Games

In today’s blog covering the improvements landing with the Winter Update, we’re focusing on a few substantial ways in which your matchmaking experience will improve in Halo Infinite.



Here’s a TL;DR of these updates landing next week:



<ul><li>Local Region Matchmaking will make its debut</li><li>Improved logic for CSR progression</li><li>Improved rules for quitting with uneven teams</li><li>And more!</li></ul>



All these updates are great additions to Halo Infinite, so let’s dive into the details!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_055.jpg" alt="A Spartan is running with a Ravager in their hands." class="wp-image-49555" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_055.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_055-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_055-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_055-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_055-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_055-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Local Region Matchmaking</h2>



We know that having good latency to the server is an important part of what makes Halo (or any FPS) fun, and we prioritize latency quite high within our matchmaking. However, we know that some folks want more control over their latency, so (as we discussed in a previous post) we’re working to give you that control. To that end, we’ve added a new feature that allows players to choose to match exclusively into games hosted within their local region.



This option can be found in the settings, under Gameplay->Matchmaking->Search Region. The default is “Expanded”, which is the existing behavior: we try to match you in your region but will allow matches outside. Changing the setting to “local” will limit your matches just to your region.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/SearchRegion_Expanded_FullScreen_1920x1080.jpg" alt="A settings screen showing the local region matchmaking feature." class="wp-image-49626" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/SearchRegion_Expanded_FullScreen_1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/SearchRegion_Expanded_FullScreen_1920x1080-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/SearchRegion_Expanded_FullScreen_1920x1080-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/SearchRegion_Expanded_FullScreen_1920x1080-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/SearchRegion_Expanded_FullScreen_1920x1080-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/SearchRegion_Expanded_FullScreen_1920x1080-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Choosing to search only in your local region will generally improve your latency to the server, because all your games will be played on a datacenter within that region. However, it may also increase your matchmaking time and reduce the fairness of matches you get.



We decide your local region based on the datacenters that you have the best ping to, and the regions we are currently using are:



<ul><li>Asia</li><li>Australia</li><li>Brazil</li><li>Europe</li><li>North America</li></ul>



It’s important to note that each region may have multiple datacenters. So you still may see some change in ping from game to game as a different datacenter is chosen within your region depending on which of those datacenters is better for the players in the game.



A couple notes about how this feature works with fireteams:



<ul><li>The Fireteam leader’s setting is used to determine whether a search region is “local” or “expanded”</li><li>If the players in your fireteam are located in different regions, the matchmaking system will pick a single region that strikes the best balance for all the players in your Fireteam. So, for example, if your four-person fireteam has two players in Europe and two in Australia, it’s likely that your fireteam’s region will be set to Asia to get the best possible experience.</li></ul>



When this launches, please be sure to let us know how it feels. And, as a reminder, if you end up having long queues in your region, please try re-enabling “Expanded” to find matches faster.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_040.jpg" alt="A Spartan with a VK78 Commando jumps into action." class="wp-image-49569" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_040.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_040-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_040-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_040-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_040-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_040-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Updates to CSR</h2>



We’ve received a lot of feedback that the CSR progression doesn’t feel right<s>,</s> and that the CSR gains and losses were too closely based on personal statistical performance, which doesn’t always represent the impact a player can have in the game. (e.g., communication, map positioning, spawning knowledge, etc.)



To address these concerns, we have overhauled the algorithm that determines CSR gains and losses after a match. We’ve made it more configurable and set up the configuration so that a win or loss for the whole team matters more than individual performance when determining the CSR gains and losses for each player.



We’d love to hear your feedback on how the new algorithm feels. We’ll monitor these changes and community feedback to help inform future updates as the new CSR season progresses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Reduced & Clearer penalties in Ranked games with uneven teams</h2>



Currently, when a player fails to connect to a ranked match or quits early in the match, other players are forced to play out the entirety of the match even though it may not be fun (particularly for those on the quitter’s team), because the team that’s short will likely lose. To address this in the near term, we’re making some changes to the penalties that players will see when they quit in these situations.



There are two types of penalty for quitting early in Ranked matches: bans and CSR penalties. Both of those will be improved with an upcoming change, which is currently set to land on Nov 10, shortly after the Winter Update’s launch.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-11_3_2022-3_21_29-AM.png" alt="A Spartan with a gold armor coating takes aim with their S7 Sniper." class="wp-image-49583" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-11_3_2022-3_21_29-AM.png 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-11_3_2022-3_21_29-AM-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-11_3_2022-3_21_29-AM-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-11_3_2022-3_21_29-AM-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-11_3_2022-3_21_29-AM-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-11_3_2022-3_21_29-AM-2048x1152.png 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-11_3_2022-3_21_29-AM-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Improved ban logic in uneven Ranked matches</h3>



Currently anyone who quits will receive a “flag” and getting too many flags in a short period of time will result in a ban. We’re updating the rules so that only the first person to quit will receive a flag. Everyone else in the game may quit without fear of getting banned.



A couple notes on this:



<ul><li>Network disconnects count as quits. Unfortunately, if they didn’t, bad actors could just pull their network cables when they wanted to quit.</li><li>Other offenses like cheating, team killing, or going idle will still always result in a flag regardless of whether others have quit.</li></ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Improved CSR logic during uneven Ranked matches</h3>



 Currently anyone who quits a ranked game will lose 15 CSR points, regardless of when they quit or whether others quit first. We’re changing the rules so that the first person to quit will always lose 15 CSR points, but if that first person quits early in the game, the CSR losses and gains for everyone else will be capped at +/- 5 CSR points. That means anyone who leaves the match after an “early quitter” will only lose 5 CSR points.



A few more notes about specifics here:



<ul><li>“Early in the game” means the first couple minutes</li><li>As covered above, network disconnects count as quits</li></ul>



We’re limiting the first person quit timer for this CSR logic to prevent potential abuse of this new rule. If the timer goes too late into a match, one player could quit after noticing the game wasn’t going their way just to reduce the CSR impact on their teammates.



We believe we’ve landed on a good time window, but we’ll monitor these updated rules around ban flags and quitting to make sure they land well out in the wild.



Additionally, come the Winter Update, we will reset CSR ranks so that we can give everyone a fresh start in Ranked with all these updates.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_101.jpg" alt="A red Spartan with a red BR75 moves around on Live Fire." class="wp-image-49597" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_101.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_101-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_101-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_101-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_101-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_101-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Future Matchmaking Improvements</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Clearer display of CSR changes</h3>



In addition to making the size of CSR changes more sensible, we are making changes to the in-game UI so that it’s easier to see how many points you actually gained or lost after a game. Instead of just showing a visual progress bar for your rank, we’ll also show your current CSR, the CSR value for the next rank, and your CSR progress in your most recent game, all as numbers.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">CSR-based matchmaking</h3>



Last, but certainly not least, we are also working on an update to Ranked matchmaking that will primarily match players based on their current CSR. Our existing system matches purely based on skill rating (MMR), which is closely tied to CSR, but led to some confusion when viewing the ranks in the Post-Game Carnage Report.



Even though our system will still know your MMR and it’s still the underlying basis of CSR, we expect that this new approach, combined with the CSR improvements landing in the Winter Update, will make matchmaking feel fairer and more focused on winning rather than in-game performance.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_100.jpg" alt="A blue Spartan is throwing a frag grenade towards an opponent." class="wp-image-49611" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_100.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_100-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_100-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_100-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_100-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_100-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Our team is constantly energized by your passion and input on the matchmaking experience in Halo Infinite, and we’re excited to bring you these improvements in the Winter Update on November 8th and November 10th.



Stay tuned here on Halo Waypoint for more updates on matchmaking in the future as well.



We’ll see you online!

Unyshek

Matchmaking & Ranked Improvements | Winter Update

Fiction

Season 2 of Halo Infinite has come to a close. With the arrival of the Winter Update, the Halo Infinite page on Halo Waypoint will be updated with material matching the additions coming to the game—including a new set of Intel drops.



What this means is that, naturally, the Intel released during Season 2 will not be available on that page any longer, and so it shall be archived for reference here.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">INTEL 1</h2>



HISTORIAN’S NOTE: The following is an exchange between two Lux Voluspa representatives regarding concerning developments about a network intrusion.



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo Infinite | Lux Voluspa" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gu8YZo0FidU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



///COMMS TAP///CIV.CORP.LUXVOLUSPA///MSG:



LV106: According to the breach logs, the intrusion package was cycling an internally sourced encryption, but the retrieval signature was Jiralhanae.



LV038: I’m not surprised. Expanding our neural matrix donor pool beyond humanity was always going to draw some attention eventually. Knowing what they took, it makes complete sense.



LV106: That project was a walled garden. No one on the outside should have even known about it.



LV038: Looks like we overestimated the strength of those walls.



LV106: What would the Banished be able to do with our tech? How would they even kno–



LV038: I don’t know. Nobody does. And that’s what scares me the most.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">INTEL 2</h2>



HISTORIAN’S NOTE: The following is a communique to Spartan Commander Agryna regarding isolation and instance replication of the Iratus AI for further study and training purposes.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/CU-Intel.jpg" alt="The Iratus AI" class="wp-image-40586" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/CU-Intel.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/CU-Intel-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/CU-Intel-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/CU-Intel-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/CU-Intel-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/CU-Intel-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



//SND:S.MELVOIN//REC:L.AGRYNA//SUB:BAN SUITAI



Commander Agryna, we’ve finished the requested process and are ready for selective deployment. It wasn’t easy with the limited resources we have on site, but we managed to isolate a viable instance of the Iratus construct thanks to the recent exploits of your new cohort. This instance is undergoing quarantine and will be prepared for replication and distribution to qualified S-IV operatives to test within the simulation environment. Hopefully by observing these personality shards on the battlefield we’ll be able to learn more about what it’s ultimately capable of. All preliminary readings show that the contained instances should be inert and safe for integration, but we’ll be monitoring each user closely nonetheless.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">INTEL 3</h2>



HISTORIAN’S NOTE: The following is a communique between Jun-A266 (Chief of Staff of Spartan Operations) and Rear Admiral Musa Ghanem regarding Spartan Sigrid Eklund’s early exploits.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-SpartanOperations.jpg" alt="Spartan Operations intel" class="wp-image-48351" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-SpartanOperations.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-SpartanOperations-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-SpartanOperations-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-SpartanOperations-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-SpartanOperations-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-SpartanOperations-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



TRANSFER REQUEST



OFFICE BLOCK: 2797.LL COMMREF: 38H9T44DJ-R-88 DATE: DEC 11, 2554 SND: CINCSPAR | REC: COSSPAR RE: TRANSFER REQUEST >> [S-IV//82271-20098-SE]



Jun, I’ve taken a look at your recent recommendations and feel that Spartan Eklund would be an ideal candidate for this next undertaking we spoke of. Her performance while attached to Fireteam Crimson was nothing short of extraordinary, and while the results of BELLINGHAM and LATE TAXI were certainly group achievements, I’m confident her skill set can produce similar gains in more “isolated” endeavors. We’ll sort out the details this week and get them sent over.



– Musa



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">INTEL 4</h2>



HISTORIAN’S NOTE: The following is a reconnaissance report from Spartan Sigrid Eklund concerning Banished activity on the colony world Camber.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Lone-Wolves-Intel-DinhEklund.jpg" alt="Spartans Hieu Dinh and Sigrid Eklund" class="wp-image-48323" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Lone-Wolves-Intel-DinhEklund.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Lone-Wolves-Intel-DinhEklund-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Lone-Wolves-Intel-DinhEklund-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Lone-Wolves-Intel-DinhEklund-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Lone-Wolves-Intel-DinhEklund-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Lone-Wolves-Intel-DinhEklund-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



CAMBER SITE RECON



UNSC COMMDROP: SY4822J93-U-71 ENCRYPTION TAG: [KARLSKRONA] SND: [SPARTAN EKLUND, SIGRID | 82271-20098-SE] REC: [OPEN-BAND/CLEARANCE-RESTRICTED]



Dinh and I knew there had been a recent spike in activity on Camber but didn’t realize how far it went until we arrived. The Banished have set up shipbreaking operations in fortified positions around the Chiltift Basin—turning our own dead ships against us. There’s something more here as well, but it’s hard to get a read on exactly what just yet. Whatever it is, we don’t think they’re just camping out for scrap metal and spare parts. We’re almost finished with initial recon sweeps of the perimeter and plan to press further when the next dust storm rolls through in a few hours, assuming Dinh doesn’t find trouble on his own first, of course.



– Eklund



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">INTEL 5</h2>



HISTORIAN’S NOTE: The following is an action report from UNSC Army Sergeant Sigrid Eklund in 2551 regarding a strategic victory against Covenant forces on the colony world Concord.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-Concord.jpg" alt="Concord colony intel" class="wp-image-48337" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-Concord.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-Concord-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-Concord-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-Concord-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-Concord-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-Concord-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



CONCORD ACTION REPORT



UNSC COMMREF: B7D002F78-L-44 ENCRYPTION TAG: [CALCITE] DATE: 06 DEC 2551 SND: [SGT EKLUND] | REC: [CMD RENNA] RE: GYPSUM



At 0720Z [MST], we cleared out the last Covenant emplacement from the Caravelle province. Lost two Wolverines to Banshee fire, but we made sure that was all they took from us. We’re making final preparations to depart from our current location and redeploy to one of the mass driver stations. Local Concordian militia groups there are holding firm but growing thin… hopefully support from the Rangers will be a welcome sight when we arrive. Still awaiting reports on yesterday’s activity at the combat fields outside Lethbridge—let us know if you receive any updates on your end, or if we need to reprioritize our focus in order to secure that location.



– Eklund



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">INTEL 6</h2>



HISTORIAN’S NOTE: The following is a communique between Jun-A266 and another individual regarding the current status of the Avery J. Johnson Academy.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-SpartanOperations.jpg" alt="Spartan Operations intel" class="wp-image-48351" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-SpartanOperations.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-SpartanOperations-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-SpartanOperations-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-SpartanOperations-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-SpartanOperations-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/Intel-SpartanOperations-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



SURVIVAL



OFFICE BLOCK: 7421.UO COMMREF: 88FG0H83W-B-91



EXTUSR: So the academy remains active?



COSSPAR: All reports coming out of AJAMS confirm so.



EXTUSR: That’s good news, Jun. And impressive, if I’m being honest.



COSSPAR: Spartans have a way of surviving, no matter the odds.



EXTUSR: Well, you would know as good as anyone. Which reminds me, you never did tell me how you made it off Reach back in ’52.



COSSPAR: You’ll just have to read the reports yourself.



EXTUSR: Unfortunately, I see your sense of humor has also survived.

343 INDUSTRIES

Season 2

Halo Infinite | Lone Wolves Intel

Sandbox Balance Updates | Winter Update

When the Winter Update arrives on November 8, Halo Infinite’s Battle Pass progression system will be overhauled thanks to the launch of the Match XP Beta.



The Winter Update brings a free 30-tier Battle Pass, and with the introduction of the Match XP Beta, Challenges and Ultimate Rewards will also receive a significant rework to improve your progression and customization journey—for this Battle Pass, for players who haven’t yet completed Season 1 and 2, and for all future Battle Passes as well.



Let’s dive into the specifics of what’s coming…



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MATCH XP BETA</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-1.jpg" alt="In-game screenshot of a Spartan wielding a shock rifle standing on a Spartan-piloted Wasp" class="wp-image-48425" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



We are excited to be taking the first major step towards evolving Halo Infinite’s player progression experience by directly acting on player feedback to evolve XP and progression in Halo Infinite.



With Match XP, players will be rewarded for playing whatever mode they want, and your performance in those matches will tie into those rewards. As such, when the Winter Update launches, the majority of XP that you will earn will come from Match XP.



Match XP consists of:



<ul><li>XP for completing matches</li><li>Additional XP for your performance in the match (this accounts for things like being on the winning team, your end-of-match placement, and more)</li></ul>



Take a look at how it appears in-game…



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-Progression-Blog-Header.jpg" alt="A screenshot of the post-game Match XP menu" class="wp-image-48411" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-Progression-Blog-Header.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-Progression-Blog-Header-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-Progression-Blog-Header-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-Progression-Blog-Header-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-Progression-Blog-Header-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-Progression-Blog-Header-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



The reason we are calling this the Match XP “Beta” is because we are going to be monitoring the values for each reward category, adjusting them as we move forwards with this new model. This means that the values when the Winter Update launches will not be final, and you can expect to see them tuned up or down to provide an enhanced earn rate.



We look forward to getting your feedback on the rate of progression in the free Winter Update Battle Pass!



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CHALLENGES & ULTIMATE REWARDS</h2>



Up to this point, completing Challenges has been the main progression driver through the Battle Pass—Challenges grant XP which levels you up each reward tier. With the Winter Update, we are looking to evolve this system as we pursue the goal of helping players progress their Battle Pass at a faster rate in response to community feedback. This means that the system will transition to be Match XP-focused with Challenges providing a bonus boost.



We still believe that Challenges can help spark players’ interest in the game and provides some good direction for short-term goals, which has previously been part of the multiplayer experience in Halo: Reach and Halo 4, but the purpose of Challenges will be “redirected.”



Completion of Challenges will still provide some XP, but they will now primarily serve as the path towards earning customization items each week through the Ultimate Reward.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-4.jpg" alt="In-game screenshot of a Spartan wielding an assault rifle" class="wp-image-48919" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-4.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-4-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-4-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-4-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-4-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-4-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



This system is getting an overhaul of its own based on player feedback, which can be summarized in three main points:



<ul><li>We are reducing the number of Challenges required to hit the Ultimate Challenge from 20 to 10</li><li>All Challenges in regular weekly decks can be completed in any playlist</li><li>Challenges are more “general” overall</li></ul>



Since launch, a common point of feedback we’ve received from the community was that players didn’t enjoy queuing for playlists they wouldn’t otherwise play, simply to complete a Challenge and move their Battle Pass progression forward. Mode-specific Challenges were found to be prohibitive to playing with friends, and players shouldn’t have to choose between progress or playing together.



The Winter Update will mark the beginning of shifting all challenges to be playlist agnostic. For the time being, Event Challenges will remain in their current form, tied to their respective Event Playlists, but players can expect to see this change in the future as well.



These overhauls to progression also mean that a Fireteam of friends can stick together and move through their Weekly Challenges and Battle Passes without needing to worry about each player’s individual challenges.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-2.jpg" alt="In-game screenshot of a Spartan wielding a sniper rifle" class="wp-image-48453" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-2.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-2-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



As we’re looking to address a lot of the community feedback we’ve received around Challenges and we’re shifting the philosophy, the Winter Update’s Ultimate Rewards will feature the most popular Ultimate Rewards from Seasons 1 and 2 to help players get another chance to earn them in case they missed them last time.



We hope you all enjoy the opportunity to earn these on the new and improved system during the Winter Update.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CAREER PROGRESSION</h2>



In addition to these improvements for Match XP, Challenges, Ultimate Rewards, and your Battle Pass progression, the team is also continuing to work on an overarching Career Progression system.



We’ll have more to share on that in the future, but it is important to plant a stake in the ground at this point and make clear that what’s coming in the Winter Update is just the beginning of broader changes to come.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-3.jpg" alt="In-game screenshot of a Spartan on Breaker" class="wp-image-48467" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-3.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-3-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



To our players, thank you for your feedback around Challenges and progression since launch. We’re excited for you all to get hands-on with these changes and continue to evolve the experience to be more rewarding.



Please continue to share your feedback with us online and <a href="https://forums.halowaypoint.com/">here on our forums</a>!

Alex Wakeford

Match XP Beta & Progression | Winter Update

Variety is the spice of life—and of Halo matchmaking.



Since launch, the Halo Infinite team has been slowly adding rotational playlists based on community feedback. As playlists come in though, it’s clear that some were popular and should stick around while others didn’t quite resonate with players in the same way. To help make sure we keep a quality experience in each playlist, we’ll be updating our approach to a more rotational strategy.



This new permanent and rotational approach will help keep the offerings fresh week-to-week and should feel similar to the playlist schedule established in Halo: The Master Chief Collection & Halo 5: Guardians.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Playlist Structure</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_043.jpg" alt="Two Spartans running alongside each other on Aquarius." class="wp-image-48821" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_043.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_043-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_043-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_043-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_043-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_043-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



As we touched on in our <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/august-matchmaking-updates" target="_blank">August</a> & <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-infinite-september-playlist-update" target="_blank">September Playlist Update</a> blogs, there are some playlists that have performed well and others that didn’t. The ones that have continued to perform well will be sticking around as more established fixtures in our matchmaking offering. The goal is to keep these healthy playlists (ones with good search times, lower latency, and balanced matches) in as permanent offerings, while others rotate through to provide fresh experiences.



Halo Infinite’s playlist offerings will continue to evolve and shift in response to player behavior in-game (where players spend their time) and community feedback. With that in mind, here’s a look at the playlist plan that’ll be landing with the Winter Update on November 8:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Permanent Playlists</h3>



<ul><li>Quick Play</li><li>Big Team Battle</li><li>Ranked Arena</li><li>Fiesta</li><li>Tactical Slayer</li><li>Team Slayer</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/2022/11/October2022_056.jpg" alt="Spartan running with a Ravager in their hands." class="wp-image-48849" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_056.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_056-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_056-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_056-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_056-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_056-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rotational Playlists</h3>



<ul><li>Rotational Core Slot: A playlist that is typically close to the core Halo gameplay experience, similar to Quick Play (e.g., Team Snipers, Team Doubles, etc.)<ul><li>Winter Update’s first core rotational will be Covert One Flag, our new mode, on various maps</li></ul></li><li>Rotational Social Slot: A playlist that is usually closer to the fun, social, and whacky side of Halo (e.g., Social Slayer, Big Team Social, Rumble Pit, etc.)<ul><li> Winter Update’s first social rotational playlist will be Social Slayer, which includes fun-filled modes like Kong Slayer, Purple Reign, and Rock ‘n’ Repulsors</li></ul></li></ul>



Our goal is to have the rotational core and rotational social slots update every two weeks on alternating weeks, meaning a new experience will roll into matchmaking every week. This is very similar to the setup that Halo 5 used post-launch to rotate through multiple playlists as well. The plan is to hit this increased cadence, but playlist management will need to adapt and remain fluid based on community input and production realities.



Additionally, once a playlist rotates out, we’d like to refresh its contents with different map and mode combinations before it returns. Whether that means new maps or modes (or simply changing the map/mode combos), we want each playlist to have something different about it when it comes back.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_Ranked.jpg" alt="Spartan with flaming shoulders holding a red BR75." class="wp-image-48835" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_Ranked.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_Ranked-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_Ranked-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_Ranked-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_Ranked-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_Ranked-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<ul><li>Rotational Ranked Slot: A playlist that fosters a competitive experience (e.g., Ranked Doubles, Ranked FFA, etc.)<ul><li>Winter Update’s first Ranked rotational playlist will be Ranked Survivors, consisting of Ranked variants of the Attrition and Elimination modes.</li></ul></li></ul>



Right now, our plan is for Ranked rotationals to be live for two weeks before the slot shifts to another Ranked offering. The two-week cadence was chosen based on data from Ranked FFA and Ranked Doubles’ performance, which both saw their engagement decline after their first two weeks. Ranks will not reset when a playlist rotates out, so you’ll be able to continue your progress the next time it comes back. Since we’ll keep a predictable cadence, there will be multiple opportunities to jump into your favorite Ranked experiences.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_036-636161dd8228c.jpg" alt="Spartan clambering over cover while holding a Gravity Hammer." class="wp-image-48863" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_036-636161dd8228c.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_036-636161dd8228c-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_036-636161dd8228c-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_036-636161dd8228c-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_036-636161dd8228c-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_036-636161dd8228c-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Event Playlists</h3>



<ul><li>Event Playlist Slot: A slot that will be used when Events roll into the game (e.g., Cyber Showdown, The Yappening, etc.)</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Playlist Schedule</h2>



Now, let’s ask (and answer) the most important question about—how does this come together and what does it look like to me as a player?



Below is an example of what it could look like as a calendar view. The playlists that rotate in and out are always subject to change based on the live nature of the game, but this should provide a good idea of how the rotational schedule will function.



Here’s what it could look like when the Winter Update kicks off!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2113" height="1211" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/November-Resized.jpg" alt="November Playlist Calendar" class="wp-image-48877" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/November-Resized.jpg 2113w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/November-Resized-300x172.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/November-Resized-1024x587.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/November-Resized-768x440.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/November-Resized-1536x880.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/November-Resized-2048x1174.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/November-Resized-1568x899.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2113px) 100vw, 2113px" /><figcaption>November Playlist Calendar </figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2113" height="1211" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/December-Resized.jpg" alt="December Playlist Calendar " class="wp-image-48884" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/December-Resized.jpg 2113w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/December-Resized-300x172.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/December-Resized-1024x587.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/December-Resized-768x440.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/December-Resized-1536x880.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/December-Resized-2048x1174.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/December-Resized-1568x899.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2113px) 100vw, 2113px" /><figcaption>December Playlist Calendar</figcaption></figure>



Please note: These dates and playlists are subject to change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Closing</h2>



Thanks for your continued input on Halo Infinite’s playlists and offerings. We’re doing our best to make sure we ensure a quality matchmaking experience while the team continues to work on an improved method that provides players with even more autonomy over what they want to play. Additionally, when the Custom Game Browser lands in Season 3, it should be even easier to find or create the exact experience you want to play.



Thank you again, and we’ll see you on the battlefield!

Playlist Schedule | Winter Update

The Winter Update is Halo Infinite’s largest feature update yet and arrives on November 8, bringing highly anticipated experiences and content across the entire game. Amongst many new additions (including Campaign Network Co-Op, the Forge Beta, and a free 30-tier Battle Pass) are two new maps and a new mode, which we’re going to delve into more detail on today.



MAP | ARGYLE



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Argyle.jpg" alt="Screenshot of Argyle in Halo Infinite" class="wp-image-48291" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Argyle.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Argyle-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Argyle-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Argyle-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Argyle-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Argyle-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Set within the narrow corridors of a UNSC vessel, Argyle comes to Halo Infinite as one of the first multiplayer maps to be built entirely within Forge.



This tight, indoor, symmetrical map makes for a competitive arena environment that showcases merely a fraction of what the Forge tool is capable of.



MAP | DETACHMENT



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Detachment.jpg" alt="Screenshot of Halo Infinite map Detachment" class="wp-image-48305" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Detachment.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Detachment-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Detachment-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Detachment-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Detachment-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Detachment-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Also built entirely within Forge, Detachment comes to Halo Infinite as an all-new symmetrical arena map.



Set atop a rocky outcropping, this once-abandoned UNSC research facility is composed of indoor and outdoor environments, providing opportunities for dynamic combat that suits a variety of game modes and play styles.



MODE | COVERT ONE FLAG



Covert One Flag joins Halo Infinite as a unique variant of One Flag CTF. In this round-based mode, attackers and defenders swap sides as they battle for control of a single flag.



Asymmetric team loadouts equip attackers with Active Camo to help sneak their way past enemy defense while defenders possess Threat Sensors to help spot the intruders. The team who wins the majority of rounds wins the match.



With that context established, let’s explore these three new additions in our Map & Mode Preview video!



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/BC0wfvHyqo8
</div></figure>

Halo Infinite | Winter Update Maps & Mode Preview

Fracture: Entrenched Event (Updated)

Entrenched

Story Shard: The Last Sky Marshal

The Winter Update for Halo Infinite is just a few short weeks away, bringing with it a plethora of new content.



Campaign Network Co-Op will allow you and up to three of your friends to experience the Master Chief’s journey in Halo Infinite’s Campaign together—from the Warship Gbraakon to the Silent Auditorium, and the vast shattered landscapes of Zeta Halo itself. This will further be supported with the addition of Mission Replay, allowing you to hop between completed missions as you wish, and gives you a further 24 Achievements to unlock.



The Forge Beta will also arrive in the Winter Update. With thousands of new objects and countless new additions and improvements, many of which we explored in our <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-infinite-forge-fundamentals">Forge Fundamentals</a> video series, the time has come for you to unleash your creativity as we put the most powerful tools of Halo’s map and mode creation in your hands at last.



And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With a new 30-tier Battle Pass, new events, new modes, new maps, and more, our latest Overview showcases all the exciting new additions coming your way when the Winter Update launches on November 8.



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo Infinite | Winter Update Overview" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IooofLOzwxQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>

Halo Infinite | Winter Update Overview

The first time I looked at Forge in Halo Infinite, I was like “Oh hey, cool that’s… oh, holy– you guys did what?!”



With November already on the horizon, in just a few short months the Forge Beta will be in your hands to unleash your creativity with, dare we say, infinite possibilities.



In this four-part video series, we’re going to explore the foundational elements of Forge to get you acquainted with its tools, showcase brand new features and improvements from previous games, and provide some direct developer insight into what’s coming.



Here are the topics we’ll be covering in each video of this series:



<ul><li><a href="#building">Part 1: Building</a> – what can I make and how do I make it?</li><li><a href="#scripting">Part 2: Scripting & Bots</a> – what is scripting, how can I use it, and how can I test my map with bots?</li><li><a href="#lighting-audio">Part 3: Lighting & Audio</a> – what lighting, art, and audio tools can make my maps look and sound great?</li><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-infinite-forge-fundamentals#file-sharing-canvases">Part 4: File Sharing & Canvases</a> – where can I build my maps and how can people discover them?</li></ul>



But first, of course, for those of you who may just be joining us on this great journey, or may need a refresher, let us take a moment to look back on what Forge represents as a pillar for Halo…



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT IS FORGE?</h2>



Once upon a time, matches on Halo 2’s Colossus would begin with a frenetic rush to collect the various plasma pistols and battle rifles strewn across its lower end, and we would have to impose honor rules.



In those days, the placement of weapons, objectives, spawns, and other details of Halo’s multiplayer spaces were largely fixed—rooted in place, until they were picked up and spent, after which an invisible countdown would bring them back to be fought over once again.



But then, Halo 3 brought with it an exciting new feature. Forge began as an object layout editor, enabling players to rework weapons, vehicles, scenery, and spawns—and you could invite your friends to hop in and test out these changes live, or spend an hour trying to drop tanks on each other.



As with all creative tools, when put in the hands of the community, impossible things happened. You built Scarabs and Pelicans out of crates and scenery items. You used teleporter nodes to keep objects floating in the air. You discovered techniques that allowed blocks to intersect with each other and the environment, creating all-new maps on empty canvases.



From that point, Forge ceased to be a simple layout editor. It became a map maker, and a community of creative cartographers arose from its foundations.



Since then, Forge has been continually upgraded in successive Halo titles with new tools and capabilities to give Forgers more agency and options in what they seek to create. More objects, bigger budgets, new terrain pieces, color editing, magnets, baked lighting, scripting… Forge is your playground, and in Halo Infinite we’re giving you more toys to play with than ever before.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="building">PART 1 – BUILDING</h2>



In our first video, we focus on some of the core features that have been added or improved in Halo Infinite’s version of Forge.



Join Michael Schorr, Forge Lead Designer, and Cliff Schuldt, Multiplayer Level Designer, as they walk through object palettes, new features (such as the much-anticipated undo/redo buttons and object scaling), and much more that will empower you to build and create.



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We look forward to seeing what you all can build when the Forge Beta lands later this year. Until then, be sure to subscribe to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/Halo" target="_blank">our YouTube channel</a> to see even more Forge videos in the coming weeks.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="scripting">PART 2 – SCRIPTING & BOTS</h2>



In our second video, we’re exploring new and improved features around scripting, node graphs, and Bot support on Forge maps.



Michael Schorr, Forge Lead Designer, and Connor Kennelly, Technical Designer, dive into the fundamentals of scripting: what is it, how can I use it, what sort of things does it enable me to do with my maps, and how has it been made more accessible from how it’s previously appeared in Halo 2: Anniversary and Halo 5? And, most importantly: how do I use scripting to make my assault rifle shoot rockets?



Of course, as you’re building things, you’re going to want to try them out as well. Michael and Connor detail how you can test your scripts in the newly added Test Mode, and how you can also get a good feel for how your map plays with the addition of Bots—as well as the “nav mesh” which directs how Bots can move around your custom maps.



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These features are just another aspect of how Forge in Halo Infinite is levelling up to empower you with more options to create maps with more agency than ever before.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="lighting-audio">PART 3 – LIGHTING & AUDIO</h2>



For our third Forge video, we’re looking at how you can leverage new lighting and audio tools in the creation of your maps.



Michael Schorr, Forge Lead Designer, and Tyler Feddeler, Lighting Artist, showcase a series of new lighting and audio options that can be used to create more immersive and detailed maps than ever before.



Adjust your map’s time of day and even change the color of the sun and sky to get the exact atmosphere you want, whether that’s a pitch-black night-time environment with volumetric fog and curated shadows, a neon pink sun blazing down upon the battlefield, or anything equally wild your imagination comes up with. The sky(box) truly is the limit!



Then bring your maps to life with a suite of ambient audio options with primary and secondary sounds, reverb, effects, and even scripting audio. Looking to make an underwater or outer space map? It’s not just the sights, but the sounds that are now an integral part of your Forge arsenal.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="lighting-audio">PART 4 – FILE SHARING & CANVASES</h2>



Our fourth and final Forge video details the canvases you’ll be building your maps on and the key to sharing your creations with your friends and other players. 



The Halo Infinite Forge Beta will launch with six canvas maps, providing a range of environments—from arid desert to lush grasslands and marshes, to outer space and the underwater sea floor, and even a blank void—which are about double the size of Halo 5’s canvases. 



Add collaborators to your map, giving your selected friends a range of options to co-Forge alongside you and list them in its credits; look at your map’s “version history” and track the major additions or changes you’ve made to then seamlessly jump between past and present versions of your maps; and head into the main menu’s Community tab to browse published maps, modes, and prefabs from other players. 



Join John Junyszek, Senior Community Manager, and Michael Schorr, Forge Lord (that is, Forge Lead Designer!), one last time as they get you acquainted with the powerful options and tools at your disposal when Forge arrives with the Winter Update on November 8.



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