One of the most common questions Halo fans ask is: Do people still play Halo: Reach? The answer is a resounding yes. Even in 2025, Halo: Reach continues to attract an active community of players who keep the game alive through custom lobbies, game nights, and even revived matchmaking on the Xbox 360.
Far from being abandoned, Reach is still played regularly by dedicated fans who love its unique mix of competitive action and creative Forge gameplay. Come join the Halo: Reach Discord server if you would like to join the lobbies!
Custom Games and Weekly Lobbies
The biggest reason why people still play Halo: Reach today is the strength of its custom game community. Ever since 2022, weekly lobbies have been hosted by fans, keeping iconic game types like BTB, Alpha Zombies, and Slayer alive. At the same time, Forge creators have ensured there’s always something new to play, from large-scale battle maps to inventive mini-games.
By 2023 and 2024, these custom game nights became the main way players enjoyed Reach online. They provided a sense of nostalgia for returning fans while offering newcomers a chance to experience the creativity and fun that made Reach stand out. Now, in 2025, these events are still running strong, drawing in loyal players week after week.
Matchmaking Makes a Comeback
Another reason why the answer to “Do people still play Halo: Reach?” is yes, lies in matchmaking’s surprising revival. While official support on Xbox 360 was reduced at the beginning of 2022, projects like Sunrise in 2024 reintroduced matchmaking through modded hosts with a RGH console. Then, in 2025, the BadUpdate 1.2 exploit for Xbox 360 opened matchmaking to all players, allowing everyone to search for games once again. This development brought a surge of new and returning players back into Reach’s competitive playlists.
Accessible Across Consoles
It’s also worth noting that Halo: Reach isn’t limited to the Xbox 360. Thanks to backwards compatibility on Xbox One and Series X|S, the game remains easy to access across newer consoles. This ensures a wider pool of players and helps keep the community active.
So, do people still play Halo: Reach? Absolutely. With thriving custom games, revived matchmaking, and cross-generation accessibility, Reach is alive and well in 2025.
To jump into the action yourself, join the Halo: Reach Community Discord and connect with hundreds of players who keep the legacy of Reach alive.
