e3bf5 feat(network): let hosts disable joining matches in progress
• f2d618f feat(gameplay): add optional Hardcore precision spread
• 8d87180 fix(effects): correct pistol hollow-metal impact effect
• 9a944f8 fix(effects): use force-field material for dirt-tagged overshields
• c97c720 docs: record meeting fixes, validation and remaining feedback
• 7b4798d Support native fullscreen Metal playtests and improve frame pacing
• 3208fbe fix(ui): shorten game-type editor label to Performance at regular size
• 833ab78 feat(input): add Controller settings for stick dead zones
• 20c459f feat(input): add Xbox/off controller look acceleration
• 7d0c698 Activate visible native Metal previews and document stutter traces
• 7f2b13a feat(gameplay): add original-weapon Fiesta starting equipment
• 6447417 feat(maps): add reviewed authored Xbox map conversion workspaces
• a907fc6 feat(maps): encode reviewed PCM sounds for Xbox caches
• d071fe7 feat(maps): remove redundant Chicago layers during conversion
• ad0eb76 feat(maps): add map-local aliases for reserved weapons
• 37d562d feat(maps): select existing texture mips for cache compatibility
• 4c9f151 docs(maps): document conversion profiles and asset provenance
• d7b2fec feat(input): add Original/Faster menu repeat setting
• 1dc7043 Add optional pre-HUD anti-aliasing for native Metal
• 05b4230 Record native Metal AA fidelity decision and validation
• f771c82 fix(network): limit System Link polling to visible foreground browsing
• c57fa27 fix(directory): remove cleanup writes from game listing reads
• 26654de fix(network): unload retained maps before loading the next match
• 15fdbf0 fix(network): restore local queues after the lobby client is disposed
• 741e26f fix(game): ignore stale players in kill and assist scoring
• 19af1a5 fix(camera): honor direct camera on macOS
• b4f6ee7 Add Mac renderer selection to game and native settings
• 09b47d5 Record dual renderer installation and settings checks
• e8ebca6 fix(sdl): preserve window flags across guest host imports
• bf848ca fix(ios): include shared Apple service imports in guest builds
• dd167ee fix(desktop): register URI handlers with intact executable paths
• f5738d7 fix(invites): use halo-og scheme across supported platforms
• b9ef671 chore(merge): preserve current main settings in Metal integration
• 24d3131 test(ui): avoid duplicate cursor enum in shared mouse fixture
• f8bf982 docs(metal): record approved main integration and merge checks
• 4dab1a0 feat(macos): add optional native Metal rendering
• 4507185 fix(windows): expose shared controller settings to game sources
• f8a88a6 docs(metal): record main merge and Windows build validation
• d5ea36d fix(windows): use bounded CRT formatting for URI registration
• 22d1968 docs(windows): record URI formatting build correction
• fc30cdd feat(maps): add guarded objective marker conversion overlays
• 5c8d874 feat(maps): add scoped native Unicode text conversions
• f38c0cf test(maps): add native community multiplayer objective checks
• 83ee901 fix(maps): show community captions when stock maps are hidden
• 888a07f feat(maps): publish Chillout Digsite multiplayer conversion
• 1813ba1 test(windows): link native invite fixture with system libraries
• 7f96f53 fix(linux): launch invites from executable paths containing percent signs
• a1772b0 test(ci): run gameplay and network fixtures on Windows and Linux
• 7b7feba test(ci): preserve UTF-8 paths in the Linux invite fixture
• 5e62331 test(windows): allow standard CRT calls in map lifecycle fixtures
• 88b8c5b test(ci): observe fixture counters under Clang 23

Full comparison

Supply your own Xbox NTSC Halo XISO or extracted data (01.10.12.2276). See the platform setup guides and playtesting guide; the README describes this fork. Mac, Windows and Linux automatically download all 41 complete community maps (~897 MiB); Android map setup remains manual.

Timer Audio recordings are a separate optional download. Mac, Windows, Linux and Android download recordings automatically in the background; restart after their first installation.

The Mac app is ad-hoc signed and unnotarized; read macos-README.txt before first launch. Linux needs 32-bit runtime dependencies.

All four builds use source 88b8c5bd41f5386fbf3cebeac46f7c411b36120d and network protocol 11; players should use this same release. Checksums and CI provenance are attached. Physical cross-platform and Internet/NAT play still need testing.

Halo OG v0.3.0

Halo OG brings original Xbox Halo: Combat Evolved to native platforms, with community maps downloaded in the background.

Platform	Download
macOS (Apple Silicon)	Halo-OG-macos-arm64.dmg
Windows	halo-windows-release.zip
Linux	halo-linux-release.zip
Android	halo-android-release.zip

Key changes

• Prepare first release from the October 2 baseline
• Fix guest pointers in Mac System Link and map services
• Download optional timer recordings from Cloudflare
• Read 1Password mounted credential pipes safely
• Download Timer Audio automatically on desktop and Android

All commits since baseline commit 6c1f1ae

• 694cc79 Selectively adopt protocol 11 while preserving Xbox rules and PB options
• 0be6055 Prepare verified cross-platform testing prereleases for this fork
• 7fb8f21 Add managed Mac game data and verified background map downloads
• 8b9ca05 Add explicit R2 pilot publication and native download acceptance tools
• 64d24b5 Verify live R2 map delivery, offline reuse and a missing-map multiplayer client
• ada55cf Rename Halo OG and copy legacy data into canonical storage
• 41c4aa8 Introduce Halo OG vision and simple cross-platform playtesting setup
• 3d25c96 Expand approved map collection and recover interrupted uploads
• feef4db Document full community map downloads and playtesting
• caad0f1 Add drag-to-Applications Mac installer
• 5006988 Point playtest downloads to drag-install revision
• 2d8f1e1 Use installer dependencies in signed release guide
• 2632fc7 Clarify installer revision has identical game builds
• 7d404e8 Add local community-map reconstruction prototype
• 64d2c9d Support trusted native desktop community package toolchains
• 1651481 Enable verified community map downloads on Windows and Linux
• 3fb1c77 Explain Halo OG identity and Xbox LAN fidelity goals
• 3425d9a Fix Windows SDK name collision and symlink fixture
• f354858 Clarify desktop map download logs and hosted package roadmap
• 4612164 Build pinned native community map reconstruction helpers
• d802229 docs: consolidate guidance and remove historical reports
• a107d5f Fix fresh native helper builds across CI platforms
• 1effc9c Fix Windows helper fixture permissions and retain CI diagnostics
• 937addf Expose failed native helper import diagnostics
• 4ab108d Verify native Windows CRT headers and preserve runtime notices
• 6988b06 Reconstruct compressed community maps from local Xbox assets
• 6df7bff Select actual MSYS2 compiler and admit Linux system loader
• 9a0a535 Canonicalize pinned Git archives across Windows line endings
• a43292a Record asset-free native helper startup checks
• 170f6fb Restore complete map downloads and enable the full collection by default
• 4e66af9 Fix spawn inventory ordering, teleport prediction and cold projectile trails
• 5229b51 Synchronize map downloader fixtures on durable transfer states
• 2c8a111 Simplify disc setup and add Halo OG release notices
• 187db4e Fix setup CI fixtures and document multiplayer interoperability
• c7e6cc7 Assert concurrent download body and progress results
• e97fe60 Require release notices in published desktop builds
• 7c6c5e4 Show Halo OG version on the home menu
• be37a0e Expose shared product version to the Windows build
• 7620633 Standardize release versions and include complete changelogs
• fe5dba5 Add Cloudflare public game directory service
• 737ba8d Discover public games in System Link on desktop platforms
• dc4dadf Make directory test fixtures portable across CI platforms
• 672d70a Record fidelity criteria and require manual release authorization
• 6875d18 Add host-selected fixed 33 ms input delay
• 6de3e8d Allow best-effort joining of protocol 11 host settings
• 926553b Add isolated native fidelity measurement tools and evidence
• e2d90a8 Use the selected Halo OG app icon on Apple platforms
• c7ce600 Prepare first release from the October 2 baseline
• f6926c6 Fix guest pointers in Mac System Link and map services
• 775870a Download optional timer recordings from Cloudflare
• f5abf07 Read 1Password mounted credential pipes safely
• 017f08d Download Timer Audio automatically on desktop and Android

Full comparison

Supply your own Xbox NTSC Halo XISO or extracted data (01.10.12.2276). See the platform setup guides and playtesting guide; the README describes this fork. Mac, Windows and Linux automatically download all 40 complete community maps (~863 MiB); Android map setup remains manual.

Timer Audio recordings are a separate optional download. Mac, Windows, Linux and Android download recordings automatically in the background; restart after their first installation.

The Mac app is ad-hoc signed and unnotarized; read macos-README.txt before first launch. Linux needs 32-bit runtime dependencies.

All four builds use source 017f08d2f0232be1eacd52d0437bc774c124c794 and network protocol 11; players should use this same release. Checksums and CI provenance are attached. Physical cross-platform and Internet/NAT play still need testing.