Microsoft is preparing to launch Halo: The Master Chief Collection on PC, shifting its hit first-person shooter franchises beyond its Xbox console family. Set for a Steam and Windows 10 release "later this year," it marks an all-new era for the Halo franchise.

With Halo: The Master Chief Collection's PC debut looming, 343 Industries Community Director, Brian Jarrard, has taken to Reddit, answering questions via a community Q&A. And while Microsoft appears averse to supporting its cross-platform Xbox Play Anywhere program, progression is set to transfer between Xbox and PC versions of the game.

Within MCC, yes, your progress and progression will carry-over between the console and PC versions. All stats, achievements, Forged maps, and game variants will be shared between all of the games within MCC. Mid mission saves will be unique to each platform and cannot be shared.

For existing Halo: The Master Chief Collection owners on Xbox One, cross-progression support will be a welcome addition to avoid a fresh start. However, with cross-platform purchasing yet to be confirmed, players may need to re-buy the game once it hits PC. And for Halo: Reach veterans, your progress sadly won't transfer from the original Xbox 360 title.

Halo: Reach is slated to launch on both Xbox One and Windows PCs "later this year," as a part of Halo: The Master Chief Collection.