> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/SnowyMouse/chimera/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction

> Learn about Chimera, the comprehensive enhancement mod for Halo Combat Evolved PC

Chimera is the update to Halo: Combat Evolved for the PC that we should have had but never got. It provides extensive fixes, enhancements, and features while preserving the base game experience.

## What is Chimera?

Chimera is a comprehensive mod for Halo: Combat Evolved PC that fixes bugs, adds quality-of-life improvements, and enhances the game with modern features. Most features are opt-in to ensure the base game is preserved as much as possible.

<Note>
  Chimera works by replacing the game's `strings.dll` file, making installation simple and reversible.
</Note>

## Key Features

Chimera provides numerous enhancements across several categories:

### Passive Features (Always On)

* **Interpolation**: Smooth object movement beyond 30 FPS
* **Increased Limits**: BSP polygon limit boosted to 32,767, visible objects to 1,024, draw distance to \~6.86 km
* **Compressed Maps**: Support for zstd-compressed map files
* **Fast Loading**: CRC32 verification only when loading maps, not at startup
* **High FPS Fixes**: Camera shake, checkpoints, contrails, motion sensor, and auto-centering all work correctly at high frame rates
* **Shader Fixes**: Restores Xbox-accurate rendering, fixes many Gearbox regressions
* **Visual Fixes**: FOV consistency, model LOD, sun flares, zoom blur, multitexture overlays, z-fighting reduction

### Optional Features

* **Custom Field of View**: Adjust FOV with vertical FOV locking for aspect ratio consistency
* **Widescreen Support**: Proper HUD scaling for ultrawide displays
* **Mouse Enhancements**: Disable mouse acceleration, granular sensitivity control
* **Lua Scripting**: Load custom scripts globally or per-map
* **Map Downloading**: Automatic map downloads from HAC2 repository when joining servers
* **Custom Chat**: Improved chat system with customizable colors and positioning
* **Devmode**: Enable developer commands without blocking multiplayer

<Accordion title="View All Commands">
  Chimera includes over 70 commands for customization:

  * `chimera_fov` - Set field of view
  * `chimera_block_mouse_acceleration` - Disable mouse acceleration
  * `chimera_show_fps` - Display FPS counter
  * `chimera_widescreen_fix` - Fix HUD scaling for widescreen
  * `chimera_interpolate` - Toggle interpolation
  * And many more...

  See the full command reference for details.
</Accordion>

## System Requirements

### Minimum Requirements

**Operating System:**

* Windows 7 or later (recommended)
* Windows XP or later (using dedicated Windows XP release)
* Linux with Wine 4.0 or newer

**Game Version:**

* Halo: Combat Evolved PC version 1.10
* OR Halo Custom Edition (any version)
* OR Halo Trial

<Warning>
  Chimera requires Halo PC version 1.10. Make sure to update your game before installing.
</Warning>

### Recommended Specifications

For optimal performance with all features enabled:

* **CPU**: Intel Core i3-2100 (3.1 GHz) or AMD FX 6100 (3.3 GHz) or better
* **RAM**: 8 GB or more (for map caching features)
* **GPU**: NVIDIA GeForce 8500 GT, ATI Radeon HD 5670, or better

<Info>
  While Chimera isn't demanding, some features like interpolation and increased limits may impact performance on very old hardware.
</Info>

## Custom Edition Support on Retail

Chimera enables Custom Edition map support on retail Halo PC. To use this feature:

1. Obtain the Custom Edition resource maps (`bitmaps.map`, `loc.map`, `sounds.map`)
2. Rename them with the `custom_` prefix
3. Place them in your maps folder

This allows you to play Custom Edition maps without installing Halo Custom Edition separately.

## Mod Support

Chimera supports loading binary mods (DLL files) from a `mods` folder in your game directory.

<Warning>
  Chimera does **not** support HAC2 or Open Sauce due to conflicts. These mods modify the game in similar ways and cannot run together.
</Warning>

## License

Chimera is licensed under **GNU General Public License version 3.0 (GPL-3.0)**.

* Free and open source software
* You can redistribute and modify under GPL-3.0 terms
* No warranty provided
* Source code available at [github.com/SnowyMouse/chimera](https://github.com/SnowyMouse/chimera)

<Info>
  To use Chimera under a different license, you would need permission from all contributors.
</Info>

## What's Next?

Ready to install Chimera? Check out the [Installation Guide](/installation) for step-by-step instructions.

Once installed, see the [Quick Start Guide](/quickstart) to begin using Chimera's features.