Do I need the original game files to run Halo: Combat Evolved Port?

Yes. The project does not include the original game's assets, so you need your own copy.

Halo: Combat Evolved Port

PortActive

An existing game or its source code brought to another platform.

Based on Halo: Combat Evolved

compare all 3 clones

Links, repository & details

About

A port of the Halo: Combat Evolved decompilation to Linux, Windows and Android. The decompilation is of Xbox build 2342 (cachebeta.exe), starting from the bnunu/halo-1 decompilation, which is a fork of punpckhdq/halo. Release and debug builds are produced by GitHub Actions for each platform, and the game checks for and offers updates at start-up.

How it differs from the original

The maps of the European (PAL) version are changed to play as the North American (NTSC) maps do, so players of both versions can play together. Multiplayer uses new netcode, supporting system link games of up to 128 players across Linux, Windows and Android machines, with invite links for internet games.

Getting started

The port does not include game data; you need an Xbox disc image (.xiso or .iso) of Halo: Combat Evolved. At first start the game asks for the disc image and extracts the maps folder, then starts. Use the release build to play and the debug build to find and report problems. On Android, copy the disc image to the phone first.

Known issues & limitations

The debug build stops at the first failed assertion; use the release build to play.

What you need to run it

Original game files required. The project ships code only; you provide your own copy of the game (Xbox, Linux, Windows, Android version).

You need an Xbox disc image in .xiso or .iso format; the port does not include game data.

Features

System link multiplayer works over a local network or the internet.
A system link game can support up to 128 players on up to 128 machines.
Linux, Windows, and Android machines can play together.
An invite link can let a machine join an internet game without a project server.
The port adjusts European PAL maps to play like North American NTSC maps, allowing players of both versions to play together.
At startup, the game checks for a newer release and asks whether to install it.

How to install

Download a release build for your platform; use the release build to play.
Start the game, select your disc image when prompted, and wait for the game to extract the maps and start.
On Android, copy the disc image to your phone before starting.

Summarised from the project's README.

Additional notes

Platform requirements: Linux and Windows builds are 32-bit x86 executables using OpenGL 4.5 and SDL3, and Android is an arm64 app using OpenGL ES 3.

FAQ

What is Halo: Combat Evolved Port?: Halo: Combat Evolved Port is an open-source port of Halo: Combat Evolved. An existing game or its source code brought to another platform. The original game ran on Xbox, Linux, Windows and Android.
Do I need the original game files to run Halo: Combat Evolved Port?: Yes. The project does not include the original game's assets, so you need your own copy.