Community

Community Spotlight

Mutinous Core

Spotlight: May 21, 2025

Welcome back to the Community Corner! In this series, we’ll share cozy Q&A’s with notable creators from the Halo community. Today’s entry features a personal history and lessons in handiwork from artisan armorer SangheliosCustoms (a.k.a. Oscar Fabozzi).



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Hi, Oscar! Thanks for sharing your story with us here on the Community Corner. Before we get started, can you give our readers a sense of who you are and what you do?



Hi, I’m Oscar Fabozzi! I’m 37 years old, and I’m from Italy. I live in a small town 30 minutes from Naples, and I have a hardware store where I’ve been working for almost 20 years. I’ve always loved video games—but I would only call myself a real nerd if I had more time to dedicate to them.<a id="_msocom_1"></a>



Follow Oscar on social media: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sanghelios_customs/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sanghelioscustoms">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://x.com/sangheliosc">X</a><a id="_msocom_3"></a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A HALO HISTORY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_001-1024x576.jpg" alt="Oscar Fabozzi sits on concrete steps and aims his model Skewer." class="wp-image-135712" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_001-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_001-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_001-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_001-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_001-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_001-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Tell us about your Halo origin story. Where did you first encounter the series?



I remember when I was young, a friend of mine bought the first Xbox and Halo: Combat Evolved. He was the only one who had it, so we all gathered at his house to play it together. I later bought my first Xbox to play Halo 2, and from that moment I never left Halo! I have played all the games, seen all the various films and series, and I own the entire collection of books that have currently been released in Italy.



Are you more of a campaign player, a multiplayer diehard, or a mix?



It’s absurd to say, but when I started playing Halo, I didn’t even have a console! I went to my friend’s house to play Halo: Combat Evolved multiplayer, and sometimes we even managed to gather two consoles and eight players for a larger get-together. Some of my friends even bought controllers just to play and enjoy multiplayer together.



Once I bought my first Xbox, I played the campaign a lot. I really like the story! Having played it in co-op with many different friends, I really don’t know how many times I must have completed the campaigns on any difficulty.



Now I have little time to play, but when I can I eagerly jump into the multiplayer experience of Halo Infinite, where I always meet many friends online who invite me to their team.



What’s your favorite Halo game and why?



It all started with Halo 2 for me. The Arbiter was a character that struck me instantly, and his story made me fall in love with the series right away. Since it was love at first sight, I’d have to admit that my favorite game is Halo 2.



I am also very attached to Halo 5: Guardians for the return of the Arbiter, fighting on Sanghelios, and the inspiration to create my Warden Eternal cosplay. Those things truly changed me and so I will be forever grateful for that chapter of the Halo story.



Do you have any other favorite Halo media?



As I mentioned, I have all the Halo games, films, series, and books. I have never been a great reader, but when I started reading the Halo books I immersed myself in the lore and discovered many things that I would never have even imagined! I must say that the books are truly a great strength of Halo, and I hope that other editions translated into Italian will come out in the future because I would really like to enjoy them all.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_002-1024x1024.jpg" alt="A composite image featuring multiple angles of Oscar Fabozzi's Arbiter cosplay." class="wp-image-135726" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_002-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_002-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_002-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_002-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_002-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_002.jpg 1564w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Who are some of your favorite Halo characters?



It goes without saying that the Arbiter is my favorite character. He has charisma, he has honor, and I’ve always had a weakness for enemies in video games with a great backstory.



But the real thanks goes to the Warden Eternal. He was crazy as a villain and he really deserves a lot of credit. He’s one of the most esteemed and hated bosses in the history of Halo at the same time. That’s why I wanted to create his cosplay—a project that was nothing short of ambitious, difficult, and almost unrealistic.



And yet I worked so hard, and the satisfaction it gave me is impossible to quantify. The best thing that happened is that, with this cosplay, I managed to encourage others to revisit and form a greater appreciation for that character.



What do you love about the Halo community?



Being part of such a community is truly a fantastic dream. Being someone who has contributed to the world of Halo is not easily explained or expressed.



Thanks to my Warden Eternal cosplay, I got to meet the Halo team directly. We’ve already discussed it in the past and I still can’t believe that all my childhood dreams have truly come true! I’ll forever be grateful for this truly unique experience.



As a community, we manage to always keep the passion and love for this masterpiece alive—and I love that the studio encourages cosplayers like me and the rest of the community to participate. That is and will always be something that a fan will never forget.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COSPLAY CREATIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="960" height="960" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_003.jpg" alt="Oscar Fabozzi wears his Warden Eternal cosplay. The armor glows menacingly from the face, torso, and extremities in a dimly lit room." class="wp-image-135740" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_003.jpg 960w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_003-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_003-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_003-768x768.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></figure>



How did you get into creating custom armor and weaponry? What do you love about it?



I entered the world of cosplay thanks to Halo! As I grew up, I had less and less time to play—but ten years ago, I decided to create my first Arbiter armor. Because I created it while I was in the hardware shop, I was able to combine my work and my passion.



I wanted to somehow leave a mark in the world of this series, which felt like a challenge because there were already so many crazy cosplays which were incredible to say the least. How could I ever make a difference and get noticed among all these amazing artists?



And so, I decided to create the Arbiter cosplay—an ambitious, difficult, and long project, but it didn’t weigh on me even for a day. When you create something you really love, all the problems and all the difficulties in creating such demanding things pass.



It was a very difficult project, but I was determined. It took me almost two years to complete. And with the release of Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Halo 2: Anniversary, I managed to recreate all the best details and finish this great challenge.



After I completed the Arbiter, that’s when the wild idea arrived to create the Warden Eternal, and the rest is history.



Can you share your armor crafting process?



I started in the hardest way—not using foam, but fiberglass. Yes, real madness! I created every single part with simple paper using images online, and then used fiberglass to mold the pieces, smoothed them, and finally painted them. All without experience! And starting with the Arbiter, I had to create not only the armor, but also a real alien body.



And then, still looking to challenge myself further, I created my cosplay of the Warden Eternal, who does not have a body at all—only floating armor. So: the pieces were still created in fiberglass, but this time I used plexiglass in-between to suspend them, with LEDs across the whole body to hide it as much as possible.



Is the process different for weapons and props?



For weapons, I fortunately know 3D design. Since I bought a 3D printer I have started to produce a lot of projects. At the moment I only create Halo props with my printers, but I hope to finally create my first Spartan armor soon. And—a little spoiler—I will surely dedicate some time to my lovely Arbiter.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1441" height="2560" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_004-scaled.jpg" alt="A Heatwave weapon prop created by SangheliosCustoms." class="wp-image-135754" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_004-scaled.jpg 1441w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_004-169x300.jpg 169w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_004-577x1024.jpg 577w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_004-768x1364.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_004-865x1536.jpg 865w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_004-1153x2048.jpg 1153w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_004-1568x2785.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1441px) 100vw, 1441px" /></figure>



What was your favorite weapon or prop you’ve created?



For weapons, it is very difficult to choose. I love every prop that I create. Each is a personal project that I start from scratch and realize in every little and particular detail.



But surely one of the great beauties and toughest challenges was the Gravity Hammer, a real beast at two meters and full of LEDs inside. Crazy to say that I’m building another hammer right now that is absolutely stunning.



I really love to create props with LEDs inside in particular, with docks for the batteries, switches, and circuits for the cables. It’s a challenging task but one that gives almost too much satisfaction when you see it completed. Indeed, I recently created my first Heatwave, and it’s been an unforgettable process.



How do you choose a subject to create?



I always try not to do things that have already been created or are well known. I like to aim for almost impossible projects. Ask yourself why it has never been done before, and only then will you have the true inspiration to create a real masterpiece.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_005-1024x683.jpg" alt="Oscar Fabozzi aims a replica MA40 Assault Rifle." class="wp-image-135768" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_005-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_005-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_005-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_005-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_005-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_005-1568x1045.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Have you attended any events in cosplay?



I have only attended a few comic cons in Italy, but I took part in some competitions with my Halo cosplays. I admit that going around fairs with such big armors is unfortunately very difficult; you need to have a lot of friends to give you a hand getting there. That’s why I prefer to enjoy events with simpler or textile costumes, which are light and allow you to move more independently.



Can you recommend any tips for those interested in cosplay?



After years, I’ve come to understand that making something you are passionate about really makes a difference. When you are immersed in the process of making something you love, the work is easier and the end product is even more satisfying.



Even if you think you don’t have enough experience, you can be sure that good work will come out if you love the character you want to create. Experience will be acquired with time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PARTING SHOTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="581" height="581" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_006.jpg" alt="Oscar Fabozzi mows his lawn with a push mower while dressed as the Arbiter." class="wp-image-135782" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_006.jpg 581w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_006-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_006-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 581px) 100vw, 581px" /></figure>



Care to share a random fact about yourself?



One very funny thing is how I got my customers used to this fantastic world. At my hardware store, my customers are bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, and other such professions. Many years ago, they saw me creating things while I was working, and they would look at me, and often make fun of me, saying, “Hey, you! Think about working instead of playing.”



Today everything is different. My customers can’t wait to see what new project I’m creating. While they are buying maybe a faucet for the bathroom, they also take some photos with a sniper rifle I’ve just assembled.



Are there any exciting things coming up that we should look out for?



Oh, the more things Halo adds to this fantastic fictional world, the sooner I’ll try to make them in the real one!



But there is one thing I want to announce: I’ve always wanted to create a real Energy Sword. I’ve tried several times and failed, but I feel close to finally being able to create a truly realistic one. Stay tuned!



Is there anyone you’d like to give a shout out to?



I definitely greet all the people who are around me and believed in my projects, but a special thanks will always be dedicated to Halo. This series will always be with me.



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Thanks for reading! Follow <a href="https://x.com/sangheliosc">SangheliosCustoms</a> to check out Oscar’s latest creations, and stay tuned to <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news?category=community">Halo Waypoint</a> and our <a href="https://x.com/halo">social channels</a> for more community coverage.

Community Corner: SangheliosCustoms

Spotlight: April 23, 2025

Spotlight: April 9, 2025

The Community Spotlight series showcases a selection of awesome fan art, videos, crafts, and other creations by the Halo community. Share your work with us on social media using hashtag #HaloSpotlight to be considered for the next Spotlight!



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<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: Raptor | Origins" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-JjS_cKRjMQ?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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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialSparrowFilms">This exciting trailer</a> from Sparrow Films introduces Raptor Team, a fan-made strike team of Spartan-III operatives assigned to ONI’s most dangerous missions. We can’t wait to see more!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SEEN ON SOCIAL</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="680" height="383" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/DrGoosethumb_000.webp" alt="Spartans engage Banished foes in a dusty field of combat." class="wp-image-131628" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/DrGoosethumb_000.webp 680w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/DrGoosethumb_000-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px" /></figure>



DrGooseThumb has lately issued a salvo of <a href="https://x.com/DrGoosethumb/status/1899974634621059529">impressive action shots</a>. Rendered in Blender and edited with taste, the good doctor’s recent compositions highlight the resolve of heroic Spartans and their UNSC allies against overwhelming odds.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="900" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/2204Design_000.webp" alt="Master Chief and Arbiter Thel 'Vadam stand triumphantly atop a mountain of skulls as the Flood closes in." class="wp-image-131418" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/2204Design_000.webp 720w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/2204Design_000-240x300.webp 240w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>



2204Design treats us to an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DF5nWoFuvqM">iconic duo</a> in honor of a “Legendary All Skulls On” (LASO) campaign run.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2047" height="2048" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/ConcasicoWW_002.webp" alt="A wooden Spartan figurine." class="wp-image-131488" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/ConcasicoWW_002.webp 2047w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/ConcasicoWW_002-300x300.webp 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/ConcasicoWW_002-1024x1024.webp 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/ConcasicoWW_002-150x150.webp 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/ConcasicoWW_002-768x768.webp 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/ConcasicoWW_002-1536x1536.webp 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/ConcasicoWW_002-1568x1569.webp 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2047px) 100vw, 2047px" /></figure>



The newest batch of handcrafted figures from Concasico Woodworks includes a <a href="https://x.com/ConcasicoWW/status/1894441128906096653">custom Spartan</a> for Halo superfan <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/TheSSMotion">motiondomain</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="680" height="302" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/EtherealEOD_000.webp" alt="Master Chief idles by a stream on Zeta Halo. A Warthog is parked nearby, with a Forerunner Spire in the distance." class="wp-image-131614" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/EtherealEOD_000.webp 680w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/EtherealEOD_000-300x133.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px" /></figure>



EtherealEOD always <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/community-corner-etherealeod">graces Waypoint</a> with dramatic lighting and evocative staging. This carefully crafted Blender composite captures Chief <a href="https://x.com/EtherealEOD/status/1884735728527303113">sightseeing on Zeta Halo</a> at a vibe-heavy golden hour. (Shotgun model by <a href="https://x.com/SpannerArt">SpannerArt</a>!)



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="680" height="383" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/OutletChief729_000.webp" alt="A Sangheili blade master bears down on a Spartan, who aims a pistol at the foe while lying on the ground in the rain." class="wp-image-131600" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/OutletChief729_000.webp 680w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/OutletChief729_000-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px" /></figure>



Creative outlets are good therapy, and there’s nothing more therapeutic than gazing upon this <a href="https://x.com/OutletChief729/status/1882824866128396454">desperate last stand</a> from OutletChief729.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="680" height="441" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/entransing_001.webp" alt="The Didact holds the Master Chief aloft with telepathic powers. Text reads: "Time was your ally, human, but now it has abandoned you."" class="wp-image-131530" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/entransing_001.webp 680w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/entransing_001-300x195.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px" /></figure>



Since our <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/community-corner-entransing" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/community-corner-entransing">Community Corner interview</a>, entransing has realized a series of exquisite illustrations depicting <a href="https://x.com/entransing/status/1877099507273302304" data-type="link" data-id="https://x.com/entransing/status/1877099507273302304">memorable moments from Halo 4</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="680" height="383" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/skykillerr_001.webp" alt="An armored Sangheili holds an Energy Sword as UNSC marines salute." class="wp-image-131558" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/skykillerr_001.webp 680w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/skykillerr_001-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/community-corner-skykillerr" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/community-corner-skykillerr">Sangheili specialist</a> Skykillerr brings us the latest <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGYoXzPMUu0/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGYoXzPMUu0/">recruitment propaganda</a> from the Swords of Sanghelios.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1440" height="1800" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/zeke405_000.webp" alt="Zippyzeek034 dressed in custom Spartan cosplay." class="wp-image-131825" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/zeke405_000.webp 1440w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/zeke405_000-240x300.webp 240w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/zeke405_000-819x1024.webp 819w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/zeke405_000-768x960.webp 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/zeke405_000-1229x1536.webp 1229w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></figure>



ZippyZeek034 of the <a href="https://www.405th.com/">405th Infantry Division</a> sports <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DG7b1XxOil1">custom Spartan armor</a> at Emerald City Comic Con. (Photo by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/amourir.media/">@amourir.media</a>)



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="680" height="383" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/CurrentlyNotHere_001.webp" alt="A team of Spartans charges forward. Two flanking Spartans fire weapons as the central Spartan advances with a flag." class="wp-image-131516" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/CurrentlyNotHere_001.webp 680w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/CurrentlyNotHere_001-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px" /></figure>



This <a href="https://x.com/CurntlyNotHere/status/1899484539019296949">valiant display</a> by CurrentlyNotHere perfectly captures the rush of a successful charge in CTF.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="568" height="680" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/beansandegg_000.webp" alt="A collage of Halo: Combat Evolved scenery and imagery." class="wp-image-131460" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/beansandegg_000.webp 568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/beansandegg_000-251x300.webp 251w" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" /></figure>



Here’s an awesome <a href="https://x.com/BeansAndEgg/status/1899188882509353034" data-type="link" data-id="https://x.com/BeansAndEgg/status/1899188882509353034">retro collage</a> from BeansAndEgg with Cortana’s encoded directive to thaw out the big guy. It looks like the Covenant wanted to catch you napping…



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="683" height="900" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/Crabbosk_000.webp" alt="A comic strip shows a misunderstanding between a UNSC barista and an Elite named Chai 'Latte." class="wp-image-131502" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/Crabbosk_000.webp 683w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/Crabbosk_000-228x300.webp 228w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



Crabbosk recounts the trials and tribulations of an <a href="https://x.com/Crabbosk/status/1897803858279055548" data-type="link" data-id="https://x.com/Crabbosk/status/1897803858279055548">Elite named Chai ‘Latte</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1438" height="759" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/elusivevector_000.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-131839" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/elusivevector_000.webp 1438w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/elusivevector_000-300x158.webp 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/elusivevector_000-1024x540.webp 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/elusivevector_000-768x405.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1438px) 100vw, 1438px" /></figure>



A panel from Halo: Fall of Reach is brought to life in <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHB6ScExSrd" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHB6ScExSrd">this killer composite</a> from elusivevector.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="680" height="359" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/b_does_stuff_000.webp" alt="The four original Spartans of Blue Team stand together." class="wp-image-131432" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/b_does_stuff_000.webp 680w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/b_does_stuff_000-300x158.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px" /></figure>



Blue Team is back in action in <a href="https://x.com/B_does_stuff/status/1899515664676573547">this reunion scene</a> from B.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="767" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/blamodan_000.webp" alt="Four Spartans stand in a circle as Flood forms close in. One holds a folding chair at the ready." class="wp-image-131474" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/blamodan_000.webp 720w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/blamodan_000-282x300.webp 282w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>



Doozen01 knows that well-trained Spartans can <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHBTB6fx3F3/">confront the Flood</a> with all manner of weaponry—even a sturdy folding chair, in a pinch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FROM THE FORUMS</h2>



Recent shares from the <a href="https://reddit.com/r/halo">r/Halo subreddit</a> and the <a href="https://discord.gg/halo">official Halo Discord server</a>. Join up and drop your creations for a chance to appear in a Community Spotlight!



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="640" height="634" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/viejoviejito_000.webp" alt="A drawing of Emile rendered in bleach on a T-shirt." class="wp-image-131586" style="width:639px;height:auto" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/viejoviejito_000.webp 640w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/viejoviejito_000-300x297.webp 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/viejoviejito_000-150x150.webp 150w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></figure>



I’m ready! How about you? u/viejoviejito <a href="https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1j9aq8g" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1j9aq8g">shares a T-shirt</a> emblazoned with the indomitable Emile—drawn entirely with bleach!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="960" height="540" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/Titaniite_001.webp" alt="Arbiter Thel 'Vadam holding a Needler as depicted in Spore." class="wp-image-131572" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/Titaniite_001.webp 960w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/Titaniite_001-300x169.webp 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/Titaniite_001-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></figure>



Has u/Titaniite attained the rank of Lifeshaper? Check out all the <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/halo/comments/1j7jubg/some_characters_recreated_in_spore_2008/">Halo-inspired creations</a> they’ve managed to conjure in Spore.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="960" height="720" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/badvoodoo68_002.webp" alt="Custom bindings for a selection of Halo novels bear Classified symbols and the UNSC logo." class="wp-image-131642" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/badvoodoo68_002.webp 960w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/badvoodoo68_002-300x225.webp 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/badvoodoo68_002-768x576.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></figure>



For your eyes only: these <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/halo/comments/1jdfwvh/my_halo_books_rebound/">covert book bindings</a> by u/badvoodoo68 wrap a selection of Halo novels in a classified UNSC dossier.



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Found your work featured in Community Spotlight? <a href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/06cacfd568b74b4490371907f55410dc" data-type="link" data-id="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/06cacfd568b74b4490371907f55410dc">Fill out this form</a> to claim your exclusive Fire Unicorn emblem and nameplate to use in Halo Infinite. Don’t forget to share your creations with us on <a href="https://reddit.com/r/halo">r/Halo</a>, in our <a href="https://discord.gg/halo">official Discord server</a>, or on social media with hashtag #HaloSpotlight for a chance to appear in the next Spotlight!

Spotlight: March 20, 2025

Alex Wakeford

Spotlight: December 9, 2024

Spotlight: November 19, 2024

Community Corner: Halopedia

Spotlight: October 24, 2024

Welcome back to the Community Corner!



Earlier this week, we launched Operation: Haloween which features Survive the Undead—a new playlist experience made by The Forge Falcons. Naturally, it only seemed right that we sit down with the fine folks of that team: EliteFalcon, MaxBloodBath, Prim27, and Outlet.



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Welcome (back!) and thank you for joining us today! Please introduce yourselves and tell us all about who The Forge Falcons are and where we can find you.



Thank you for having us (again!), for those who don’t know, we are a team of Forgers who love Halo and its community. Since our inception, the goal with ‘The Forge Falcons’ was to make it function somewhat like a typical game studio—or what some might simply call, a Forge studio.



Across multiple teams (Forgers, Scripters, and Graphic Designers) we all work together to create the absolute best Forge experiences we possibly can. Each team has a lead to ensure we are always releasing quality content and renders. The best places to find us are <a href="https://discord.com/invite/FhqSHJesy4">Discord</a> and <a href="https://x.com/TheForgeFalcons">Twitter</a>.



How did your great journey with Halo start?



Individually, it has varied from the release of Halo: CE up to Halo: Reach. But our love for the franchise has grown ever since.



Our journey as a team started on November 1, 2022. How did this come to be? Well, we all really love making things and we of course love Halo and there was a clear opportunity for us to create a Forge based studio, and build a community around that and the content we make. But more importantly, we wanted to provide great experiences for the players and contribute to the franchise we love.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons3.jpg" alt="Forge Falcons art depicting four Spartans" class="wp-image-119768" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons3.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons3-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons3-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Let’s talk Forge. Tell us about your experience with Forge over the years. Did you begin with Halo 3 when the tool was more of a level editor, or did you jump into the mode in more recent years?



As a team, we obviously started with Halo Infinite‘s Forge, but individually, the majority of us started with Halo 3, while some of us started with Halo: Reach.



Forge has come a long way since the early days, especially in regards to what is actually possible with the experiences you can make—mainly because of the Node Graph in Halo Infinite and the ability to add Campaign AI. So, for players that might only be starting out with Halo Infinite, you genuinely have an almost infinite playground.



Do you remember what your first ever Forge creation was? Personally, I can vividly recall messing around on Last Resort in Halo 3 and finding out that throwing deployable cover into a gravity lift would make the large crate fly into the air while I was inside it.



The first experience we made as a team was Survive the Undead, which of course is why we’re here today! But going all the way back to the days of Reach, many of us remember messing around with fusion coils—making it rain with fusion coils, making a battleship-type map with cannons that people can use… Back then, that was considered impressive. It was fourteen years ago to be fair, but we will always remember stuff like that.



How has it felt to have the Halo community playing your maps and experiences in matchmaking?



Having the community play our experiences we have spent thousands of hours on feels good, that’s why you make things, right? For people to play them, and getting your maps into matchmaking is the best way to do that in Halo Infinite.



As it’s an entirely new experience we’re making, we never expected it to go into matchmaking. But for it to actually go in, get its own playlist, and do extremely well with the community… it’s an extremely good feeling.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons4.jpg" alt="Forge Falcons art depicting a Sangheili Ultra with the Banished symbol" class="wp-image-119782" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons4.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons4-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons4-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons4-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons4-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons4-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



What’s the origin story for the Forge Falcons? How did this group come together and develop to not just encompass people passionate about Forge, but graphic designers as well?



When I originally created The Forge Falcons, I wanted to create exceptional experiences that required a well-coordinated, skilled, and passionate team.



If you look at anything we have made since our inception, it can’t be made by any one person, at least in a reasonable amount of time. And I guess I wasn’t aware of just how many people had that same mindset, about wanting to create amazing things with a team that follows a studio-like structure.



Unsurprisingly, we found folks with graphic design skills  that are just as passionate and skilled as the Fforgers, so now we have an incredible team that all work well with each other and understand the vision of the studio.



Where do you begin when looking to design a map—whether that’s a functional multiplayer arena or more of a specific experience?



We have had many meetings and discussions about what experiences we should make, so the process really starts at the concept phase. What do players want, what would do well with players, and most importantly what are we most passionate about?



From there, the team leads take that concept, talk with their teams, and get a plan together for what direction they want to take it. Then the blockout gets made before anything to make sure we’re happy with it and that it is budget friendly. After that, we get the scripts done, tested, and then it’s onto art. Sometimes in odd cases, like with Helljumpers, there will be crossover with blockout, scripts and art all at once if it’s best for the direction we’re taking it and the deadlines we’re aiming to hit.



Do you have a favorite map or experience that you’ve created as a team?



This has to go to Survive the Undead. This experience has come a really long way since it was originally released, from its origin leveraging bots to now with fully realized campaign AI and bosses. We’ve always had fun working on Survive the Undead and that probably shows in the amount of maps we have created for it. If players love it in matchmaking and it has its own playlist like it currently does, then we will be more than willing to make new maps and even mode variants down the line to really beef the playlist up.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1350" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons5.jpg" alt="Forge Falcons art depicting four Spartans surrounded by Jega 'Rdomnai, two Sangheili, and Escharum looming over them in the background" class="wp-image-119796" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons5.jpg 1080w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons5-240x300.jpg 240w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons5-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons5-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



On the graphic design front, where do you begin when putting together the amazing imagery for these maps and experiences?



From the beginning, it was always about supporting the talent that the Forgers pour into their creations. At the same time, since we are based in Halo Infinite, we want to adhere to designs that 343 established so everything feels cohesive.



To do that consistently, I draw up a creative brief that gives direction for our other artists and allows for some consistency, regardless of who is making what. Aside from that, artists have creative freedom to do what they think best amplifies the work done by the Forgers. Most often, that involves finding noteworthy spots in their maps that we would want to showcase front and center.



Do you have a favorite piece you’ve made for a Forge Falcons experience? Why that particular piece?



It’s really tough to pick just one. The thumbnails for Survive the Undead were some of the first things I made for The Forge Falcons before we onboarded other artists, so those were fun in the sense that we didn’t have an overall tone set in place, and we were exploring what that would eventually be. But my favorite might just be the content for Helljumpers that was recently shown off at the 2024 Halo World Championship event!



What advice would you give to folks who are interested in trying out Forge but might feel unsure of where to start? What are some of the fundamental things you think those people should know?



For anyone wanting to learn Forge, always start out small and don’t commit to something you know you can’t do yet. Build up slowly, build confidence in your work and your workflow, and take it from there.



One thing every Forger should keep in mind is performance. Forge can get very unoptimized at times and it’s down to the Forger to manage that; cut back in places that aren’t as noticeable and really make sure players have a good experience before anything else.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons2.jpg" alt="Forge Falcons art depicting a Spartan and Sangheili with a red energy sword" class="wp-image-119754" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons2.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons2-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



If you could issue a challenge to the community, what’s something you’d like to see people make in Forge?



If we could challenge the community to make something, it would be more experiences like Warzone, Invasion, Rush (Battlefield), and any crazy stuff like that. We do know that Okom and co are working on a Warzone experience and the HaloFunTime folks are cooking up Forge World. So that’s always awesome to see.



Who are some of the Forgers out there that have inspired you?



Forgers that inspired us would be people like: Nightavenger01, InfiniteForges, Paimon and RedNomster. Incredible artists and creatives, if anyone reading this hasn’t checked them out, please do.



Forge has come a long way—both over the years as a whole and also as it has continued to be supported in Halo Infinite. As Forgers, are there any further wishlist items you have for what you’d like to see implemented into this mode in the future?



Forge has certainly come a long way, but there are for sure some features we’d love to see added that would take the tool to the next level. Most notably is a Saving Device or something of the sort (allow the players to save their progress across multiple games via the cloud), and of course, a real landscape tool that allows us to make fully custom terrain.



Those two features would effectively take Forge from an advanced player tool to a full-on dev tool at that point.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1906" height="1068" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons1.jpg" alt="Forge Falcons image for the Halo World Championship 2024 Forge panel showing a Spartan and Monitor" class="wp-image-119740" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons1.jpg 1906w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons1-300x168.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons1-1024x574.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons1-768x430.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons1-1536x861.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons1-1568x879.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1906px) 100vw, 1906px" /></figure>



Do you have any hints about cool maps and experiences you might be looking to build in the future?



Aside from maps we’d be willing to make for Survive the Undead in matchmaking, the biggest one we’re working on—and one people would have got a good look at during our Forge Panel at HaloWC earlier this month—is none other than Helljumpers. It is by far our biggest and most ambitious experience and we cannot wait for people to finally play it on October 25.



Outside of Forge, do you have any other areas of the franchise that you really gravitate towards—whether that’s the campaign and fiction, multiplayer, and so on?



We all love Halo, from the games to the books, and beyond. Campaign is of course a favorite, for the majority of us it’s a big draw to Halo. Whenever any of us pick up a new Halo game at launch, the first thing we are doing is playing through the campaign before anything else.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons6.jpg" alt="Forge Falcons art for the Helljumper experience depicting ODSTs and Banished" class="wp-image-119811" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons6.jpg 1080w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons6-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons6-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons6-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons6-768x768.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



Thank you very much for joining us for this issue of the Community Corner! Do you have any parting words to share?



Thank you for having us (again!), we really enjoyed answering all of these questions and giving people even more insight into what we do and who we are.



We want to thank the Halo community for supporting us through all of our projects, it means the world to us, truly. And we want to thank 343 for their close collaboration with our team to put on an awesome panel and to get Survive the Undead into a really solid state.



Working with 343 has been a pleasure and we hope we can do it again in the future to bring more of our experiences to matchmaking!



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Don’t forget you can <a href="https://discord.com/invite/FhqSHJesy4">join the Discord group for The Forge Falcons</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/TheForgeFalcons">follow them on Twitter</a>!

Community Corner: The Forge Falcons