Play Halo in Your Browser

The Halo series

Bungie made Halo: Combat Evolved as a launch game for Microsoft’s original Xbox in 2001, and a Windows version by Gearbox Software followed in 2003. You play Master Chief, a supersoldier fighting the alien Covenant across Halo, a vast ring-shaped artificial world. Recharging shields, a two-weapon limit and open vehicle combat made it one of the most influential console shooters.

Bungie led the series through Halo: Reach (2010). Microsoft’s 343 Industries, now called Halo Studios, then took over with Halo 4 (2012), Halo 5: Guardians (2015) and Halo Infinite (2021). The official way to play on a PC today is Halo: The Master Chief Collection or Halo Infinite, and both are downloads, not browser games.

The browser versions listed here

Both options are based on the first game, and both are unofficial fan projects that Microsoft and Bungie haven’t made or endorsed.

• Halo: Combat Evolved (browser port) is exenu’s project. It relies on a browser feature called SharedArrayBuffer, which only works on specially isolated pages, so it opens in our full-screen player rather than in a normal frame. Its host note recommends Chrome, Edge or Firefox. It’s built around online multiplayer on a computer, with room for up to 16 players, and it doesn’t ask for your own game files.
• Halo CE Mobile, by BanTrev, rebuilds the game from decompiled code so it runs in a browser on iPhone, Android and PC. It opens on its own site in a new tab. The game itself isn’t included: you supply an Xbox disc image of Halo CE from a copy you own. A free account unlocks ranked matchmaking, custom games, friends and online co-op in the campaign.

The browser port is marked as one that could be taken down at the rights holder’s request, so availability may change.

Which one to try

If you want a quick Halo match on a computer without hunting for files, exenu is the simpler start. If you own the original Xbox game and want the campaign, co-op or play on a phone, Halo CE Mobile covers more, as long as you can supply the disc image. Chromebook support isn’t listed for either yet.

Click inside the game to capture your mouse, and press Esc to release it. For more games you can play against other people, see our multiplayer list.