The Master Chief Collection Just Got a Surprise New Update for February 2026

Halo: The Master Chief Collection, the compilation of some of the Halo series’ most beloved titles, has just received a brand-new update. First launched on November 11, 2014, for Microsoft’s Xbox One, Halo: The Master Chief Collection contained four Halo games upon release, with two more games added in the years that followed.

The Master Chief Collection originally contained the first four Halo titles, including a remastered version of Halo 2 titled Halo 2 Anniversary to commemorate the game’s 10th anniversary. In May 2015, the game added the single-player campaign from Halo 3: ODST. After finally landing on Windows years later in 2020, Halo: Reach was also added to the collection, along with ODST‘s Firefight multiplayer mode. Halo: The Master Chief Collection was praised by critics for granting fans the ability to revisit the legendary series in any order they choose, with updates and quality-of-life improvements for some of the game’s older titles in particular.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection Gets a Surprise 2026 Update

Halo: The Master Chief Collection has received a surprising new update that shifts some of the mechanics tied to collecting rare gear in the game. Officially announced through an update to its Steam page, The Master Chief Collection is altering its Exchange program, where players earn Spartan Points in order to purchase rare weapons, helmets, and other cosmetic customizations. The system, which was added to the game post-launch, would previously rotate its gear in and out of availability, locking some of it away forever if players missed the chance to grab it. This update makes The Exchange’s content available in perpetuity, allowing fans to grab items at their own pace and making older unlocks available again.

The update’s announcement lists the Avalanche Sniper Rifle as an example, as one of many legendary Halo weapons that was made unavailable after its initial rotation through The Exchange. Players will now have the opportunity to nab this legendary firearm whenever they’re ready, along with a variety of other skins, and even the game’s rotating lineup of nameplates. The post does concede that some bundles of gear will remain rotational, but will remain available throughout an entire quarter of the year, with a list of bundles provided that will rotate in and out of The Exchange throughout the rest of 2026. The announced bundles, along with their dates of availability, are listed below.

The Exchange: Rotating Bundles Schedule

• Quarter 1 (January 1–March 31)
  • The Orion Set
    • Helmet
    • Chest
    • Shoulders (Left/Right)
    • Arms
• Quarter 2 (April 1–June 30)
  • Grunt Plush Back Accessory
  • OGX Magnum Skin
  • X-Pack Back Accessory
• Quarter 3 (July 1–September 30)
  • The Mirage/SPI Set
    • Helmet
    • Chest
    • Shoulders (Left/Right)
• Quarter 4 (October 1–December 31)
  • OGX Shotgun Skin
  • OGX Rocket Launcher Skin
  • Taygetus Dory Back Accessory

Image via Xbox Game Studios

The unexpected announcement marks the first update to Halo: The Master Chief Collection since September 2025, when a smaller patch fixed some of the game’s bugs and issues. That was the first update to the game since 2023, meaning these fixes and additions have not been frequent as the game ages, but they have shown a consistent willingness to address issues for players that may still be engaging. As the most convenient and definitive way to revisit Halo’s greatest moments, this commitment to continued support will make it easier for players to continue to enjoy their experience with the game.

While each of Halo: The Master Chief Collection‘s games are worth playing, content like The Exchange adds a unique twist to the experience that aims to keep things somewhat fresh for players. Structuring The Exchange like a modern game’s battle pass, with items moving in and out of availability, may have made sense at the time of its release, but as a legacy collection, fans should have the ability to pick up the game at their leisure and continue to earn new and exciting gear. The fan-favorite collection may not be receiving regular updates, but it will continue to be an excellent place for players to experience Halo’s greatness.

Systems

Released

November 11, 2014

ESRB

M for Mature: Violence, Blood and Gore, Language

Publisher(s)

Xbox Game Studios