Games

In our <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/august-drop-pod-preview" target="_blank">August Drop Pod preview blog</a>, we outlined a few upcoming changes to Halo Infinite matchmaking that would be landing this month. As these updates draw nearer, we wanted to outline them again and provide a little more detail. The focus over the next week will be to improve matchmaking in Ranked and update our playlist offerings.



To get things started, let’s take a closer look at everything happening in matchmaking over the next few days. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Ranked_TeamDoubles_1920x1080-1024x576.jpg" alt="Two Spartans holding BRs stand at the ready." class="wp-image-43622" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Ranked_TeamDoubles_1920x1080-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Ranked_TeamDoubles_1920x1080-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Ranked_TeamDoubles_1920x1080-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Ranked_TeamDoubles_1920x1080-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Ranked_TeamDoubles_1920x1080-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Ranked_TeamDoubles_1920x1080.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Ranked Doubles</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ranked Experience </h2>



In preparation for Ranked Doubles, we’ll be updating how we determine skill (MMR), which will help us make better matches and improve the accuracy of CSR ranks. This will require additional maintenance that involves resetting CSR ranks. We plan on deploying these changes early on Aug 23, with the maintenance window lasting a few hours. During this time, Ranked Arena will not be available, though all other playlists and online services should be available. 



In the days leading up to the maintenance window, we will have two other small changes rolling out as well. The first change, which has started today, is a small Ranked experiment with CSR that will be running until we close out this current ranked period. The impact should be minimal, but it will help us gather information for potential future ranked improvements. The second change is that the Fireteam CSR Limit, which has been active in both Solo/Duo playlists, will begin to take effect in Open Crossplay starting Monday, Aug 22. To learn more about the Fireteam CSR Limit, please visit <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://support.halowaypoint.com/hc/en-us/articles/6492534068884" target="_blank">this page</a> on the Halo Support site.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Social_TeamDoubles_1920x1080.jpg" alt="Two Spartans stand back-to-back. One is holding an Energy Sword while the other holds an MA40 AR." class="wp-image-44714" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Social_TeamDoubles_1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Social_TeamDoubles_1920x1080-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Social_TeamDoubles_1920x1080-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Social_TeamDoubles_1920x1080-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Social_TeamDoubles_1920x1080-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Social_TeamDoubles_1920x1080-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption>Team Doubles</figcaption></figure>



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



Next Tuesday will also bring about the addition of two new playlists: Ranked Doubles and Team Doubles. In order to help make room for these two new additions, the Last Spartan Standing playlist will be rotating out of the lineup. As with all playlists, we will continue to monitor their individual health in addition to the health of the entire matchmaking experience. If all these playlists perform well, we will continue experimenting with adding or rotating more playlists in the future. 



Since that was quite a bit of info all at once, here’s a quick summary of the timeline for the matchmaking updates:



<ul><li>Friday, Aug 19 – Ranked experiment begins (should have minimal player-facing impact) </li><li>Monday, Aug 22 @ 11am – Fireteam CSR Limit applies to Open Crossplay </li><li>Tuesday, Aug 23 @ 10am PT – CSR rank reset occurs and Ranked maintenance begins, taking Ranked Arena offline for ~3hrs </li><li>Tuesday, Aug 23 @ 10am PT – Team Doubles (social) goes live </li><li>Tuesday, Aug 23 @ 11am PT – Last Spartan Standing comes down </li><li>Tuesday, Aug 23 @ 1pm PT – Ranked Arena, Ranked Doubles, Team Doubles come online </li></ul>



If you have any feedback around these changes when they go live, please be sure to share your thoughts right <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://forums.halowaypoint.com/c/games/halo-infinite/8" target="_blank">here on our Forums.</a>



We’ll see you all online for some Doubles action soon!

Unyshek

August Matchmaking Updates

Community

Community Update

Alex Wakeford

Drop Disclosure

Arriving next Tuesday, August 9, our next Drop Pod will focus on improving the player experience on multiple fronts. This update is set to expand each player’s customization options, include QoL improvements, and will lay the groundwork for even more community-requested features. 



Let’s take a look at what’s inside! 



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">LIVE</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">VISORS WILL NOW WORK ON ALL CORES</h4>



At present, there are a multitude of visors in the game split across the 5 armor cores. If you’ve wanted to use the shiny gold Noble visor (which has hitherto been locked to the Mark V [B] armor core) to complete your look on any of your other cores, you’ll be able to make that happen when the August Drop Pod lands. 



What this means is that all visors that are currently in the game, and all future visors to come, will work across all helmets from all armor cores.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Eaglestrike-to-MarkV_Visors_no_GT_1920x1080.jpg" alt="A Mark V [B] Spartan with a bright yellow visor stands in the Armor Hall." class="wp-image-43552" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Eaglestrike-to-MarkV_Visors_no_GT_1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Eaglestrike-to-MarkV_Visors_no_GT_1920x1080-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Eaglestrike-to-MarkV_Visors_no_GT_1920x1080-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Eaglestrike-to-MarkV_Visors_no_GT_1920x1080-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Eaglestrike-to-MarkV_Visors_no_GT_1920x1080-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Eaglestrike-to-MarkV_Visors_no_GT_1920x1080-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption> EAGLESTRIKE’S Night Wisp visor on a Mark V [B] helmet. </figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Rakshasa-to-Yoroi_Visors_no_GT_1920x1080.jpg" alt="A Yoroi Spartan with a gold visor stands in the Armor Hall." class="wp-image-43566" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Rakshasa-to-Yoroi_Visors_no_GT_1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Rakshasa-to-Yoroi_Visors_no_GT_1920x1080-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Rakshasa-to-Yoroi_Visors_no_GT_1920x1080-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Rakshasa-to-Yoroi_Visors_no_GT_1920x1080-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Rakshasa-to-Yoroi_Visors_no_GT_1920x1080-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Rakshasa-to-Yoroi_Visors_no_GT_1920x1080-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption> RAKSHASA’s Athena’s Mirror visor on a YOROI helmet. </figcaption></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">MARK VII HELMET ATTACHMENTS</h4>



Continuing with the theme of improving customization options, this Drop Pod will also allow for certain Mark VII helmet attachments to be worn across multiple Mark VII helmets.



This is a response to player feedback we’ve seen requesting an expansion of the compatibility of Mark VII helmet attachments. Naturally, this move came with some complexities because most helmet attachments for the Mark VII core are designed to fit a specific helmet, but some happen to also fit well on other Mark VII helmets.



The Live Team took some time with our Artists to find out which helmet attachments look best and fit without clipping awkwardly or having large holes. Since certain combinations could have clipping or large gaps, not every Mark VII helmet will be able to use every helmet attachment – but the total number of options has been greatly increased.



If you’ve already unlocked these helmets and helmet attachments, they will automatically be usable. If you unlock them in the future, all the possible combinations will be unlocked for you. There will not be a need to unlock them on a per-use basis.



A full list of the helmet and helmet attachment combinations will be included in the Drop Pod patch notes when it goes live.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/SoldierHelmetAttachmentOnRampartVisorM7HA_Rampart_no_GT_1920x1080.jpg" alt="A Mark VII Spartan stands in the Armor Hall while wearing a helmet attachment.." class="wp-image-43594" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/SoldierHelmetAttachmentOnRampartVisorM7HA_Rampart_no_GT_1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/SoldierHelmetAttachmentOnRampartVisorM7HA_Rampart_no_GT_1920x1080-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/SoldierHelmetAttachmentOnRampartVisorM7HA_Rampart_no_GT_1920x1080-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/SoldierHelmetAttachmentOnRampartVisorM7HA_Rampart_no_GT_1920x1080-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/SoldierHelmetAttachmentOnRampartVisorM7HA_Rampart_no_GT_1920x1080-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/SoldierHelmetAttachmentOnRampartVisorM7HA_Rampart_no_GT_1920x1080-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption> Soldier helmet attachment on a Rampart helmet. Mark V [B]’s Stalwart visor on a Mark VII helmet.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/WarmasterHelmetAttachmentOnFirefall-VisorM7HA_Firefall_no_GT_1920x1080.jpg" alt="A Mark VII Spartan stands in the Armor Hall while wearing a helmet attachment." class="wp-image-43608" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/WarmasterHelmetAttachmentOnFirefall-VisorM7HA_Firefall_no_GT_1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/WarmasterHelmetAttachmentOnFirefall-VisorM7HA_Firefall_no_GT_1920x1080-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/WarmasterHelmetAttachmentOnFirefall-VisorM7HA_Firefall_no_GT_1920x1080-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/WarmasterHelmetAttachmentOnFirefall-VisorM7HA_Firefall_no_GT_1920x1080-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/WarmasterHelmetAttachmentOnFirefall-VisorM7HA_Firefall_no_GT_1920x1080-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/WarmasterHelmetAttachmentOnFirefall-VisorM7HA_Firefall_no_GT_1920x1080-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption> Warmaster helmet attachment on Firefall helmet. RAKSHASA’s Sapphire Front visor on a Mark VII helmet.</figcaption></figure>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">MULTIPLAYER</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">ADDITIONAL RANKED PLAYLISTS </h4>



On the multiplayer experience front, this update will make it easier for us to implement more Ranked playlists moving forward. Kicking things off will be Ranked Doubles, which is set to land two weeks after the Drop Pod’s release – along with a CSR reset. Additionally, a social Team Doubles playlist will be accompanying Ranked Doubles on its launch day, meaning Halo Infinite will be getting twice the 2v2 fun.



We’ll monitor the health of Ranked Doubles and all our playlists after its addition to the matchmaking lineup. If all playlists continue to perform as expected, we’ll keep these additions and continue experimenting with adding more Ranked playlists in the future.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Ranked_TeamDoubles_1920x1080.jpg" alt="Two Spartans holding BRs stand at the ready." class="wp-image-43622" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Ranked_TeamDoubles_1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Ranked_TeamDoubles_1920x1080-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Ranked_TeamDoubles_1920x1080-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Ranked_TeamDoubles_1920x1080-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Ranked_TeamDoubles_1920x1080-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/Playlist_Ranked_TeamDoubles_1920x1080-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">REGION SELECT GROUNDWORK</h4>



In the opening of this blog, we mentioned that we were laying some groundwork for the future as well. While there is no player-facing change here just yet, this Drop Pod does contain a lot of the groundwork required to turn Region Select on in the future. This would allow players to select between all searching across all regions (faster search times) or their local region (better pings). 



This feature is still some time away, but players may spot some of the backend work that has been done to start putting things in place. We’ll have more to share about Region Select as we get closer to its launch. 



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">PRESENTATION</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">CHALLENGES ON THE PAUSE MENU</h4>



With this Drop Pod release, your active Challenges will be viewable while in a match on the pause menu. We know it’s helpful to be able to quickly glance at your active Challenges (as well as their descriptions) at any given time during a match, so we’re very happy to get this implemented.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/MP_pause_challenges_1920x1080.jpg" alt="A screenshot of the pause menu, which shows Challenges on the right side." class="wp-image-43636" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/MP_pause_challenges_1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/MP_pause_challenges_1920x1080-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/MP_pause_challenges_1920x1080-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/MP_pause_challenges_1920x1080-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/MP_pause_challenges_1920x1080-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/08/MP_pause_challenges_1920x1080-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption> Note: This placeholder text is not indicative of future Challenges.</figcaption></figure>



Please note: this screen will not show the exact numbers (remaining or total) for your Challenges just yet. Since Challenges currently update at the end of a match, we chose not to display the numbers intentionally to avoid any confusion around not seeing them update in real-time. We are working to make it so Challenges do tick during a match, but we wanted to get this helpful first step out to all of you since it was ready.



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



As always, we’ll have the full patch notes available on the Halo Support site (<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://aka.ms/HaloInfiniteUpdate" target="_blank">aka.ms/HaloInfiniteUpdate</a>) when the update is released.



Thank you for your continued feedback on our <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://forums.halowaypoint.com/c/games/halo-infinite/8" target="_blank">Waypoint Forums</a>, Twitter, Reddit, and more as we keep pushing to make Halo Infinite the best experience it can be. We look forward to seeing you online when the Drop Pod lands next Tuesday, August 9!

August Drop Pod Preview

Book Preview

Fiction

After the devastating ambush the Banished unleashed upon the UNSC Infinity (which we showed in our first preview), many members of the crew evacuated the ship and made their way to the surface of Zeta Halo.



With Cortana sacrificing herself to destroy a portion of the ring and send it through slipspace, the Banished have moved in to occupy this deadly and mysterious installation while the UNSC survivors attempt to regroup. It is on the eighth day that sanctuary is found in the wreckage of the downed UNSC Mortal Reverie. But for how long?



Halo: The Rubicon Protocol, the latest novel from acclaimed author Kelly Gay, releases August 9, 2022, and further explores some of the events in the six months before the Master Chief is reawakened, and the game’s campaign begins.



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



December 2559. Humanity has its back against the wall after the United Nations Space Command flagship Infinity drops out of slipspace into a devastating ambush launched by the Banished. As this fierce enemy alliance seeks to claim a mysterious object hidden within the ancient Forerunner construct known as Zeta Halo, the surviving UNSC corps now find itself compromised and its leadership out of reach—with remaining personnel forced to abandon ship and take their chances on the fractured, unpredictable surface of the Halo ring.



Now survival in this strange, alien environment—whether for Spartan super-soldiers or those who never thought they would see the battle up close—is measured day to day against a relentless and brutal adversary that always has the upper hand. Desperation grows, but the will to keep on fighting and enduring no matter the odds is never in doubt… even as the Banished seek to unleash a frightening new enemy that could doom them all….



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In this second of three previews, we follow a group of survivors who have—after a grueling week of fighting for survival—finally found safe harbor at the UNSC Mortal Reverie.



Halo: The Rubicon Protocol releases August 9 and is available in <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-The-Rubicon-Protocol/Kelly-Gay/Halo/9781982147884" target="_blank">trade paperback</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-The-Rubicon-Protocol/Kelly-Gay/Halo/9781982147891" target="_blank">ebook</a>, and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-The-Rubicon-Protocol/Kelly-Gay/Halo/9781797133515" target="_blank">unabridged audiobook</a> formats.



Our third and final preview will be featured in a special Canon Fodder issue next week, alongside an interview with author Kelly Gay herself!



<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">
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</div></figure>



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CHAPTER 8</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Reverie2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Reverie2-scaled.jpg" alt="Image of the crashed UNSC Mortal Reverie with Zeta Halo in the background" class="wp-image-43434" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Reverie2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Reverie2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Reverie2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Reverie2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Reverie2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Reverie2-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Reverie2-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a></figure>



UNSC Mortal Reverie Zeta Halo December 19, 2559 Day 8



The first glimpse of the Mortal Reverie struck Lucas with awe. He paused along the mountainous ridgeline with the rest of the team. He was no expert, but it seemed like a good location, dominating the end of a pass littered with a few sparse grass patches and thin alpine trees clinging to loose soil, rocky outcroppings, and strange hexagonal stacks of Forerunner alloy that rose from the ground in groups and seemed to slowly shift and adjust. They were still several klicks away, according to Murphy, but from their higher position on the ridge, their view was unobstructed.



The frigate lay at the edge of an unnatural cliff where a fracture had split part of the mountainous area in two, her bow hanging over the open chasm. Her center was buckled and part of her belly had lodged deep into the landscape, as though she’d hit the ground hard and fast, plowing her way through to the very precipice.



The overwhelming relief at seeing her weakened his legs and actually hurt his chest; after what had happened in the woods, Lucas was surprised he could feel anything at all. Despite his cuts and bruises and exhaustion, the entire journey he’d been feeling numb and dumbfounded that their small crew had actually made it out alive while others more trained and able had not.



Survivor’s guilt settled firmly into place as he remembered each loss from the moment Infinity had been attacked.



Spartan Horvath followed on the heels of those memories, and Lucas wondered if the lifeboat’s would-be rescuer had survived the ring’s destruction, if he continued to search for them, if he’d found the empty shuttle, or had met a terrible fate at the hands of Banished patrols and scavengers.



Jo stopped next to him, interrupting the direction of his maudlin thoughts. The petty officer was extremely pale and gaunt. Everything about him shouted that he was done, mentally and physically. Some of the intense shock of the brutal forest attack had worn off, and they’d washed away as much Jackal blood as they could without wasting too much water, but traces of purple still clung dark and crusty in the crevices of Jo’s skin and stayed dried on his clothes. His dark eyes were lost, dazed, consistently red-rimmed.



“Surprised we made it,” he remarked in a flat tone.



Lucas plastered a hopeful expression on his face even though he too wasn’t feeling especially bright. “It’s going to be good,” he said as they continued walking, Bender and Dimik ahead of them, Murphy and Cam behind. Spartan Stone was keeping pace at the head of the pack and Spartan Kovan was more visible this time, following Murphy but keeping to the higher rocks. “We’ll regroup, you know? Clean up, shave, finally sleep without looking over our shoulders all the time, eat warm food . . . things will turn around.”



Jo snorted. “It’ll be a miracle if we survive. We’re scattered and outnumbered . . . and we don’t even know when or if help is coming.”



Lucas didn’t know how to respond to that, mostly because deep down, he couldn’t argue with Jo’s logic.



They went a few more steps before Jo said, “I’m sorry. I’m just being realistic—to a fault, I know. And trust me, I’ve heard it my entire life. No one likes to hear the truth or look at the world through unfiltered lenses. I don’t like it either,” he said hoarsely, “I hate it—I hate . . . this. But—”



“It’s not in your nature to sugarcoat things. That’s why you’re good at what you do. Just the facts, right?”



Jo glanced over and Lucas was surprised to see that his eyes had grown glassy and his mouth was spread into a thin, grief-stricken line. He dipped his head, grateful to be understood. “Right.” An errant tear slipped down his cheek, carving a clean trail through days of dirt, smoke, sweat, and blood. “So, what’s left to hold on to for a person like me?” He laughed and wiped it away. “I hate this goddamn place.”



The true weight of what Jo was going through hit Lucas hard. Jo didn’t want to feel the way he did—who would? But if you lived in the land of raw facts and unbiased odds—if that was just part of your DNA—then it sure was going to be a struggle to find hope amid the chaos and grief and the constant stresses of war.



Lucas’s training had included PTSD, of course. But seeing it firsthand over the past few days had made him realize how unprepared he was to be the effective medical figure everyone needed him to be. At twenty-five, he was the youngest one on the crew and at times felt like he had no business helping anyone at all.



He hadn’t realized he’d stopped walking again while Jo continued without him.



A tight sensation squeezed Lucas’s chest. He was familiar with this feeling—the anxiety that came from questioning his worth, whether he was good enough to make a difference, to survive. Imposter syndrome, they called it. All he’d ever wanted to do was save people, and right now he certainly didn’t think he had what it took.



And also right now, just like Jo, he wasn’t sure if that was even possible in the end.



The air was thinner up here and cooler, grayer. Lucas drew it deeply into his lungs and released it slowly, attempting to push out the doubts. No matter the outcome, he’d do what he could, ease pain and suffering, offer a shoulder to cry on. A little attention and comfort could go a long way—he’d seen it up close, knew it to be true after growing up in a house full of nurses and caregivers. He’d focus on those things and take it one step at a time. And leave the big-picture worries for the ones in charge.



“You all right?” Murphy asked, catching up to him. “You’ve stopped twice.”



Murphy was just as dirty and beaten and exhausted as the rest of them, yet through the busted lip and scruff, the nasty bruise under his left eye, the deep claw marks on the side of his neck that continued to ooze blood, and the weight of the pack he carried, he still managed to project an aura of ease. And always that slight quirk to his mouth or humorous glint in his eyes.



It struck Lucas how much the lieutenant reminded him of his father—probably the worst realization to have when he was already swimming in emotions. He swallowed that line of thought down real quick. “Nothing’s wrong. Just . . . I don’t know, thinking, I guess.”



Murphy eyed him for a long second. “Take my advice and save the thinking for later after you’ve had some time to rest, okay?” He clapped him on the shoulder and gave a small squeeze.



Lucas responded with a nod of appreciation, then turned his attention to Cam as he approached. “How’s the knee today?”



“It’s looking forward to getting into Reverie’s med bay.” Cam actually cracked a smile and continued walking, more positive than he’d been in days.



“Come on, Doc,” Murphy said. “Chin up. The Reverie is waiting.”



The Reverie is waiting.



And that was the best damn thing he’d heard in a very long time.

Safe at last?

Halo: The Rubicon Protocol – Preview 2

Introducing Halo Gear Rewards from the Xbox Gear Shop! Halo Gear Rewards are exclusive physical products players can earn access to after completing specific in-game accomplishments.



And with that, we are excited to announce our first Halo Gear Rewards item, the Fracture: Entrenched Tanker Jacket. This high-quality jacket features embroidered emblem patches, beautifully screen-printed Halo art, and a personalized removable Gamertag patch. And as a bonus, it will also come with an additional UNSC patch for a stealthier option.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Halo_Entrenched_Jacket_Inside_03-62e00fe293c68-1024x576.png" alt="Inside of the new Halo Fracture: Entrenched Jacket" class="wp-image-43388" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Halo_Entrenched_Jacket_Inside_03-62e00fe293c68-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Halo_Entrenched_Jacket_Inside_03-62e00fe293c68-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Halo_Entrenched_Jacket_Inside_03-62e00fe293c68-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Halo_Entrenched_Jacket_Inside_03-62e00fe293c68-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Halo_Entrenched_Jacket_Inside_03-62e00fe293c68-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Halo_Entrenched_Jacket_Inside_03-62e00fe293c68.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



So, how does it work? 



Players who have completed the Fracture: Entrenched Event Pass will need to log into their Halo Waypoint profile via web or mobile. Once logged in they will automatically receive a unique code via the Waypoint Notification system. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours for Halo Waypoint to recognize completion of the event pass and to deliver the code. There is a limit of one code per account, and codes will begin rolling out to qualifying players on July 26, 2022.



Once you have received your code, just head over to the <a href="https://gear.xbox.com/products/halo-entrenched-personalized-jacket">Halo Gear Shop</a> to select your jacket size and personalization details on the product page and complete your purchase. Follow the code redemption instructions listed on the product page.



To qualify for this Halo Gear Rewards item, players must complete the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/fracture-entrenched-event">Fracture: Entrenched Event Pass</a> by November 1, 2022.



The Fracture: Entrenched Tanker Jacket will be available for purchase until November 15, 2022. Jackets will ship in Q1 2023.

343 INDUSTRIES

Introducing Halo Gear Rewards

Alpha Avenue

Canon Fodder

Issue 129

Canon Fodder: Eklund’s Ensemble

Alpha Pack Press Kit

Alpha Pack has arrived!



This two-week narrative event, which runs from July 19 to August 2, continues the story of “Lone Wolves,” Season 2 of Halo Infinite. Alpha Pack brings new story cinematics and a free 10-tier Event Pass featuring new cosmetics for your Spartan that can be unlocked through completing Event Challenges.



Let’s dive into this new event’s offering…



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NEW TOYS</h2>



“Out there… beyond the safety of these walls, without resupply or reinforcements? Survival depends on your teammates and whatever you can find in the field.”



Complete Event Challenges based around the Last Spartan Standing playlist to unlock reward tiers in the free 10-tier Event Pass and outfit your Spartan with new cosmetics for the RAKSHASA armor core!



Take a look at some of the items you’ll be acquiring from out in the field (and keep an eye out for some of Spartan Eklund’s field journals which will tell you more about some of their history and utility)…



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/ForBlog_ALPHA_PACK_REWARDS_1920x1080.jpg" alt="The Reward Track Summary of the ten-tier event pass which includes the Morrigan Helmet and Trapmaster's Map." class="wp-image-42686" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/ForBlog_ALPHA_PACK_REWARDS_1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/ForBlog_ALPHA_PACK_REWARDS_1920x1080-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/ForBlog_ALPHA_PACK_REWARDS_1920x1080-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/ForBlog_ALPHA_PACK_REWARDS_1920x1080-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/ForBlog_ALPHA_PACK_REWARDS_1920x1080-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/ForBlog_ALPHA_PACK_REWARDS_1920x1080-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE STORY THUS FAR</h2>



At the start of Season 2, the Avery J. Johnson Academy received some unexpected visitors. Spartans Sigrid Eklund and Hieu Dinh deployed from a stolen Phantom, with Dinh in need of immediate medical attention after capturing a dangerous new foe.



The first-of-its-kind Banished AI known as Iratus was contained within Dinh’s armor, incapacitating the Spartan. Eklund informed Commander Agryna that the AI was guarding intelligence about Banished operations, making the Spartans’ mission clear: get Iratus out of Dinh’s head and force it to tell us everything it knows.



Commander Agryna then ordered the Spartans to enter a simulation of the facility on Camber, serving as bait to entrap Iratus within the Academy’s systems where they would then crack open the Banished archive using the facility’s ONI tech.



But the missions change.



They always do…



<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 | Alpha Pack Launch Trailer" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v5V38-d-zNY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



HOW TO VIEW CINEMATICS



In order to view the season cinematics, simply do the following:



A) From the main menu, navigate to the Seasonal Hub page.



B) To view the Season Intro, simply press X on Xbox or F on PC and the cinematic will load.



C) To view Alpha Pack’s introductory cinematic, when you enter the Event Pass page for the first time it will load automatically.



D) To view Alpha Pack’s concluding cinematic, when you enter the Event Pass page after completing all 10 tiers it will load automatically.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">EVERY SPARTAN FOR THEMSELVES!</h2>



The Alpha Pack Event is centered around Last Spartan Standing, a free-for-all attrition-based game mode.



Some of the old hands here know what you’re in for. For the rest of you who are due an education, 12 Spartans spawn with a pre-determined loadout and 5 respawns. All 12 players will fight for survival, accumulating personal score to power up their loadout.



As the match progresses, players that run out of respawns will be eliminated as the play space encloses until only one Spartan is left standing.



Last Spartan Standing can be played on all of Halo Infinite’s Big Team Battle maps, which includes:



<ul><li>Breaker</li><li>Deadlock</li><li>Highpower</li><li>Fragmentation</li></ul>



During the two weeks of the Alpha Pack Event, Last Spartan Standing will be the Event Playlist. After the Alpha Pack Event concludes on August 2, Last Spartan Standing will remain playable.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FINISHING TOUCHES</h2>



Log in any time during the Alpha Pack Event to unlock the Iratus Unleashed emblem and nameplate…



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/LoneWolfOutro-IratusUnleashed_1920x1080.jpg" alt="A look at the Iratus Unleashed nameplate and emblem that players unlock for logging in anytime during the two week Alpha Pack event." class="wp-image-42658" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/LoneWolfOutro-IratusUnleashed_1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/LoneWolfOutro-IratusUnleashed_1920x1080-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/LoneWolfOutro-IratusUnleashed_1920x1080-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/LoneWolfOutro-IratusUnleashed_1920x1080-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/LoneWolfOutro-IratusUnleashed_1920x1080-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/LoneWolfOutro-IratusUnleashed_1920x1080-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



 …and complete all your Weekly Challenges (and the Ultimate Challenge) to be rewarded with the Tactical Clippy weapon charm. There is, after all, no finer companion one could hope to have on the battlefield—even in charm form!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/TacticalClippy_WeaponCharm_S2_Ultimate_1920x1080.jpg" alt="The Tactical Clippy Weapon Charm." class="wp-image-42700" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/TacticalClippy_WeaponCharm_S2_Ultimate_1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/TacticalClippy_WeaponCharm_S2_Ultimate_1920x1080-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/TacticalClippy_WeaponCharm_S2_Ultimate_1920x1080-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/TacticalClippy_WeaponCharm_S2_Ultimate_1920x1080-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/TacticalClippy_WeaponCharm_S2_Ultimate_1920x1080-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/TacticalClippy_WeaponCharm_S2_Ultimate_1920x1080-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Finally, head to the Shop and grab the CAMBION Helmet Set. This contains the fearsome CAMBION helmet, along with the UA/Februus, FCI-X/CIBO, and FCI-X/BANE helmet attachments, as well as the Lucky Number Seven emblem and nameplate.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Cambion_Helmet_S2_Shop_Social_1920x1080.jpg" alt="The three options available to those who purchase the Cambion Helmet Bundle. " class="wp-image-42714" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Cambion_Helmet_S2_Shop_Social_1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Cambion_Helmet_S2_Shop_Social_1920x1080-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Cambion_Helmet_S2_Shop_Social_1920x1080-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Cambion_Helmet_S2_Shop_Social_1920x1080-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Cambion_Helmet_S2_Shop_Social_1920x1080-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Cambion_Helmet_S2_Shop_Social_1920x1080-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Now go forth and lead the pack to victory!



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



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



Enjoy some event goodness for your social channels or your desktop with the<a href="https://aka.ms/AlphaPackPressKit"> Alpha Pack Press Kit.</a>