What the Halo CE Browser Port Is
Halo CE Web is the 2001 Xbox game compiled to WebAssembly from a decompilation. It is not an emulator: community projects (punpckhdq/halo, then bnunu/halo-1) rebuilt the source of Xbox build 2342 to 99.5% byte-matching, and cybersecurity/halo-ce-universal ported that code to Windows, Linux, Android and browsers.
This browser build is hosted and maintained by Mitchell Hynes at mitchellhynes.com/halo. He launched it on September 29, 2026 with the game data included, then removed the maps on October 2 and switched to “bring your own XISO” out of respect for the decompilation team. The decompilation projects themselves say they are not responsible for the site.
How to Play Halo CE in Your Browser
You need an ISO of your own Halo: Combat Evolved Xbox disc (.xiso or .iso). Any region or version works.
- 1Make a disc image of your Halo CE Xbox disc. The project’s Discord has ripping instructions.
- 2Press Play above and choose “Choose XISO”. The page copies only the maps folder into your browser’s storage; the disc image never leaves your computer.
- 3Wait for the runtime and campaign to load, then click the game (or Focus game) to capture the mouse.
- 4For multiplayer, open Online multiplayer, pick a map and mode, and share the invite link with friends.
Halo CE Online Multiplayer in the Browser
Matches run in private rooms that you share by link. Gameplay connects peer to peer, with one host and up to 127 friends per room.
13 multiplayer maps
Battle Creek, Sidewinder, Damnation, Rat Race, Prisoner, Hang ’Em High, Chill Out, Derelict, Boarding Action, Blood Gulch, Wizard, Chiron TL-34 and Longest.
6 game modes
Slayer, Team Slayer, Capture the Flag, Oddball, King of the Hill and Race.
Custom rules
Score to win, respawn time, lives, health, shields, players on radar, infinite grenades and invisible players. Stock rules are the default.
PAL and NTSC together
The port adjusts European disc maps to play like the North American ones, so players with either version can share a game.
Halo CE Keyboard and Controller Layout
The page maps every original Xbox controller button to the keyboard. Aim magnetism switches off automatically for mouse and on for a controller.
| Xbox button | Keyboard / mouse | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Left stick | W A S D | Move |
| Right stick | Mouse | Aim |
| RT | Left click | Fire |
| LT | G / right click | Grenade |
| A | Space | Jump |
| B | F | Melee |
| X | E / R | Action and reload |
| Y | Tab / mouse wheel | Switch weapon |
| White / Black | Q / X | White and Black buttons |
| L3 / R3 | C / Z or middle click | Crouch / zoom |
| Start / Back | Esc / F1 | Menu / scores |
Halo CE Browser Not Working? What to Check
It asks for an XISO
That is expected. The site does not include Halo game data, so it cannot run without a disc image of your own copy.
On a phone it is hard to play
The developer says the web build does not play well on mobile. Halo CE Mobile is the version made for phones and tablets.
Frame rate is choppy
Early reviews called it playable but a little janky. Use a desktop Chrome or Edge with hardware acceleration on, and close other heavy tabs.
Mouse does not turn the camera
Click inside the game or press Focus game so the browser locks the pointer. Esc releases it.
Halo CE Browser FAQ
Is Halo CE in the browser free?
The website is free. It does not include the game’s data, so you need a disc image made from a copy of Halo: Combat Evolved you own.
Is the Halo CE browser port an emulator?
No. It is the decompiled game code compiled to WebAssembly, running natively in the browser instead of emulating an Xbox.
Can I play Halo CE online with friends in the browser?
Yes. Create a room, pick a map and mode, and send the invite link. Rooms hold up to 128 players and connect peer to peer.
Does any version of the Halo CE disc work?
Yes. Any version of the Xbox game works, and PAL maps are adjusted so PAL and NTSC players can play together.
Is this made by Microsoft or Bungie?
No. It is a fan port of a community decompilation, independently hosted by Mitchell Hynes and not affiliated with Microsoft, Bungie or 343 Industries.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked on 2026-10-11.
