Difference between revisions of "Halo 2"

Latest revision as of 22:52, 11 March 2024

This page is for the original 2007 PC release. For the remaster, see Halo 2: Anniversary.

Halo
Halo: Combat Evolved	2003
Halo 2	2007
Halo: Spartan (series)
Halo Online	2015*
Halo 5: Forge	2016
Halo Wars (series)
Halo Recruit	2017
Halo: The Master Chief Collection (series)
Halo Infinite	2021

Warnings

For Games for Windows - LIVE on Windows 8 or later, install the latest Games for Windows - LIVE software.

Halo 2 is a singleplayer and multiplayer first-person action, FPS and shooter game in the Halo series.

It is a port of the 2004 Xbox game of the same name. It includes all downloadable maps from the Xbox version and its add-ons, with the exception of two from the Blastacular Pack (Tombstone and Desolation), although they can be downloaded from community mirrors.

The PC port is also known as Halo 2 Vista or H2V, as it was advertised as a Windows Vista exclusive, as prominently mentioned on the front cover. Despite this, a workaround exists to run the game (without Games for Windows Live functionality) on Windows XP.

The Halo 2 Live master server went down in 2015 with no indication of its return. See Project Cartographer.

General information

Modding tools provided on disc.

Halopedia - A very detailed wiki for everything Halo related

Halo.Bungie.org - One of the biggest Halo fan sites around

Halo Maps - A fan site for downloading mods and maps for Halo 2 Vista

H2v Hub - Central Hub of the Halo 2 PC community

H2MT Repository - A massive collection of custom maps, mods, tools, & assets

Availability

Source	DRM	Notes	Keys	OS
Retail
Games for Windows Marketplace (unavailable)

All versions require Games for Windows - LIVE DRM.^{[Note 1]}

Essential improvements

Patches

The latest patch is 1.01. It is strongly recommended to let the GFWL client auto-update Halo 2. If problems appear, it can be downloaded manually from here.

Skip intro videos

Use Project Cartographer to toggle the intro^{[citation needed]}

Install the latest Games for Windows - LIVE client

It is essential to install the latest GFWL client before installing Halo 2, as the version on the disc is broken.

Update Games for Windows - LIVE Redistributable^{[citation needed]}
Uninstall Microsoft Games for Windows – LIVE Redistributable. Uninstall Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace. Install the Games for Windows Marketplace Client.

Project Cartographer

Project Cartographer is an unofficial multiplayer mod which provides an alternative to the now defunct Games for Windows - LIVE platform for Halo 2 Vista. It allows players to use the Network tab as a server browser and connect via peer-to-peer (P2P) networking. This is a fast and streamlined solution as compared with available LAN gaming solutions, as it retains almost all original Live multiplayer functionality.

Adds a wide variety of extra features into the game itself.

Official project website

Features

Source code

Halo 2 Reclaimed

Halo 2 Reclaimed aims to make the game as close to the original Xbox version as possible.

Fixes weapon fire rates for higher tickrates.

Replaces many assets with Xbox version counterparts.

Compatible with Project Cartographer.

ModDB

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System	Location
Windows	HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Halo 2\

Save game data location

System	Location
Windows	%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Halo 2\Saved Games\

Video

In-game graphics settings.

Halo 2 in windowed mode can support almost any resolution which matches that of the desktop.

Graphics feature	WSGF	Notes
Widescreen resolution		Use Project Cartographer with `-hiresfix` parameter.
Multi-monitor		Use Project Cartographer with `-hiresfix` parameter.
Ultra-widescreen		Use Project Cartographer with `-hiresfix` parameter.
4K Ultra HD		Use Project Cartographer with `-hiresfix` parameter.
Field of view (FOV)	Default is 70°. Use Project Cartographer for up to 110°.
Windowed	Use Project Cartographer to resize the window independently of game settings.
Borderless fullscreen windowed	Use Borderless Gaming or Project Cartographer.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)	See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anti-aliasing (AA)	Up to 4x MSAA. Can be improved to 8x through the graphics card control panel. Enhanceable to HSAA + TrSSAA on Nvidia systems.
Vertical sync (Vsync)	Enabled by default but broken on Windows 7 and up. The game's Vsync may cause heavy stuttering or not stop screen tearing at all. Force Vsync using graphics card control panel or D3DOverrider.
60 FPS	Cutscenes are capped at 30 FPS. Use Project Cartographer for 60 FPS cutscenes. The Opening logos and Credits are rendered at 30FPS.
120+ FPS	The game is not designed to go above 60 FPS. Use Project Cartographer's FPS limiter.
High dynamic range display (HDR)	See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Input

In-game general keyboard settings.

In-game keyboard remapping settings.

In-game controller settings.

Aim assist is always enabled for controllers. It can be disabled using Project Cartographer.

Keyboard and mouse	State	Notes
Remapping		For issues with custom keyboard binding, rebind from southpaw/left-handed preset.^[2] `End` cannot be bound, and `Home` is reserved by Games For Windows Live.
Mouse acceleration		On by default. Use Project Cartographer to enable raw mouse input.
Mouse sensitivity		Can be forced to exceed the max of 10 using Super Sensitivity.
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support		XInput controllers only.
Full controller support
Controller remapping		Can be implemented using Durazno or XInput Plus.
Controller sensitivity		Can be forced to exceed the max of 10 using Super Sensitivity.
Controller Y-axis inversion

Controller types

XInput-compatible controllers
Xbox button prompts		Xbox 360 controller prompts by default. Xbox one prompts can be obtained using Xbox One controller prompt icon patch
Impulse Trigger vibration

PlayStation controllers		Can be implemented using DS4 Windows or Steam Input.
PlayStation button prompts		Can be implemented using Dualshock controller prompt icon patch.
Light bar support
Adaptive trigger support
DualSense haptic feedback support
Connection modes

Generic/other controllers		Older DirectInput controllers can be used with x360ce.
Button prompts

Additional information
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M		Keyboard controls can be disabled using Project Cartographer options menu.

Audio

In-game audio settings.

Audio feature	State	Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound		Up to 5.1 output.
Subtitles		Only for cutscenes.
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
EAX support		Set 5.1 speakers in options and use DSOAL for binaural HRTF mixing.^[3]
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language	UI	Audio	Sub	Notes
English
Simplified Chinese				Using Project Cartographer, the menu is completely in Chinese, save for "Online" and "Cartographer". Not sure if this is Traditional or Simplified Chinese as I don't know the tongue.
French
German				Using Project Cartographer, the menu is completely in German, save for "Online" and "Cartographer".
Italian
Japanese				Apparently, the game has a dub but, I couldn't get it to work. Also, the menu is in English (Probably a problem on my end). Tested using Project Cartographer.
Korean				Using Project Cartographer, the menu is completely in Korean, save for "Online" and "Cartographer". Also has cut off text at the end of each label.
Spanish				Depends on installation disc.
Latin American Spanish				Depends on installation disc.

Network

Online features require a Microsoft account (optional for offline play).

Multiplayer types

Type	Players	Notes
Local play	16	Versus Use Nucleus Co-op. Requires Project Cartographer.
LAN play	16	Versus
Online play	16	Versus The official GFWL multiplayer service was shut down; use Project Cartographer.

Connection types

Type	Native	Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated		An unofficial update by the same people who made Project Cartographer is available here.
Self-hosting
Direct IP

Ports

Protocol	Port(s) and/or port range(s)
TCP	53, 80, 443, 3074
UDP	53, 88, 1000-1006, 3074

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.

Port range 1000-1006 is required by Project Cartographer to host. See Project Cartographer

Specific details can be found here

VR support

3D modes	GG3D	Notes
Nvidia 3D Vision		See also: Halo 2 3D-Vision and Black Screen Fix
TriDef 3D
iZ3D
vorpX	G3D User created game profile, read important notes in the vorpx forum profile introduction.

Devices
3RD Space Gaming Vest

Issues unresolved

No VoIP support

VoIP support was broken in one of the many GFWL client updates. Repairing it is on Project Cartographer's to do list and not yet implemented.^{[citation needed]}

Issues fixed

A list of common fixes is available here.

Installation issues

Run `startup.exe` on the DVD in Vista compatibility mode^{[citation needed]}

"One of the installation steps failed" error

You may receive this error message during installation.

Instructions^{[citation needed]}
Exit the installer. Open the `redists` folder on the game DVD. Run `vcredist.msi` as an administrator. After it has finished restart the game installer and it should proceed normally.

"LIVE gaming on Windows failed to initialise" error

This occurs on Windows 8 and later.

Instructions^{[citation needed]}
Download and install these files: xliveredist.msi, gfwlclient.msi and wllogin_**.msi

Sign-in error

Close Xfire before signing in^{[citation needed]}

Artifacting or flashing on Nvidia cards

Update Nvidia drivers to 337.88 or newer^{[citation needed]}

Extreme mouse lag/jittering

Use Project Cartographer to limit the frame rate to 60 FPS^{[citation needed]}

Heavy stuttering

Native Vsync implementation (enabled by default) is very bad and can cause stuttering even with required 60 FPS.

Force proper Vsync using D3DOverrider or your graphics card control panel^{[citation needed]}

Game text is garbled or disappears

When running the game in windowed mode at 2K and 4K resolutions, there are issues with text breaking or disappearing completely.

Fix high resolution issues^[4]
Install Project Cartographer. Launch `halo2.exe` with the `-hiresfix` parameter.

Game does not save refresh rate of monitor

The game will not save your preferred refresh rate (120 Hz, 144 Hz, etc.) when you select it from the video settings. It defaults to 60 Hz each time the game reopens and has to be set again.^[5]

Force refresh rate on startup^[6]
Install Project Cartographer. Run the game, and click on Cartographer from the main menu, or press `Home`. Open the Advanced Settings menu. Open Other Settings, and select Refresh Rate. Use the buttons to set the default refresh rate.

Some leaves on trees do not render

This issue is specific to Nvidia graphics cards.

Use Project Cartographer
Fixed in a future update.^[7]

MSAA causes white lines on geometry

This issue is specific to Nvidia graphics cards.

Use Halo 2 Shader Override^[8]

Other information

API

Technical specs	Supported	Notes
Direct3D	9.0c
Shader Model support	3

Executable	32-bit	64-bit	Notes
Windows

Middleware

	Middleware	Notes
Physics	Havok
Audio	Miles Sound System
Cutscenes	Windows Media Player	Only for logos, and credits.
Multiplayer	Games for Windows - LIVE

Play without Games for Windows - LIVE

Games for Windows Live can be disabled as an alternative to using a local profile.

Halo 2 Vista XLiveless^[9]
Use Halo 2 Vista XLiveless.

Command-line arguments

See command line arguments on how to use the following options.^[10]

Parameter	Description
-windowed	Runs the game in windowed mode.
-novsync	Disables Vsync. May improve the game performance.
-monitor:X	Allows users to move the game between monitors when running in full screen. Replace X with monitor number (found in Windows Display Settings).
-nosound	Runs the game without audio.

Example map

Example is a map not included in Halo 2 by default, but is present on the Halo 2 install disc and can be obtained by installing and using the Halo 2 map editor. Example is the only multiplayer map to include Fuel Rod Cannons, and includes custom "silenced" SMGs that are quieter than the ones in other maps and have laser pointers. Example is the smallest map in any Halo game and is unusually dense with explosives. Can also be directly downloaded here (for those that don't want to install the editor).

Maps ported from other Halo Games

Maps that are buggy and/or of low quality are excluded from this list.

Halo 2 Xbox exclusive

Halo 1

Bloodgulch (more faithful then Coagulation)
Chill Out
Prisoner
SideWinder
Wizard

Halo 3

Guardian

System requirements

Windows
	Minimum	Recommended
Operating system (OS)	Vista
Processor (CPU)	2 GHz
System memory (RAM)	1 GB	2 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD)	7 GB	10 GB
Video card (GPU)	Nvidia GeForce 6100 ATI Radeon X700 128 MB of VRAM DirectX 9 compatible Shader model 2.0 support	DirectX 10 compatible

Halo 2 can be played on Windows XP by following this tutorial (Games for Windows - LIVE features will be disabled).

Notes

↑ Games for Windows - LIVE DRM features: Legacy activation, supports local profiles.

References

[2] Games for Windows - LIVE DRM features: Legacy activation, supports local profiles.

[1] Hired Gun - Halopedia, the Halo wiki

[3] Problem with Keyboard Setup - last accessed on 2017-05-06

[4] Halo 2 Vista w/ Project Cartographer & 3D spatial sound 🎧 (OpenAL Soft HRTF audio)

[5] Project Cartographer Update : v0.5 Changelog | Project Cartographer

[6] Game does not save refresh rate of monitor and has to be set upon each game launch · Issue #149 · PermaNulled/cartographer - last accessed on 9 June 2023

[7] Project Cartographer v0.5.2.1 Update and Changelog | Project Cartographer

[8] Some leaves on trees do not render specifically Delta Halo (05a_deltaapproach.map) · Issue #93 · PermaNulled/cartographer

[9] Halo 2 PC has two Nvidia specific issues - GeForce Forums - last accessed on May 2023

[10] ttp://www.modacity.net/forums/showthread.php?16074-Halo-2-Vista-XLiveless

[11] Install | Project Cartographer

[1]

[Note 1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

Developers

	Bungie
	Pi Studios
Windows	Hired Gun^[1]
Publishers
	Microsoft Game Studios
Engines
	Halo Engine
Release dates
Windows	May 17, 2007
Reception
Metacritic	72
IGDB	81
Taxonomy
Monetization	One-time game purchase
Modes	Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing	Real-time
Perspectives	First-person
Controls	Direct control
Genres	Action, FPS, Shooter
Vehicles	Automobile, Flight, Tank
Art styles	Realistic
Themes	Sci-fi, Space
Series	Halo

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{disambig|the original 2007 PC release|the remaster|[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]}}
 {{Infobox game
-|cover        = Halo 2 Coverart.jpg
+|cover        = Halo 2 cover.jpg
 |developers   =
 {{Infobox game/row/developer|Bungie}}
-{{Infobox game/row/winporter|Microsoft Game Studios}}
 {{Infobox game/row/developer|Pi Studios}}
+{{Infobox game/row/porter|Hired Gun|Windows|ref=<ref>[https://www.halopedia.org/Hired_Gun Hired Gun - Halopedia, the Halo wiki]</ref>}}
 |publishers   =
-{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Microsoft Studios}}
+{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Microsoft Game Studios}}
 |engines      =
 {{Infobox game/row/engine|Halo Engine}}
 |release dates=
 {{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|May 17, 2007}}
+|reception    =
+{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|halo-2|72}}
+{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|halo-2|81}}
+|taxonomy     =
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase }}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes             | Singleplayer, Multiplayer}}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time}}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | First-person}}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control}}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Action, FPS, Shooter}}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | Automobile, Flight, Tank}}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | Realistic}}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Sci-fi, Space}}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Halo }}
 |steam appid  =
-|gogcom page  =
+|gogcom id    =
+|hltb         = 4262
+|lutris       = halo-2
+|strategywiki = Halo 2
+|mobygames    = 15499
 |wikipedia    = Halo_2
 |winehq       = 5212
+|license      = commercial
 }}
-{{Series|Halo}}
-'''Key points'''
+{{Introduction
-{{++}} Modding tools provided on disk.
+|introduction      =
-{{++}} All the maps from the Xbox version and its DLC are included except two.
-{{--}} Cutscenes are capped at 30 FPS.
+|release history   = It is a port of the 2004 Xbox game of the same name. It includes all downloadable maps from the Xbox version and its add-ons, with the exception of two from the Blastacular Pack (Tombstone and Desolation), although they can be downloaded from [[#Halo 2 Xbox exclusive|community mirrors]].
-{{--}} The Halo 2 Master Servers went down in 2015 with no indication of its return.<ref>https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/82841d11296340069f6b8e3ccbfcee11/topics/halo-2-vista-multiplayer-shut-down/73e36f95-08ec-4015-8c15-df0807ef0509/posts</ref> See [[#Essential improvements|Project Cartographer]]
-{{--}} With innumerable glitches, problems and bugs, the general consensus is that Halo 2 Vista was not a good port.<ref>http://www.modacity.net/forums/showthread.php?6854-Buyer-s-Remorse-An-open-letter-to-the-devs-of-H2V</ref>
+The PC port is also known as '''''Halo 2 Vista''''' or '''''H2V''''', as it was advertised as a Windows Vista exclusive, as prominently mentioned on the front cover. Despite this, a [https://web.archive.org/web/20081109113202/http://agentsmithak.tripod.com/halo2_xp_patch.html workaround] exists to run the game (without [[Games for Windows Live]] functionality) on Windows XP.
+|current state     = The Halo 2 ''Live'' master server went down in 2015 with no indication of its return. See [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]].
+}}
 '''General information'''
-{{mm}} [http://www.bungie.net/ Bungie.net] - The developer's site
+{{++}} Modding tools provided on disc.
-{{mm}} [http://halo.wikia.com/wiki/Halo_2_Vista Halo Nation] - A very detailed wiki for everything Halo related
+{{mm}} [http://halopedia.org Halopedia] - A very detailed wiki for everything Halo related
 {{mm}} [http://halo.bungie.org/ Halo.Bungie.org] - One of the biggest Halo fan sites around
 {{mm}} [http://h2v.halomaps.org/ Halo Maps] - A fan site for downloading mods and maps for Halo 2 Vista
-{{mm}} [http://web.archive.org/web/20160429014532/http://www.halo2vista.com/ H2v Hub] - Home of the Halo 2 Mapping Team, the largest custom mapping team in the community
+{{mm}} [http://www.halo2vista.com H2v Hub] - Central Hub of the Halo 2 PC community
+{{mm}} [https://1drv.ms/f/s!AnUGdrLqzzCnanfnQmS-OK2T0aQ H2MT Repository] - A massive collection of custom maps, mods, tools, & assets
 ==Availability==
 {{Availability|
-{{Availability/row| Retail | | GFWL | | | Windows }}
+{{Availability/row| Retail | | GFWL, key, activation | | | Windows }}
-{{Availability/row| Amazon | B000NV8F58 | GFWL | | | Windows }}
+{{Availability/row| Games for Windows Marketplace | GFWL | GFWL | | | Windows | unavailable }}
 }}
-{{ii}} All versions require [[Games for Windows - LIVE]].
+{{ii}} All versions require {{DRM|GFWL|SSA=no|ZDPP=no|local=true}}
 ==Essential improvements==
+===Patches===
+{{ii}} The latest patch is 1.01. It is strongly recommended to let the GFWL client auto-update Halo 2. If problems appear, it can be downloaded manually from [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/61-halo-2-patch/ here].
-===Install the latest Games For Windows Live client===
+===Skip intro videos===
-It is essential to install the latest GFWL client '''before''' installing Halo 2, as the version on the disc is broken.
+{{Fixbox|description=Use [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]] to toggle the intro|ref={{cn|date=May 2017}}}}
-{{Fixbox|1=
+===Install the latest Games for Windows - LIVE client===
-{{Fixbox/fix|Update Games for Windows - LIVE Redistributable}}
+{{ii}} It is essential to install the latest GFWL client '''before''' installing Halo 2, as the version on the disc is broken.
+{{Fixbox|description=Update Games for Windows - LIVE Redistributable|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 # Uninstall Microsoft Games for Windows – LIVE Redistributable.
 # Uninstall Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace.
-# Install the [http://www.xbox.com/en-NZ/LIVE/PC/DownloadClient Games for Windows Marketplace Client].
+# Install the [http://download.gfwl.xboxlive.com/content/gfwl-public/redists/production/gfwlivesetup.exe Games for Windows Marketplace Client].
 }}
-===Patches===
+===Project Cartographer===
-The latest patch is v1.01. It is strongly recommended to let the GFWL client auto-update Halo 2. if problems appear, it can be downloaded manually from [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/61-halo-2-patch/ here].
+{{ii}} Project Cartographer is an unofficial multiplayer mod which provides an alternative to the now defunct Games for Windows - LIVE platform for Halo 2 Vista. It allows players to use the Network tab as a server browser and connect via peer-to-peer (P2P) networking. This is a fast and streamlined solution as compared with available LAN gaming solutions, as it retains almost all original ''Live'' multiplayer functionality.
+{{++}} Adds a wide variety of extra features into the game itself.
-===Install Project Cartographer===
+{{mm}} [https://cartographer.online/ Official project website]
-Project Cartographer is an unofficial mod which introduces an alternative to a now unsupported Xbox Live for Halo 2 Vista, what it allows players to do is simply connect to each other over the LAN menus without the use of any Tunnels such as Tungle, Hamachi, Evolve, etc.
+{{mm}} [https://www.halo2.online/threads/project-cartographer-feature-add-ons-to-halo-2.2149/ Features]
+{{mm}} [https://github.com/PermaNulled/cartographer Source code]
-Download and install the mod from [https://github.com/FishPhd/H2V-Online-Launcher/releases GitHub] and follow the instructions on the page.
-===Example map===
+===Halo 2 Reclaimed===
-Example is a map not included in Halo 2 by default, but is present on the Halo 2 install disc and can be obtained by installing and using the Halo 2 map editor. Example is the only multiplayer map to include Fuel Rod Cannons, and includes custom "silenced" SMGs that are quieter than the ones in other maps and have laser pointers. Example is the smallest map in any Halo game and is unusually dense with explosives.
+{{ii}} Halo 2 Reclaimed aims to make the game as close to the original Xbox version as possible.
+{{++}} Fixes weapon fire rates for higher tickrates.
-===Skip intro videos===
+{{++}} Replaces many assets with Xbox version counterparts.
-{{Fixbox|1=
+{{++}} Compatible with Project Cartographer.
-{{Fixbox/fix|Skip intro videos}}
+{{mm}} [https://www.moddb.com/mods/halo-2-reclaimed ModDB]
-# Go to {{Code|{{p|game}}\movie\}}
-# Delete or rename {{file|intro_60.wmv}} and {{file|intro_low_60.wmv}}.
-}}
-===Enabling Widescreen HUD===
-{{Fixbox|1=
-{{Fixbox/fix|Enabling Widescreen HUD}}
-Go to Settings while in Game => Video => Security Zone => Yes
-}}
 ==Game data==
 ===Configuration file(s) location===
 {{Game data|
-{{Game data/row|Windows|{{p|localappdata}}\Microsoft\Halo 2\Saved Games\}}
+{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|hkcu}}\Software\Microsoft\Halo 2\}}
 }}
 ===Save game data location===
 {{Game data|
-{{Game data/row|Windows|{{p|localappdata}}\Microsoft\Halo 2\Saved Games\}}
+{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|localappdata}}\Microsoft\Halo 2\Saved Games\}}
 }}
-==Video settings==
+==Video==
 {{Image|Halo2 Graphics.jpg|In-game graphics settings.}}
-{{Video settings
+{{ii}} Halo 2 in windowed mode can support almost any resolution which matches that of the desktop.
-|wsgf link                  = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/halo-2
+{{Video
+|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/halo-2
 |widescreen wsgf award      = silver
 |multimonitor wsgf award    = limited
@@ Line 95: / Line 115: @@
 |4k ultra hd wsgf award     = incomplete
 |widescreen resolution      = true
-|widescreen resolution notes=
+|widescreen resolution notes= Use [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]] with <code>-hiresfix</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]].
 |multimonitor               = hackable
-|multimonitor notes         = Use the command line argument <code>-monitor:(desired monitor number)</code> to change monitor for Fullscreen. See the [http://www.wsgf.org/dr/halo-2 WSGF entry].
+|multimonitor notes         = Use [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]] with <code>-hiresfix</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]].
-|ultrawidescreen            = unknown
+|ultrawidescreen            = hackable
-|ultrawidescreen notes      =
+|ultrawidescreen notes      = Use [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]] with <code>-hiresfix</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]].
-|4k ultra hd                = false
+|4k ultra hd                = hackable
-|4k ultra hd notes          = Supports up to 1920x1080.
+|4k ultra hd notes          = Use [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]] with <code>-hiresfix</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]].
 |fov                        = hackable
-|fov notes                  = Default is 70°. See [[#Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]].
+|fov notes                  = Default is 70°. Use [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]] for up to 110°.
 |windowed                   = true
-|windowed notes             = Can also use the <code>-windowed</code> command line argument.
+|windowed notes             = Use [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]] to resize the window independently of game settings.
 |borderless windowed        = hackable
-|borderless windowed notes  = Run in windowed mode and use [https://github.com/Codeusa/Borderless-Gaming/releases Borderless Gaming].
+|borderless windowed notes  = Use [https://github.com/Codeusa/Borderless-Gaming/releases Borderless Gaming] or [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]].
-|anisotropic                = hackable
+|anisotropic                = false
-|anisotropic notes          = Force in the graphics card control panel.
+|anisotropic notes          =
 |antialiasing               = true
-|antialiasing notes         = Up to 4x [[MSAA]]. Can be enhanced or forced to 8x, can also be enhanced to MSAA+TrSSAA or SGSSAA via Nvidia Inspector.
+|antialiasing notes         = Up to 4x [[MSAA]]. Can be improved to 8x through the graphics card control panel. Enhanceable to [[HSAA]] + [[SGSSAA|TrSSAA]] on Nvidia systems.
-|vsync                      = hackable
+|upscaling                  = unknown
-|vsync notes                = Force in the graphics card control panel.
+|upscaling tech             =
+|upscaling notes            =
+|vsync                      = always on
+|vsync notes                = Enabled by default but broken on Windows 7 and up. The game's Vsync may cause heavy stuttering or not stop screen tearing at all. Force Vsync using graphics card control panel or [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/84-d3doverrider/ D3DOverrider].
 |60 fps                     = true
-|60 fps notes               =
+|60 fps notes               = Cutscenes are capped at 30 FPS. Use [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]] for 60 FPS cutscenes. The Opening logos and Credits are rendered at 30FPS.
 |120 fps                    = false
-|120 fps notes              = Halo 2 PC was programmed to run at 60 FPS only. If you have a high refresh rate monitor, use Nvidia Inspector to frame-cap at 60 FPS.
+|120 fps notes              = The game is not designed to go above 60 FPS. Use [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]]'s FPS limiter.
+|hdr                        = false
+|hdr notes                  =
 |color blind                = unknown
 |color blind notes          =
 }}
-===[[Glossary:Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]]===
+==Input==
-{{Fixbox|1=
-{{Fixbox/fix|Use MouseThingy}}
-# Install [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/61-halo-2-patch/ Halo 2 Patch 1.01].
-# Download [https://github.com/Revan114/MouseThingy/releases Halo 2 MouseThingy].
-# Run the game and load a single-player or multiplayer map.
-# Run MouseThingy, click activate and adjust the FOV setting.
-}}
-{{Fixbox|1=
-{{Fixbox/fix|Use H2V FOV}}
-# Install [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/61-halo-2-patch/ Halo 2 Patch 1.01].
-# Download [http://web.archive.org/web/20151025113659/http://www.halo2vista.com/downloads/ H2V FOV].
-# Run the game and load a single-player or multiplayer map.
-# Run H2V FOV and adjust the FOV slider.
-}}
-==Input settings==
 {{Image|Halo2 Keyboard.jpg|In-game general keyboard settings.}}
 {{Image|Halo2 Remapping.jpg|In-game keyboard remapping settings.}}
 {{Image|Halo2 Controller.jpg|In-game controller settings.}}
-{{Input settings
+{{ii}} Aim assist is always enabled for controllers. It can be disabled using [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]].
+{{Input
 |key remap                 = true
-|key remap notes           = For issues with custom keyboard binding, rebind from southpaw preset. [http://www.modacity.net/forums/showthread.php?3428-Problem-with-Keyboard-Setup See #9 here]
+|key remap notes           = For issues with custom keyboard binding, rebind from southpaw/left-handed preset.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619125311/http://www.modacity.net/forums/showthread.php?3428-Problem-with-Keyboard-Setup|title=Problem with Keyboard Setup|date=2017-05-06}}</ref> {{key|End}} cannot be bound, and {{key|Home}} is reserved by Games For Windows Live.
 |acceleration option       = hackable
-|acceleration option notes = On by default. See [[#Mouse acceleration|Mouse acceleration]].
+|acceleration option notes = On by default. Use [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]] to enable raw mouse input.
 |mouse sensitivity         = true
-|mouse sensitivity notes   =
+|mouse sensitivity notes   = Can be forced to exceed the max of 10 using [http://www.halo2vista.com/downloads/ Super Sensitivity].
 |mouse menu                = true
 |mouse menu notes          =
 |invert mouse y-axis       = true
 |invert mouse y-axis notes =
+|touchscreen               = unknown
+|touchscreen notes         =
 |controller support        = true
-|controller support notes  = XInput controllers only, (inc. Xbox 360/Xbox One Controller).
+|controller support notes  = XInput controllers only.
 |full controller           = true
 |full controller notes     =
-|controller remap          = false
+|controller remap          = hackable
-|controller remap notes    = Can only switch between pre-set layouts.
+|controller remap notes    = Can be implemented using [https://github.com/KrossX/Durazno Durazno] or [https://sites.google.com/site/0dd14lab/xinput-plus XInput Plus].
 |controller sensitivity    = true
-|controller sensitivity notes=
+|controller sensitivity notes= Can be forced to exceed the max of 10 using [http://www.halo2vista.com/downloads/ Super Sensitivity].
 |invert controller y-axis  = true
 |invert controller y-axis notes=
-|touchscreen               = unknown
+|xinput controllers        = true
-|touchscreen notes         =
+|xinput controllers notes  =
-|button prompts            = xbox
+|xbox prompts              = true
-|button prompts notes      =
+|xbox prompts notes        = Xbox 360 controller prompts by default. Xbox one prompts can be obtained using [https://www.mediafire.com/file/8v9tvppendco0sx/Xbox_One_Controller_Patch.zip/file Xbox One controller prompt icon patch]
+|impulse triggers          = false
+|impulse triggers notes    =
+|dualshock 4               = hackable
+|dualshock 4 notes         = Can be implemented using [https://ryochan7.github.io/ds4windows-site/ DS4 Windows] or [[Controller:DualShock 4#Steam|Steam Input]].
+|dualshock prompts         = hackable
+|dualshock prompts notes   = Can be implemented using [https://www.mediafire.com/file/dk3165o2w31f1on/Dualshock_Controller_Patch.zip/file Dualshock controller prompt icon patch].
+|light bar support         = false
+|light bar support notes   =
+|dualshock 4 modes         = unknown
+|dualshock 4 modes notes   =
+|tracked motion controllers= false
+|tracked motion controllers notes =
+|tracked motion prompts    = unknown
+|tracked motion prompts notes =
+|other controllers         = hackable
+|other controllers notes   = Older DirectInput controllers can be used with [http://www.x360ce.com/ x360ce].
+|other button prompts      = unknown
+|other button prompts notes=
 |controller hotplug        = unknown
 |controller hotplug notes  =
-|haptic feedback           = unknown
+|haptic feedback           = true
 |haptic feedback notes     =
-|light bar support         = unknown
+|simultaneous input        = true
-|light bar support notes   =
+|simultaneous input notes  = Keyboard controls can be disabled using [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]] options menu.
-}}
-===[[Glossary:Mouse acceleration|Mouse acceleration]]===
-{{Fixbox|1=
-{{Fixbox/fix|Disable using MouseThingy}}
-# Install [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/61-halo-2-patch/ Halo 2 Patch 1.01].
-# Download [https://github.com/Revan114/MouseThingy/releases Halo 2 MouseThingy].
-# Run the game and load a single-player or multiplayer map.
-# Go into the custom keyboard settings and rebind the "look up/down/left/right" to something other than the mouse.
-# Run MouseThingy and click activate.
 }}
-==Audio settings==
+==Audio==
 {{Image|Halo2 Audio.jpg|In-game audio settings.}}
-{{Audio settings
+{{Audio
 |separate volume          = false
 |separate volume notes    =
 |surround sound           = true
-|surround sound notes     = Up to 5.1 output<ref>[http://satsun.org/audio/ PC Gaming Surround Sound Round-up]</ref> May require [[Glossary:Sound card#DirectSound hardware path|DirectSound 3D restoration software]].
+|surround sound notes     = Up to 5.1 output.
-|subtitles                = true
+|subtitles                = limited
-|subtitles notes          =
+|subtitles notes          = Only for cutscenes.
 |closed captions          = false
 |closed captions notes    =
 |mute on focus lost       = true
 |mute on focus lost notes =
-|eax support              =
+|eax support              = hackable
-|eax support notes        =
+|eax support notes         = Set ''5.1 speakers'' in options and use [[DSOAL]] for binaural HRTF mixing.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6r4tLm7Qp0 Halo 2 Vista w/ Project Cartographer & 3D spatial sound 🎧 (OpenAL Soft HRTF audio)]</ref>
+|royalty free audio        = unknown
+|royalty free audio notes  =
 }}
@@ Line 211: / Line 232: @@
   |notes     =
   |fan       =
-  |fan notes =
+}}
+{{L10n/switch
+ |language  = Simplified Chinese
+ |interface = true
+ |audio     = false
+ |subtitles = true
+ |notes     = Using Project Cartographer, the menu is completely in Chinese, save for "Online" and "Cartographer". Not sure if this is Traditional or Simplified Chinese as I don't know the tongue.
+ |fan       =
+}}
+{{L10n/switch
+ |language  = French
+ |interface = true
+ |audio     = true
+ |subtitles = true
+ |notes     =
+ |fan       =
+}}
+{{L10n/switch
+ |language  = German
+ |interface = true
+ |audio     = false
+ |subtitles = true
+ |notes     = Using Project Cartographer, the menu is completely in German, save for "Online" and "Cartographer".
+ |fan       =
+}}
+{{L10n/switch
+ |language  = Italian
+ |interface = true
+ |audio     = true
+ |subtitles = true
+ |notes     =
+  |fan       =
+}}
+{{L10n/switch
+ |language  = Japanese
+ |interface = true
+ |audio     = false
+ |subtitles = true
+ |notes     = Apparently, the game has a dub but, I couldn't get it to work. Also, the menu is in English (Probably a problem on my end). Tested using Project Cartographer.
+ |fan       =
+}}
+{{L10n/switch
+ |language  = Korean
+ |interface = true
+ |audio     = false
+ |subtitles = true
+ |notes     = Using Project Cartographer, the menu is completely in Korean, save for "Online" and "Cartographer". Also has cut off text at the end of each label.
+ |fan       =
 }}
 {{L10n/switch
   |language  = Spanish
+ |interface = true
+ |audio     = false
+ |subtitles = true
+ |notes     = Depends on installation disc.
+ |fan       =
+}}
+{{L10n/switch
+ |language  = Mexican Spanish
   |interface = true
   |audio     = true
   |subtitles = true
-  |notes     = Latin America and Spanish translations are available, depends from instalation disk.
+  |notes     = Depends on installation disc.
   |fan       =
- |fan notes =
 }}
 }}
@@ Line 228: / Line 303: @@
 {{Network/Multiplayer
-|local play           = false
+|local play           = hackable
-|local play players   =
+|local play players   = 16
-|local play modes     =
+|local play modes     = Versus
-|local play notes     =
+|local play notes     = Use [https://github.com/SplitScreen-Me/splitscreenme-nucleus/releases Nucleus Co-op]. Requires [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]].
 |lan play             = true
-|lan play players     =
+|lan play players     = 16
 |lan play modes       = Versus
 |lan play notes       =
-|online play          = true
+|online play          = hackable
-|online play players  =
+|online play players  = 16
 |online play modes    = Versus
-|online play notes    =
+|online play notes    = The official GFWL multiplayer service was shut down; use [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]].
 |asynchronous         =
 |asynchronous notes   =
@@ Line 250: / Line 325: @@
 |p2p notes          =
 |dedicated          = true
-|dedicated notes    =
+|dedicated notes    = An unofficial update by the same people who made Project Cartographer is available [https://web.archive.org/web/20170522140508/http://www.halo2vista.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=4708 here].
 |self-hosting       = true
 |self-hosting notes =
@@ Line 260: / Line 335: @@
 |tcp  = 53, 80, 443, 3074
 |udp  = 53, 88, 1000-1006, 3074
-|upnp =
+|upnp = unknown
+}}
+{{ii}} Port range <code>1000-1006</code> is required by Project Cartographer to host. See [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]]
+{{ii}} Specific details can be found [https://support.microsoft.com/kb/829473 here]
+==VR support==
+{{VR support
+|gg3d name                   = Halo 2
+|native 3d gg3d award        =
+|nvidia 3d vision gg3d award = platinum
+|tridef 3d gg3d award        =
+|iz3d gg3d award             =
+|native 3d                   =
+|native 3d notes             =
+|nvidia 3d vision            = true
+|nvidia 3d vision notes      = See also: [https://forums.geforce.com/default/topic/1024592/halo-2-black-screen-with-3d-vision-fix-/ Halo 2 3D-Vision and Black Screen Fix]
+|tridef 3d                   = false
+|tridef 3d notes             =
+|iz3d                        = false
+|iz3d notes                  =
+|vorpx                       = hackable
+|vorpx modes                 = G3D
+|vorpx notes                 = User created game profile, read important notes in the [https://www.vorpx.com/forums/topic/halo-2/ vorpx forum] profile introduction.
+|vr only                     =
+|htc vive                    =
+|htc vive notes              =
+|oculus rift                 =
+|oculus rift notes           =
+|osvr                        =
+|osvr notes                  =
+|windows mixed reality       =
+|windows mixed reality notes =
+|keyboard-mouse              =
+|keyboard-mouse notes        =
+|3rd space gaming vest       = true
+|3rd space gaming vest notes =
+|novint falcon               =
+|novint falcon notes         =
+|trackir                     =
+|trackir notes               =
+|tobii eye tracking          =
+|tobii eye tracking notes    =
+|play area seated            =
+|play area seated notes      =
+|play area standing          =
+|play area standing notes    =
+|play area room-scale        =
+|play area room-scale notes  =
 }}
-{{ii}} Port range <code>1000-1006</code> is required by Project Cartographer to host. See [[#Essential improvements|Project Cartographer]]
+==Issues unresolved==
-{{ii}} Specific details can be found [https://support.microsoft.com/kb/829473 here]
+===No VoIP support===
+{{--}} VoIP support was broken in one of the many GFWL client updates. Repairing it is on Project Cartographer's to do list and not yet implemented.{{cn}}
 ==Issues fixed==
+{{ii}} A list of common fixes is available [https://halo2.online/help/install/ here].
+===Installation issues===
+{{Fixbox|description=Run <code>startup.exe</code> on the DVD in Vista [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]]|ref={{cn|date=May 2017}}}}
+==="One of the installation steps failed" error===
+{{ii}} You may receive this error message during installation.
+{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref={{cn|date=May 2017}}|fix=
+# Exit the installer.
+# Open the <code>redists</code> folder on the game DVD.
+# Run <code>vcredist.msi</code> as an administrator.
+# After it has finished restart the game installer and it should proceed normally.
+}}
+==="LIVE gaming on Windows failed to initialise" error===
+{{ii}} This occurs on Windows 8 and later.
+{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref={{cn|date=May 2017}}|fix=
+Download and install these files: [http://download.gfwl.xboxlive.com/content/gfwl-public/redists/production/xliveredist.msi xliveredist.msi], [http://download.gfwl.xboxlive.com/content/gfwl-public/redists/production/gfwlclient.msi gfwlclient.msi] and [http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?familyid=5E193CFE-F45A-4E29-B6B7-984E7802C639&displaylang=en wllogin_**.msi]
+}}
 ===Sign-in error===
-If you are certain your username and password are correct, but are unable to log into Games for Windows Live, check if [[Xfire]] is running. If so, close it and try to log in again.
+{{Fixbox|description=Close Xfire before signing in|ref={{cn|date=May 2017}}}}
+===Artifacting or flashing on Nvidia cards===
+{{Fixbox|description=Update Nvidia drivers to 337.88 or newer|ref={{cn|date=May 2017}}}}
 ===Extreme mouse lag/jittering===
-Forcing vsync will help users with fps/mouse issues. To fix said issues without the negative input lag effects of vsync, frame-cap 60fps in Nvidia Inspector.
+{{Fixbox|description=Use [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]] to limit the frame rate to 60 FPS|ref={{cn|date=May 2017}}}}
+===Heavy stuttering===
+{{--}} Native Vsync implementation (enabled by default) is very bad and can cause stuttering even with required 60 FPS.
+{{Fixbox|description=Force proper Vsync using [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/84-d3doverrider/ D3DOverrider] or your graphics card control panel|ref={{cn|date=May 2017}}|fix=
+}}
+===Game text is garbled or disappears===
+{{--}} When running the game in windowed mode at 2K and 4K resolutions, there are issues with text breaking or disappearing completely.
+{{Fixbox|description=Fix high resolution issues|ref=<ref>[https://www.halo2.online/threads/project-cartographer-update-v0-5-changelog.2759/ Project Cartographer Update : v0.5 Changelog | Project Cartographer]</ref>|fix=
+# Install [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]].
+# Launch <code>halo2.exe</code> with the <code>-hiresfix</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]].
+}}
-===Installation===
+===Game does not save refresh rate of monitor===
-Run the file "startup.exe" on the DVD in windows (right click and select compatibility) Vista Compatibility mode and the game will install and run fine without any Games For Windows Errors, it will start and stop several times while it updates Windows Live.
+{{--}} The game will not save your preferred refresh rate (120&nbsp;Hz, 144&nbsp;Hz, etc.) when you select it from the video settings. It defaults to 60&nbsp;Hz each time the game reopens and has to be set again.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://github.com/PermaNulled/cartographer/issues/149|title=Game does not save refresh rate of monitor and has to be set upon each game launch · Issue #149 · PermaNulled/cartographer|date=9 June 2023}}</ref>
-===Nvidia GeForce GFX card errors===
+{{Fixbox|description=Force refresh rate on startup|ref=<ref>[https://halo2.online/threads/project-cartographer-v0-5-2-1-update-and-changelog.3021/ Project Cartographer v0.5.2.1 Update and Changelog | Project Cartographer]</ref>|fix=
-{{ii}} As of 5/26/14, Nvidia has released driver update #337.88, the driver fixes the flickering and flashing.
+# Install [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]].
-It has been noted that updating to the newest GeForce Experience drivers as of March 25, 2013 can result in severe artifacting of textures and in some cases a flashing phenomenon, as if the game is trying to produce two textures where every single one should render. The only known fix for this issue is to downgrade to graphics driver update #335.23 which can be found [http://us.download.nvidia.com/Windows/335.23/335.23-desktop-win8-win7-winvista-64bit-english-whql.exe here.]
+# Run the game, and click on '''Cartographer''' from the main menu, or press {{key|Home}}.
+# Open the '''Advanced Settings''' menu.
+# Open '''Other Settings''', and select '''Refresh Rate'''.
+# Use the buttons to set the default refresh rate.
+}}
-Owners of GTX 540m will need to update their graphics card drivers to the latest to play Halo 2. Drivers pre-2012 have compatibility problems with said card.<ref>http://www.bungie.net/it/Forum/Post?id=3409605</ref>
+===Some leaves on trees do not render===
+{{ii}} This issue is specific to Nvidia graphics cards.
-==="One of the installation steps failed" error===
+{{Fixbox|description=Use [[#Project Cartographer|Project Cartographer]]|fix=
-You may receive this error message during installation. To fix it, exit the installer, open the <code>redists</code> folder on the game DVD and run <code>vcredist.msi</code> as an administrator. After it has finished restart the game installer and it should proceed normally.
+{{ii}} Fixed in a future update.<ref>[https://github.com/PermaNulled/cartographer/issues/93 Some leaves on trees do not render specifically Delta Halo (05a_deltaapproach.map) · Issue #93 · PermaNulled/cartographer]</ref>
+}}
-==="LIVE gaming on Windows failed to initialise" error===
+===MSAA causes white lines on geometry===
-{{ii}} This error occurs on Windows 8 and later.
+{{ii}} This issue is specific to Nvidia graphics cards.
-Download and install these 3 files which will fix the error: [http://download.gfwl.xboxlive.com/content/gfwl-public/redists/production/xliveredist.msi xliveredist.msi], [http://download.gfwl.xboxlive.com/content/gfwl-public/redists/production/gfwlclient.msi gfwlclient.msi] and [http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?familyid=5E193CFE-F45A-4E29-B6B7-984E7802C639&displaylang=en wllogin_**.msi]
+{{Fixbox|description=Use [https://forums.geforce.com/default/topic/1095882/geforce-drivers/halo-2-pc-has-two-nvidia-specific-issues/post/5974601/#5974601 Halo 2 Shader Override]|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://forums.geforce.com/default/topic/1095882/geforce-drivers/halo-2-pc-has-two-nvidia-specific-issues/post/5974601/#5974601|title=Halo 2 PC has two Nvidia specific issues - GeForce Forums|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
+}}
 ==Other information==
 ===API===
 {{API
-|direct3d versions      = 9
+|direct3d versions      = 9.0c
 |direct3d notes         =
 |directdraw versions    =
@@ Line 305: / Line 474: @@
 |mantle support         =
 |mantle support notes   =
-|vulkan support         =
+|vulkan versions        =
-|vulkan support notes   =
+|vulkan notes           =
 |dos modes              =
 |dos modes notes        =
 |shader model versions  = 3
 |shader model notes     =
-|64-bit executable      = false
+|windows 32-bit exe     = true
-|64-bit executable notes=
+|windows 64-bit exe     = false
+|windows arm app        = unknown
+|windows exe notes      =
+|macos intel 32-bit app =
+|macos intel 64-bit app =
+|macos arm app          = unknown
+|macos app notes        =
+|linux 32-bit executable=
+|linux 64-bit executable=
+|linux arm app          = unknown
+|linux executable notes =
 }}
@@ Line 319: / Line 498: @@
 |physics          = Havok
 |physics notes    =
-|audio            = Dolby Digital
+|audio            = Miles Sound System
 |audio notes      =
 |interface        =
@@ Line 325: / Line 504: @@
 |input            =
 |input notes      =
-|cutscenes        = Bink Video
+|cutscenes        = Windows Media Player
-|cutscenes notes  =
+|cutscenes notes  = Only for logos, and credits.
 |multiplayer      = Games for Windows - LIVE
 |multiplayer notes=
@@ Line 334: / Line 513: @@
 {{ii}} Games for Windows Live can be disabled as an alternative to using a [[Games for Windows - LIVE#Creating a local profile|local profile]].
-{{Fixbox|1=
+{{Fixbox|description=Halo 2 Vista XLiveless|ref=<ref>http://www.modacity.net/forums/showthread.php?16074-Halo-2-Vista-XLiveless</ref>|fix=
-{{Fixbox/fix|Halo 2 Vista XLiveless|ref=<ref>http://www.modacity.net/forums/showthread.php?16074-Halo-2-Vista-XLiveless</ref>}}
+Use [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/432-halo-2-vista-xliveless/ Halo 2 Vista XLiveless].
-Use [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/432-halo-2-vista-xliveless/ Halo 2 Vista XLiveless].
+}}
+===Command-line arguments===
+{{Help|Commandline}}<ref>[https://halo2.online/help/install/ Install | Project Cartographer]</ref>
+{{Standard table|Parameter|Description|content=
+{{Standard table/row|-windowed|Runs the game in windowed mode.}}
+{{Standard table/row|-novsync|Disables Vsync. May improve the game performance.}}
+{{Standard table/row|-monitor:X|Allows users to move the game between monitors when running in full screen. Replace X with monitor number (found in Windows Display Settings).}}
+{{Standard table/row|-nosound|Runs the game without audio.}}
 }}
+===Example map===
+{{ii}} Example is a map not included in Halo 2 by default, but is present on the Halo 2 install disc and can be obtained by installing and using the Halo 2 map editor. Example is the only multiplayer map to include Fuel Rod Cannons, and includes custom "silenced" SMGs that are quieter than the ones in other maps and have laser pointers. Example is the smallest map in any Halo game and is unusually dense with explosives. Can also be directly downloaded [http://www.h2maps.net/Cartographer/CustomMaps/Example.map here] (for those that don't want to install the editor).
+===Maps ported from other Halo Games===
+Maps that are buggy and/or of low quality are excluded from this list.
+====Halo 2 Xbox exclusive====
+*[http://www.h2maps.net/Cartographer/CustomMaps/desolation.map Desolation]
+*[http://www.h2maps.net/Cartographer/CustomMaps/tombstone.map Tombstone]
+====Halo 1====
+*[http://www.h2maps.net/Cartographer/CustomMaps/bloodgulch.map Bloodgulch] (more faithful then Coagulation)
+*[http://www.h2maps.net/Cartographer/CustomMaps/Chill%20Out.map Chill Out]
+*[http://www.h2maps.net/Cartographer/CustomMaps/prisoner%201.1.map Prisoner]
+*[http://www.h2maps.net/Cartographer/CustomMaps/SideWinder.map SideWinder]
+*[http://www.h2maps.net/Cartographer/CustomMaps/wizard.map Wizard]
+====Halo 3====
+*[http://www.h2maps.net/Cartographer/CustomMaps/guardian.map Guardian]
 ==System requirements==
@@ Line 348: / Line 552: @@
 |minGPU   = Nvidia GeForce 6100
 |minGPU2  = ATI Radeon X700
+|minVRAM  = 128 MB
+|minSM    = 2.0
 |minDX    = 9
@@ Line 353: / Line 559: @@
 |recRAM   = 2 GB
 |recHD    = 10 GB
+|recGPU   =
 |recDX    = 10
+|notes   = {{ii}} Halo 2 can be played on Windows XP by following [https://web.archive.org/web/20081109113202/http://agentsmithak.tripod.com/halo2_xp_patch.html this tutorial] (Games for Windows - LIVE features will be disabled).
 }}
-{{ii}} Common myth states that Halo 2 requires Dx10. In reality Halo 2 PC uses Dx9 and does not require Dx10 compatible hardware.
-{{ii}} Subsequently, Halo 2 PC may be installed on Windows XP by following this tutorial.<ref>http://agentsmithak.tripod.com/halo2_xp_patch.html</ref> Note, Live will be disabled.
 {{References}}