Halo: Combat Evolved is coming to PC. Once again, unlike the original version released in 2003, this new installment has the flashy campaign graphics of the 2011 Xbox Anniversary remake, as well as multiplayer matchmaking and the Master Chief Collection's perks. Developer 343 made the surprise release today without any warning, although there were hints that Combat Evolved might be coming soon. This is the second MCC game to be released on PC, following Halo: Reach in December.

Three months after the holiday break seems like a speedy development time for a new PC port. While the entire collection was in development throughout 2019, it's encouraging that Halo: CE didn't require a large amount of beta testing; 343 Industries ran several beta "flights" in January and February, and we should have the full version soon.

On Steam, you can purchase the entire "Master Chief Collection" for $40 or individual games for $10 each (assuming they are all the same price as Halo: Reach). This version of Halo: Combat Evolved has frame rate unlocks, FOV options, and support for higher resolutions such as 4K. The original PC version still has an active player base today, thanks to a long-running mod and map creation scene that 343 called "a community tradition" in a recent blog post.

When the MCC version of Combat Evolved is released, it will not feature a server browser like the old PC version, nor will it come with mod tools to assist modders. However, it will not be blocked and the game files will be based on the original PC version. Modders have already added weapons and other new things to Reach, so expect legacy maps and mods from Combat Evolved to take over easily.

In a blog post dedicated to modding, 343 senior producer Michael Farney said, "When it comes to modding, we're still dipping our toe in the water. We have some long-term goals to strengthen the modding community even more than it is now, but I can't go into details about those yet". Taking a cue from the EULA for "Minecraft," the development team is working on a new EULA that will allow modders to safely tinker with the game without causing legal drama between 343 and the community.

"I think the key is not only to allow people to make mods, but also to make the barrier to entry as low as possible so that even less technical people can manage mods," Fahrny wrote. The current method is complicated and can put people in a bad situation." More formal tools, such as Steam Workshop support, would be the best way forward."

In addition to Steam, the Master Chief Collection is also available on Xbox Game Pass for PC.