Halo: MCC Update Promises Crossplay, Custom Game Browser in 2020

Halo: The Master Chief Collection, or MCC for short, is getting much-requested features (yes, plural with an s!) this year. This weekend, 343 Industries posted another monthly blog post about upcoming MCC updates including planned features for release in 2020, Halo 3-related Season 3 customizations, and Halo 3: ODST beta tests/flight information. First, let’s take a quick peek at MCC Season 3 updates.

MCC Design Director Max Szlagor said that Season 3 will add “brand new customization options that never existed” in the original Halo 3 for Xbox 360. It will include new weapon skins, visors, and nameplates. The next season will begin with the launch of Halo 3: ODST; which they haven’t disclosed when yet but it’s safe to assume we are getting it in soon maybe around October-November considering the PC version’s previous titles release schedules.

And talking about release schedules, 343 Industries is planning to release new features in different batches. The first wave of the update will include crossplay, input-based matchmaking, and server region selection. A custom game browser, per game graphics options, and mouse and keyboard support for the Xbox version will be coming in a later MCC update. On the other hand, additional features such as split-screen and HDR support for PC and bringing PC settings to console are still in their backlog “pending further discussions.”

Regarding Halo 3: ODST, Technical Designer Dana Jerpbak said they are bringing many new features to the Firefight mode. Aside from all of the “legacy contents” — all 10 maps and settings from the original games — they are also adding dedicated servers and wave customizations like in Halo: Reach. You will be able to customize your starting weapons, movement speed, gravity, time limit, number of lives, damage output, and many other features. Quoting Jerpbak:

“Previously, you were limited to what was on the map and what enemies drop when you killed them. But now, you can spawn with a Spartan Laser, a Fuel Rod, or whatever you want that is available. With these changes you have a lot more weapons at your disposal,”

Jerpbak promises that they’re going to start the beta test of ODST in the first half of September to Halo Insiders members both on PC and Xbox One. Here are the beta contents that you will be able to try out yourself when the Halo 3: ODST flighting is released:

• New Features:
  • Updated customization for Halo 3: ODST
  • Firefight matchmaking and custom games
  • Theater Mode for Halo 3: ODST
•  Campaign:
  • Mombassa Streets
  • Tayari Plaza
  • Uplift Reserve
  • NMPD HQ
  • Data Hive
  • Coastal Highway

Are you excited to get your hands on the new features for Halo 3: ODST? Are you wondering what skins they will add to the Season 3 MCC update? Tell us what you think in the comments below.