Project Reclaimer is a free, non-commercial community client for Halo 3 in The Master Chief Collection (MCC). Its v0.9.0 release, dated October 3, 2026, raises the limit for multiplayer custom games to 64 players. To use that cap, the host increases Max players in Host Settings. The number applies to custom multiplayer games—not every activity or server type.
What is Project Reclaimer?
Project Reclaimer is a ready-built client for playing Halo 3 multiplayer. It is a community project, not an official Halo or Microsoft product, and it does not include Halo 3 or other game files. Each player needs their own Steam copy of MCC with Halo 3 installed. The project describes itself as free and non-commercial.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Halo 3 - Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $24.09 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Halo 3 – Xbox 360 | $55.41 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Halo 3: ODST - Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $20.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Halo 3: ODST - Xbox 360 | $80.13 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Halo 4 - Xbox 360 (Standard Game) | $2.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The project says it is not affiliated with, endorsed, sponsored, or approved by Microsoft, Xbox Game Studios, Halo Studios, 343 Industries, Bungie, or Activision. For the client, use the latest release and verify its SHA-256 checksum as directed by the official Project Reclaimer repository.
Where the 64-player limit applies
Project Reclaimer v0.9.0 distinguishes between multiplayer custom games, dedicated servers, and campaign co-op. The official v0.9.0 release notes give these limits:
| Activity or hosting type | Player limit | How it is set |
|---|---|---|
| Multiplayer custom game hosted through the client | Up to 64 players | Host raises Max players in Host Settings. |
| Dedicated server | Up to 63 players; default is 16 | Set max_players in dedicated.toml. |
| Campaign co-op | Up to 16 players | Server capacity does not increase this limit. |
So, “64-player mode” refers specifically to multiplayer custom games. A dedicated server has a separate maximum of 63, while campaign co-op remains capped at 16.
#1 Best Overall
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- Expands on the franchise and adds a wealth of technical and gameplay advancements
- Unparalleled first-person shooter experience and the most compelling story of the trilogy
- Builds upon the social multiplayer experience and innovative, evolving, online gameplay of Halo 2
- Loaded with high-definition visuals, enhanced AI, an advanced lighting engine, new weapons, characters, and challenges
How to host a 64-player custom game
- Install Project Reclaimer v0.9.0 from the official release page. Each participant also needs their own Steam installation of MCC with Halo 3 installed.
- Start a multiplayer custom game and open Host Settings.
- Increase Max players to the desired number, up to 64.
- Have everyone join using v0.9.0. Players on older versions cannot join a v0.9.0 server, and v0.9.0 players cannot join older servers.
The release notes say the lobby list, scoreboard, and post-game carnage report were updated to show every player. They do not document the networking or synchronization mechanism behind the increased cap, so the player limit alone does not establish how well a full 64-player match performs.
What to check before joining
- Version: Confirm that the host and all players use v0.9.0; mismatches prevent joining. The game indicates which side needs an update.
- Game ownership and installation: Each player needs their own Steam copy of MCC with Halo 3 installed; Project Reclaimer does not provide the game files.
- Activity: Check whether the match is a custom multiplayer game, a dedicated-server session, or campaign co-op, since the maximum differs by type.
What the 64-player claim does—and does not—mean
The official v0.9.0 notes establish a product limit of up to 64 players for custom games. They do not provide a full-lobby performance benchmark or a live test result. Treat 64 as the stated maximum, not a guarantee that every setup will run smoothly at that count.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The Master Chief returns to battle an ancient evil bent on vengeance and annihilation. Humanity and the universe will never be the same again.
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- Stand-alone expansion to Halo 3 that doesn't require ownership of the previous game to play
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- 4-player co-op "Firefight" mode offers a whole new way to play Halo with friends both via system link and over Xbox LIVE
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- Disc only. Original case and manual not included. Will come packaged in a generic case.
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Rank #2
- Expands on the franchise and adds a wealth of technical and gameplay advancements
- Unparalleled first-person shooter experience and the most compelling story of the trilogy
- Builds upon the social multiplayer experience and innovative, evolving, online gameplay of Halo 2
- Loaded with high-definition visuals, enhanced AI, an advanced lighting engine, new weapons, characters, and challenges
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