Halo: The Master Chief Collection has become the definitive way to play most of the Halo franchise, it collecting practically every release into one package. In celebration of Halo and Xbox's 20th Anniversary, 343 Industries is releasing a swarm of exclusive content drawing on the history of both properties.
The celebrations for Halo and Xbox have been in full swing for months now, with a host of different promotions and collaborations offering special products and merchandise. Most notably is the limited edition Halo Infinite Xbox Series X console that looks like a piece of Forerunner technology, accented with gold and intricate linework. Beyond just Halo, Xbox released a new line of merchandise that officially celebrates the 20th anniversary of both properties, one featuring a number 20 but with a silohuette of Master Chief in the 0. Xbox has also been reveling in its history, changing its website to different themes representing its older consoles, and even partnering with Adidas to release console-themed shoes.
343 Industries has revealed the 20th Anniversary content that is coming to Halo: The Master Chief Collection over the next two months. The news comes from a new Halo blog post written by Andy Salisbury, Community Communications Manager at 343 Industries, explaining,"Halo: The Master Chief Collection has become our living legacy; celebrating the original Halo titles that have led us to this moment as we prepare to welcome the next generation of the franchise with Halo Infinite." Player customization is a big part of the Halo experience, and in celebration of 20 years of Halo, 343 Industries is adding new Armor Sets, weapon skins, Back Accessories, and Nameplates that can be earned in the Exchange center.
With today's update comes the Orion Armor for Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer, a set that is based on Master Chief's appearance during Halo's original 1999 preview. Halo 3 across the board sees the most new customization options including Duke Controller shoulder pads, "The Beast" original Xbox back accessory, and the Mirage Armor Set, the first time the armor will appear offically in any Halo title. Additionally, the "OGX" weapon skin will transform Halo 3's iconic weaponry into embodiments of the original Xbox, giving them black, white, and green makeovers. New items will come to the Exchange every week through to Janurary 5.
This update for Halo: The Master Chief Collection is special in so many ways, and truthfully unexpected, considering how close Halo Infinite is to releasing. Seeing the original Orion Armor brought to life in an official capacity is something Halo fans have thought about for years. Furthermore, it is fitting to give so many nods to the original Xbox in the armor, as if not for that beast of a console, Halo would not be what it is today. Fans may have to force themselves to stop playing Halo Infinite to get those December content drops.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is available on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: 343 Industries