Get ready, Halo fans!

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Halo 2, the prolific Digsite modding team has unveiled an exciting new content drop that includes two previously cut missions from the iconic 2004 game. These long-lost missions are now available on the Steam Workshop for Halo: The Master Chief Collection (MCC) on PC, rekindling the nostalgia of a founding favorite in gaming history.

Blast from the Past: E3 2003's "Earth City" Mission

Remember the packed auditorium at E3 2003? The moment when Halo 2 was first unveiled remains etched in every gamer’s memory. As the crowd cheered, players watched as the Master Chief descended upon New Mombasa, joining an exhilarating fight against the invading Covenant forces. With new weapons like the sleek single-shot battle rifle and dual-wieldable SMGs, this demo featured an electrifying new look at familiar gameplay.

Many were disappointed that this mission didn’t make it into the final retail release of Halo 2, but now, thanks to the hard work of the Digsite team, you can step into the shoes of the Chief once more and engage in this thrilling battle. The team has also drastically improved the visual quality and stability of the mission, ensuring a smooth gameplay experience, unlike the original demo which relied on tricky triggers to prevent glitches.

The Chronicles of the Arbiter: Alpha Moon

The second reclaimed mission, “Alpha Moon,” dives into the story of the Arbiter, a key character who played a pivotal role in the overarching Halo narrative. Set against the backdrop of the Threshold gas mine, players originally would have pursued the heretic leader known as Sesa 'Refumee' to confront him in a climactic showdown.

While the mission was ultimately cut due to various technical issues and mixed feedback from playtesters, the Digsite team has carefully reconstructed it using existing elements from the game. However, fans should be aware that certain aspects, like the final fight scene with 'Refumee,' remain unfinished and may still display some glitches.

In a neat twist to this restoration, the team recorded new voiceovers to align with the last known script revisions, mirroring the iconic sounds of the Elites that many players fondly remember.

How Can You Play?

Eager to jump into these revived missions? It’s easier than you think! Simply follow these three steps:

1. Head over to the Steam Workshop page and subscribe to the mod. 2. Launch MCC on PC with the Anti-Cheat option disabled. 3. Navigate to the campaign menu for Halo 2 and select your desired mission!

And to make your experience even more thrilling, consider enabling Skulls for extra challenges within these classic levels!

Mark your calendars for November 15th, when “Alpha Moon” will be officially available alongside the “Earth City” mission. This release not only offers a nostalgic journey into the past for die-hard Halo enthusiasts but also an enticing new experience for players who may have joined the franchise more recently.

So, ready your weapons and get set to celebrate Halo 2’s legacy! The restored missions await you – will you answer the call of duty?