Last month, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary was released as a part of Halo Master Chief Collection's roll out on PC. While there isn’t another main title release this month (apart from the Halo 2 beta test), we did get a big developer blog update with everything going on with the re-release of Halo 2: Anniversary for PC as a part of the collection.

On PC, the MCC is an ever-evolving platform, with titles in the franchise being released over time and updates constantly being reworked in conjunction to community feedback.

The Halo 2: Anniversary beta/flight content is going to be packed with an all-new challenge system, customization options, theater mode, and campaign missions all being revamped for the eventual PC release. Those who have opted in for the early access play sessions, and are selected, will be able to play the beta or "flight" editions of the title releases before the full edition release dates. For more on how to opt in to this program check out the community website.

Halo 2 Challenges

The challenge system will include a series of tasks for players to complete throughout the beta. There is no word yet on if this challenge system will be included in the full release, or if any completed challenges will carry over for accounts.

All-new Spartan and Elite customization options have been added as well, with these new additions available for both Halo 2 and Halo 2: Anniversary.

Theater mode has been updated for use with keyboard and mouse on Halo 2: Anniversary for all your video, screenshot, and machinima needs.

Certain campaign missions in Halo 2 and Halo 2: Anniversary will now support options for all difficulty levels, as well as single player and co-operative online play. These missions are: Cairo Station, Metropolis, The Oracle, Delta Halo, Quarantine Zone, and Gravemind.

Multiplayer for Halo 2 and Halo 2: Anniversary will support a range of maps and playlists. This includes Custom Games, Social Games, and Competitive Games. Here is the full list of playlists and maps that will be available for each title in multiplayer:

Social Games: 2v2, 4v4, and 8v8.

Competitive: H2C Team Hardcore.

Halo 2 Multiplayer: Lockout, Midship, Beaver Creek, Burial Mounds, Coagulation, Headlong, Waterworks, Containment, Sanctuary, and Turf.

Halo 2: Anniversary Multiplayer: Lockdown, Zenith, Stonetown, Bloodline, and Shrine.

The developers also mentioned the Relief and Recovery cosmetic pack for Halo 5: Guardians. The proceeds of the in-game purchase is going directly to the GlobalGiving organization's Coronavirus Relief Fund. This is a great opportunity to get some in-game cosmetics and donate to a good cause.

The Halo 2: Anniversary and Halo 2 flighting Ring 1 of beta has been released already, with Rings 2 and 3 to be released down the road. For more on the ring system head over to the Halo Website.

The next title in the series, Halo Infinite, is still planned to release on schedule, but Microsoft has warned that developers are facing new challenges and restraints due to COVID-19. Halo Infinite will be available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.