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[[Image:Double Swords.png|thumb|Through modding, a player wields two [[Energy Sword]]s at once, impossible in normal gameplay.]]


'''Modding''' is a way of changing the form and play of a game by manipulating its base coding. This can vary from changing colors of a character, to re-making a map or [[weapon]], such as in ''[[Halo 2]]''. Using the mods can significantly alter the processes of a game. As modding is often used for cheating, it is not allowed on [[Xbox Live]] and the use of a modded Xbox on Xbox Live will result in a terminated account. However, [[Halo: Custom Edition]], an expansion of [[Halo PC]], was created by [[Gearbox Software]] and it is a legal form of modding.
{{Fact cleanup}}
{{Cleanup}}


An example of a Meta Tag modding program is [[Halo Map Tools]].
[[File:H2 modding sworda.jpg|thumb|Through modding, the player wields two [[Energy Sword]]s at one time which is not possible in normal gameplay.]]


==Modding for Cheating==
'''Modding''' is the act of altering aspects of a game by manipulating its program code and other resources. A number of things qualify as mods, ranging from palette swaps to the creation of entirely new maps. Some mods involve the alteration of game resources, while others run independently of a game and edit its working memory. Because modding is often used for cheating, it is not allowed on [[Xbox LIVE]] and the use of a modded Xbox on Xbox LIVE will result in a terminated account.


Modding can add [[weapons]], turn weapons that are single-wielded into [[dual-wield]]ed weapons, such as the [[Covenant]] [[Energy Sword]] or even [[Sniper Rifles]]. Also, mods can make a player jump incredible distances and in some cases, break the game or map barrier. These mods can be used for everyone's enjoyment also, and in Halo: CE, modding is not like cheating because it affects everyone in the game.
Modding in the ''Halo'' series can be done across all games on PC and [[Xbox 360]] platforms, with the caveat of not being connected to Xbox Live. ''[[Halo Custom Edition]]'', a port of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' for PC, is specifically designed to allow for user mod support and custom content, while ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' allows players to disable the game's anticheat software at launch to enable modding and disable Xbox Live functions such as multiplayer [[matchmaking]].  


For example, if the assault rifle is modded by the host of the game to shoot tank rounds or sniper bullets, all the players can shoot out the sniper bullets and tank rounds. However, if a joining person has a modded map that shoots out tank rounds, when he shoots, it will appear to him as he's shooting tank rounds, but it has no function - everyone else shoots normally, and everyone else takes normal damage. So in this way, you can't cheat, only do it for everyone's enjoyment. Modifying the game will only work if you are the host. That way people that modify their own maps only mess up their game play.
==Mod compatibility by game==
Mod support for ''Halo'' titles depends depending on the game and platform in question - notably, [[Xbox One]] games have very little modding support.
{| class="wikitable"
! Game !! Ability to Mod !! Platform(s) !! Method
|-
|-
| ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved (PC port)|PC port]]''  and ''[[Halo Custom Edition]]'' || Yes || PC and [[Xbox]] || PC and Xbox: Various mod tools. Halo: Custom Edition is designed for modding and user content, and thus has a wide degree of compatibility.
|-
|''[[ Halo 2]]'' || Yes || PC, Xbox, and Xbox 360! MCC Version: No || PC: [https://www.xboxchaos.com/topic/3263-assembly-blam-research-tool/ Assembly: The RTE Tool]. See tutorial [https://www.se7ensins.com/members/officialkaden.1377396/#profile-post-420583 HERE]. Xbox Classic: SoftModding. XB360: RGH/JTAG. XB360:Plain Text HDD DLC Map mod swapping.
|-
| ''[[Halo 3]]'' ||  Yes  || Xbox 360 but not Xbox One or MCC || Through JTAG/RGH/XDK
|-
| ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' || Yes || Xbox 360 but not MCC || Various tools
|-
| ''[[Halo Reach]]'' || Yes || Xbox 360 but not Xbox One || JTAG/RGH/XDK
|-
| ''[[Halo 4]]'' || Yes || Xbox 360 but not Xbox One or MCC || Unpublished/rare tools besides credit editors found online '''THAT WILL GET YOU BANNED FAST'''.
|-
| ''[[Halo 5]]'' || Yes/No. Only on Halo 5: Forge for PC. '''''Not Linked here!'''''  || XBOX ONE/PC || Unpublished/rare tools by big name YouTubers! Ex: GameCheat13
|-
| ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' || Yes (Can't enter Matchmaking) || PC (Steam) ||  Official mod tools (Combat Evolved, 2, 3), Assembly.
|}


Modders are legitimate players and do not cheat. They discourage cheaters to be called modders, rather hackers.
== Modding Tools ==
=== Assembly ===
[[File:AssemblyProgram.png|thumb|200px|Assembly's Home Screen.]]
[https://github.com/XboxChaos/Assembly/releases Assembly - Releases]
A tool for Real Time Edits on ''Halo ce'', ''Halo 2'', ''Halo 3'', ''Halo 3: ODST'', ''Halo: Reach'' and ''Halo 4''. This program is easy to learn and allows for modding of the preferred choice of ''Halo'' game


Other mods include:  
Assembly allows the users choice of Halo: 2, 3 or Reach to be open while editing in-game [[tags]] real-time. However the newest update of Assembly also allows you to mod Halo ce.


*Playing as any character (Grunts, Elites, Hunters)
=== Other Tools ===
*Making enemies your allies
Ascension - Tag editing tool for Halo Reach (similar to Assembly)<br />
*Auto-Headshots
Alteration - Tag editing tool for Halo 3 (similar to Assembly)<br />
*Infinite Ammunition
Liberty - Campaign Game Save Editor
*Super-Speed
Halo Signer - GPD Resigner
*Making undrivable [[vehicles]] drivable (e.g. [[Pelicans]], [[Longswords]], [[Phantom]]s, etc)
*Extra Damage Delivered
*Damage Resistance
*Cloning yourself
*The creation of new [[Weapons]]
*The modification of weapons and vehicles (like combining two different vehicles to create a new one with both characteristics) in [[Halo 2]]. [[Image:Flying Warthog.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A flying [[Warthog]].]]
*The modification of [[maps]]
*The modification of weapon, vehicle, and player spawn points
*Automatic power weapons, like [[Sniper rifle]]s and [[Rocket launcher]]s
*Creation of energy barriers
*Creation of flying turrets
*Changing the physics on a map to make players lightweight or super-dense
*The introduction of AIs into maps
*Swapping weapon abilities and characteristics (example: [[Shotgun]] ammunition turns into a spray of wraith shots, [[Plasma pistols]] shooting [[Overshield]] power-ups).


Most of these maps are hard drive maps such as [[Containment (Level)]] or [[Terminal (Level)]]. It is possible to modify the maps on the Game Disk, but it is a very hard process and may break your DVD drive. The easier way is to copy the game to the [[Xbox]] hard drive, but you won't be able to play on [[Xbox LIVE]] with them.
== By game ==
=== Halo: Combat Evolved ===
[[File:Flying Warthog.jpg|thumb|200px|A flying Warthog in Halo Custom Edition.]]
Halo Custom Edition, an expansion to Halo PC, allows users to load and play user-made maps. Because all of the game's assets are stored as "tags" in map files, virtually everything that isn't part of the core game engine can be altered by a mapmaker. This, as one might expect, includes core map geometry, AI scripts, map scripts, textures, weather and skybox effects, sounds, [[weapons]], and [[vehicles]]. This system, combined with the availability of programs that extract tags from official [[campaign]] maps, makes it possible for mapmakers to create custom single-player campaigns, complete with [[cutscene]]s.<ref>[http://www.modacity.net/forums/showthread.php?22692-Lumoria-Episode-1-Released '''Modacity:''' Lumoria Episode 1 Released]</ref>


All of these mods are used in [[Halo 2]] to give the "modder" a slight edge in gameplay. However, he/she can only use a lot of the mods if he/she has host of the game. Often, modders are in a party with a "bridger" or a "stand-byer." The bridger uses a program on the computer which interacts with other players' routers and xboxs to make a modder or anyone else host of the game. This is effective in the process of "leveling-up." This is when gamers join a modder's game to get their level boosted up because the modder is almost unstoppable. Stand-byers use many techniques to freeze other gamers games. This includes: Pressing the "stand-by" button on a modem, and slightly unplugging the Internet cable from their Xbox. When a stand-byer is successful, other gamers either get the dreaded "blue screen" or they get a similar black screen. Everyone but the stand-byer gets this. This allows the stand-byer to run around the map and kill all opponents. This is effective, but illegal, as are all mods.
"Hacks" are technically another form of modding. Hacks generally take the form of third-party programs that a user activates after starting the game. They operate by [[Wikipedia:Cheating in video games|reading and editing the game's working memory]]. Hacks usable by clients include aimbots, sightjacking programs,<ref>[http://www.modacity.net/forums/showthread.php?11261-App-Sightjacker-for-1.04-1.07-1.08-1.09-PC '''Modacity:''' &#91;App&#93; Sightjacker for 1.04/1.07/1.08/1.09 PC]</ref> third-person point-of-view<ref>[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=2645 '''Halomaps.org:''' Halo Third Person Fov]</ref> and flycam<ref>[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=997 '''Halomaps.org:''' Halo FlyCam]</ref> utilities, [[heads-up display]]-disabling programs,<ref>[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=2910 '''Halomaps.org:''' Halo Screen Options]</ref> texture modifications, name hacks,<ref>[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=3246 '''Halomaps.org:''' Player Name Hack]</ref> and draw distance changers.<ref>[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=3478 '''Halomaps.org:''' Clipping Distance Changer]</ref> [[Host]]s can use a wider variety of hacks without causing desynchronizations; these include dedicated server administration tools, weapon mods, hacks that can change individual players' properties on-the-fly,<ref>[http://www.modacity.net/forums/showthread.php?22594-rec0-s-Server-App-for-Halo-CE-1.09 '''Modacity:''' rec0's Server App for Halo CE 1.09]</ref> and even a tool that recreates ''[[Halo 3]]''<nowiki/>'s [[Infection]] mode.<ref name="igbrains">[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=4314 '''Halomaps.org:''' IG-brainz V1.50]</ref>


Any use of these mods is in violation with the Code of Conduct and will get their account banned from all matchmaking games.
Mods and hacks can be used to gain access to retail-only gametypes in the trial version of Halo PC. Programs exist that can convert retail-only maps into demo-compatible maps.


==Game Crashing==
=== Halo 2 Xbox===
[[File:Ascension Modded.png|thumb|The map [[Ascension]], modded to look like an island.]]
It is possible to modify maps that are installed to the hard drive, such as [[Containment]] and [[Terminal (map)|Terminal]]. Because the ''[[Halo 2]]'' engine still uses the "tag" system from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', it is therefore possible to edit any resource or asset in the map. However, mods will not synchronize for all players unless the person using the modded map is host. (So if a client modded Containment to make [[M7 SMG]]s fire [[M808 Scorpion]] rounds, and then they joined a game hosted by a non-modder, only the client with the mod would see Scorpion rounds come out of their SMG.)
=== Halo 2 Vista ===
Halo 2 Vista has software that allows RTE (''Real Time Edits'') to the campaign levels. This tool is [http://github.com/XboxChaos/assembly Assembly] ''"Not Related to the Level [[Assembly]]"''
This tool will work on Halo 2 Vista's Campaign along with a few other Halo games! The software does not have protection for Multiplayer maps, but instead hides all Tags from normal multiplayer .map files and puts them in a single file.
RTE's Allow the Game ([[Halo 2 (Windows Vista)|''Halo 2'' for Windows Vista]]) to be open while the mods are injected/poked into the game by editing values!
The mods are removed when you leave the Mission/Multiplayer! Although you can make SPPF patches with Assembly then later you can use an SPPF Patcher to apply them to the default .MAP files! <small>MAKE BACKUPS OF YOUR .MAP FILES, THEY COULD CORRUPT!</small>


PC modders should be aware of something called an [[Exception]] on both Halo PC and Halo 2 for Windows Vista. This occurs when something goes wrong with the mod, or when something done is uncalled for. For example, some mods require a Level restart, or the game will crash, leading to an Exception Error.
== Cheating With Assembly/Tag Editor's ==
Or a modified Grunt (example) that does not have a biped tag.
''With the release of Halo 2 online, '''cheating in Halo 2: Project Cartographer has been banned'''. An advanced system has been enforced to make sure you remain banned if you cheat online!''


In Halo PC, Game crashing usually leads to a Window showing, "Gathering Exception Data" which means the game had crashed through an uncalled for mod, or a physic glitch. While in Halo 2 Vista, the game does not show the window. Instead, it will automatically close, which some claim is an exception.
=== Halo 3 ===
Console-based mods became very widely-available in ''[[Halo 3]]'', thanks to the development of the [[File Share]] and other ways of transferring user-created content. Though modding on the scale of Halo Custom Edition cannot be done without a devkit or a modded console, user-created Files can be altered using simple utilities to produce unusual effects.


On Xbox users, Wikipedia stated that there's something called, "Console Crashing" leading to something called, "the Green Screen of Death". If not, the game will freeze.
[[Bungie]] does not allow the uploading of modded map or game variants to one's File Share, nor do they allow the uploading of modded [[Theater|film]]s, Film Clips, or screenshots. However, they do allow the uploading of un-modded Screenshots and Films showcasing modded map and game variants. After viewing a Film or Film Clip, the map and game variants from that Film are stored in a player's Recent Maps and Recent Gametypes; this allows players to share modded maps and gametypes by simply sharing un-modded Films of those gametypes on those maps.


===Bungie takes action===
==== Jtag/RGH/Devkit mods ====
{{main|Halopedia:Bungie With Teeth}}
Jtag/RGH/Devkit mods are essentially limitless. Any object in any map can be altered to do anything. Examples include:
[[Image:Suspended2.jpg|right|350px|thumb|The consequence of using mods online]]
*The development of entirely new weapons, such as "mind powers".<ref name="yt-mind-powers">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIIkNRaGvdA '''YouTube:''' My Very Last Mod: Halo 3 Mind Powers]</ref>
This has become such a widespread problem in the "Matchmaking" system that [[Bungie]] was forced to resolve the problem by releasing auto-updates which ban hackers from the system and terminate their accounts. Bungie has banned thousands of players and is working to clean up the rest, earning in the process the moniker 'Banhammer.' Several sites offer a list of cheaters and hackers.
*Altering weapons and grenades to fire different projectiles, or to spawn various objects (like vehicles, active [[power drain]]s, or Spartan bipeds) when fired.{{Ref/Reuse|yt-mind-powers}}<ref name="yt-valhalla-devkit-1">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIiQ5Xf4JK8 '''YouTube:''' Halo 3 - Valhalla DEV KIT Mods PART 1 of 2]</ref><ref name="yt-valhalla-devkit-2">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJFZoLns4es '''YouTube:''' Halo 3 - Valhalla DEV KIT Mods PART 2 of 2]</ref>
*Editing Warthogs so that their tires kick up sniper shots instead of dirt.{{Ref/Reuse|yt-valhalla-devkit-2}}
*Disabling all kill barriers and invisible walls in a map.{{Ref/Reuse|yt-valhalla-devkit-2}}
*Changing map textures.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtT5uukENzw '''YouTube:''' Halo 3 Modded Map - Snow on Valhalla!]</ref><ref name="yt-get-a-jtag">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwryBRK3Lww '''YouTube:''' Get a JTAG, Have Fun.]</ref>
*Biped swaps (such as playing as a [[Jiralhanae|Brute]] in Campaign, or turning [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]]s into Spartans).<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzpKvDAm9Vw '''YouTube:''' Halo 3 Dev Kit Mods On Retail Console- Campaign Biped Swaps]</ref>
*Playing on the main menu.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljkyL7ossWg '''YouTube:''' Halo 3 - Playing on the main menu]</ref>
*Altering the movement speeds of map scenery, such as the wheel on [[Last Resort]].{{Ref/Reuse|yt-get-a-jtag}}
*Altering bullet physics; for example, making a Sniper Rifle score headshots through walls, even when missing a target by several feet.{{Ref/Reuse|yt-get-a-jtag}}
*Attaching a Warthog Turret to another Warthog Turret, attaching ''that'' turret to a detached Machine Gun Turret, and then having a player man each turret, such that one player is carrying another player who is carrying another player.{{Ref/Reuse|yt-get-a-jtag}}
 
==== Map variants ====
[[Maps|Map variants]], for example, can be created in [[Forge]] and then modded. Forgeable objects can be replaced with any non-terrain objects in a map. Through this method, a variety of development leftovers can be added to maps. These include partially-Forgeable objects from the [[Halo 3 Epsilon]] build ([[Covenant watchtower]]s{{Ref/Reuse|yt-50-chiefs}} and [[Shade]]s), unused game objects (like [[M41 SPNKR|rocket launcher]] ammo cases and [[Type-33 needler]] ammo pickups on [[Blackout]]), and unused map-specific objects (like a hologram of the [[Installation 00|Ark]] on [[Guardian (map)|Guardian]]). Some vehicles cannot be Forged onto a map, but can be modded onto the map; examples include [[AV-14 Hornet|Hornet]]s and [[Banshee]]s{{Ref/Reuse|yt-70-banshees}} on [[Narrows]], and [[Warthog]]s on [[The Pit]]. Warthog turrets can be placed independently of a Warthog. Map-specific objects (like [[Sandtrap]]'s [[M313 Elephant]]s and [[Guardian (map)|Guardian]]'s birds) can be created and moved using modding. Objective objects, such as [[Type 14 Magnetic/Anti-Tank Mine|bombs]], [[Halo 3 skulls|skulls]] and [[flag]]s, can be modded onto a map, in which case they are available for use in all gametypes. Inactive bipeds ([[Spartan]]s, [[Sangheili|Elite]]s, and [[Monitor]]s{{Ref/Reuse|yt-guardian-mod}}) can also be placed on maps.{{Ref/Reuse|yt-50-chiefs}}{{Ref/Reuse|yt-snowbound-mod}} Even large pieces of map scenery, such as the {{UNSCShip|Aegis Fate}} on Sandtrap,{{Ref/Reuse|yt-h3-frigates}} can be modded, though such mods are only visible to the host.
 
Gametypes also have the .blf (Blam File Header/Blam Library Format) header, which stores information such as the Variant Name, Variant Author, and Variant Description. These fields may be edited to hold any value, including censored terms and control characters, and displayed in the menu. Control characters allow symbols and icons to be inserted into the map's description. An XML-like syntax allows colored text, the current date and time (updated in real-time), and the name of a viewer's gamertag to be inserted into the description. It can become difficult for any information about the file to be verified locally, including the original author.
 
==== Screenshots and Films ====
Programs allow the armor worn by players in Films to be changed. Any armor permutation may be substituted, including [[RECON-class Mjolnir|Recon]] and [[Bungie Armor]]. Screenshots can be replaced with any image.
 
=== Halo: Reach ===
Players in ''Halo: Reach'' have been able to use offline mods to unlock armor pieces prematurely,<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/Stats/Reach/FileDetails.aspx?fid=10555626 '''Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files:''' Haunted Helmet Mod] (''film'')</ref> "fly" [[UNSC frigate]]s in [[Long Night of Solace (level)|Long Night of Solace]]<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/Stats/Reach/FileDetails.aspx?fid=9655390&player=JumboDragonfly '''Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files:''' Flying The Frigate] (''film clip'')</ref> (by "attaching" the Frigates to [[Sabre]]s), "fly" the [[Pillar of Autumn]] on its titular level (using the same method, but with a Banshee),<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/Stats/Reach/FileDetails.aspx?fid=7971331 '''Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files:''' Flying The Pillar of Autumn] (''film clip'')</ref><ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/Stats/Reach/FileDetails.aspx?fid=8145865 '''Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files:''' [Hack<nowiki>]</nowiki> 戦艦オータム - 操縦 ☆] (''film clip'')</ref> pilot [[Seraph]]s and other normally-unusable vehicles,<ref name="reach-secret-vehicles">[http://halo.bungie.net/Stats/Reach/FileDetails.aspx?fid=9905110 '''Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files:''' Secret Vehicles] (''film clip'')</ref><ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/Stats/Reach/FileDetails.aspx?fid=8407846&player=JumboDragonfly '''Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files:''' Flying The Transport Jet] (''film clip'')</ref><ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/Stats/Reach/FileDetails.aspx?fid=8123935&player=JumboDragonfly '''Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files:''' Flying The Longsword] (''film clip'')</ref> use [[Kig-Yar|Jackal]] shields{{Ref/Reuse|reach-secret-vehicles}} and other normally-unusable items, and use a [[Bungie]]-exclusive font glyph (the Bungie logo) as a Service Tag.
 
Devkit mods also revealed hidden functionality in the Beta. One could join and host Local and [[System Link]] games, and break into the [[custom game]] lobby via the [[Theater]] lobby. (Gametype settings were entirely non-functional, though whether this is due to the Beta or due to the devkit mods is unclear.) As in ''Halo 3'', weapons could be altered to fire different projectiles or spawn new objects, like vehicles.{{Ref/Reuse|yt-get-a-jtag}}
 
== Bungie takes action ==
{{main|Archive:Bungie With Teeth}}
[[File:Suspended.jpg|thumb|350px|The consequence of using mods online]]
This has become such a widespread problem in the [[Matchmaking]] system that [[Bungie]] was forced to resolve the problem by releasing auto-updates which ban hackers from the system and terminate their accounts. Bungie has banned thousands of players and is working to clean up the rest, earning in the process the moniker 'Banhammer.' Several sites offer a list of cheaters and hackers.


Although there used to be several ways to mod, Xbox Live and Bungie have collaborated to rectify the programming mistakes and prevent the game from being modded as much. They are also reinforcing much stricter punishments for cheaters, such as instant bans and longer suspensions.
Although there used to be several ways to mod, Xbox Live and Bungie have collaborated to rectify the programming mistakes and prevent the game from being modded as much. They are also reinforcing much stricter punishments for cheaters, such as instant bans and longer suspensions.


==Demo Modding==
==''Halo 5: Forge''==
The [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XlriRF5ogA Exuberant] mod tool by YouTuber GameCheat13 allows players to:
*Customize [[Armor customization (Halo 5: Guardians)|armor]]/ weapons without the need for [[List of REQ cards|REQs]] or a console to make changes
*Change the player [[Heads-up display|HUD]] to a HUD from the [[Campaign]] (ex. [[Frederic-104]]'s [[:File:H5G-GEN2 Centurion BIOS.png|HUD]], etc.)
*Change player field-of-view
*Change player Spartan ID fields ([[assassination]]s, announcer, and emblem)
*Enable a local [[Forge/Halo 5: Guardians|Forge]] server for testing AI
 
You cannot be banned for using Exuberant unless you are using options from the "Local Only" tab. However, enabling AI in forge online will result in a ban.


Modding maps in the Demo/Trial version of [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] is also possible, although there are a few differences:
Because ''Halo 5: Forge'' does not have Arena or [[Warzone]], player progress on Xbox One will not be harmed.
*Limitations: [[Slayer]]/[[CTF]] Only, [[Silent Cartographer (Level)]]/[[Blood Gulch]] Only.
The Demo '''does''' come with every gametype though. You can access them through modding.
*The maps are in a compressed format, contrary to that of the paid version. You need to uncompress the maps or use a special editor that handles Halo Compressed Maps (though they both have the same extension, .map)


==Modding for Everyone's Enjoyment==
==''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''==
[[Image:Ascension Modded.png|thumb|The map [[Ascension (Level)|Ascension]], modded to look like an island.]]
Modding is officially supported by ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' for ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', ''[[Halo 2]]'', and ''[[Halo 3]]''. While anticheat is disabled, players cannot enter matchmaking and progression progress is not saved to the ''[[Halo Waypoint]]'' servers. However, players will not be punished for any mods run while anticheat is disabled. Some mods such as menu background replacers can be run with anticheat enabled without penalty.
Sometimes, though, people mod for fun by making the mods on the maps able to be used by everybody in the game. This is what modding was originally intended for: fun and messing around. Often modders make a map with a theme, such as a snowy version of a normal map, a night time version of a normal map, a SWAT type map, or anything you can imagine. Some mods add player models from a Campaign map to a Multiplayer Map, including [[Heretic]] [[Elites]], [[ODSTs]] etc. Sometimes people make mods just to see what kind of new and innovative things they can do such as "Active Scenery" which allows objects, like [[Pelican|Pelican Dropships]], to move around the map without AI or anyone controlling it. An example of Bungie made active scenery is the Train on [[Terminal (Level)|Terminal]] or the [[Monitor]], [[2401 Penitent Tangent]], on [[Backwash]].  


Modding isn't limited to the Xbox. Halo PC is easily modded, given the right tools, and Halo: Custom Edition even encourages user-created maps. Many popular maps available for Halo: Custom Edition are Yoyorast Island, which is basically a twisty racecourse, Extinction, a very large map set between a large UNSC ship resembling the Pillar of Autumn and a large crashed ship resembling a Covenant ship, and Coldsnap, another very large outdoors map that relies mainly on vehicular combat.
To mod ''The Master Chief Collection'', there are several programs available, both official and unofficial. Due to the games in the collection being those available for the Xbox 360, Assembly is compatible with ''MCC'' files and tags. A full list of useful software is below;
*''[https://www.nexusmods.com/halothemasterchiefcollection/mods/1 Assembly]'' - Used for editing tags in-game within ''Halo 3'', ''Halo 3: ODST'', ''Halo: Reach'' and ''Halo 4''.
*''[https://www.gildor.org/en/projects/umodel UE Viewer]'' - Useful for extracting icons, meshes and textures from the ''Unreal Engine 4'' menus of ''The Master Chief Collection''.
*''[https://github.com/Lord-Zedd/MCCTexturePackDumper/releases/tag/1.0 MCC Texture Pack Dumper]'' - Useful for extracting texturepack files from ''The Master Chief Collection'' containing many UI elements such as emblems, [[Nameplates/Halo: The Master Chief Collection|nameplates]] and more.
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Mod Tools]]'' - officially-released modding toolset available for download on [[Steam]].
*''[[Halo 2 Mod Tools]]'' - officially-released modding toolset available for download on [[Steam]].
*''[[Halo 3 Mod Tools]]'' - officially-released modding toolset available for download on [[Steam]].


Some also mod to make nice screenshots like those seen at Halouvre, or even to create machinima.
A large selection of user-created mods can be found at ''The Master Chief Collection'' on [https://www.nexusmods.com/halothemasterchiefcollection Nexus Mods].


It should be noted, however, that this type of modding can still result in a ban from matchmaking, and is still considered illegal, although Bungie doesn't appear to mind it as long as the modder does not go onto [[Xbox LIVE]].
==''Halo Wars'' series modding==
[[File:HWDE Spectre Mod.png|thumb|A {{Pattern|Wuzum|Spectre}} modded into ''Halo Wars: Definitive Edition''.]]
Thanks to the PC releases of ''[[Halo Wars: Definitive Edition]]'' and ''[[Halo Wars 2]]'', modding can also be conducted on these games - however no official mod tools exist for these games. Nonetheless, a number of community mod tools have been developed to assist in creating custom content for ''Halo Wars''.  


==Halo 3 Mods==
Within ''Halo Wars: Definitive Edition'', modding can be used to implement custom infantry, vehicles and buildings, leaders, techs and other settings. New additions can range from simply tweaking what already exists in the ''Halo Wars'' files to adding in characters and vehicles from other ''Halo'' games to adding completely custom models.  
Like Halo 2, and Halo: Combat Evolved before it, Halo 3 has already gained some notable{{fact}} mods,but unlike those previous games, halo 3 modding less is possible becasue of new security. Now you can only swap items on the map for other modded items, so you can't edit the structure of a map, and the campaign. Though not always used for cheating or providing one player or team an advantage, the use of modded content on Xbox Live in any regard is still considered illegal, and can result in a ban.


== Softmods and Hardmods ==
A number of community resources exist to enable easier modding of ''Halo Wars'', listed below.
*[https://halowarsmodding.github.io/ ''Halo Wars'' Modding Wiki] - a wiki based around modding of ''Halo Wars: Definitive Edition''.
*[https://halo-wars-modding.weebly.com/ ''Halo Wars'' Modding] - a blog with comprehensive tutorials surrounding the modding of ''Halo Wars'' and ''Halo Wars 2''.
*[https://discord.gg/GuvUCgqz8d ''Halo Wars'' Modding Discord server] - a Discord server dedicated to modding ''Halo Wars'' games.


Contrary to common belief, getting a chip installed in your Xbox is not the only way to have mods. Many popular mods are retrieved through what is called "soft" modding.  
==Gallery==
*Soft modding does not require a chip; it is done through a special file and an Action Replay.  
<gallery>
*"Hard" mods are done by acquiring a special chip and installing it on to your Xbox.
File:HTMCC-H3-ModdedEnforcers.jpg|[[Enforcer]]s fighting an [[ODST]] on [[Sandtrap]].
File:H3 Modded Guardian.jpg|A [[Guardian Sentinel]] on [[Guardian (map)|Guardian]].
File:HTMCC-H3-ModdedDidact.jpg|The [[Ur-Didact]] on Sandtrap.
</gallery>


== Sources ==
==Sources==
'''Note- There is no "True Source" for modding as it is done at a players demand. However, it may be witnessed in the following games.'''
{{Ref/Sources|2}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: PC]]''
*''[[Halo: Custom Edition]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo 2 Vista]]''
*''[[Halo 3 Beta]]- please note that this was the beta version and not the final product''
*''[[Halo 3]]''


==External Links==
[[Category:Real-world terms and phrases]]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HptMIgQN_k&mode=related&search Why We Mod] - A collection of creative mods displayed in a music video.
[[Category:Modding| ]]
[[Category:Terms and Phrases]]

Latest revision as of 14:33, July 16, 2024


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Through modding, the player wields two Energy Swords at one time which is not possible in normal gameplay.

Modding is the act of altering aspects of a game by manipulating its program code and other resources. A number of things qualify as mods, ranging from palette swaps to the creation of entirely new maps. Some mods involve the alteration of game resources, while others run independently of a game and edit its working memory. Because modding is often used for cheating, it is not allowed on Xbox LIVE and the use of a modded Xbox on Xbox LIVE will result in a terminated account.

Modding in the Halo series can be done across all games on PC and Xbox 360 platforms, with the caveat of not being connected to Xbox Live. Halo Custom Edition, a port of Halo: Combat Evolved for PC, is specifically designed to allow for user mod support and custom content, while Halo: The Master Chief Collection allows players to disable the game's anticheat software at launch to enable modding and disable Xbox Live functions such as multiplayer matchmaking.

Mod compatibility by game[edit]

Mod support for Halo titles depends depending on the game and platform in question - notably, Xbox One games have very little modding support.

Game Ability to Mod Platform(s) Method
Halo: Combat Evolved, PC port and Halo Custom Edition Yes PC and Xbox PC and Xbox: Various mod tools. Halo: Custom Edition is designed for modding and user content, and thus has a wide degree of compatibility.
Halo 2 Yes PC, Xbox, and Xbox 360! MCC Version: No PC: Assembly: The RTE Tool. See tutorial HERE. Xbox Classic: SoftModding. XB360: RGH/JTAG. XB360:Plain Text HDD DLC Map mod swapping.
Halo 3 Yes Xbox 360 but not Xbox One or MCC Through JTAG/RGH/XDK
Halo 3: ODST Yes Xbox 360 but not MCC Various tools
Halo Reach Yes Xbox 360 but not Xbox One JTAG/RGH/XDK
Halo 4 Yes Xbox 360 but not Xbox One or MCC Unpublished/rare tools besides credit editors found online THAT WILL GET YOU BANNED FAST.
Halo 5 Yes/No. Only on Halo 5: Forge for PC. Not Linked here! XBOX ONE/PC Unpublished/rare tools by big name YouTubers! Ex: GameCheat13
Halo: The Master Chief Collection Yes (Can't enter Matchmaking) PC (Steam) Official mod tools (Combat Evolved, 2, 3), Assembly.

Modding Tools[edit]

Assembly[edit]

The home screen of Assembly, a program used for modding.
Assembly's Home Screen.

Assembly - Releases A tool for Real Time Edits on Halo ce, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo: Reach and Halo 4. This program is easy to learn and allows for modding of the preferred choice of Halo game

Assembly allows the users choice of Halo: 2, 3 or Reach to be open while editing in-game tags real-time. However the newest update of Assembly also allows you to mod Halo ce.

Other Tools[edit]

Ascension - Tag editing tool for Halo Reach (similar to Assembly)
Alteration - Tag editing tool for Halo 3 (similar to Assembly)
Liberty - Campaign Game Save Editor Halo Signer - GPD Resigner

By game[edit]

Halo: Combat Evolved[edit]

A flying Warthog in Halo Custom Edition.

Halo Custom Edition, an expansion to Halo PC, allows users to load and play user-made maps. Because all of the game's assets are stored as "tags" in map files, virtually everything that isn't part of the core game engine can be altered by a mapmaker. This, as one might expect, includes core map geometry, AI scripts, map scripts, textures, weather and skybox effects, sounds, weapons, and vehicles. This system, combined with the availability of programs that extract tags from official campaign maps, makes it possible for mapmakers to create custom single-player campaigns, complete with cutscenes.[1]

"Hacks" are technically another form of modding. Hacks generally take the form of third-party programs that a user activates after starting the game. They operate by reading and editing the game's working memory. Hacks usable by clients include aimbots, sightjacking programs,[2] third-person point-of-view[3] and flycam[4] utilities, heads-up display-disabling programs,[5] texture modifications, name hacks,[6] and draw distance changers.[7] Hosts can use a wider variety of hacks without causing desynchronizations; these include dedicated server administration tools, weapon mods, hacks that can change individual players' properties on-the-fly,[8] and even a tool that recreates Halo 3's Infection mode.[9]

Mods and hacks can be used to gain access to retail-only gametypes in the trial version of Halo PC. Programs exist that can convert retail-only maps into demo-compatible maps.

Halo 2 Xbox[edit]

Halo 2 multiplayer map Ascension modded to look like an island.
The map Ascension, modded to look like an island.

It is possible to modify maps that are installed to the hard drive, such as Containment and Terminal. Because the Halo 2 engine still uses the "tag" system from Halo: Combat Evolved, it is therefore possible to edit any resource or asset in the map. However, mods will not synchronize for all players unless the person using the modded map is host. (So if a client modded Containment to make M7 SMGs fire M808 Scorpion rounds, and then they joined a game hosted by a non-modder, only the client with the mod would see Scorpion rounds come out of their SMG.)

Halo 2 Vista[edit]

Halo 2 Vista has software that allows RTE (Real Time Edits) to the campaign levels. This tool is Assembly "Not Related to the Level Assembly" This tool will work on Halo 2 Vista's Campaign along with a few other Halo games! The software does not have protection for Multiplayer maps, but instead hides all Tags from normal multiplayer .map files and puts them in a single file. RTE's Allow the Game (Halo 2 for Windows Vista) to be open while the mods are injected/poked into the game by editing values! The mods are removed when you leave the Mission/Multiplayer! Although you can make SPPF patches with Assembly then later you can use an SPPF Patcher to apply them to the default .MAP files! MAKE BACKUPS OF YOUR .MAP FILES, THEY COULD CORRUPT!

Cheating With Assembly/Tag Editor's[edit]

With the release of Halo 2 online, cheating in Halo 2: Project Cartographer has been banned. An advanced system has been enforced to make sure you remain banned if you cheat online!

Halo 3[edit]

Console-based mods became very widely-available in Halo 3, thanks to the development of the File Share and other ways of transferring user-created content. Though modding on the scale of Halo Custom Edition cannot be done without a devkit or a modded console, user-created Files can be altered using simple utilities to produce unusual effects.

Bungie does not allow the uploading of modded map or game variants to one's File Share, nor do they allow the uploading of modded films, Film Clips, or screenshots. However, they do allow the uploading of un-modded Screenshots and Films showcasing modded map and game variants. After viewing a Film or Film Clip, the map and game variants from that Film are stored in a player's Recent Maps and Recent Gametypes; this allows players to share modded maps and gametypes by simply sharing un-modded Films of those gametypes on those maps.

Jtag/RGH/Devkit mods[edit]

Jtag/RGH/Devkit mods are essentially limitless. Any object in any map can be altered to do anything. Examples include:

  • The development of entirely new weapons, such as "mind powers".[10]
  • Altering weapons and grenades to fire different projectiles, or to spawn various objects (like vehicles, active power drains, or Spartan bipeds) when fired.[10][11][12]
  • Editing Warthogs so that their tires kick up sniper shots instead of dirt.[12]
  • Disabling all kill barriers and invisible walls in a map.[12]
  • Changing map textures.[13][14]
  • Biped swaps (such as playing as a Brute in Campaign, or turning Marines into Spartans).[15]
  • Playing on the main menu.[16]
  • Altering the movement speeds of map scenery, such as the wheel on Last Resort.[14]
  • Altering bullet physics; for example, making a Sniper Rifle score headshots through walls, even when missing a target by several feet.[14]
  • Attaching a Warthog Turret to another Warthog Turret, attaching that turret to a detached Machine Gun Turret, and then having a player man each turret, such that one player is carrying another player who is carrying another player.[14]

Map variants[edit]

Map variants, for example, can be created in Forge and then modded. Forgeable objects can be replaced with any non-terrain objects in a map. Through this method, a variety of development leftovers can be added to maps. These include partially-Forgeable objects from the Halo 3 Epsilon build (Covenant watchtowers[17] and Shades), unused game objects (like rocket launcher ammo cases and Type-33 needler ammo pickups on Blackout), and unused map-specific objects (like a hologram of the Ark on Guardian). Some vehicles cannot be Forged onto a map, but can be modded onto the map; examples include Hornets and Banshees[18] on Narrows, and Warthogs on The Pit. Warthog turrets can be placed independently of a Warthog. Map-specific objects (like Sandtrap's M313 Elephants and Guardian's birds) can be created and moved using modding. Objective objects, such as bombs, skulls and flags, can be modded onto a map, in which case they are available for use in all gametypes. Inactive bipeds (Spartans, Elites, and Monitors[19]) can also be placed on maps.[17][20] Even large pieces of map scenery, such as the UNSC Aegis Fate on Sandtrap,[21] can be modded, though such mods are only visible to the host.

Gametypes also have the .blf (Blam File Header/Blam Library Format) header, which stores information such as the Variant Name, Variant Author, and Variant Description. These fields may be edited to hold any value, including censored terms and control characters, and displayed in the menu. Control characters allow symbols and icons to be inserted into the map's description. An XML-like syntax allows colored text, the current date and time (updated in real-time), and the name of a viewer's gamertag to be inserted into the description. It can become difficult for any information about the file to be verified locally, including the original author.

Screenshots and Films[edit]

Programs allow the armor worn by players in Films to be changed. Any armor permutation may be substituted, including Recon and Bungie Armor. Screenshots can be replaced with any image.

Halo: Reach[edit]

Players in Halo: Reach have been able to use offline mods to unlock armor pieces prematurely,[22] "fly" UNSC frigates in Long Night of Solace[23] (by "attaching" the Frigates to Sabres), "fly" the Pillar of Autumn on its titular level (using the same method, but with a Banshee),[24][25] pilot Seraphs and other normally-unusable vehicles,[26][27][28] use Jackal shields[26] and other normally-unusable items, and use a Bungie-exclusive font glyph (the Bungie logo) as a Service Tag.

Devkit mods also revealed hidden functionality in the Beta. One could join and host Local and System Link games, and break into the custom game lobby via the Theater lobby. (Gametype settings were entirely non-functional, though whether this is due to the Beta or due to the devkit mods is unclear.) As in Halo 3, weapons could be altered to fire different projectiles or spawn new objects, like vehicles.[14]

Bungie takes action[edit]

Main article: Archive:Bungie With Teeth
The consequence of using mods online

This has become such a widespread problem in the Matchmaking system that Bungie was forced to resolve the problem by releasing auto-updates which ban hackers from the system and terminate their accounts. Bungie has banned thousands of players and is working to clean up the rest, earning in the process the moniker 'Banhammer.' Several sites offer a list of cheaters and hackers.

Although there used to be several ways to mod, Xbox Live and Bungie have collaborated to rectify the programming mistakes and prevent the game from being modded as much. They are also reinforcing much stricter punishments for cheaters, such as instant bans and longer suspensions.

Halo 5: Forge[edit]

The Exuberant mod tool by YouTuber GameCheat13 allows players to:

  • Customize armor/ weapons without the need for REQs or a console to make changes
  • Change the player HUD to a HUD from the Campaign (ex. Frederic-104's HUD, etc.)
  • Change player field-of-view
  • Change player Spartan ID fields (assassinations, announcer, and emblem)
  • Enable a local Forge server for testing AI

You cannot be banned for using Exuberant unless you are using options from the "Local Only" tab. However, enabling AI in forge online will result in a ban.

Because Halo 5: Forge does not have Arena or Warzone, player progress on Xbox One will not be harmed.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection[edit]

Modding is officially supported by Halo: The Master Chief Collection for Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, and Halo 3. While anticheat is disabled, players cannot enter matchmaking and progression progress is not saved to the Halo Waypoint servers. However, players will not be punished for any mods run while anticheat is disabled. Some mods such as menu background replacers can be run with anticheat enabled without penalty.

To mod The Master Chief Collection, there are several programs available, both official and unofficial. Due to the games in the collection being those available for the Xbox 360, Assembly is compatible with MCC files and tags. A full list of useful software is below;

  • Assembly - Used for editing tags in-game within Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo: Reach and Halo 4.
  • UE Viewer - Useful for extracting icons, meshes and textures from the Unreal Engine 4 menus of The Master Chief Collection.
  • MCC Texture Pack Dumper - Useful for extracting texturepack files from The Master Chief Collection containing many UI elements such as emblems, nameplates and more.
  • Halo: Combat Evolved Mod Tools - officially-released modding toolset available for download on Steam.
  • Halo 2 Mod Tools - officially-released modding toolset available for download on Steam.
  • Halo 3 Mod Tools - officially-released modding toolset available for download on Steam.

A large selection of user-created mods can be found at The Master Chief Collection on Nexus Mods.

Halo Wars series modding[edit]

A Spectre modded into Halo Wars Definitive Edition (courtesy of Stumpy on the Halo Wars Modding Discord).
A Wuzum-pattern Spectre modded into Halo Wars: Definitive Edition.

Thanks to the PC releases of Halo Wars: Definitive Edition and Halo Wars 2, modding can also be conducted on these games - however no official mod tools exist for these games. Nonetheless, a number of community mod tools have been developed to assist in creating custom content for Halo Wars.

Within Halo Wars: Definitive Edition, modding can be used to implement custom infantry, vehicles and buildings, leaders, techs and other settings. New additions can range from simply tweaking what already exists in the Halo Wars files to adding in characters and vehicles from other Halo games to adding completely custom models.

A number of community resources exist to enable easier modding of Halo Wars, listed below.

Gallery[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Modacity: Lumoria Episode 1 Released
  2. ^ Modacity: [App] Sightjacker for 1.04/1.07/1.08/1.09 PC
  3. ^ Halomaps.org: Halo Third Person Fov
  4. ^ Halomaps.org: Halo FlyCam
  5. ^ Halomaps.org: Halo Screen Options
  6. ^ Halomaps.org: Player Name Hack
  7. ^ Halomaps.org: Clipping Distance Changer
  8. ^ Modacity: rec0's Server App for Halo CE 1.09
  9. ^ Halomaps.org: IG-brainz V1.50
  10. ^ a b YouTube: My Very Last Mod: Halo 3 Mind Powers
  11. ^ YouTube: Halo 3 - Valhalla DEV KIT Mods PART 1 of 2
  12. ^ a b c YouTube: Halo 3 - Valhalla DEV KIT Mods PART 2 of 2
  13. ^ YouTube: Halo 3 Modded Map - Snow on Valhalla!
  14. ^ a b c d e YouTube: Get a JTAG, Have Fun.
  15. ^ YouTube: Halo 3 Dev Kit Mods On Retail Console- Campaign Biped Swaps
  16. ^ YouTube: Halo 3 - Playing on the main menu
  17. ^ a b Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named yt-50-chiefs
  18. ^ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named yt-70-banshees
  19. ^ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named yt-guardian-mod
  20. ^ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named yt-snowbound-mod
  21. ^ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named yt-h3-frigates
  22. ^ Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files: Haunted Helmet Mod (film)
  23. ^ Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files: Flying The Frigate (film clip)
  24. ^ Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files: Flying The Pillar of Autumn (film clip)
  25. ^ Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files: [Hack] 戦艦オータム - 操縦 ☆ (film clip)
  26. ^ a b Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files: Secret Vehicles (film clip)
  27. ^ Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files: Flying The Transport Jet (film clip)
  28. ^ Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files: Flying The Longsword (film clip)
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