Jan. 7, 2026 — Redmond, Wash. A Halo collector posted high-resolution photos on X of a CNC-machined ABS plastic helmet prototype resembling Halo 2’s Mk VI design, discovered locally and sparking debate among fans about its origins as a possible cancelled Halo 2 special edition or early Halo 3 Legendary Edition concept.
The post by @drahcir_xdk, a self-described Bungie-era Halo collector based around former Bungie studios, appeared on Jan. 6 and quickly amassed 568 likes, 37 reposts, nine replies, and 19.9k views within 24 hours.
With a few more eyes on my account lately, do any Halo 2 fans have any idea what this might’ve been? A cancelled Halo 2 special edition or an early Halo 3 concept, maybe? And before anyone says “3D printed,” it isn’t — it’s CNC’d ABS plastic.
In a follow-up reply, the collector detailed the artifact’s features: visible toolpaths, functional “PUSH OPEN” latches, four keyed alignment slots securing the helmet to a base, internal storage for CDs and manuals, an ABS density marking of “1.052,” and no glue or adhesives—all confirming it was CNC-machined, not 3D printed.
The item was found in Redmond, WA, home to the former Bungie studios and Microsoft. Replies debated its purpose, with users suggesting it was a Halo 3 Legendary Edition prototype due to similarities with the final product but noting differences like front-loading storage versus the released top-loading design and Halo 2 aesthetics.
This seems like a prototype/mock-up of what eventually became the Halo 3 Legendary edition helmet. Interesting that the final version lost the latches and went from front to top loading. The design of the helmet is noticeably Halo 2 Mk VI vs Halo 3’s version as well.
The collector responded that adding photos of Halo 2, ODST, and CE Anniversary discs/manuals were demonstrations of fit, not originals, clarifying they showed compatibility in a different form factor.
Other speculation included a planned Halo 2 special edition repurposed for Halo 3 or an early manufacturer mock-up, with the collector noting its greater mechanical complexity compared to the final Halo 3 helmet.
As of Jan. 7, the full thread continues to draw interest from the Halo community, though no official confirmation from Microsoft or Bungie has emerged, and no mainstream gaming outlets have reported on it.
