Available now in the Windows Store, Halo 5: Forge brings the robust Halo 5 game creation suite to PCs for the first time. Not only will it allow players to create Halo 5 maps and modes from the comfort of their PC but they'll also be able to test out their creations on either the PC or Xbox One. Not only that but they'll also be able to play any Forge content including original maps and modes released by developer 343 Industries. Just not the main game.

Sure when you take away the campaign and Warzone you aren't left with much, but playing Halo 5 maps on PC in 4K with a keyboard and mouse and improved visuals is a pretty good tech test. Especially when they also point this out.

In addition to the core suite of builder tools being made available through Halo 5: Forge, we’ll also be allowing players to play custom Arena multiplayer games on Windows 10 and making available all of the existing Halo 5 Arena maps. Players will be able to set up custom matches with friends over Xbox Live to play and test their creations on the PC before sharing them with the world.

As 343’s first Halo FPS release on PC, we are approaching this as a learning opportunity. In developing Halo 5: Forge for Windows 10, we have been fortunate to work with a great partner in Skybox Labs, based out of Vancouver, Canada. Skybox has worked closely with Tom French, Nahil Sharkasi, and the entire team here at 343 Industries to ensure we provide the sort of experience that PC players have come to expect. They have done a terrific job and we look forward to continuing to work with them in future.

So it's probably only a matter of time before Halo 5 or some sort of beefier Halo experience gets a proper PC release. We're betting that it won't be until sometime next year though, to coincide with Microsoft's 4K-ready Scorpio Xbox One.