Games

Halo Infinite

Seconds into your first match of Firefight: Gauntlet, you’ll understand the name.



This deviously difficult PvE mode introduces upgradeable attributes, elimination objectives, and auto-scaled difficulty settings to a boss-filled Firefight experience designed to challenge even the toughest Spartans.



Bring your mightiest warriors, because each phase of the Gauntlet is harder than the last.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SLAY TO SURVIVE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/GauntletPressKit_02_1080_Watermarked.jpg" alt="A Spartan with a Rocket Launcher on its back fighting a giant Sentinel and Banished forces in the Gauntlet." class="wp-image-166413" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/GauntletPressKit_02_1080_Watermarked.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/GauntletPressKit_02_1080_Watermarked-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/GauntletPressKit_02_1080_Watermarked-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/GauntletPressKit_02_1080_Watermarked-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/GauntletPressKit_02_1080_Watermarked-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/GauntletPressKit_02_1080_Watermarked-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



As endless enemies rush from all sides, your team’s only hope is to eliminate the bosses in each arena to halt their reinforcements and progress to the next encounter.



Combat ranges through five maps connected by a supply area where you can gather ammo and equipment, roll for power weapons, or level up your personal buffs (Speed, Resistance, Regeneration, and Damage) for the onslaught ahead.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/platform_store_H6_W4_001.jpg" alt="The armor hall on a map for upgrades." class="wp-image-166427" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/platform_store_H6_W4_001.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/platform_store_H6_W4_001-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/platform_store_H6_W4_001-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/platform_store_H6_W4_001-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/platform_store_H6_W4_001-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/platform_store_H6_W4_001-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Between rounds, you’ll get a chance to upgrade your stats and kit out before the next attack—so make those choices count! Survive five rounds, and victory is yours.



Pro tip: If you can retrieve the Oddball from the Harbinger, bring it back to the supply zone to activate Skull modifiers and boost everyone’s Personal Score during the match.



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Gear up, load out, and hold on for dear life. Play Firefight: Gauntlet with up to four players in Halo Infinite’s Firefight playlist now.

Mutinous Core

Enter Firefight: Gauntlet

Community

Forge Features

Forge Features: April 23, 2026

Halo: Campaign Evolved

Halo25Together

Purchase any Fanta product in the special edition collection bearing the Xbox25 logo for a chance to win limited-edition customizations for Halo: Campaign Evolved and other participating Xbox titles.



Simply scan your Fanta, choose one of three Rewards Chest Challenges, and play to unlock the Fantastic Spartan Armor to redeem with the launch of Halo: Campaign Evolved.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fantastic Style</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-165625" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The Fantastic Spartan Armor puts the “art” in “Spartan.” Crash-land on Alpha Halo with a dauntless orange hue designed to quench the enemy’s fervor.



Equip the Fantastic Spartan Armor Style when Halo: Campaign Evolved releases in 2026.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to Redeem</h2>



After purchasing a participating Fanta product, scan the QR code on the can or bottle to set up your Coca-Cola account and tackle one of three Rewards Chest Challenges.



Follow the steps to show proof of purchase (if requested in your region), then choose the Fantastic Spartan Armor as your reward. Fanta will send you a unique unlock code via email to redeem on Halo Waypoint.



To input your redemption code on Halo Waypoint, simply head to <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com">halowaypoint.com</a>, click “sign in” on the upper right of the browser window, and log in to your Microsoft account that you will use to play your game.



Once logged in, click your user profile icon, and navigate to “Drops & Code Redemption.” (If you’re a new Halo player, you’ll need to create a Microsoft account to store your unlocks.)



The first time you play Halo: Campaign Evolved, you’ll be prompted to log into your Microsoft account to access your Fantastic Spartan Armor.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Anticipation Evolved</h2>



Thirsty for more info? Check out the <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/03/31/xbox-fanta-collaboration-prizes-rewards/">Xbox Wire Article</a> to learn more about the Fanta and Xbox collection and Rewards Program.

Halo and Fanta: Fantastic Spartan Rewards Chest Challenge

As part of Halo’s <a href="https://www.aka.ms/Halo25Launch">25th anniversary celebration</a>, we’re inviting Halo fans from around the world to share favorite memories and vote on community polls in our <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/1464409121209188466">official Halo Discord server</a>. Follow @Halo on social media to join the fun!



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For our latest <a href="https://www.aka.ms/Halo25February">monthly community theme</a>, we asked fans on Discord to tell us about their favorite Halo team-ups, whether they were formalized Spartan Fireteams, ODST companies, alien entourages, or even happenstance alliances forged in the heat of the moment.



Before you rendezvous with your Fireteam in the results section, let’s see if you’re cut out for this mission! Prove your tactical savvy with 25 trivia questions on some of Halo’s most legendary teams.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TRUE BLUE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="637" height="899" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/B324Obedience.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-165329" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/B324Obedience.jpg 637w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/B324Obedience-213x300.jpg 213w" sizes="(max-width: 637px) 100vw, 637px" /></figure>



Art by B324Obedience (<a href="https://x.com/B324Obedience/status/2031134156768370988">Source</a>)



In keeping with their stellar track record, the unrivaled operators of Blue Team exfiltrated with nearly one-third of the vote (29%), leaving the nearest competitors in the slipspace rearview.



Initially composed of SPARTAN-II candidates John-117, Kelly-087, and Samuel-034 while still in training, Blue Team quickly matured into a world-class tactical unit featuring a rotating roster of Spartan specialists, including standout classmates such as Fhajad-084, Kurt-051, Linda-058, James-005 (whose fate is revealed in Halo: Empty Throne), and William-043.



With a list of completed ops longer than some personnel manifests, Blue Team has always distinguished itself in the line of duty through superb tactics and unconventional victories. Blue Team’s current and best-known roster features none other than the Master Chief in a command role, supported by stalwart heroes Frederic-104, Linda-058, and Kelly-087.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1440" height="1920" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/B_does_stuff.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-165315" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/B_does_stuff.jpg 1440w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/B_does_stuff-225x300.jpg 225w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/B_does_stuff-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/B_does_stuff-1152x1536.jpg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></figure>



Art by B_does_stuff (<a href="https://x.com/B_does_stuff/status/2032871882001641599">Source</a>)



Dropping in just behind at 18% of the vote was Alpha-Nine, a battle-borne company of ODSTs first introduced in Halo 3: ODST, many of whose surviving members were later inducted into the SPARTAN-IV program.



Known just as well for their death-defying insertions as their flair for office romance, the heroes of Alpha-Nine have endured through betrayal, loss, and surprisingly unbureaucratic reassignments to become one of the UNSC’s most elite units.



Not bad for practitioners of the ol’ “point and shoot!”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Thoro_blend-scaled.jpg" alt="Red Team disembarks from a Pelican's rear hatch." class="wp-image-165385" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Thoro_blend-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Thoro_blend-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Thoro_blend-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Thoro_blend-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Thoro_blend-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Thoro_blend-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Thoro_blend-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



Art by Thoro_blend (<a href="https://x.com/Thoro_blend/status/198735092895385624">Source</a>)



Into third place roared Red Team (13%), fresh and frisky from a long nap in the deep freeze.



Like Blue Team, the designation of “Red Team” has applied to various mission-based personnel configurations over the years, but it most commonly refers to the iconic trio of Jerome-092, Alice-130, and Douglas-042, the Spirit of Fire’s crack SPARTAN-II ground team.



Having left boot-prints on Trove, Arcadia, and even the Ark, the heroes of Red Team have built impressive naval careers on daring forays into the unknown and a string of unlikely successes against overwhelming enemy forces —just ask the Banished!



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NO “I” IN TEAM</h2>



Beyond the top eight choices highlighted in our Discord poll, fans stormed the comments to defend unique hot takes and echo crowd-pleasing call-outs.



Broad community coalitions formed around shared love for Noble Team, Gray Team, and Kilo-Five, while intriguing conversations sprouted from equally ardent ups for Fireteam Crimson, the Ferrets, and Fireteam Raven.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1438" height="809" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/clonebooper_.webp" alt="A group selfie of two Grunts, an Elite, a Brute, and a Spartan." class="wp-image-165343" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/clonebooper_.webp 1438w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/clonebooper_-300x169.webp 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/clonebooper_-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/clonebooper_-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1438px) 100vw, 1438px" /></figure>



Art by clonebooper_ (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/clonebooper_/p/DV3qKQSDNrn/">Source</a>)



<ul>
<li>ThelVadam224: Blue Team is the best of the best. They’re the ones you call when you need a top-secret, important mission done. Chief’s leadership, Kelly’s speed, Linda’s marksmanship, and Fred’s everything make them an unstoppable force. Of course, also shout-out to other Spartans that have been a part of Blue Team, even if just temporarily.</li>



<li>master freak: Blue Team, because with whoever the leader—be that Chief or Fred—they’ll always come out on top.</li>



<li>Darealmch: Blue Team, ‘cause of the GOAT Linda-058.</li>



<li>Pins before posting: As much as I like the Ferrets, Blue Team outdoes them for me—but the Ferrets outdo a lot of the other teams.</li>



<li>TrainedEye3461: I’d definitely go Blue Team first, but the Ferrets have to be second.</li>



<li>staynthepocket: Thrilled to see Ferrets represented! Shout the hell out—thought it was just me.</li>



<li>Wade_Weinhmann: Definitely Blue Team and Majestic, because they look very solid in trust.</li>



<li>S20boominator: I choose both Red and Blue Teams as the dream teams of Halo. Red Team held the line on the shield world—and the awesome cutscene on the bridge taking out all the Elites!— while Blue Team is a multi-purpose team that can do all.</li>



<li>Mario: Chief is the GOAT, but I’m going with Red Team on this one. Jerome, Douglas, Alice, and the fact that Fred and Kelly were also a part of it during Reach. A+ squad.</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/TAlpha147-scaled.jpg" alt="A mixed group of Spartans." class="wp-image-165371" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/TAlpha147-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/TAlpha147-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/TAlpha147-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/TAlpha147-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/TAlpha147-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/TAlpha147-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/TAlpha147-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



Art by TAlpha147 (<a href="https://x.com/TAlpha147/status/2035927366204084559">Source</a>)



<ul>
<li>raptormanzero: Oh, boy. Another tough choice. Now, Blue Team is the most recognized and well respected and iconic team, no matter if it is Fred or Chief leading the team. They always carry out and succeed in their missions no matter what. One interesting thing is that Blue Team sees each other as a family, because they’ve been with each other, side by side, since childhood. It has been said that Blue Team would (no matter if it is a SPARTAN-III or -IV) treat anyone who joins the team as part of the family and as equals. Grey team is considered the most unorthodox Spartan team, as they carry out the most extreme and dangerous missions, and have bigger guns at their disposal. It is said they tend to not follow orders or commands, just doing what needs to be done and allowing the ends to justify the means. But they will listen to orders if said command officer gives specific objectives, or cautions them about liability or causing serious destruction, making them a rogue-like team.</li>



<li>AarontheGeek: Blue Team or Red Team are probably my real answer, but I’m voting from the heart this time for my beloved Fireteam Crimson.</li>



<li>axehunter534: Fireteam Crimson. Their motto is literally “you can depend on us.”</li>



<li>Keo: As much as I love Blue Team, my opinion is Gray Team. I absolutely love the books where they appear and their overall story. Kilo-Five is also really good; it’s a very fun combination of really different characters that somehow works really well.</li>



<li>Mnkymn89: Where’s my Grey Team at?</li>



<li>ADV Eon: Gotta go with Grey. They’ve been my favorite Spartan team for eons now!</li>



<li>Tyre 4770: Kilo-Five! Their trilogy is my favorite from the books.</li>



<li>Aurora S146: I’d go with Kilo-Five myself. I’ve always loved anything ONI, and most of my OCs are with ONI in a squad I designed (Black Phoenix), so I think they’d go together well.</li>



<li>Epsilon: Kilo-Five has been my favorite for a while now. I do love the various Spartan teams, but… I dunno, the mixture of the team is just so interesting and compelling. Plus, the interpersonal chemistry is great.</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Rookie425.jpg" alt="Spartans, ODSTs, and Brutes fighting together against an unseen enemy." class="wp-image-165357" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Rookie425.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Rookie425-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Rookie425-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Rookie425-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Rookie425-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Rookie425-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Art by rookie.425 (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVAdmEujvKU/">Source</a>)



<ul>
<li>ClebMaherTwelve: There’s a lot of great teams to pick from, but my favorite is a little bit of a non-traditional pick, the Prophet Hierarchs. They are such a thrilling trio of characters, with fantastic designs and an iron grip on the Covenant, but a constant desire to backstab their fellows and seize more power. Their rise in Halo: Contact Harvest is a fantastic read, and it’s always a treat when they pop up in media trying to steer events in their favor, like Truth’s surprise role in the rise of Atriox.</li>



<li>CaptainAmericaSHIELD: Was there ever a team name for Chief, Arby, Johnson & Cortana? That’d be my team. Heck, throw in the Shipmaster, Lord Hood, and Keyes into that bunch. Oh, and the two co-op Elites (I know they have names but haven’t seen or heard them enough to remember). (Monitor’s note: available records indicate that these warriors’ designations were N’tho ‘Sraom and Usze ‘Taham).</li>



<li>CAT_ATACK: Either Noble (even if they’re down to just Jun and Rosenda, unless their numbers were boosted with other S-III’s like Lucy, Tom, and B-170), or the unnamed squad comprised of Chief, Arbiter, ‘Taham, and ‘Sraom from Halo 3.</li>



<li>krodS: Noble Team was one of the most pivotal group of Spartans in the games.</li>



<li>Attorney: Fireteam Osiris, for having the greatest action scene in the history of the franchise: Halo 5’s opening cinematic.</li>



<li>Silent Shadow: Gray Team! I really like the Jai-006 design and lore. I’d also say the Hand of Atriox because I really like Jega. Do you guys think Hyperius killed Spartan Locke?</li>



<li>HaloFanForLife1: One of my votes was for “Other,” and that vote goes to the “Bullfrogs” from Halo: Reach! Those ODSTs were some mean flying machines!</li>
</ul>



Thanks again for joining us to discuss this month’s #Halo25Together topic! There are many legendary stars in Halo’s character constellation, but we think the best team-ups occur whenever we the Halo community comes together.



Stay tuned for a new community poll, tricky trivia, and more commendable comments on next month’s theme, starting April 2, 2026.



Don’t forget to bookmark the <a href="https://www.aka.ms/Halo25Together">Silver Anniversary Community Hub</a> for all the latest updates from our 25th anniversary celebration.



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All year long, we’ll be inviting Halo fans to share their favorite Halo memories, celebrate Halo’s iconic legacy, and vote on community polls to help us tell the whole Halo story.



Whether you’re a battle-hardened Spartan or a Halo rookie, we hope you’ll join the fun by sharing your Halo story through our <a href="http://aka.ms/Halo25TogetherMemories">official submission form</a>, on social media using hashtag #Halo25Together, in our <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/1464409121209188466">official Discord server</a>, or on <a href="https://reddit.com/r/halo">r/Halo</a> with the #Halo25Together tag.

Anniversary Angle: March of the Dream Teams

Community Spotlight

Spotlight: March 25, 2026

Screenshots Gallery

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Welcome to the MCC Mod Minute, a focused look at a creative mod for Halo: The Master Chief Collection, with details on how to try it out yourself through the Steam Workshop.



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Earlier this week, we were saddened to learn of the tragic passing of New York Times bestselling author and Halo: The Flood writer William C. Dietz.



Though Mr. Dietz only penned one tome in the expansive annals of the Halo universe, his creative contributions remain beloved by Halo fans across the world, who celebrate the boots-on-the-ground realism of his prose and the enduring resolve of his characters.



As a humble tribute to the late, great Mr. Dietz, our latest MCC Mod Minute invites Halo fans to play Zuka ‘Zamamee Campaign, a Halo: Combat Evolved mod by Drksteel that brings the frustrated ambitions of Zuka ‘Zamamee and Yayap to life.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Covenant Crusaders</h2>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Zuka Zamamee Showcase Trailer" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I0MYRAvWmrk?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>
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Beyond the hardnosed Marines dug in on plateaus and the private horror of poor PFC Jenkins, readers of Halo: The Flood will undoubtedly remember that most persistent, most unlikely, and most unlucky duo of Zuka ‘Zamamee and his unwilling Unggoy servant, Yayap.



In Zuka ‘Zamamee Campaign, you play as the titular Covenant Special Operations Officer through a series of near misses, from his daring raid on a human cruiser to his fateful end at the hands of the Master Chief.





Featuring new Covenant allies, custom cinematics, Easter eggs, and additional weapons and vehicles courtesy of Digsite, this five-mission campaign follows Zuka and his hapless Grunt sidekick as the pair pursues the ever-elusive Master Chief across Alpha Halo.



Battle UNSC Marines, capture Captain Keyes, and take more than a few lumps as you try again and again to subdue the indomitable Demon—before living out the ultimate showdown in the crashed Pillar of Autumn as described in Halo: The Flood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PLAY NOW</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/ZukaCampaign_004.png" alt="A cinematic still from Zuka 'Zamamee Campaign. Zuka stands in the entryway of a Forerunner installation facing a dense jungle." class="wp-image-164045" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/ZukaCampaign_004.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/ZukaCampaign_004-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/ZukaCampaign_004-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/ZukaCampaign_004-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/ZukaCampaign_004-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/ZukaCampaign_004-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<a href="https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3390630482">Subscribe on Steam Workshop.</a>



Created by: Drksteel



Requires: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary



Setup: Once you have installed Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary through Steam, boot up the game with the “MCC Anti-Cheat Disabled (Mods and Limited Services)” launch option selected.* Creator Drksteel advises that you’ll need to install the Multiplayer component of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary for the mod to launch properly.



Play Zuka ‘Zamamee Campaign from the list of “Halo: CE Anniversary” options in the “Campaigns” menu, and stay tuned for more MCC Mod Minutes!



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*If you don’t see this option at launch, you may need to change your “Selected Launch Option” setting. To update this setting, right-click on the entry for Halo: The Master Chief Collection in your Steam Library and navigate to the “Properties” menu, where you will find “Launch Options” settings on the menu’s “General” tab.



We recommend adjusting your “Selected Launch Option” setting to “Ask when starting game.” This will allow you to alternate between the retail build of Halo: The Master Chief Collection (for matchmaking) and the community-mod sandbox every time you play!



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



Halo: The Flood and the timeless prose of William C. Dietz will appear in the collected works of <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-the-master-chief-omnibus-cover-reveal">Halo: The Master Chief Omnibus</a> later this year.

Mod Minute: Zuka ‘Zamamee Campaign

Anniversary Angle: Alien Icons

Spotlight: February 20, 2026

Welcome to the MCC Mod Minute, a focused look at a creative mod for Halo: The Master Chief Collection, with details on how to try it out yourself through the Steam Workshop.



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Start your engines! Warthog Rally is a retro-style racer that puts you behind the wheel of a variety of custom-made Warthogs, motorcycles, and a few other truly sweet whips on a timed slalom through eight circuits of motoring mayhem.



Select your course, nab a beverage, and load up with your preferred allies for a master course in acceleration. As if cornering weren’t hard enough, you can also adjust the number of enemies on the course for an extra challenge, with options ranging from “No Enemies” to “Total Chaos.”



<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 CE - Warthog Rally Release Trailer" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_-14Ed8uF8Y?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>



As you complete time trials and collect trophies, you’ll unlock new vehicles to test your skills on the open road. Certain vehicle choices also permit you to shoot out the window, so don’t forget to gear up before rolling out (the Griever grenade launcher is great for clearing roadways).



To unlock a secret vehicle, you’ll need to find and shoot the three Golden Moa statues hidden around the map. (Hint: all three can be seen with a trusty sniper rifle from the starting area!)



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PLAY NOW</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="637" height="358" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/WarthogRally_001.jpg" alt="Warthog Rally mod by altis94. A Spartan stunt driver and a marine ally escape a Thornbeast on a Mongoose." class="wp-image-161792" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/WarthogRally_001.jpg 637w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/WarthogRally_001-300x169.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 637px) 100vw, 637px" /></figure>



<a href="https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3614917205">Subscribe on Steam Workshop.</a>



Created by: altis94



Requires: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary



Setup: Once you have installed Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary through Steam, boot up the game with the “MCC Anti-Cheat Disabled (Mods and Limited Services)” launch option selected.* Creator altis94 advises that you’ll need to install the Multiplayer component of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary for the mod to launch properly.



With all that done, you’re off to the races! Play Warthog Rally from the list of “Halo: CE Anniversary“ options in the “Campaigns” menu, and stay tuned for more MCC Mod Minutes!



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



*If you don’t see this option at launch, you may need to change your “Selected Launch Option” setting. To update this setting, right-click on the entry for Halo: The Master Chief Collection in your Steam Library and navigate to the “Properties” menu, where you will find “Launch Options” settings on the menu’s “General” tab.



We recommend adjusting your “Selected Launch Option” setting to “Ask when starting game.” This will allow you to alternate between the retail build of Halo: The Master Chief Collection (for matchmaking) and the community-mod sandbox every time you play!

Mod Minute: Warthog Rally

As part of Halo’s <a href="https://www.aka.ms/Halo25Launch">25th anniversary celebration</a>, we’re inviting Halo fans from around the world to share favorite memories and vote on community polls in our <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/1464409121209188466">official Halo Discord server</a>. Follow @Halo on social media to join the fun!



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As we look back on twenty-five years with our passionate community, we’re selecting a resonant theme from Halo’s timeless chorus to explore each month in community polls, Discord discussions, and video quizzes featuring Halo trivia.



Since January’s theme was “UNSC Heroes,” we asked you to vote on your favorite defenders of humanity and tell us what sets them apart—and you delivered!



<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="UNSC Heroes | Halo Quiz | Halo 25th Anniversary" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qzDmqJEAQPA?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>



Put your lore knowledge to the test in this month’s video quiz, and don’t forget to join the official Halo Discord server and vote on new monthly community polls all year long!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HEROIC EXALTATION</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://x.com/Nafe_nasutetsu/status/2018301481792008218"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1363" height="2048" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/nafe_nasutetsu_heroes.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161733" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/nafe_nasutetsu_heroes.jpg 1363w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/nafe_nasutetsu_heroes-200x300.jpg 200w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/nafe_nasutetsu_heroes-682x1024.jpg 682w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/nafe_nasutetsu_heroes-768x1154.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/nafe_nasutetsu_heroes-1022x1536.jpg 1022w" sizes="(max-width: 1363px) 100vw, 1363px" /></a></figure>



Art by Nafe_nasutestu (<a href="https://x.com/Nafe_nasutetsu/status/2018301481792008218">Source</a>)



In our first Silver Anniversary Discord poll, fans voted on their favorite UNSC heroes from across the Halo franchise. Master Chief John-117, that devilish Demon, came out on top, followed closely on his heroic heels by the stalwart Sergeant (Major) Avery Johnson.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://x.com/Luxno_Art/status/2001364599023743209"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/luxnoart_heroes-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161719" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/luxnoart_heroes-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/luxnoart_heroes-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/luxnoart_heroes-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/luxnoart_heroes-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/luxnoart_heroes-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/luxnoart_heroes-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/luxnoart_heroes-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a></figure>



Art by Luxno_Art (<a href="https://x.com/Luxno_Art/status/2001364599023743209">Source</a>)



Securing 27% and 21% of the vote respectively, these decorated soldiers enjoyed roughly equal acclaim among our resident panel of Halo experts (who will no doubt be delighted to see the duo team up again in <a href="https://www.aka.ms/HCEPDP">Halo: Campaign Evolved</a> later this year).



No surprises there! When you weigh out their many contributions in the fight against the Covenant—not to mention their shared knack for lucky escapes—these time-tested warfighters certainly deserve the honor.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://x.com/Silent1Meow/status/1989377795999285626"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="633" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Silent1Meow_heroes.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161747" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Silent1Meow_heroes.jpg 1200w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Silent1Meow_heroes-300x158.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Silent1Meow_heroes-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Silent1Meow_heroes-768x405.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></figure>



Art by SilentMeow (<a href="https://x.com/Silent1Meow/status/1989377795999285626">Source</a>)



Among other top contenders, a close competition arose between Cortana (13%) and Captain Keyes (9%), with lots of love for UNSC greats such as Fernando Esparza, Chips Dubbo, and Foehammer rounding out the count.



Check out some of our favorite additional shout-outs below, and don’t forget to vote on next month’s poll in the <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/1464409121209188466">#25th-anniversary-celebration channel</a> on Discord!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">VOX POPULI</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://x.com/Crabbosk/status/2016527811989926023"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2318" height="1305" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Crabbosk_heroes.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161705" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Crabbosk_heroes.jpg 2318w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Crabbosk_heroes-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Crabbosk_heroes-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Crabbosk_heroes-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Crabbosk_heroes-1536x865.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Crabbosk_heroes-2048x1153.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Crabbosk_heroes-1568x883.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2318px) 100vw, 2318px" /></a></figure>



Art by Crabbosk (<a href="https://x.com/Crabbosk/status/2016527811989926023">Source</a>)



With so many UNSC heroes to choose from, one puny poll cannot sufficiently enumerate their sacrifices, distinctions, and courageous acts.



Fans in our Discord server offered an effusion of support for their most celebrated heroes, along with shout-outs for additional heroes beyond those covered in the top eight choices.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://x.com/AyumaAkua/status/2014513042906632366"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2000" height="2560" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/AyumaAkua_heroes-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161691" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/AyumaAkua_heroes-scaled.jpg 2000w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/AyumaAkua_heroes-234x300.jpg 234w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/AyumaAkua_heroes-800x1024.jpg 800w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/AyumaAkua_heroes-768x983.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/AyumaAkua_heroes-1200x1536.jpg 1200w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/AyumaAkua_heroes-1600x2048.jpg 1600w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/AyumaAkua_heroes-1568x2007.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></a></figure>



Art by AyumaAkua (<a href="https://x.com/AyumaAkua/status/2014513042906632366">Source</a>)



Commendations were awarded to the intrepid Captain Lasky of the UNSC Infinity, Noble Team (especially our favorite lone wolf, SPARTAN-B312, a.k.a. “Noble Six”), Red Team (Jerome-092, “chairman” of Flood diplomacy, in particular), the ODSTs of Alpha Nine (with fond farewells to our dearly departed Rookie), and even to less widely-known, but no less infectious personalities such as PFC Wallace Jenkins.



Read a selection of great shout-outs from fellow fans below!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://x.com/TheRealQuenny/status/2017518626459234321"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="640" height="680" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/TheRealQuenny_heroes.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161761" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/TheRealQuenny_heroes.jpg 640w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/TheRealQuenny_heroes-282x300.jpg 282w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a></figure>



Art by TheRealQuenny (<a href="https://x.com/TheRealQuenny/status/2017518626459234321">Source</a>)



<ul>
<li>darealmasterfreak: If someone doesn’t like Johnson, they are NOT invited to my birthday party.</li>



<li>osky: My “Other” vote is for Noble Six. If he doesn’t get Cortana to the Pillar of Autumn, there is no “Cortana and Master Chief” story. He’s a huge part of the universe!</li>



<li>Ricky 117: Master Chief is definitely top. Besides him, I feel Miranda Keyes played a huge role at the end of the war, and was ready to sacrifice herself and Johnson to save the galaxy.</li>



<li>Master Chef#5952: Sergeant Stacker! He may not be as legendary as Johnson, but he certainly deserves a spot in the poll.</li>



<li>otto.2967: It is the man, the myth, the legend, Chips “The Flood Hunter” Dubbo all the way. The only reason he wasn’t offered a position as a Spartan-IV was because the UNSC knew he’d be too powerful. (Editor’s note: big if true.)</li>



<li>ChaosSpartan275: Jerome-092, because he is the true successor to the Master Chief!</li>



<li>KingObsid1an: 10,000% Lasky in the Hall of Heroes. My man is an icon.</li>



<li>Kamron: A second choice that’s very close to my boy Johnson is Red Team, the coolest Spartans, but in all honesty the entire Spirit of Fire crew is the definition of the Indomitable Human Spirit.</li>



<li>KazooMan: I think everyone has mentioned some awesome characters, but I’m gonna raise you all with one of my favorite heroes in the entire series, Lucas Browning. What that man went through, just to buy the boat crew some time? All the pain and suffering he put up with just for the events of Edge of Dawn to happen? I won’t say much more because I don’t want to spoil our most recent book, but it touched me. I can’t not throw his name in the mix!</li>



<li>Woodsgump: Jenkins is my favorite Halo hero. He saved everyone from the Flood spreading because of his sheer will to keep going.</li>



<li>Kidskull51: Rion Forge, daughter of John Forge from Halo Wars. She’s just as badass if not more than her father.</li>



<li>CIA391: Vice Admiral Danforth Whitcomb and Corporal Locklear. Both gave their lives to stop the Covenant from reaching Earth in late 2552, giving Spartans and other Alpha Halo survivors time to warn us of the upcoming threat!</li>



<li>EternalCanadian: My vote’s for the Spartan-III’s of Alpha and Beta Companies—Spartans who weren’t pulled out by Deep Winter, yet saved the human race a number of times—as well your common UNSC/CMA service members, and even the civilians. True heroism isn’t given by augmentations or advanced weaponry, and being assigned to some special squad doesn’t make you a hero. The real heroes, to use a Porco Rosso quote, are dead, or scarred by battles, yet not really acknowledged for their contributions, however small they might’ve been.</li>



<li>S20boominator: Jerome-092 killing the Flood with a metal chair is a hero moment.</li>



<li>BOSVanguard: Jerome-092 because he singlehandedly killed squads of Brutes and Elites while Isabel was taking control of the Banished flagship. Another reason is because he, Douglas-042, and Alice-130 were flunked out from the SPARTAN-II program. UNSC and ONI revived them, and Jerome would go on to lead Red Team through the early days of the Covenant War through battles of Arcadia, Trove, and the Second Ark Conflict.</li>



<li>Demetrius: For me, it’s SPARTAN-Β312 of Noble Team, a.k.a. Noble Six. I don’t think I need to explain why; he stayed behind to secure the Pillar of Autumn, and he and his team sacrificed themselves in order to deliver Cortana in one piece. It’s sad they didn’t make it to see the final victory.</li>



<li>Drizztbc: Captain Cutter, an aging captain for an equally outdated ship. Yet can still give the Covenant a good fight!</li>
</ul>



That’s a wrap for this month’s “variations on a theme!” Stay tuned next month for a new community poll, a new video quiz, and more discussions with fellow Halo fans around the theme of “Alien Heroes & Villains.”



Don’t forget to bookmark the <a href="https://www.aka.ms/Halo25Together">Silver Anniversary Community Hub</a> for all the latest updates from our 25th anniversary celebration.



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All year long, we’ll be inviting Halo fans to share their favorite Halo memories, celebrate Halo’s iconic legacy, and vote on community polls to help us tell the whole Halo story.



Whether you’re a battle-hardened Spartan or a Halo rookie, we hope you’ll join the fun by sharing your Halo story through our <a href="http://aka.ms/Halo25TogetherMemories">official submission form</a>, on social media using hashtag #Halo25Together, in our <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/1464409121209188466">official Discord server</a>, or on <a href="https://reddit.com/r/halo">r/Halo</a> with the #Halo25Together tag.