Halo is one of the greatest FPS series, and for a long time, it was exclusive to Xbox. This has changed, and most of the series is available on PC, especially with the introduction of the Master Chief Collection. But if you were looking to play a specific title (like Halo Reach, for example), you might be wondering if you need the MCC to play it.
Can you play Halo Reach without the Master Chief Collection?
The answer is yes—you can play Halo Reach without the MCC. Halo Reach is available as a standalone title, despite any listings on Steam or the Xbox store. Steam has a confusing message stating Halo Reach requires the Master Chief Collection, but you do not actually need this to play it. It also lists the title as DLC for the MCC, but this is also incorrect.
Related: How to fix Multiplayer is unavailable error in Halo Infinite
How to download Halo Reach
Xbox
- Search Halo Reach on the Xbox store.
- Select it and purchase it (Halo Reach is available through Game Pass).
- Download Halo Reach to your PC or Xbox.
Steam
- Search Halo Reach on Steam.
- Ignore the DLC label and warning, "This content requires the base game Halo: The Master Chief Collection on Steam in order to play."
- Purchase and download the game to your PC.
For more information on Halo, check out How to get the Skullbearer Trophy Shoulder Armor Piece in Halo Infinite and Is Halo Infinite down? Halo Infinite downtime details on Pro Game Guides.
Justin has been diving into fantasy worlds since he can remember. He is a certified nerd who has a deep love of reading, writing, and hiking. He has been writing since his college days, but specifically in gaming for two years. His favorite games are The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, Hollow Knight, Celeste, and Banjo Kazooie.