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Overview

The [halo] section configures how Halo is initialized, including file paths, network ports, and gameplay optimizations.

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Path Configuration

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path
string
Change where profiles are stored. Can be absolute or relative. Can be overridden with the -path command-line argument.
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download_map_path
string
default:"<path>/chimera/maps"
Change where downloaded maps are stored. Can be absolute or relative.
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map_path
string
default:"maps"
Change where to load maps from. Can be absolute or relative.
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exec
string
Path to an 8-bit text file containing commands to execute on startup.

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Example: Custom Paths

[halo]
;path=C:\Users\whatever\you\want\to\put\here
;download_map_path=C:\Users\whatever\you\want\to\put\here
;map_path=maps
;exec=C:\Users\path\to\init.txt

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Network Configuration

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server_port
number
default:"2302"
Server port for hosting games. Can be overridden with the -port command-line argument.
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client_port
number
default:"2303"
Client port for joining games. Can be overridden with the -cport command-line argument.
Set client_port=0 to have the OS assign a client port automatically. This is recommended if you run multiple Halo instances on your PC.

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Example: Network Ports

[halo]
;server_port=2302
client_port=0

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Game Behavior

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console
boolean
default:"0"
Enable the developer console. Can be overridden with the -console command-line argument.
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intro_videos
boolean
default:"0"
Enable intro videos. Normally disabled by default as it makes starting the game take longer. On demo version, this also enables the outro video.
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main_menu_music
boolean
default:"1"
Enable menu music. Set to 0 to disable.
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background_playback
boolean
default:"0"
Enable video rendering when Halo is not in focus (e.g., tabbed out).
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april_fools
boolean
default:"1"
Enable April Fools features. Uncomment to disable.

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Example: Game Behavior

[halo]
console=1
;intro_videos=1
;main_menu_music=0
background_playback=1
;april_fools=0

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Optimal Defaults

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optimal_defaults
boolean
default:"0"
Use optimal defaults to make the game play more like a proper PC game. Enables the following:
  • chimera_af true
  • chimera_aim_assist true
  • chimera_block_loading_screen true
  • chimera_block_mouse_acceleration true
  • chimera_diagonals 0.75
  • chimera_fov auto
  • chimera_fov_cinematic auto
  • chimera_fp_reverb true
  • chimera_throttle_fps 300
  • chimera_uncap_cinematic true
  • chimera_model_detail true
  • chimera_lock_fp_model_fov
Enabling optimal_defaults is recommended for the best PC gaming experience.

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Example: Optimal Defaults

[halo]
optimal_defaults=1

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Advanced Settings

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multiple_instances
boolean
default:"0"
Enable running multiple instances of Halo simultaneously.
Due to how Halo handles save files, enabling multiple_instances will cause the game to crash if you create checkpoints. Turn this off if you intend to play campaign!Each instance needs its own client port to join games. Setting client_port=0 ensures this.
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hash
string
default:"%"
Use a custom hash for identification. Can be a string up to 32 characters OR % for a random hash.

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Example: Multiple Instances

[halo]
;multiple_instances=1
client_port=0
hash=%

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Complete Example

Here’s a complete example configuration: 
[halo]
# Enable console
console=1

# Use optimal defaults for PC
optimal_defaults=1

# Allow background playback
background_playback=1

# Auto-assign client port
client_port=0

# Random hash
hash=%

# Custom paths (optional)
;path=C:\Games\Halo\Profiles
;download_map_path=C:\Games\Halo\Downloads
;exec=C:\Games\Halo\autoexec.txt

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