Microsoft makes two major announcements for Halo 5, revealing the release date for Halo 5: Forge on PC and providing details on the free Anvil's Legacy content update.
Back in May, Microsoft announced that Halo 5: Forge would come to Windows 10 PC, giving gamers more control over their content creation in Halo 5: Guardians. Today, Microsoft said the wait is almost over, announcing that Halo 5: Forge will release on PC on September 8, the same date that the game's Anvil's Legacy content update hits Xbox One.
Forge is Halo 5's map maker. On PC, Microsoft has collaborated with SkyBox Labs to add mouse and keyboard support for "highly refined object placement and manipulation" and greater graphic fidelity, including support for 4K displays. Forge will also allow PC gamers to play custom matches for up to 16 players and the release comes with a new content browser that spans both PC and Xbox One. Halo 5 players will be able to use Forge to download levels regardless of which platform they were created on. A gamer could theoretically publish a level on PC and then immediately fire up his or her Xbox One and start playing.
Halo 5: Guardians launched to great success last year, topping $400 million within one week of release, making it the fastest-selling Xbox One exclusive to date. Since then, Microsoft and 343 Industries have continued to support the game with free content updates, the latest of which, Anvil's Legacy, will hit September 8.
Fittingly, Anvil's Legacy will bring a bevy of improvements to Forge on Xbox One to coincide with the PC release. This includes a new content browser that will make it easier to discover community creations. The update on console will also bring new arena and WarZone maps named Mercy and Temple. Additional features include new weapons and customization options, including Sound Dampener attachments and armor skins.
The release of Forge on PC will likely be a boon for community content, but it also serves as a reminder of what this update is not. There were rumors going into E3 this year that Halo 5: Guardians might see a full release on PC but that story was quickly shot down by 343 Industries. Still, if Forge proves to be a major success on PC, anything is possible. After all, Microsoft is currently pushing its Xbox Play Anywhere program, giving out free PC copies to those who purchase certain upcoming Xbox One titles and vice versa. Halo 5: Guardians has maintained an active community since its 2015 release and both Microsoft and 343 will likely be closely monitoring the community's reaction to this update as it looks towards the future.
Halo 5: Guardians is out now on Xbox One. Halo 5: Forge releases on PC September 8.