Mutinous Core

Operation: Infinite Update Preview

Community

Games


<p>Next year will mark twenty-five years since the Master Chief first battled the Covenant in <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em>. To celebrate the epic adventure that changed gaming forever, we’ve partnered with <a href="https://www.higround.co">Higround</a> to create a limited-edition series of keyboards and mousepads that pay tribute to our most cherished campaign and multiplayer memories.</p>



<p>Shop the whole collection at participating <a href="https://www.microcenter.com/search/search_results.aspx?N=&cat=&Ntt=higround+halo">Micro Center</a> stores, with in-store pickup at <a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/searchpage.jsp?st=higround%20halo">Best Buy</a>, or online through either retailer now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>KEYBOARDS</strong></h2>



<p>Higround’s limited-edition <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em> 25th Anniversary gear series unleashes a trio of elite gaming keyboards armored in retro art honoring the legendary Spartans of 2001. With three designs to choose from, there’s something to evolve everyone’s game.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SNIPER EVOLVED</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_SniperEvolved-1.jpg" alt="Sniper Evolved keyboard" class="wp-image-154148" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_SniperEvolved-1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_SniperEvolved-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_SniperEvolved-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_SniperEvolved-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_SniperEvolved-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_SniperEvolved-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>The perfect tool for Jackals on the ridge. Take aim with the <strong>Halo x Higround Basecamp 96+ Sniper Evolved Keyboard</strong>, featuring a tactical look at the Master Chief perched downwind with his favorite precision instrument.</p>



<p>Built on Higround’s largest frame with full-width backlighting, this limited-edition keyboard is an ode to the weapon that launched a million montages.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>About the Basecamp 96+</strong></h4>



<p>Higround’s new 96% keyboard features a num pad for added utility, without sacrificing a relatively compact form factor. Built with the same sound profile and build quality as the longstanding Basecamp+ series, the <strong>Basecamp 96+</strong> features dye-sub PBT keycaps, hot-swappable pre-lubed TTC Neptune switches, an aluminum plate, and Higround’s legendary Dampening Plus system.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FLAWLESS COWBOY</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Flawless-Cowboy-2-1.jpg" alt="Flawless Cowboy keyboard" class="wp-image-154106" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Flawless-Cowboy-2-1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Flawless-Cowboy-2-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Flawless-Cowboy-2-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Flawless-Cowboy-2-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Flawless-Cowboy-2-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Flawless-Cowboy-2-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>Warning: multiple Covenant dropships on approach. The <strong>Halo x Higround Summit 65 Flawless Cowboy Keyboard</strong> hits the ground running with an iconic look at the Master Chief’s first combat encounter on Alpha Halo.</p>



<p>With a sturdy aluminum case, Spartan-quality dampening, and full-width backlighting, you’ll know just how it feels to face a pair of inbound Banshees in Mjolnir armor.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>About the Summit 65</strong></h4>



<p>The <strong>Summit 65</strong> is Highround’s flagship 65% keyboard, with dye-sub PBT keycaps and dedicated arrow keys. Features a full CNC aluminum case, gasket-mounted design, Geo Linear switches, triple dampening foam, and an FR4 flex-cut plate.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SHOTTY SNIPES</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Shotty-Snipes-1-1.jpg" alt="Shotty Snipes keyboard" class="wp-image-154134" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Shotty-Snipes-1-1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Shotty-Snipes-1-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Shotty-Snipes-1-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Shotty-Snipes-1-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Shotty-Snipes-1-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Shotty-Snipes-1-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>The ultimate duel. Range meets stopping power in the artfully decorated Halo x Higround 65HE Shotty Snipes Keyboard. Whether you prefer to get close or pick your targets from afar, this keyboard’s Hall Effect tech delivers hair-trigger responsivity to every showdown.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>About the Basecamp 65HE</strong></h4>



<p>The <strong>Basecamp 65HE</strong> is Higround’s signature 65% keyboard (dedicated arrow keys) with dye-sub PBT keycaps. Features magnetic switches, Rapid Trigger, and Hall Effect technology for Dynamic Actuation between 0.1 mm and 3.8 mm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>MOUSEPADS</strong></h2>



<p>The legend of any Spartan warfighter is built on a foundation of honor, duty, and sacrifice. Your gaming skills may be a little nastier in practice, but a firm foundation still makes all the difference between victory and defeat. Get tactile with Higround’s Mousepad XL!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>M90 MELEE</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="850" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_M90Melee_MousepadXL-1.png" alt="M90 Melee Mousepad XL" class="wp-image-154176" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_M90Melee_MousepadXL-1.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_M90Melee_MousepadXL-1-300x133.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_M90Melee_MousepadXL-1-1024x453.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_M90Melee_MousepadXL-1-768x340.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_M90Melee_MousepadXL-1-1536x680.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_M90Melee_MousepadXL-1-1568x694.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>Shot, meet chaser. The <strong>Halo x Higround M90 Melee Mousepad XL</strong> features the iconic aftermath of a close encounter between red and blue Spartans. Try looking at those bulky ragdolls without imagining the sound of a satisfying smackdown.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BATTLE CREEK</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="860" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_BattleCreek_MousepadXL-1.png" alt="Battle Creek Mousepad XL" class="wp-image-154162" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_BattleCreek_MousepadXL-1.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_BattleCreek_MousepadXL-1-300x134.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_BattleCreek_MousepadXL-1-1024x459.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_BattleCreek_MousepadXL-1-768x344.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_BattleCreek_MousepadXL-1-1536x688.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_BattleCreek_MousepadXL-1-1568x702.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>Flag dropped! Return to the glory days of CTF on Battle Creek with the <strong>Halo x Higround Battle Creek Mousepad XL</strong>. Featuring a saturated snapshot of the riparian arena and a map close-up outlining all its hallmark weapon drops, this mousepad would make a nostalgic complement to any pro rig.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ABOUT MOUSEPAD XL</strong></h3>



<p>Higround’s <strong>Mousepad XL</strong> provides the foundation necessary to ascend to the top. With non-slip rubber, a 90×40 cm profile, and a medium-fast surface with a slight grain, you’ll get low friction speed and just the right amount of stopping power.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WHERE TO BUY</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/1-HG_Halo-Group-Shots-3-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="Halo x Higround Anniversary PC gear collection" class="wp-image-154078" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/1-HG_Halo-Group-Shots-3-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/1-HG_Halo-Group-Shots-3-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/1-HG_Halo-Group-Shots-3-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/1-HG_Halo-Group-Shots-3-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/1-HG_Halo-Group-Shots-3-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/1-HG_Halo-Group-Shots-3-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Shop the whole collection at participating Micro Center stores or with in-store pickup at Best Buy now. You can also secure your limited-edition Higround x Halo Anniversary PC gear online through both retailers.</p>



<p><strong>Shop now: </strong><a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/searchpage.jsp?st=higround%20halo">Best Buy</a> (Summit SOLD OUT)| <a href="https://www.microcenter.com/search/search_results.aspx?N=&cat=&Ntt=higround+halo">Micro Center</a>| <a href="https://t.co/lZi0saSTak" data-type="link" data-id="https://t.co/lZi0saSTak">Higround</a></p>



<p>Look out for the full collection to arrive at <a href="https://www.higround.co/">higround.co</a> in early November!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>25 YEARS OF HALO</strong></h2>



<p>Our partnership with Higround marks the exciting start of our 25th Anniversary Halobration! Look out for reminiscences, retrospectives, and more tributes to the mighty Master Chief all throughout next year, along with new details on <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em>.</p>


Halo x Higround Anniversary PC Gear

Community Spotlight

Esports


<p>Whether you joined us in Seattle or on our live broadcast, we’d like to thank everyone in the Halo community for making this year’s Halo World Championship in Seattle such an unforgettable experience.</p>



<p>Between swapping stories with Halo fans, watching elite <em>Halo Infinite</em> players duke it out on the main stage, announcing <em><a href="https://www.aka.ms/HCEAnnounce25">Halo: Campaign Evolved</a></em>, and seeing our community raise a whopping $67,000 for <a href="https://www.gamersoutreach.org">Gamers Outreach</a>, it’s hard to pick a favorite moment from this incredible weekend—so we thought we’d share a whole collection of them!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Thank you! | Halo World Championship 2025" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KB6Ag-2QEoI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>Check out more highlights from this year’s Halo World Championship below.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Congrats to Shopify Rebellion</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1708" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ShopifyRebellion_HWCChampions-scaled.jpg" alt="Shopify Rebellion claims the trophy at the Halo World Championship Grand Finals." class="wp-image-153966" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ShopifyRebellion_HWCChampions-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ShopifyRebellion_HWCChampions-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ShopifyRebellion_HWCChampions-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ShopifyRebellion_HWCChampions-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ShopifyRebellion_HWCChampions-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ShopifyRebellion_HWCChampions-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ShopifyRebellion_HWCChampions-1568x1046.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<p>After three days of intense competitive heat, <strong>Shopify Rebellion</strong> clutched up and came out on top against <strong>OpTic Gaming</strong> in the best-of-seven Grand Finals. It was a remarkable journey from this year’s earliest HCS events to the Halo World Championship stage, and their relentless dedication certainly paid off on Sunday!</p>



<p>Congratulations to Shopify Rebellion, our 2025 Halo World Champions, and to all the teams that made this year’s tournament the most attended HCS event to date.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Cunning Cosplay</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_1020.jpg" alt="A group photograph of cosplayer contestants from the Halo World Championship Community Cosplay Contest." class="wp-image-153924" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_1020.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_1020-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_1020-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_1020-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_1020-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_1020-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>Halo cosplayers really know how to strut their Spartan stuff! This year’s Community Cosplay Contest welcomed 85 cosplayers to the Community Stage, where they showed off their stellar handiwork and a flair for dramatic entrances.</p>



<p>Congratulations to <strong>Miss_Boof</strong> (as Olympia Vale), <strong>James</strong> (as Crochet Master Chief), and <strong>Sola Mors</strong> (as Flood Spartan) on ascending to the Main Stage, and to all our heroic contestants who dazzled the crowd at the Community Cosplay Contest!</p>



<p><strong>Download photos from the contest: </strong><a href="https://www.aka.ms/HWC25Cosplay1">Part 1</a> | <a href="https://www.aka.ms/HWC25Cosplay2">Part 2 </a>| <a href="https://www.aka.ms/HWC25Cosplay3">Part 3</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mighty Makers</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0069.jpg" alt="A row of custom Spartan helmets sits under a VK78 Commando replica painted with a pepperoni pizza design." class="wp-image-153938" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0069.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0069-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0069-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0069-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0069-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0069-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>This year’s Maker’s Contest was filled with impressive armaments, curious creations, and oddly satisfying oddments. Check out photos from the top three winners below!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0078.jpg" alt="Creations from the Halo World Championship Maker's Contest hang displayed on a wall. A mounted trophy head of Jega 'Rdomnai hangs above a scale replica of an Elite Bloodblade, surrounded by more replica Halo weaponry." class="wp-image-153952" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0078.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0078-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0078-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0078-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0078-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0078-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Draxes</strong> took first place with his Jega ‘Rdomnai bust and Elite Bloodblade (above), followed closely by <strong>MightyMarkProps</strong> with an extra-lethal Hydra model and <strong>Fallen922</strong> with a Craigtastic bass guitar (below).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0030.jpg" alt="MightyMarkProps holds a replica Hydra beside Fallen922, who stands proudly with her Craig-inspired bass guitar." class="wp-image-153882" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0030.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0030-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0030-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0030-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0030-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0030-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Meet-up Memories</strong></h2>



<p>It’s always a treat to meet so many Halo fans IRL! During this weekend’s event, the Halo Studios community team held daily Community Meet-ups featuring Halo-themed games and limited-edition posters by <strong><a href="https://x.com/Soul_ant19">Soul_ant19</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://x.com/OutletChief729">OutletChief729</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="https://x.com/entransing">entransing</a></strong>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0251.jpg" alt="A group photo of Halo fans and members of the Halo Studios Community Team holding entransing's poster design at a community meet-up." class="wp-image-153896" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0251.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0251-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0251-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0251-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0251-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0251-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>We’re so grateful to everyone who stopped by to say hello, play games, and sign our posters for the Halo Studios office! If you couldn’t attend in person, don’t forget to <a href="https://www.aka.ms/HWC25MeetUps">snag a digital copy</a> of this year’s Community Meet-up posters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Halo Fest 2026</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HaloFest-scaled.jpg" alt="Halo Fest: 25 Years of Halo. HaloFest.com." class="wp-image-153980" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HaloFest-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HaloFest-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HaloFest-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HaloFest-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HaloFest-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HaloFest-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HaloFest-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<p>Don’t miss your chance to join us in Seattle, WA again for <a href="https://www.halofest.com">Halo Fest</a> in December 2026.</p>



<p>The event begins with an orchestral performance of iconic Halo music, in concert for one night only on December 11, followed by a two-day convention celebrating Halo’s legacy, story, and unrivaled community. We hope you can make it!</p>


Thank you for joining us!

Halo World Championship 2025


<p>We’re pleased to announce that our next game, <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em>, will be a ground-up remake of <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em>’s genre-defining campaign coming to Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5 in 2026.</p>



<p>Featuring new missions, expanded gameplay, two-player split-screen on consoles, online and networked co-op for up to four players on console and PC, and seamless cross-platform play with shared progression, it will be the definitive return trip through one of gaming’s greatest journeys.</p>



<p>Enjoy our first released concept art above, and watch our <a href="https://www.aka.ms/HCEReveal">roundtable reveal</a> for a look at gameplay from <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em> and in-depth commentary from the Halo Studios development team.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo: Campaign Evolved | Roundtable Reveal" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e-tXi1NC_aU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p><strong>Wishlist <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em> now: </strong><a href="https://www.aka.ms/HCEWishlistX">Xbox</a> | <a href="https://www.aka.ms/HCEWishlistS">Steam</a> | <a href="https://www.aka.ms/HCEWishlistPS">PlayStation</a></p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A RING REFORGED</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Environment-1920x1080-02-Watermarked.png" alt="The Silent Cartographer campaign mission. A gleaming Forerunner installation juts from a cliff facing a beachfront and calm waters. The Halo ring curves from the horizon in front of a gas giant planet." class="wp-image-153040" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Environment-1920x1080-02-Watermarked.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Environment-1920x1080-02-Watermarked-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Environment-1920x1080-02-Watermarked-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Environment-1920x1080-02-Watermarked-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Environment-1920x1080-02-Watermarked-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Environment-1920x1080-02-Watermarked-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p><em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em> invites you to explore reverently realized environments and enhanced missions that capture the wonder and mystery of the original Halo tale.</p>



<p>The vistas and monumental set-pieces you’ll encounter in <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em> faithfully evoke the grandeur of <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em>’s narrative and scenery, completely rebuilt with high-definition visuals, improved controls, and refined level design.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>EXPANDED GAMEPLAY</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo: Campaign Evolved | The Silent Cartographer Trailer" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/efThjRym-ks?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p><em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em> expands the Master Chief’s original adventure with new missions, enhanced cinematics, more weapons, vehicle improvements, and more Skulls than ever.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>New missions: </strong>Fight beside Sergeant Avery Johnson, one of the Master Chief’s most beloved and stalwart allies, as you encounter new characters, enemies, environments, and dangers in three new missions set before the events of <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em>.</li>



<li><strong>Stunning cinematics: </strong>Battle through all of <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em>’s iconic moments with enhanced cinematics featuring new motion-capture animations and freshly recorded dialog from returning cast members.</li>



<li><strong>Enhanced audio: </strong>Immerse yourself in heroic exploits with a remastered soundtrack and fully rebuilt sound design that brings Halo’s unmistakable weapons and vehicles to life in stunning fidelity. Just listen to those glorious Hunters shoot!</li>



<li><strong>Expanded arsenal: </strong>Wield nine additional weapons from the Halo universe for the first time in <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em>! Battle the Covenant with the Energy Sword, Battle Rifle, Needle Rifle, and more instantly recognizable Halo weapons, alongside tried-and-true standbys from the Master Chief’s first journey.</li>



<li><strong>Vehicle upgrades: </strong>For the first time in <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em>, the Master Chief can hijack nearby enemy vehicles and add range to his repertoire at the helm of a Wraith tank. Better still, the dependable Warthog now boasts an additional seat on the rear bumper—so your whole four-player Fireteam can ride out together!</li>



<li><strong>Dozens of Skulls: </strong>Return to any mission in <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em> and remix your experience with the most gameplay-modifying Skulls of any Halo campaign. Activate Skulls for randomized weapons, altered enemy behavior, player attributes, environmental effects, and more!</li>
</ul>



<p>All you greenhorns who wanted to see Covenant up close: this is your lucky day.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PLAY TOGETHER, WHEREVER</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="3200" height="1800" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-CoOp-R01A.png" alt="Two gamers sit in armchairs playing split-screen co-op in Halo: Campaign Evolved." class="wp-image-153110" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-CoOp-R01A.png 3200w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-CoOp-R01A-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-CoOp-R01A-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-CoOp-R01A-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-CoOp-R01A-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-CoOp-R01A-2048x1152.png 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-CoOp-R01A-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px" /></figure>



<p>Everyone’s invited to this mission. For the first time in Halo history, <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em> allows players to seamlessly squad up with friends playing on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 in both online and networked co-op for up to four players.</p>



<p>Experience the legendary story together from anywhere, at any time, with shared progression between all platforms.</p>



<p>Console versions will support two-player split-screen for a fully immersive nostalgia factor. Conquer all 13 campaign missions with a friend from the classic confines of your favorite couch on both Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>GAMEPLAY PREVIEW</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo: Campaign Evolved | The Silent Cartographer – 13 Minute Gameplay Demo" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hSjbIM0iegY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>Ready to see the game in action? Check out these highlights from “The Silent Cartographer,” the fourth mission of <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em>, and the setting of the playable pre-release build available to fans at this weekend’s Halo World Championship.</p>



<p>The 4K footage in the above gameplay demo was captured in-engine on Xbox Series X.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A TIMELESS CAMPAIGN</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Cinematics-1920x1080-02-Watermarked.png" alt="The Master Chief stands in the rear hatch of a Pelican as it and two other Pelicans soar over an ocean." class="wp-image-153096" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Cinematics-1920x1080-02-Watermarked.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Cinematics-1920x1080-02-Watermarked-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Cinematics-1920x1080-02-Watermarked-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Cinematics-1920x1080-02-Watermarked-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Cinematics-1920x1080-02-Watermarked-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Cinematics-1920x1080-02-Watermarked-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p><em>After crash landing on a mysterious ringworld known as Halo with his AI companion, Cortana, the Master Chief must defend his stranded shipmates against Covenant forces and uncover a dark secret that threatens the annihilation of all life in the galaxy…</em></p>



<p>Return to the ring that started it all, with a fresh look at a timeless campaign.</p>



<p>Whether you’re discovering Halo for the first time or returning to Alpha Halo after 25 years, <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em> retells the legendary story of <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em> with an expanded narrative and gameplay enhancements that broaden the scope of our first encounter with the Covenant.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Halo_CampaignEvolved_Wallpaper_1920x1080_RGB.jpg" alt="Halo: Campaign Evolved key art. The Master Chief John-117 stands ready for action in a beautiful pinelands on Halo." class="wp-image-153054" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Halo_CampaignEvolved_Wallpaper_1920x1080_RGB.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Halo_CampaignEvolved_Wallpaper_1920x1080_RGB-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Halo_CampaignEvolved_Wallpaper_1920x1080_RGB-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Halo_CampaignEvolved_Wallpaper_1920x1080_RGB-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Halo_CampaignEvolved_Wallpaper_1920x1080_RGB-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Halo_CampaignEvolved_Wallpaper_1920x1080_RGB-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>We can’t wait to share more information with you next year. Stay tuned to Halo Waypoint for updates on <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em>, coming to Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5 in 2026.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PRESS KIT</strong></h2>



<p><a href="http://aka.ms/HCERevealPK" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/HCERevealPK">Download the official <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em> press kit. </a></p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p></p>



<p><strong>Wishlist <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em> now: </strong><a href="https://www.aka.ms/HCEWishlistX">Xbox</a> | <a href="https://www.aka.ms/HCEWishlistS">Steam</a> | <a href="https://www.aka.ms/HCEWishlistPS">PlayStation</a></p>


Coming to Xbox, PC, and PlayStation in 2026.

Introducing Halo: Campaign Evolved

Run for your life now through November 18.

Operation: Haloween II Now Undead

Fiction


<p><em>Join the </em><strong><em>#audio-book-club</em></strong><em> channel of our </em><a href="https://discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>official Discord server</em></a><em> to listen along to this month’s audiobook club selection, discuss your favorite Halo moments with fellow fans, and enter to win free audiobooks from Simon & Schuster!</em></p>



<p>Our final audiobook club title of the year is <em>Halo: The Rubicon Protocol</em>,<em> </em>a gritty story that follows intrepid Spartans and other surviving crew members of the UNSC <em>Infinity,</em> from the fall of their flagship through subsequent ground actions against the Banished in the months leading up to the start of <em>Halo Infinite</em>’s campaign.</p>



<p><em>Halo: The Rubicon Protocol</em> is written by <em>USA Today</em> bestselling author Kelly Gay, who has also authored many other Halo universe novels and shorts. The audiobook edition is narrated by acclaimed actor and writer Scott Brick.</p>



<p>Listen to an exclusive excerpt from the audiobook below!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Rubicon Protocol | Audiobook Preview | Available Now from Simon & Schuster" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nrCPlDUH6s0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.bit.ly/485gDEh">Purchase your copy of <em>Halo: The Rubicon Protocol</em> from Simon & Schuster.</a></p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PLOT PREVIEW</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="2560" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Rubicon-Protocol-scaled.jpg" alt="Halo: The Rubicon Protocol cover art. "The New York Times bestselling series. Read by Scott Brick. Kelly Gay, acclaimed author of Halo: Renegades and Halo: Point of Light." class="wp-image-151891" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Rubicon-Protocol-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Rubicon-Protocol-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Rubicon-Protocol-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Rubicon-Protocol-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Rubicon-Protocol-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Rubicon-Protocol-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Rubicon-Protocol-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Rubicon-Protocol-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<p>December 2559. The UNSC <em>Infinity</em> is ambushed and boarded by the Banished. As the defenders are overwhelmed, the crew is forced to abandon ship and flee to Zeta Halo.</p>



<p>Spartans Bonita Stone and Nina Kovan make a narrow escape to the surface and help shepherd survivors—both regular marines and civilian personnel—to a makeshift base around the wrecked UNSC <em>Mortal Reverie</em>. Lost, outnumbered, and severed from leadership, the UNSC’s only hope may lie in turning the inexperienced non-combatants of the “boat crew” into an effective guerilla unit.</p>



<p>Elsewhere, Spartan Tomas Horvath pursues a Banished Bloodstar warrior and unexpectedly learns of a hidden network that could help them find a way to get a message back home.</p>



<p>In the months that follow, duty compels these heroes to enact the Rubicon Protocol, a wartime directive to deny the Banished from gaining new assets by any means necessary.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CHARACTER GUIDE</strong></h2>



<p>Learn more about the cast of <em>Halo: The Rubicon Protocol </em>with these brief character bios.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Horvath.jpg" alt="Spartan Horvath" class="wp-image-151849" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Horvath.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Horvath-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Horvath-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Horvath-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>TOMAS HORVATH</strong></h3>



<p>Separated from his squadmates on Fireteam Intrepid, Spartan Tomas Horvath encounters Bloodstar Gorian while stranded on a fragment of the ruined Halo ring. To escape, they form an unlikely and short-lived alliance. After Gorian betrays him, Horvath pursues the Bloodstar for months looking to settle the score.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BONITA STONE</strong></h3>



<p>Spartan Stone is a member of Fireteam Shadow, one of the longest-serving Spartan-IV units. After piloting a Bumblebee to the surface, Stone saves a stranded marine unit and aids a second group of non-combatants (soon to be known as the “boat crew”). She soon rejoins her squadmate, Spartan Nina Kovan, and escorts survivors to an impromptu forward base at the wrecked UNSC <em>Mortal Reverie</em>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>NINA KOVAN</strong></h3>



<p>Known to her comrades on Fireteam Shadow as “The Stoic,” Kovan’s icy demeanor is matched only by her unwavering aim. After escorting the boat crew to relative safety alongside Stone, Kovan conducts field recon and provides overwatch to fellow Spartans.</p>



<p>She is on the front line during the desperate defense of the <em>Mortal Reverie</em>, and proves instrumental in the boat crew’s effort to transmit Zeta Halo’s current coordinates to friendly forces after it is moved through slipspace.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>HUDSON GRIFFIN</strong></h3>



<p>As the UNSC <em>Infinity</em> fell, Spartan Griffin gave the order for all Spartans to abandon ship. Having since established a forward base at the wrecked UNSC <em>Mortal Reverie</em>, Griffin now acts as the <em>de facto</em> leader of the marooned Spartans. Acting on the suspicions of his colleagues, he mounts a doomed mission to assassinate War Chief Escharum.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>LUCAS BROWNING</strong></h3>



<p>A UNSC field medic stranded following the <em>Infinity</em> attack. Though initially rescued from a crashed lifeboat by Stone, Browning gives himself up to Banished patrols to allow his fellow survivors to escape their wrath. As he is processed through the Banished internment facilities, Browning is forced to unlock a cylix containing the enigmatic Harbinger.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Harbinger.jpg" alt="The Harbinger" class="wp-image-151835" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Harbinger.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Harbinger-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Harbinger-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Harbinger-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE HARBINGER</strong></h3>



<p>One of the Endless imprisoned by the Forerunners countless millennia ago, after the firing of Halo cleansed the galaxy. Upon being freed by Browning, the Harbinger enjoins herself to the Banished, evidently finding that their aims are aligned. She vows that the Endless shall return, and tortures Browning, imprinting him with knowledge that breaks his sanity.d tortures Browning, imprinting him with knowledge that breaks his sanity.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/JegaRdomnai.jpg" alt="Jega 'Rdomnai" class="wp-image-151863" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/JegaRdomnai.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/JegaRdomnai-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/JegaRdomnai-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/JegaRdomnai-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>JEGA ‘RDOMNAI</strong></h3>



<p>A Sangheili blademaster and renowned Spartan Killer. As a close confidante and top enforcer for War Chief Escharum, Jega is fiercely loyal to the Jiralhanae leader. With his uncanny stealth and deadly blade, Jega fortifies the Banished occupation of Zeta Halo by hunting surviving Spartans from the shadows.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>GORIAN</strong></h3>



<p>A Jiralhanae Bloodstar, from a class of spec-ops soldiers renowned for their battlefield prowess. During the Battle of Zeta Halo, Gorian led a Bloodstar unit to the surface to search for Forerunner artifacts. When his Phantom is waylaid by the ring’s autonomous sentinels, he forges a temporary alliance with Horvath just long enough to return to his dirty work.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>GAME CONNECTIONS</strong></h2>



<p>Though the novel begins during the raid on the UNSC <em>Infinity</em>, the majority of <em>Halo: The Rubicon Protocol’s </em>narrative occurs during the six-month period in which the Master Chief remained adrift in orbit around Zeta Halo.</p>



<p>As the heroes of <em>The Rubicon Protocol</em> battle the Banished occupation forces, they encounter several enemies and allies from <em>Halo Infinite, </em>adding important character exposition and helping to bridge the gap between the game’s opening flashback and the full campaign set in May 2560.</p>



<p><strong>(Spoilers for <em>Halo: The Rubicon Protocol </em>and <em>Halo Infinite </em>below!)</strong></p>



<p>Some heroes of <em>The Rubicon Protocol</em> can be encountered in <em>Halo Infinite </em>as fallen allies (such as Spartan Stone, whose recovered Spartan Cores aid the Master Chief), in cutscenes (as with the tortured Spartan Griffin), or as recurring characters in <em>Halo Infinite</em>’s hidden audio logs.</p>



<p>Several locations from the novel can also be found throughout<em> Halo Infinite</em>’s campaign. After defeating the UNSC survivors, Chieftain Tremonius establishes a Banished outpost around the wrecked <em>Mortal Reverie</em>. Lucas Browning is brought to the Redoubt of Sundering for bodily inspection, conveyed to Chak ‘Lok’s tower for interrogation, and finally forced to release the Harbinger from her cylix at the Silent Auditorium.</p>



<p>In <em>Halo Infinite,</em> Master Chief John-117 raids all four locations, toppling Outpost Tremonius to establish his first Forward Operating Base, freeing captured marines from the Redoubt of Sundering, defeating Chak ‘Lok in his tower while trying to rescue Spartan Griffin, and finally thwarting the Harbinger at the rebuilt Silent Auditorium as she attempts to complete the Reformation of Zeta Halo.</p>



<p><em>To learn more about the Halo novels, visit our </em><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/official-halo-book-guide" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Official Halo Book Guide</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</strong></h2>



<p>Kelly Gay is a <em>USA TODAY</em> bestselling author and the critically acclaimed creator of the Charlie Madigan urban fantasy series. Within the Halo universe, she has authored the widely lauded novels <em>Halo: The Rubicon Protocol</em>, <em>Halo: Point of Light</em>, and <em>Halo: Renegades</em>, the novella <em>Halo: Smoke and Shadow</em>, and the short story “Into the Fire,” featured in <em>Halo: Fractures</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ABOUT THE READER</strong></h2>



<p>Actor, writer, and award-winning audiobook narrator <strong>Scott Brick</strong> has narrated almost 900 audiobooks, including over a dozen Halo-universe titles. To date, his narrations have earned him over 65 Earphones Awards, five Audie Awards, five SOVAS Awards for voiceover, and a Grammy nomination for the multi-cast recording of <em>The Mark of Zorro</em> (2011).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>AUDIOBOOK GIVEAWAY</strong></h2>



<p>Enter to win an audiobook copy of <em>Halo: The Rubicon Protocol</em>! To participate, react to the <em>Halo: The Rubicon Protocol</em> post in the <strong>#giveaways</strong> channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Halo Discord server</a> before October 10.</p>



<p>Stay tuned to <a href="https://www.x.com/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Halo on X</a> for more ways to enter later this month. <a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubGiveaway" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">See contest rules.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>JOIN THE BOOK CLUB</strong></h2>



<p>Listen to <em>Halo: The Rubicon Protocol </em>along with us in our Discord audiobook club! To participate, simply join the <strong>#audio-book-club</strong> channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Halo Discord server,</a> where we’ll discuss the book, share favorite moments, and meet fellow Halo fans.</p>



<p>Drop a reaction in the topic thread for a chance to find your words featured in an upcoming Halo Waypoint post! At the end of the month, we’ll also host a special <strong>Spartan Chatter</strong> episode on Discord to discuss the book and answer questions from the Halo community.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.bit.ly/485gDEh">Purchase your copy of <em>Halo: The Rubicon Protocol</em> from Simon & Schuster.</a></p>


Audiobook Club: The Rubicon Protocol

Forge Features

Community Cartography 038

Forge Features: October 1, 2025

Play Halo Infinite now through October 7.

Operation: Warpath Now Live

Spotlight: HELLDIVERS 2 x ODST Edition


<p><em>As part of our <a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubGiveaway">audiobook giveaway series</a> with Simon & Schuster, we’re inviting Halo fans to join a community book club in our <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo">official Discord server</a>, where we’ll focus on a new novel from the Halo canon every month until October. Join the <strong>#audio-book-club</strong> channel to listen along!</em></p>



<p>This month’s book club title is <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em>, a riveting story that sees Blue Team return to the decimated surface of Reach on a mission to infiltrate ONI’s CASTLE base and recover assets that may prove vital to challenging Cortana’s undisputed rule.</p>



<p><em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> is written by Troy Denning, a <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author and a true heavyweight in Halo’s literary universe. The audiobook edition is narrated by award-winning audiobook narrator and broadcaster Sean Patrick Hopkins. Listen to an exclusive excerpt from <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> below:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Shadows of Reach | Audiobook Preview | Available Now from Simon & Schuster" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/17WzdN-y5L4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p><a href="https://bit.ly/41kPh90">Purchase your copy of <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> from Simon & Schuster.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PLOT PREVIEW</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="2560" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-scaled.jpg" alt="Shadows of Reach audiobook cover. Text: "The New York Times Bestselling Series. Halo: Shadows of Reach. A Master Chief story. Read by Sean Patrick Hopkins. TROY DENNING. New York Times bestselling author."" class="wp-image-147650" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<p>2559. Cortana has subjugated worlds across the galaxy and imposed martial law under the rule of her Created. Beyond from her watchful gaze, the <em>UNSC Infinity</em> makes its way to Reach to dispatch the Master Chief and Blue Team on a secret mission.</p>



<p>Their orders? Infiltrate the ruins of ONI’s CASTLE Base and recover the one weapon that could turn the tide. It would be a cakewalk for a team of seasoned SPARTAN-IIs, if not for the Banished army searching the ruined planet.</p>



<p>Among the roving clans dividing Reach in thirds is Castor, a Jiralhanae chieftain still loyal to the old faith of the Covenant, who means to follow the humans in his quest to unearth the fabled Portal under the Mountain—a gateway that leads to the Ark.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CHARACTER GUIDE</strong></h2>



<p>Learn more about the events of <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> with these brief character bios.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/John117.jpg" alt="Master Chief John-117" class="wp-image-147622" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/John117.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/John117-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/John117-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/John117-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>JOHN-117</strong></h3>



<p>Master Chief Petty Officer. A man of few words. In his latest mission, the Master Chief leads the Spartan-IIs of Blue Team to the surface of Reach to recover key assets from Dr. Halsey’s laboratory in CASTLE base.</p>



<p>Along the way, the Chief forms an uneasy alliance with a militia group to liberate the ruined city of New Mohács, punch through the Banished occupation, and ultimately obtain something that could be used to topple Cortana.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/BlueTeam.jpg" alt="The Spartans of Blue Team. Fred-104, Kelly-087, and Linda-058," class="wp-image-147552" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/BlueTeam.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/BlueTeam-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/BlueTeam-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/BlueTeam-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FRED-104</strong></h3>



<p>Perceptive, steadfast, and a natural leader. This combination makes him a formidable warrior at close quarters. In recent years, Fred has served as Blue Team’s commander, but he still often defers to the judgment of his former team leader, John-117. Beneath the Menachite Mountain, Fred unexpectedly encounters an old acquaintance with a critical message.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>KELLY-087</strong></h3>



<p>The fastest Spartan. When not embedded in combat, Kelly enjoys listening to classic Earth “rock” music (whatever that is) as a meditative way to distract the thoughts that trouble a seasoned soldier’s mind. Her footspeed is unmatched among Spartans, rivaled only by her hair-trigger reflexes in a firefight.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>LINDA-058</strong></h3>



<p>Renowned sniper. Linda’s resolve has been put to the test many times, and this mission is no different. After separating from the rest of Blue Team during a tense firefight, Linda resorts to the lone-wolf tactics that have typified her career as a Spartan ranger. Count on Linda to survive, no matter the odds.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Halsey.jpg" alt="Dr. Catherine Halsey" class="wp-image-147608" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Halsey.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Halsey-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Halsey-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Halsey-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>DR. CATHERINE HALSEY</strong></h3>



<p>Possibly the Office of Naval Intelligence’s most prolific scientific advisor. Dr. Halsey is the progenitor of the SPARTAN program, a key architect of Project MJOLNIR, and the creator of Cortana. Working once more with the UNSC, Dr. Halsey has deployed Blue Team on a critical mission to recover assets from her lab within CASTLE Base that just might bring an end to her renegade progeny.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Castor.jpg" alt="Castor" class="wp-image-147566" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Castor.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Castor-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Castor-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Castor-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CASTOR</strong></h3>



<p>Castor is said to be the last <em>dokab</em>, a Jiralhanae religious elder, still faithful to the ways of the Covenant. Following the Created uprising, Castor pledged his cult, the Keepers of the One Freedom, to the Banished. Though his motives are held in suspicion by the movement’s upper echelon, Castor carefully maneuvers through the politics of rival clans to realize his true goal: travelling to the Ark and activating the Halo Array.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Escharum.jpg" alt="War Chief Escharum" class="wp-image-147580" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Escharum.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Escharum-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Escharum-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Escharum-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ESCHARUM</strong></h3>



<p>As Atriox’s former mentor, War Chief Escharum was the only Jiralhanae trustworthy enough to hold the reins of the Banished in his stead. He last spoke to Castor three months ago, when he ordered the dokab to seek the hidden Portal under the Mountain. Infighting has spread in his absence, as the Banished commanders on Reach become discouraged that they should ever find the fabled site.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Gadogai.jpg" alt="Inslaan 'Gadogai" class="wp-image-147594" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Gadogai.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Gadogai-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Gadogai-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Gadogai-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>INSLAAN ‘GADOGAI</strong></h3>



<p>A Sangheili blademaster in the service of the Banished. ‘Gadogai is quick to take offense, and equally quick to seek retribution. Though formerly an assassin in the Covenant’s Silent Shadow unit, he has strayed from the Covenant faith. His role within the Keepers of the One Freedom is to represent Escharum—and watch Castor for any sign of duplicity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BELLA DISTZL</strong></h3>



<p>A Reach native and a survivor of its fall. Bella has distinguished herself as a five-time victor of the Tantalus 10,000, a five-day, cross-continent, open-buggy endurance race. She’s the last person you’d expect to meet hiding in a foxhole on a planet crawling with the Banished, but the first person you’d put behind the wheel of a Warthog.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>LIEUTENANT MAKS CHAPOV</strong></h3>



<p>First copilot of <em>Special Delivery</em>, the Owl infiltration craft escorting Blue Team to the surface of Reach. What he lacks in experience, Chapov makes up for in arrogance, headstrong reckoning, and a certain endearing determination. It’s clear that the young lieutenant idolizes the Master Chief, and his ace pilot skills eventually manage to impress even the war-weary Spartan.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>GAME CONNECTIONS</strong></h2>



<p><em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> occurs between the events of <em>Halo Wars 2</em> and <em>Halo Infinite</em>. This novel tells a harrowing story from humanity’s desperate last stand against Pax Cortana (the UNSC’s designation for the transformed nemesis of <em>Halo 5: Guardians</em>).</p>



<p>Using the <em>UNSC Infinity</em> as a secret base of operations, Blue Team infiltrates Reach to recover assets that will prove indispensable to the creation of “The Weapon,” the Master Chief’s ally and partner in <em>Halo Infinite</em> and the forthcoming novel <em><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-edge-of-dawn-cover-reveal">Halo: Edge of Dawn</a></em>.</p>



<p>Among the “rehab pioneers” of the Viery Militia, we meet descendants of the industrial titans who established Reach as a thriving, wealthy colony in its heyday—a halcyon era that ended with the devastating fall of Reach, leaving only remnants of its culture behind.</p>



<p>Along the way, we encounter familiar characters from <em>Halo 4</em> such as Dr. Catherine Halsey, Captain Thomas Lasky, and Spartan Commander Sarah Palmer (whom you might also recognize from <a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubAugust">last month’s Audiobook Club</a>).</p>



<p><em>To learn more about the Halo novels, visit our <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/official-halo-book-guide">Official Halo Book Guide</a>.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</strong></h2>



<p><strong>Troy Denning</strong> is the <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author of more than forty novels, including <em>Halo: Divine Wind</em>, <em>Halo: Oblivion</em>, <em>Halo: Silent Storm</em>, <em>Halo: Retribution</em>, <em>Halo: Last Light</em>, a dozen Star Wars novels, the Dark Sun: Prism Pentad series, and many bestselling Forgotten Realms novels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ABOUT THE READER</strong></h2>



<p>A student of neuroscience and speech pathology, <strong>Sean Patrick Hopkins</strong> has translated his understanding of human behavior & vocal performance into a career in storytelling. He has over 500 titles to his credit, and has been honored with Audie, Earphones, Odyssey, and SOVAS awards for his audiobook narrations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>AUDIOBOOK GIVEAWAY</strong></h2>



<p>Enter to win an audiobook copy of a new book-club title this month and next! To participate, react to the <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> post in the <strong>#giveaways</strong> channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo">official Halo Discord server</a> before September 8.</p>



<p>Stay tuned to <a href="https://www.x.com/halo">@Halo on X</a> later this month for more ways to win, and watch for a new Audiobook Club entry in October. <a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubGiveaway">See full contest rules and entry directions.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>JOIN THE BOOK CLUB</strong></h2>



<p>Listen to <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> in our Discord book club! To participate, simply join the <strong>#audio-book-club</strong> channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo">official Halo Discord server</a>, where we’ll discuss the book, share favorite moments, and select a new title from the Halo universe to discuss in October.</p>



<p>Drop a comment in the discussion thread for a chance to find your words featured in an upcoming Halo Waypoint post! At the end of the month, we’ll host a special <strong>Spartan Chatter</strong> episode on Discord to discuss the audiobook and answer questions from the Halo community.</p>



<p><a href="https://bit.ly/41kPh90">Purchase your copy of <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> from Simon & Schuster.</a></p>


Audiobook Club: Shadows of Reach