Project Cartographer
Ready to start? Get the latest version of Project Cartographer here.
Download Installer#1 Prerequisites:
- A PC running Windows 7 or later
- Mac and Linux guides can be found on our Forums
- 5GB Storage Space & 1GB RAM
#2 Halo 2 Project Cartographer Download:Estimate 4-10 minutes
- Download the latest release using the Setup/Installer
- https://www.h2maps.net/Cartographer/Installer/h2pc_installer_2.1.zip
- NOTICE: Downloading about 4GB may take awhile depending on network connectivity
- If you prefer to download via torrent you can find that HERE
#3 Install Halo 2 PC:Estimate 3-5 minutes
- Extract the h2pc_setup.exe and data.bin to a temporary location of your choosing
- Run the extracted h2pc_setup.exe with the data.bin in the same location and proceed with the install
- Once completed you may now delete the downloaded files and extracted files
#4 Launching the Game:
- Open Halo 2 Project Cartographer from desktop shortcut (if not already open)
- Press any key to open the sign in screen
- Select Create account, use a valid email and create a Username & Password
- Confirm your email and proceed back into the game
- Go back to the sign in screen and select Add account
- Enter your Cartographer Username and Password to sign in
- NOTICE: You may be prompted to update your game to the latest version of Project Cartographer when signing in for the first time
#5 Game Settings:
- Once signed in, you may proceed to Settings to configure your game Resolution, Refresh rate & more
- Configure Cartographer specific settings such as FPS limit, FOV & Deadzones via Advanced Settings
- NOTICE: Advanced Settings may be accessed via
1) Main Menu: Settings > Cartographer
2) Keyboard: Pressing the HOME key
3) Controller: Pressing SELECT + D-PAD UP buttons
General info:
- Browse Servers and Create Custom Game Lobbies by selecting Online in the Main Menu
- NOTICE: To host a Custom Game, if your router does not support UPnP you will need ports 2000 through 2010 UDP & TCP forwarded
- More info for hosting a Dedicated Server can be found here: https://www.halo2.online/threads/halo-2-pc-dedicated-server-setup-guide.3800/
Project Cartographer Overview:
- Project Cartographer is a mod for Halo 2 Vista that restores online multiplayer functionality
- Provides fixes and features to the game and implements community feedback
- Delivers the definitive Halo 2 experience
Cartographer Advanced Settings:
- Access by pressing the HOME key on your keyboard
- Alternatively, select Cartographer in the Settings menu
- NOTICE: Clicking any Reset button will restore original Halo 2 values
HUD Settings:
- Field of View: Sets FOV for your game (default: 78)
- Vehicle Field of View: Sets FOV when in vehicles (default: 78)
- Crosshair Offset: Controls crosshair placement (0 = centered)
- Crosshair Size: Controls crosshair size (1 = default)
- Adjust Weapon Offsets: Customize weapon placement
- Hide in game chat: Toggle text chat (F9 also toggles this)
- Static FP Scale: Locks First Person model to default position
- Show HUD: Toggle all in-game HUD elements
- Show First Person: Toggle First Person model
Video Settings:
- FPS Limiter: Set to 0 for uncapped frame rate
- Level of Detail: Controls object quality and distance detail
- Shadow Quality: Controls shadow graphic quality
- Water Quality: Controls water graphic quality
- Force Max Shader LOD: Forces highest shader detail (restart required)
- Disable Light Suppression: Prevents light fade-out (restart required)
Mouse and Keyboard Settings:
- Raw Mouse Input: Toggles raw mouse input on/off
- Uniform Sensitivity: Makes horizontal and vertical sensitivity match
- Mouse Sensitivity: Customize with slider or numeric value
Controller Settings:
- Controller Sensitivity: Customize with slider or numeric value
- Aiming Type: Default (Halo 2's native acceleration) or Modern (smoother curve)
- Deadzone Type: Axial (default), Radial (rounder), or Both
- Deadzone X and Y: Control Axial deadzone amount
- Radial Deadzone: Control Radial deadzone radius
- Customize Controller Layout: Change button mappings (Default layout required)
Host and Campaign Settings:
- Anti-Cheat: Enable/disable anti-cheat (disabling allows hacks/mods)
- Enable X to Delay: Allows players to delay countdown timer
- Toggle Skulls: Choose skulls with unique effects for Campaign and Multiplayer
Game Settings:
- Discord Rich Presence: Shows in-game status on Discord profile
- Disable Intro videos: Stops startup videos from playing
- UPNP: May allow hosting private matches without port forwarding
- Language: Select native language for Halo 2
Custom Variants:
- Zombies: Automated infection mode - Humans vs Infected with Energy Swords
- Create Slayer variant with "Zombies" or "Infection" in name
- OGH2: Sets engine tickrate back to 30 for original Halo 2 physics
- Enables superbounces, original fire rates, and removes sword fly patch
- Create any variant with "OGH2" in name
- GunGame: Players get new weapon with each kill in set order
- Create any variant with "GunGame" in name
- Graverobber: Enemies drop skulls when killed - collect to score
- Create Slayer variant with "Graverobber" in name
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Is Project Cartographer open source? Yes - view code on GitHub
- Can I host a Dedicated Server? Yes - see Dedicated Server guide
- No activation email received? Check spam folder or join Discord for assistance
- Input lag issues? Turn off Vsync in Video settings - also see Optimization guide
- Uncapped framerate? Yes - Project Cartographer supports fully uncapped FPS
- How to set refresh rate? Set through Halo 2 settings when selecting resolution
- Borderless windowed mode? Set within Video settings in main menu
- Is there Split-Screen? Yes - Up to 4 Player Split-Screen is supported
- LAN Support? Yes - LAN play is supported for both Clients and Dedicated Servers
- Custom map download? Yes - Custom maps are downloaded in game or manually on our Repo
- Custom maps location? Saved to \Documents\My Games\Halo 2\Maps by default
- Mac & Linux support? Not officially supported - check Forum help section for Wine guides
- Configuration files location? C:\%userprofile%\Appdata\Local\Microsoft\Halo 2\
- Open in-game console? Pressing F10 opens the console - type HELP to list commands
- Is Campaign included? Yes - Campaign is included in the download
- Does Project Cartographer have CO-OP? Yes - Split screen only but Online CO-OP is planned
- In-game voice chat? Voice chat is a potential feature that may be added eventually
- How to type chat in game? Pressing F1 opens text chat
- Is there an Anti-Cheat system? Yes - Project Cartographer does have Anti-Cheat
- How to get unbanned? You may appeal a ban via our Discord or Forums
- Manually update game? Download latest Project Cartographer files HERE
- Reset my account password? Reset your password on Cartographer.online via Recover Account
- What ports are used for hosting By default ports 2000 through 2010 UDP & TCP