Skip to main content

‘Halo 5: Forge’ to bring mapmaking to first-person shooter on Windows 10

Developer announces system requirements for Halo 5: Forge on Windows 10 PCs

Forge, a level-creation toolkit for 343 Industries’ multiplayer first-person shooter Halo 5, will launch for Windows 10 PCs next month with an array of platform-specific tweaks and improvements.

Previously available within the Xbox One version of Halo 5, the updated Windows 10 version of Forge will allow players to make precise changes and additions to their created multiplayer maps thanks to a refined mouse and keyboard setup, and support for 4K resolutions.

Recommended Videos

Developer 343 Industries has announced the system requirements for PC users ready to jump in on the custom level creation action. Regardless of hardware, a Windows 10 machine that’s DirectX 12 compatible will be mandatory. Minimum specifications to get the game running require a Core i5 processor at 2.3GHz, with 8GB of RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce 650Ti.

For gamers wanting a 1080p experience at 60 frames per second, the recommended specs include a desktop-grade 3.4GHz Core i5-3570K, along with 12GB of RAM, and a Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 with 4GB of VRAM. And for enthusiasts running a 4K setup, 343 Studios recommends a Core i7 -4770K or better, with 16GB of RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce 980Ti with 6GB of VRAM.

Forge has long been a staple of the Halo series, allowing players to build out custom environments and test them during live multiplayer sessions. Forge offers numerous options for terrain formation and object placement, making it an ideal solution for amateur mapmakers.

Last year’s Halo 5: Guardians continued the series’ tradition with its own version of Forge that retained many familiar elements from previous Halo games while introducing new layout possibilities. Up until now, player creativity has been limited by Forge‘s controller-based input, which often makes it difficult to tweak in-game elements with precision.

The upcoming Windows 10 version of Forge aims to address many player requests, and has added a mouse and keyboard setup to make the level-creation process easier than ever before. Forge for Windows 10 also supports higher resolutions than stock Xbox One consoles, enhancing detail during the editing process.

Once players finish up a custom Forge level, they can launch test multiplayer matches that support up to 16 players, giving a quick overview of the map’s strengths and shortcomings. After finalizing their edits, mapmakers can then share their creations via a new cross-platform content browser that will debut alongside Forge‘s Windows 10 port.

Shared levels can then be downloaded by other Xbox Live users, who in turn can submit their own tweaks and customizations. Microsoft notes that all Forge material and content browser functionality will be available for both the Xbox One version of Halo 5: Guardians and in Halo 5: Forge for Windows 10 starting next month.

Halo 5: Forge will launch as a free download for Windows 10 PCs via the Windows Store on September 8.

h5forge-recommended-spec-sheet--dd86eb67b05a4fab813259e2df7ce4af
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Updated on 08-29-2016 by Imad Khan: Added system requirements for Halo 5: Forge on Windows 10 PCs.

Article original published on 08-24-2016

Danny Cowan
Former Contributor
Danny’s passion for video games was ignited upon his first encounter with Nintendo’s Duck Hunt, and years later, he still…
Windows 11’s taskbar may get a handy feature from Windows 10
Laptop sitting on a desk showing Windows 11's built-in Microsoft Teams experience.

If you're a heavy multitasker in Windows 11, you might have noticed that your taskbar might be a little messy when you have too many apps open at once. Windows 10 had a handy overflow feature to help in that situation, and according to a noted Windows leaker on Twitter, it could soon make a comeback on Windows 11.

While Microsoft hasn't confirmed anything about this just yet, @thebookisclosed is the one who has the specifics of the feature. With it, you should be able to see and access all of your open apps in a new overflow bin in the Windows 11 taskbar.

Read more
Halo Infinite’s Tenrai event is back, but tweaked based on feedback
Spartans dressed as samurai in Halo Infinite.

Halo Infinite's Fracture: Tenrai event is back after debuting in November. It's the first time players will be able to access the event's timed, samurai-themed battle pass with Halo Infinite's new set of event-specific challenge changes. However, another post on Halo Waypoint detailing just how the event is going to be different this time around signals that the changes might not make much of a difference for the game's dedicated players.

Halo Infinite | Fracture: Tenrai Returns

Read more
Windows 11 brings back another highly requested Taskbar feature
Windows 11 Woman on Laptop Lifestyle

Microsoft has confirmed the weather widget that was initially introduced via Windows 10 will be integrated into Windows 11. A new voice access feature for the operating system has also been added.

The latest Insider preview build for Windows 11, dubbed . 22518, displays live weather content on the left side of the taskbar. Users will also be able to open the widgets board by hovering over the entry point.

Read more