Community

Community Spotlight

Alex Wakeford

Issue 011

Community Corner: GCustomsCreations

Sylvanus

The Pit

Cliffside

Domicile

Banished Narrows

High Ground

Isolation

Critical Dewpoint

Games

Halo Infinite

Preferred snacks, a bottle of Game Fuel (aka Citrus Cherry Mountain Dew™️), and a controller in hand, I’m ready to play Halo like it’s 2007.



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo 3 Refueled Playlist Map Flythrough | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l9fJJI2nk3c?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Halo 3 Refueled has landed and it’s full of your old favorites… or at least the maps which might have left the biggest impact from the Halo 3 era. Now, it is 2023 so things have evolved a bit. These maps may visually resemble these old favorites but it’s important to note that they have been refreshed and adapted for Halo Infinite’s sandbox so they may play slightly differently.



Oh, and did we mention there’s one more bonus map created specifically for this celebration?



Let’s do the dew and jump in!



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



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/2578ceda-876c-4bfa-83f1-15a8809bc6bf">SYLVANUS (aka Guardian)</a> Credits: Epik Xero, NightAvenger01, InfiniteForges, I Crush All, Virus11010 Modes: Slayer | Land Grab | Oddball | King of the Hill (KOTH)





Ask anyone what their favorite Halo 3 map is and odds are good that “Guardian” is up there, so it’s no surprise that we’ve got a great reimagining of it here for you to explore. Another map with some great Slayer action, famous for Oddball, and just a great all-arounder that feels like coming home.



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/ac771b36-b6ba-4d0f-ad2e-3200a6597db2">THE PIT (aka The Pit)</a> Credits: UneeQ, Mr Greencastle, Azwilko1997, Artifice7285 Modes: Capture the Flag (CTF) | Slayer | KOTH





The Pit is another usual answer to the “Name your favorite Halo 3 map!” question. This map excels at CTF thanks to its symmetrical nature and equal chance for teams to exert control. Grab your crew and let the muscle memory flow straight to your thumbs.



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4fd49663-5bde-4065-8759-96bd2f7a37c4">CLIFFSIDE (aka Blackout)</a> Credits: AngelitoCO, tHe PR gAmEr117 Modes: Slayer | KOTH | Oddball





<s>Lockout</s> Blackout returns as Cliffside! First seen in Halo 2, then Halo 3, and now Halo Infinite, this fan-favorite will have you reminiscing over LANs of days past. Play some Slayer, Oddball, or KOTH and revel in the familiarity.



(WARNING: Please report any ghost sightings. They should not be there!)



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a137d555-0e78-447a-9c68-e29fbabb287e">DOMICILE (aka Construct)</a> Credits: Lunnzies Modes: Slayer | Oddball | Land Grab | KOTH





One of the more vertical maps in Halo, Construct returns as Domicile! Pretty fitting considering people often grab a part of the map to hang out in. From straight-up Slayer to KOTH, this map has a wide variety of experiences to offer.



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/02d79c17-79e5-4140-9583-118db700ee11">BANISHED NARROWS (aka Narrows)</a> Credits: AngelitoCO, tHe PR gAmEr117 Modes: CTF | Slayer | Strongholds | Oddball





Keep your head on a swivel and watch for flying Spartans! Narrows returns with a new coat of paint. How you get from end-to-end is up to you, but each option has a risk—take the lift and be exposed in mid-air, dare crossing top-middle, or try your luck below? Narrows is an excellent CTF map but also plays well with other modes.



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/b9168aff-1646-4005-9acf-8a632aaccd95">HIGH GROUND (aka High Ground)</a> Credits: UneeQ, Mr Greencastle, Azwilko1997, Artifice7285 Modes: 1 Flag CTF | Slayer | KOTH





If one-sided objective modes like 1 Flag CTF are your jam, then High Ground is the map for you. Storm up the beach, breach the gates, grab the flag, and make a dash back for the score. KOTH and Slayer are also favorites on this map.



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a4fd132c-26a6-4f51-83d9-54471ff60a98">ISOLATION (aka Isolation)</a> Credits: D0ctorSmurf, LudoHT, Okom1, nkdape, Virus11010, Mr IncrediJON, Mr Greencastle Modes: Slayer | CTF | Strongholds | Land Grab | Oddball





You either love it or hate it, but Isolation returns. Famous for its location on the Installation 00 Flood containment facility, Isolation is ripe for Mongoose shenanigans, crazy CTF runs, and sneaky Slayer plays. 



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/d5dbd44e-1de8-4c14-a097-351bd66148fe">CRITICAL DEWPOINT</a> Credits: ArturBloodshot Modes: Slayer | CTF | KOTH | Oddball





<a href="https://www.artstation.com/artwork/B193g8">If you’ve played Athlon in MCC</a>, then Critical Dewpoint will be familiar to you. This re-imagining of the map is perfect for some high-octane gameplay so get your squad and practice those callouts. PS – Don’t forget to stop for supplies during your match, you might be in for a treat!



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Grab your controller, grab your Dew, squad up, and party like it’s <s>1999</s> 2007!

snickerdoodle

Halo 3 Refueled | Halo Infinite

HALO 3 REFUELED MAPS

Combined Arms Press Kit

Combined Arms, Halo Infinite’s first Operation, arrives tomorrow!



From November 14 to December 19, Operation: COMBINED ARMS will be active, bringing a free 20-tier Operation Pass with new customization rewards. The iconic Mjolnir Mark V armor from Halo: CE and a playlist of beloved classic maps from Halo 3 have also come to Halo Infinite.



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<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="Operation: Combined Arms Trailer | Season 5: Reckoning | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bCrWlAfWFSM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COMBINED ARMS OPERATION PASS</h2>



The Combined Arms Operation Pass features 20 tiers of free customization rewards, along with new armor and vehicle coatings, emblems, and visors.



For those who need a quick refresher: Operations are the new evolution of Events in Halo Infinite, and Combined Arms is the first of more Operations to come. For a full breakdown, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/battle-pass-operations-season-5" target="_blank">check out our Operations blog</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S5_COMBINED_ARMS_REWARDS_1920x1920_RGB-1024x1024.jpg" alt="A visual representation of the Combined Arms Operation Pass. " class="wp-image-86742" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S5_COMBINED_ARMS_REWARDS_1920x1920_RGB-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S5_COMBINED_ARMS_REWARDS_1920x1920_RGB-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S5_COMBINED_ARMS_REWARDS_1920x1920_RGB-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S5_COMBINED_ARMS_REWARDS_1920x1920_RGB-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S5_COMBINED_ARMS_REWARDS_1920x1920_RGB-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S5_COMBINED_ARMS_REWARDS_1920x1920_RGB-1568x1568.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S5_COMBINED_ARMS_REWARDS_1920x1920_RGB.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Player feedback around Events was that their short two-week window felt too limiting, and that once they’re gone there’s no way to obtain those rewards again. Enter Operations, which will run for approximately four-to-six weeks with a free 20-tier Operation Pass that is progressed with Match XP. An Operation can be purchased at any point via Halo Infinite’s in-game Switcher or Shop.



The Operations Pass comes with additional premium upgrade options:



<ul><li>500 credits instantly unlocks an exclusive bonus customization item, makes the Operation Pass durable (it will not expire), and—when equipped—offers bonus XP and an extra Challenge slot during the Operation’s live window.</li><li>2,000 credits instantly unlocks all 20 tiers of the Operation Pass at purchase and includes the exclusive bonus customization item.</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/2023/11/CombinedArmsSwitcher.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the Combined Arms switcher showing the 500 credit Premium Operation Pass and the 2000 credit Premium Operation Pass" class="wp-image-86347" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/CombinedArmsSwitcher.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/CombinedArmsSwitcher-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/CombinedArmsSwitcher-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/CombinedArmsSwitcher-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/CombinedArmsSwitcher-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/CombinedArmsSwitcher-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Purchase either of the Combined Arms Operation Pass options above and you will additionally acquire the Grey Hunter armor coating.



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





2007 has arrived in 2023, as seven Halo 3 maps recreated in Forge in partnership with the community are coming to a new matchmaking playlist in Halo Infinite alongside the Combined Arms Operation tomorrow.



Claim the High Ground and revisit the vertical heights of Construct, the lush jungles of Guardian, a Banished-themed take on Narrows, and other beloved classics recreated in Halo Infinite’s Forge mode. Alongside these is also Critical Dewpoint, a map created by ArturBloodshot, based around our nostalgia-fueled partnership with Mountain Dew.



For more details, be sure to check out our Halo 3 Refueled blog when it lands tomorrow.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NEW WAYPOINT CHRONICLE INBOUND</h2>



Also accompanying the release of Combined Arms is a new Waypoint Chronicle which will release later this month!



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2560. The Banished have come to Suban, the blood-moon of Sanghelios, seeking to claim the unique natural resource within its vast mines: the beautiful but volatile Subanese crystals. 



The Swords of Sanghelios and their Spartan allies face an overwhelming force on the ground, while a Sangheili shipmistress in the skies above seeks to find a weakness in the enemy’s armor that might turn the tide against these invaders.



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Stay tuned for the release of this short story (which will be available here on Halo Waypoint, as a free PDF, and in audiobook format on YouTube) on November 27.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">“LOOK, A MARK V!”</h2>



Bred for combat, built for war, you are the master of any weapon, pilot of any vehicle, and fear no enemy.



<figure class="wp-block-embed-twitter wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">Bred for combat, built for war, you are the master of any weapon, pilot of any vehicle, and fear no enemy 🫡 The Combat Evolved Mark V bundle is now available in the Shop. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HaloReckoning?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HaloReckoning</a> <a href="https://t.co/W7w6jHdvOr">pic.twitter.com/W7w6jHdvOr</a>— Halo (@Halo) <a href="https://twitter.com/Halo/status/1722313153910878324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2023</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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In celebration of Halo’s upcoming birthday, the CE Mark V armor kit became available for purchase in the Shop on November 7. The Combat Evolved Mark V bundle contains:



<ul><li>Combat Evolved Mark V armor kit</li><li>Cinder Ring multi-use armor coating</li><li>Viridescent Ring multi-use armor coating</li><li>Aurum Evolved visor</li></ul>



Unseal the hushed casket and awaken the flawless cowboy within. Prevail through nerves of steel and a quick trigger finger.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/CEMarkV3.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the CE Mark V armor kit" class="wp-image-83322" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/CEMarkV3.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/CEMarkV3-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/CEMarkV3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/CEMarkV3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/CEMarkV3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/CEMarkV3-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



And be sure to complete all of your Challenges this week to unlock the latest Ultimate Reward: AAP/Ordnance Pack Oscar for your Mark V [B] armor.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULT_AAPOrdnancePackOscar.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of Ultimate Reward: AAP Ordnance Pack Oscar" class="wp-image-85883" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULT_AAPOrdnancePackOscar.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULT_AAPOrdnancePackOscar-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULT_AAPOrdnancePackOscar-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULT_AAPOrdnancePackOscar-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULT_AAPOrdnancePackOscar-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULT_AAPOrdnancePackOscar-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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That concludes this overview of Halo Infinite’s debut Operation, which runs for the next five weeks (after which, the Winter Contingency III Operation will begin).



Go forth and start working your way through that free Operation Pass to claim your customization rewards, check out the new Halo 3 Refueled playlist, secure the CE Mark V armor kit to indulge in some classic nostalgia that has never looked so snazzy, and stay tuned for the upcoming Waypoint Chronicle!



See you on Suban.



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



<a href="http://aka.ms/CAPressKit">Download the official Combined Arms Press Kit here!</a>

Combined Arms Operation Launch

Forge Features

More maps, more experiences, and more jaw-dropping creations leveraging the Forge AI Toolkit have been delivered since Season 5 launched. Being able to create your own mini-Firefight experience, recreate campaign missions, or lose hours of the day by way of various minigames means the options are endless, and we’ve got plenty to show off today!



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/8b99ac94-a0d7-48cf-b1de-474e29215f4c">GRUNT WARS CONVERSION</a> Mode: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/ee3ddc3c-0e55-4bd5-a6a5-834e4020b314">Grunt Wars</a> Credits: Hitmonchanel, Shrad Marden



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/8b99ac94-a0d7-48cf-b1de-474e29215f4c"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/GruntWars.jpg" alt="Grunts in the hill of Grunt Wars" class="wp-image-85784" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/GruntWars.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/GruntWars-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/GruntWars-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/GruntWars-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/GruntWars-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/GruntWars-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



I saw this in the Custom Game Browser and had absolutely zero clue what to expect, but “Grunt Wars” sounded amazing. So, I jumped in immediately and I was not disappointed. Waves upon waves of Grunts just pouring out from the Behemoth towers, all trying to capture a hill, yielded pure chaos.



10/10 experience.



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/3f788be8-f692-408d-a91e-33b684335162">TIMBERLAND EVOLVED</a> Credits: Micheal B 2K8, D0ctorSmurf, Okom1, Virus11010, Darth Draius, MikRips, Mr IncrediJON



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/3f788be8-f692-408d-a91e-33b684335162"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TimberlandEvolved02.jpg" alt="Big Team Battle map Timberland recreated in Halo Infinite's Forge" class="wp-image-85728" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TimberlandEvolved02.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TimberlandEvolved02-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TimberlandEvolved02-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TimberlandEvolved02-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TimberlandEvolved02-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TimberlandEvolved02-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Picture it. <s>Halo: Combat Evolved</s> <s>Halo: Reach</s> Halo Infinite, 2023. You can take a long stroll through the forest and get the strongest sense of déjà vu. That’s right. Timberland is back as Timberland Evolved, and it’s just as you remember it!



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/99cf9838-9669-4e6b-8588-4cb437109727">STORM FIREFIGHT</a> Modes: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/2a3f2858-6713-4d9c-8dac-fc831bfae9d8">Easy</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/9aaccaf7-df6f-4bcc-b611-500b6b64ff84">Normal</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/3d3d4314-f6c1-4efe-a435-b8895a5f4709">Heroic</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/b141e55e-8e0f-433e-9644-4e0c5802e536">Legendary</a> Credits: RiskiestSole35, DaBratva



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/99cf9838-9669-4e6b-8588-4cb437109727"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TheStorm.jpg" alt="Recreation of the Halo 3 mission "The Storm" in Halo Infinite's Forge" class="wp-image-85742" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TheStorm.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TheStorm-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TheStorm-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TheStorm-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TheStorm-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TheStorm-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



If you’ve played Halo 3’s campaign, this will look exceedingly familiar. Storm the beach and take on waves of enemies in Storm Firefight, a recreation of—wait for it—the campaign mission The Storm. There’s even a Scarab for you to contend with! Adjust the difficulty as you see fit, and good luck.



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/536787d5-78f0-4647-bf57-c09122ef8ced">TOWER DEFENSE ULTIMATE – ALPINE</a> Mode: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/294498da-25a9-4890-b786-0a99ed7edce6">Tower Defense Ultimate</a> Credits: hiBeekle



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/536787d5-78f0-4647-bf57-c09122ef8ced"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TowerDefenseUltimate.jpg" alt="A Tower Defense map created in Halo Infinite Forge" class="wp-image-85756" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TowerDefenseUltimate.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TowerDefenseUltimate-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TowerDefenseUltimate-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TowerDefenseUltimate-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TowerDefenseUltimate-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/TowerDefenseUltimate-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



This is the tower defense mode you remember—limited lives, numerous enemy waves, and a set path they will attack along. Your job: Defend the towers and hold the line. Don’t let me be the one to sell you on this, check out Beekle’s video for even more info.



<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="Bloons Tower Defense in Halo??? | Tower Defense Ultimate" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aKkCGLeM_-c?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FORGE & FANCY-FREE</h2>



Some other little bytes to sate your appetite…



Maybe you find yourself longing to catch ‘em all, Halo style. In that case, <a href="https://twitter.com/DanTheBloke/status/1718754557293920275">@DanTheBloke</a>’s Battle Arena is just for you.



<figure class="wp-block-embed-twitter wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">The Pokemon Battle Arena is finally ready 🎉 Pick your team within a 1000 point limit, arm them and send them into the arena! 💥 First to 5 rounds wins 👊 Find the map and mode here: <a href="https://t.co/qqJDoLUJAR">https://t.co/qqJDoLUJAR</a> (or search pokemon-arena in the browser)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HaloInfinite?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HaloInfinite</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HaloReckoning?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HaloReckoning</a> <a href="https://t.co/sYTSKRhyE5">pic.twitter.com/sYTSKRhyE5</a>— Dan The Bloke (@DanTheBloke) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanTheBloke/status/1718754557293920275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2023</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/db26fa3e-d94b-4135-97a5-7d1e11953abb"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/Halomon.jpg" alt="Recreation of a game allowing you to catch all the Halo enemies in one go." class="wp-image-85770" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/Halomon.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/Halomon-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/Halomon-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/Halomon-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/Halomon-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/Halomon-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/db26fa3e-d94b-4135-97a5-7d1e11953abb">Map Download</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/ece61d37-935b-49d2-991f-1ae0f5ac22eb">Mode Download</a>



Or maybe you’re looking to play some soccer with vehicles… also Halo style. <a href="https://twitter.com/DanTheBloke/status/1721634058130633146">You can do that too</a>!



<figure class="wp-block-embed-twitter wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">Haloified Rocket League is ready for action! ⚽️🚗💨 Razorback starts, 5 goals to win! Boosting – Mark while looking forwards/ down Jumping – Mark while looking up Wallriding – Ride walls by driving up them Grab it here: <a href="https://t.co/7Gh1dgaEBZ">https://t.co/7Gh1dgaEBZ</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HaloInfinite?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HaloInfinite</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocketLeague?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocketLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/qggzpioDYx">pic.twitter.com/qggzpioDYx</a>— Dan The Bloke (@DanTheBloke) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanTheBloke/status/1721634058130633146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2023</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/en/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/1cd62a8b-5a6a-409c-81d8-4b1701b6ed45">Map Download</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/en/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/d0894af3-1b65-4962-a0a8-711d852405fe">Mode Download</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TUTORIAL TRAINING</h2>



 If you’ve been struggling to create round-based modes that end and properly award the victory screen to the team that wins, let Fourkings13 help you out.



<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="Script a Working Round Lose Trigger and How to Force All Players to One Team - Halo Infinite Forge" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4MPvtLFSjv0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



 Ducain23 is back with another AI toolkit tutorial. This time, he’s showing how to script wave intermissions and endless waves. His tutorial series is a great resource if you’re trying to dip your toes into the world of Forging AI.  



<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="Wave Intermission (Delay) and Endless Waves | Beginner Halo Infinite AI Tutorial" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-0ZQf_Lipvg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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



That will bring this week’s feature to a close. We continue to be surprised and delighted at what you manage to create, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.



In the meantime, see you in the CGB!

Community Cartography 021

Forge Features: November 10, 2023

Community Update

Remember, remember the month of November… because it’s Halo’s anniversary month and marks the release of Halo: CE, Halo 2, Halo 4, and Halo Infinite!



It’s been an incredibly exciting time recently, with Season 5 having been out in the wild for a few weeks now and folks have gotten to grips with all its new additions—from new maps to the Forge AI Toolkit, and beyond. There’s plenty more to look forward to, but for now let us reflect on all the latest happenings of the last month…



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



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



SEASON 5: RECKONING



Unless you’ve been imprisoned within a Cryptum or cylix, or something, you’ve probably heard that Season 5 of Halo Infinite launched on October 17.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Roadmap.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-83546" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Roadmap.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Roadmap-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Roadmap-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Roadmap-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Roadmap-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Roadmap-1568x1176.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



It’s quite possible that since then you’ve been learning the layout of the new maps, Prism and Forbidden, and searched for various Easter eggs, sought to master the new Bandit Evo, or simply stared up at the stunning skyboxes. No doubt, you have spent a good amount of time in the Armory deciding which outfit you feel like wearing for your next match now that multi-use helmets have come to the game, and seeing just how gross you can make your Spartan look with the new Flood-infected customization pieces.



Perhaps you’ve already cleared that 50-tier Battle Pass and have been looking to reach FTL speeds in your journey to the maximum Hero rank, where that coveted Infinite Mark VI armor kit awaits… or maybe you’ve jumped into Forge to try out the new AI Toolkit to create new maps on the new canvases featuring Banished enemies, then headed over to the Custom Game Browser to try out the jaw-dropping creations from other community cartographers (and earning Custom Game XP for it!)



All that is to say, if you haven’t yet dived into Season 5 of Halo Infinite, the time to do so has come! Our first Operation (Combined Arms) is due to go live on November 14, bringing with it a new 20-tier Operation Pass with free customization rewards for you to earn by progressing with Match XP.



FORGE FEATURES



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/forge-features-020"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of (from left-to-right) a Brute, Hunter, and Jackal on a dark map" class="wp-image-84630" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Season 5 brought the next evolution of Forge with the AI Toolkit, well and truly changing the game by empowering players to add AI units to the maps you create.



We’ve already seen classic campaign mission spaces recreated, populated by Banished baddies. We’ve seen altogether new missions for you and your friends to try out together, PvPvE experiences, tower defense maps, and so much more.



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/forge-features-020" target="_blank">Check out our latest issue of Forge Features</a> to bookmark a selection of these new maps and take a look at some developer and community-made tutorials for how to utilize this new toolkit.



WAYPOINT CHRONICLES



Two new Waypoint Chronicles have arrived! For those not in the know: Waypoint Chronicles are canonical short stories that typically accompany certain in-game elements and events, released on Halo Waypoint, as a free PDF, and in audiobook format on YouTube.



When we learned that we would be joined not only by Steve Downes and Jen Taylor for this year’s Halo World Championship event, but Keith David as well, for the very first time these three would be in the same room together… we knew we had an opportunity to do something special. These three titans of the Halo universe performed a new scene together, set immediately after the events of Halo 5 (and concurrently with events depicted in Halo: Bad Blood) where the Arbiter, the Master Chief, and Dr. Halsey are all in the same place.



Read Halo: Sunrise on Sanghelios <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-sunrise-on-sanghelios" target="_blank">here on Halo Waypoint</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://aka.ms/SunriseOnSangheliosPDF" target="_blank">download a free PDF version</a>, or <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heeAkDRuf5g&ab_channel=HALO" target="_blank">watch the live performance by Steve, Jen, and Keith on YouTube</a>!



<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: Sunrise on Sanghelios | HaloWC 2023 Community Stage" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/heeAkDRuf5g?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Last week, we also released a new short story for Halloween that centers around a Flood outbreak which culminates in the first known instance of a Spartan succumbing to the parasite.



Halo: Saturn Devouring His Son can be read <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-saturn-devouring-his-son" target="_blank">here on Halo Waypoint</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://aka.ms/SaturnPDF" target="_blank">as a free PDF version</a>, and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://aka.ms/SaturnAudio" target="_blank">as an audiobook on YouTube</a>.



<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: Saturn Devouring His Son | Audiobook" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9H9Pj2YhpyQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



And there are still two more Waypoint Chronicles to come before the end of the year…



SHOP & ULTIMATE REWARD



“Bred for combat, built for war, you are the master of any weapon, pilot of any vehicle, and fear no enemy.”



In the Shop this week is the Combat Evolved Mark V bundle, starting the celebrations of Halo’s twenty-second birthday a little early with this recreation of the classic and iconic Mjolnir Mark V armor worn by the Master Chief in Halo: CE.



This bundle includes:



<ul><li>Combat Evolved Mark V armor kit</li><li>Cinder Ring armor coating</li><li>Viridescent Ring armor coating</li><li>Autumn Evolved visor</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/2023/10/CEMarkV1.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the CE Mark V armor kit" class="wp-image-83294" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/CEMarkV1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/CEMarkV1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/CEMarkV1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/CEMarkV1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/CEMarkV1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/CEMarkV1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



And complete all of your Challenges this week to acquire the latest Ultimate Reward: the Queen’s Gambit weapon charm.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULTQueensGambit.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the Queen's Gambit weapon charm" class="wp-image-85698" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULTQueensGambit.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULTQueensGambit-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULTQueensGambit-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULTQueensGambit-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULTQueensGambit-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULTQueensGambit-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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



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



We’ve seen your memes. Your crumpled and faded bottles on your trophy shelves. We’ve heard your secret dreams whispered into your pillow. Okay, maybe not that, but I’m probably not far off. Point is, we’ve heard you, we understand you…



Something amazing happened in 2007 and we’ve all been chasing that dream ever since. That’s right. Once again, Mountain Dew and Halo are back together for a limited time this holiday season to bring you Mtn Dew Game Fuel Citrus Cherry. The iconic flavor that has fueled some of your favorite Halo memories is back and in stores in 12-packs of 12 oz. cans and single 20 oz. bottles, and fun fact: the very special label was designed by our own community-member-turned-Halo team-member, William “Pixelflare” Cameron.



We’re not just bringing you your favorite memories in drink form. As we do, we teamed up with Mtn Dew to create a suite of eye-catching in-game content with a striking armor coating, two Mtn Dew-inspired visors, a weapon charm (the Halo 3 Chief helmet), and an emblem pack featuring four Halo 3 map blueprints. I’ve said it before, but please, look at the incredible detail of the condensation and ice in those visors… our customization team has once again done an amazing job.



Points earned by entering the codes found on specially marked Mtn Dew, Doritos, and Rockstar products in the US will get you these and other Xbox gaming rewards. You can also enter to win grand prizes like a Halo-inspired Super 73 e-bike (it’s insane, we all want one!), a Starfield-themed Corvette, and more.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/MtnDewxHalo.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-85670" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/MtnDewxHalo.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/MtnDewxHalo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/MtnDewxHalo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/MtnDewxHalo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/MtnDewxHalo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/MtnDewxHalo-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



And for fans everywhere, we’ve created a limited-edition Halo x Mtn Dew merch collection <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://gear.xbox.com/collections/haloxdew" target="_blank">available now on the Halo Gear Shop</a>.



You’ll find an updated re-issue of a classic Halo 3 x Mtn Dew tee, a jersey inspired by the new Mtn Dew Game Fuel design, a classic hoodie that glows in the dark, a trucker hat to show you’re a person of taste and style, and a koozie so you can make any drink look like a can of Mtn Dew Game Fuel. All of these will go fast, so get yours ASAP.



Feeling nostalgic yet? Ready to jump into the game? That’s the point. We wanted to relive the glory days of drinking Game Fuel Citrus Cherry and playing Halo 3 with you, so we’re doing something we’ve never done before…



Halo and Mtn Dew have teamed up with ArturBloodshot, community Forger, to create a brand-new custom Dew-themed map called Critical Dewpoint, and we’re putting it in an official playlist called ‘Halo 3 Refueled’ which features seven more remade and reimagined Halo 3 maps created by other talented community Forgers. It’s coming on Nov 14th, so join us in this nostalgic adventure—we hope you enjoy it!



This partnership is all about celebrating and involving our community, and we have more to come! Keep your eyes peeled and <a href="https://twitter.com/MTNDEWGaming">follow @MtnDewgaming for more news and giveaways</a>, and we’ll see you out there in your Mountain Tiger armor coating in the Halo 3 Refueled playlist on November 14.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE ARTIST’S CORNER</h2>



Because the Flood has taken center stage for the launch of Season 5, it seemed only fitting that we should feature some Flood-themed artwork from the vault for this Community Update.



This wonderfully grotesque piece comes from artist Tsutomu Nihei, featured in the Halo Graphic Novel that originally released in 2006, depicting a Flood-infected Sangheili combat form.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1654" height="2560" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HGN_Flood_TsutomuNihei-scaled.jpg" alt="Halo Graphic Novel artwork by Tsutomu Nihei of a Flood-infected Sangheili combat form" class="wp-image-85656" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HGN_Flood_TsutomuNihei-scaled.jpg 1654w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HGN_Flood_TsutomuNihei-194x300.jpg 194w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HGN_Flood_TsutomuNihei-662x1024.jpg 662w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HGN_Flood_TsutomuNihei-768x1188.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HGN_Flood_TsutomuNihei-993x1536.jpg 993w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HGN_Flood_TsutomuNihei-1323x2048.jpg 1323w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HGN_Flood_TsutomuNihei-1568x2426.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1654px) 100vw, 1654px" /></figure>



The Halo Graphic Novel features four fantastic short stories and additional supplemental art pieces set around the events of Halo: CE and Halo 2.



<ul><li>The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor: Spec-Ops Commander Rtas ‘Vadumee and his squad are deployed to the agricultural support ship Infinite Succor, where a far deadlier threat than the humans has been unleashed… (Written by Lee Hammock, art by Simon Bisley)</li><li>Armor Testing: Maria-062 puts the Mjolnir Mark VI armor through live testing trials before it is shipped off to John-117. (Written and illustrated by Ed Lee, Jay Faerber, and Andrew Robinson)</li><li>Breaking Quarantine: Trapped within the Flood containment facility on Alpha Halo, Avery Johnson fights his way out of hell itself. (Illustrated by Tsutomu Nihei)</li><li>Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa: Journalist and war photographer Benjamin Giraud (yes, that Benjamin Giraud!) experiences the devastating events of the Covenant’s arrival at Earth. (Written by Brett Lewis, illustrated by Jean “Moebius” Giraud)</li></ul>



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/678544/halo-graphic-novel-new-edition-by-by-lee-hammock-simon-bisley-ed-lee-jay-faerber-and-andrew-robinson/" target="_blank">The Halo Graphic Novel received a reprint in December 2021, so you should absolutely pick it up!</a>



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE HOUSE THAT MASTER CHIEF BUILT</h2>



Follow Steve Downes, the voice of Master Chief, on a personal tour of his Chicago condo overlooking Lake Michigan.



Check out his home studio where he brings the legendary lines of Halo to life, and even get a peek at the Halo Infinite script! You’ll also get to see some of the fan art he’s collected over the years, and meet his dog Ginger!



<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="The House that Master Chief Built: Tour of Steve Downes' Chicago Condo, Voice Over Studio" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bGB6yEe-XhM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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



That brings us to the end of this Community Update, which is good news because I’ve got a few more levels of my Season 5 Battle Pass to finish up before the Combined Arms Operation kicks off next week—and I’m sure to be waylaid by some custom games as well…



We’ll be back next month for our end-of-year update before we look ahead to the year of our Didact 2024. See you then!

Flood of Flavor

Endurance-of-Will by @iso_didacta

Spotlight: November 2, 2023

Fiction

Waypoint Chronicles

343 INDUSTRIES

Halo: Saturn Devouring His Son

Esports

HaloWC

FaZe Clan are your 2023 Halo World Champions!

Forge has evolved.



With the arrival of Season 5 of Halo
Infinite, players have now got their hands on the Forge AI Toolkit which
has well and truly changed the game, as you can now add AI units to the maps
you create.



Already, we have seen PvPvE experiences
populate the Custom Game Browser, along with recreations of classic campaign
missions and even brand-new ones. As we hit our twentieth issue of Forge
Features, that seems like a nice round number to start showcasing some of these
incredible new experiences that you can jump in and play right now.



For a more comprehensive breakdown of the additions made to Forge in Season 5, <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/forge-overview-season-5">check out our Forge Overview blog</a>.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FIREFIGHT CUSTOM GAME MODE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of (from left-to-right) a Brute, Hunter, and Jackal on a dark map" class="wp-image-84630" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



When setting up a custom game for
Firefight, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve got the right mode set up to
have the optimal experience. Sometimes you can use one that’s more “general,”
but sometimes there will be maps that use their own specific mode variant(s).
Some even come with difficulty levels.



For a good general Firefight mode where
the player simply needs to survive ten rounds, be sure to bookmark the
following:



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/0c02c58e-dea7-4e73-82c5-4a244602209b">FIREFIGHT
– WoodComet673577</a>



For others which are more map-specific,
you will find these included below.



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



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/feab8eb6-c485-42ba-84dd-d754fdcd63cb">INCLEMENCY</a> Credits: MadmanEpic Mode: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/4b2708ac-e929-479e-9667-8516a8a396bc">Inclemency Campaign</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/feab8eb6-c485-42ba-84dd-d754fdcd63cb"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-0.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Inclemency Forge map" class="wp-image-84546" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-0.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-0-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-0-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-0-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-0-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-0-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



An early example of what a “custom
campaign mission”-type experience using Forge AI looks like, where you’ll be
fighting Banished in the snow.



There’s a vehicular section as you
navigate through several Banished checkpoints; there are some narrow bridges
and walkways; you’ll storm a Banished facility and fight a hammer-wielding Chieftain
in close-quarters, before heading to the extraction point and fighting off
several waves of tough enemies.



Either jump in solo or grab a couple of
friends and try it out!



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



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/f36bfa5c-6654-4a4d-b9c2-7fc88c7ff587">FIREFIGHT HALO REVAMPED</a> Credits: JAYZEN0009, ghostlyswat12



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/f36bfa5c-6654-4a4d-b9c2-7fc88c7ff587"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-1.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Firefight Halo Revamped Forge map" class="wp-image-84560" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Battlecruisers and corvettes are inbound
with enemy troops! Survive five rounds against an onslaught of enemies and hold
the line to claim victory.



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



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/59476aa0-1a37-4f20-bb94-fe3d3870e52d">H2 OUTSKIRTS FIREFIGHT</a> Credits: Ju Jitsu X, Squishiop9, tttwyson Mode: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/2a3f2858-6713-4d9c-8dac-fc831bfae9d8">Easy</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/9aaccaf7-df6f-4bcc-b611-500b6b64ff84">Normal</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/3d3d4314-f6c1-4efe-a435-b8895a5f4709">Heroic</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/b141e55e-8e0f-433e-9644-4e0c5802e536">Legendary</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/59476aa0-1a37-4f20-bb94-fe3d3870e52d"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-3.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Jackals, Skirmishers, and Elites in the Halo 2 Outskirts courtyard created in Forge" class="wp-image-84588" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-3.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-3-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



“We’ve got Jackals in the courtyard!”



It’s the holdout section from Halo 2’s
Outskirts mission, featuring some adjustments to the overall layout. You can
bookmark different modes which scale the AI difficulty, so maybe you’re looking
for an easy time ploughing through enemy waves, or perhaps you’ve gathered a
group of friends and you’re looking for a challenge to test your mettle on
Legendary.



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



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/85a81bf5-4b11-402d-b952-b08f4ba9274c">INFINITE FIREFIGHT REFUGE</a> Credits: Cousin Tim, InfiniteForges, Michael B 2K8, NightAvenger01, I Crush All, CertifiedChamp, ItzSkittz3964



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/85a81bf5-4b11-402d-b952-b08f4ba9274c"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-2.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a Phantom on the Infinite Firefight Refuge Forge map" class="wp-image-84574" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-2.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-2-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Just when you thought you couldn’t be
more in awe of the maps this crew puts together, they deliver this…



Abandoned and overgrown, Halo 2’s
Headlong has become a battleground for the Banished.



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



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/6ad1375f-b425-4b73-ae26-ef5a9efd6fd0">INSTALLATION 07 FIREFIGHT</a> Credits: TJtheForger



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/6ad1375f-b425-4b73-ae26-ef5a9efd6fd0"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-4.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Installation 07 Firefight map created in Forge" class="wp-image-84602" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-4.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-4-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-4-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-4-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-4-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-4-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



One of the encounters that Firefight
naturally ended up evolving out of were the holdout sections in Halo: CE’s
second mission, where the Master Chief must seek out and protect Marine
survivors from several waves of Covenant dropships while exploring the
Forerunner structures and beam towers that almost serve as “lighthouses” for
these encounters.



It is only natural, then, that this experience
has been recreated with Forge AI in Halo Infinite.



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



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/07ab2435-ba9f-42f3-8374-f6bfc1cab5e3">PVPVE BLOODGULCH</a> Credits: ghostlyswat12, DaringMacil, AlphaEpsilon



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/07ab2435-ba9f-42f3-8374-f6bfc1cab5e3"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-5.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the PvPvE Bloodgulch map created in Forge" class="wp-image-84616" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-5.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-5-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-5-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-5-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-5-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Many years ago, I remember one of the
first videos of Halo modding that I ever saw was of a big AI battle on
Blood Gulch where Hunters were sat on Scorpion tanks and all manner of
explosive green chaos ensued.



That was well over fifteen years ago, and
now you can actually create this experience for yourself in Halo Infinite.



This PvPvE experience offers 12v12 for players
and 16v16 AI—with some being aligned to your team, and others on the enemy’s.
It is, perhaps, one of the purest possible expressions of Halo
imaginable.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TUTORIAL
TRAINING</h2>



Interested in making maps that utilize the Forge AI Toolkit for yourself? Well, there’s a variety of video guides you can watch to get a greater understanding of the systems and options that are at your disposal.



<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/6NLZw-BL8hg?si=z1kpOaYZ8ozvUPBK&t=4720">FORGE
FUNDAMENTALS: SEASON 5 & AI TOOLKIT</a>



First up, we did our own showcase of the Forge AI Toolkit during a Community Stage panel at the 2023 Halo World Championship.



<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="HaloWC 2023 Community Stage – Day 1 (Forge, Steve Downes, Jen Taylor, Keith David, Lore, Digsite +)" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6NLZw-BL8hg?start=4720&feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Join 343 staff John Junyszek (Sr.
Community Manager), Michael Schorr (Forge Lord), and Connor Kennelly (Forge
Technical Designer) as they dive into the details of what’s new to Forge in
Season 5 and how you can use it.



<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K29fMJodXP0">HOW TO SPAWN AI IN FORGE |
BEGINNER TUTORIAL</a>



Ducain23 has been putting together a series of tutorials on the Forge AI Toolkit, and this is a great place to start—how to spawn AI on your map and make them move around.



<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="How To Spawn AI In Forge | Beginner Halo Infinite AI Tutorial" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K29fMJodXP0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



This video will give you a good
understanding of things like nav mesh and move zones (how AI movement on the
map works), the various methods of spawning (like whether they arrive by drop
pod, Phantom dropship, or fade in), and how to put these things to the test.



<a href="https://youtu.be/mDdTG9z1ic4?si=j7Kkm5T0jAo5ar98">HALO INFINITE FORGE PVE
CAMPAIGN SCRIPTING GUIDE</a>



For something a little more advanced and
long-form, check out MadmanEpic’s video on how he put together the scripting
for his Inclemency campaign-style mission experience.



<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="A Rambling Halo Infinite Forge PvE Campaign Scripting Guide (Inclemency)" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mDdTG9z1ic4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



As MadmanEpic puts it himself, the
Inclemency map isn’t copy protected and he encourages players to jump into
Forge to fiddle around with the map and see how he put it all together.



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



That rounds us out for this issue of
Forge Features, which has now become even more exciting with the new kinds of
maps and experiences that players are able to create using these new tools.



It’s not even been two weeks since Season 5 launched and we’re already seeing some incredible creations from the community—we can’t even begin to imagine just how much farther there is to push the envelope, which just means that we’re every bit as excited as you are.



Now, if you’ll excuse me, the next wave’s
droppin’ in and it’s about to get hot!

Community Cartography 020

Forge Features: October 27, 2023

Welcome back to our latest issue of the Community Corner, where we spotlight and interview individuals about what they get up to in the Halo community—art, cosplay, animation, streaming, Forge, and beyond.



Last time, <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/community-corner-entransing">we were joined by Entransing</a> to learn about her journey with Halo as a long-time fan and as an artist.



For this issue, we’re joined by Aimee Saturne, who dabbles in cosplay, streaming, performance, and more!



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



Welcome, Aimee! Thank you very much for joining us for this month’s issue of the Community Corner. Tell us about yourself—who are you, what do you do as part of the Halo community, and where can we find you?



Thank you so much for having me—it’s truly an honor! My name is Aimee Saturne, and within the Halo community, I’m a very, very long-time fan of the games and all that they encompass.



I stream Halo Infinite on Twitch, and I also cosplay as our beloved Cortana! <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/aimeesaturne">You can find me on Twitch</a> (and pretty much every other social media platform) <a href="https://twitter.com/AimeeSaturne">@AimeeSaturne</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="2160" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84487" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee3.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee3-267x300.jpg 267w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee3-910x1024.jpg 910w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee3-768x864.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee3-1365x1536.jpg 1365w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee3-1820x2048.jpg 1820w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee3-1568x1764.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



What’s your origin story with Halo? How did this great journey begin for you?



Oh yes, the Spartan origin story… It happened long ago one fine evening. My friends and I were bored out of our minds and one of them suggested we play Halo: CE. I was about 8 years old and had no idea what that was. When we finally got to play it, I was horrific at it, but it was the most fun I’d had in a long time.



What piqued my interest too was that it was not only amazing sonically and visually, but the storyline captivated me all at once. The Halo games quickly became my favorite, and that carried on with me through the years. It didn’t matter who I hung out with or what anyone usually played, Halo was always the game everyone could agree on and have a great time with.



Are there any particular areas of the series that you find yourself gravitating towards—are you drawn towards campaign, multiplayer, Forge, expanded universe stuff, cosplay, events, or a mix of various things?



It’s definitely a mix of things! I am typically a campaign girl through and through, but more recently, especially with streaming, multiplayer has garnered a special place in my heart too. It’s such a fun, competitive area to be a part of, and getting those medals when you make a great play is such a rush.



Generally, though, getting wrapped up in the lore of Halo is so intriguing and I’m always champing at the bit to learn more. The universe is so extensive between the games and novels, and now with the TV series as well we get a look into the characters we know and love in a different light, which I happen to appreciate! While I’d always been obsessed with the games, HaloWC ‘22 is really what set off my desire to fall into my obsession and do all I could to share my love of Halo with the world, from streaming to cosplaying as Cortana.



<figure class="wp-block-embed-twitter wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">tell me you’re a <a href="https://twitter.com/Halo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Halo</a> fan without telling me you’re a Halo fan. 😂🦾💫 <a href="https://t.co/KDqMCefVWI">pic.twitter.com/KDqMCefVWI</a>— 𝓐𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒆 🪐 𝓢𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆 (@AimeeSaturne) <a href="https://twitter.com/AimeeSaturne/status/1698799175775994008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2023</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Who are some of your favorite Halo characters (and why)?



I’m sure most can agree when I say Chief, Cortana, and the Weapon are my absolute favorites. It’s so hard to pick just a handful of these complex characters when there are so many to choose from across the entirety of Halo, but I also love Kelly-087, Avery Johnson, Dr. Halsey, Exuberant Witness, and Kai-125 from the television series. I think they all bring something different to the table when it comes to the storylines they’re a part of.



The novels really bring out deeper aspects of some of the aforementioned characters that we don’t get to see as much in the games, and you really get to learn a lot about the method behind their madness—especially Dr. Halsey. It’s just fun to follow them and to learn about the person behind the Mjolnir or uniform.



And Exuberant Witness is adorable, I just love her voice and personality!



Tell us a bit about how you got into streaming and what you’ve been up to on that front!



I have to thank HaloWC ‘22 for my journey in streaming! Before I attended the event, I had only ever streamed about twice in my life and both times were the Halo Infinite campaign. When I attended Worlds, I sat in on some of the panels, the “Women in Streaming” one in particular, and was immediately inspired to really start streaming Halo and sharing my love of the game with others who felt the same.



I didn’t realize what a large community Halo had, especially online! So, when it was all said and done, I got my set-up together the best I could and started grinding Infinite’s multiplayer. I played bots for the longest time because I was so horrible at it, I didn’t want my teammates to hate me!



Eventually, I felt confident to move on to playing actual humans, and the rest is history. In March 2023, I became a Twitch Affiliate streaming Halo and that was pretty huge for me because I never expected nor intended to get there. I still stream all the time and I’ve gathered such a fun little community that I could not be more grateful for. My viewers really make my world go round, and I’ve made such good friends who actually understand the obsession!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://youtu.be/FOh5qIKt8eQ?si=3kts-3SOeIpmMNuh&t=24022"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2558" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84515" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee5.jpg 2558w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee5-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee5-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee5-1536x865.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee5-2048x1153.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee5-1568x883.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2558px) 100vw, 2558px" /></a></figure>



After your marvelous performance as the Arbiter in our HaloWC 2022 Scene Reading panel, I wanted to ask whether there are things like voice acting or singing that you do?



Being the ‘22 Arbiter was the best role of my life! I am a singer and actress/voice actress—really just an all-around creative as I wear a bunch of hats in different mediums. I’ve been singing and acting since I was a kid though, and actually have music out now on all the usual streaming platforms. I’d always wanted to voice an AI or a big bad in Halo, though… so thank you for having me on-stage to do just that!



Do you have a favorite Halo soundtrack? What aspects of music resonate with and inspire you most?



Trying to pick a favorite soundtrack is so complicated! There are beautiful pieces within all of them, and of course I own them all as well. Halo 4 and Halo 2 are ones that I’m consistently turning back to.



I love when a song creates a feeling and atmosphere, and that carries into video game scores as well. Rather than just being background noise to a cutscene or a fight, all of the tracks heighten each moment sonically. I haven’t heard a Halo soundtrack I haven’t liked, and I can confidently say they each evoke emotion of some kind. And then of course you have bangers too, like Impend (Halo 2) or Covenant Dance (Halo: CE).



Speaking of HaloWC, we just had the 2023 event a few short weeks ago! Which team were you rooting for?



I was rooting for OpTic Gaming and feel so lucky to have seen them compete again this year! Lucid is my favorite player, though they’re all amazing. I could not even begin to imagine being so good at Halo.



We got iced pretty bad by FaZe Clan in the end, but I know we’ll come back strong!



Did you have any other memorable moments and highlights throughout HaloWC 2023?



Oh, plenty! Speaking of Lucid, I got a fist bump from him when the team was making their way onto the stage for the final tournament—that was huge for me.



I also got to see Steve Downes and Jen Taylor again, and meet Keith David for the first time, too! It’s still so crazy to hear and see your childhood right in front of you.



Meeting up with fans and friends was also a major highlight for me. It’s such a warm and fuzzy feeling to have such a welcoming and awesome community, and the Halo World Championship always brings that.



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Tell us a bit about cosplay. Do you have a favorite character to cosplay, and are there others you want to do in the future? What is it that draws you to those characters?



My favorite character to cosplay is Cortana, but I’ve dabbled in other franchises before (like Harley Quinn) without realizing I was cosplaying. I wish I had a cooler story, but I’ve just always been into escapism, and I’ve always wanted to be Cortana, crazy as that sounds. The storyline between her and the Master Chief really captivated me and tugged at my heartstrings, especially once we got around to Halo 4 and realized just how deep their companionship ran.



After watching the HaloWC ‘22 cosplay contest, I realized that I kind of could be her! It didn’t take long before I was gathering all the elements I needed to do so, and figuring out how to edit photos to feature my cosplay in some iconic stills from the game itself.



Down the line, I would really love to cosplay the different variations of Cortana as well—like Halo 5’s version, the Weapon, and even Dr. Halsey, considering she was the model for Cortana to begin with.



What’s your favorite Halo game (or, if it’s too hard to pick one, I suppose we can let you have two!) and why?



The ultimate question! My favorite is Halo 4, but it is very hard to choose just one, and so I’ll have to pick Halo Infinite as well—both for different reasons.



Halo 4 was just so deliciously Halo in my opinion, and it focused so much on the bond between our favorite Spartan and his AI, which had always fascinated me to begin with. Seeing Cortana fall to rampancy and the Chief so desperate to help her, all while fighting the ultimate battle against the Didact? I loved every second of it.



As for Halo Infinite, I loved the storyline as well, the kind of sadness that the storyline held from the aftermath of Halo 4 and Halo 5, and going through it with the Weapon, who begins trying to find herself as well. However, Infinite’s multiplayer was huge for me, and it brought me my streaming journey, as well as so many amazing friends and opportunities. It’s given me some of the best moments of my life so far to date, so I love Infinite on a more personal level.



What are some of your biggest inspirations in life?



The desire for something more; to do what I love and do it unabashedly. I do still have specific inspirations such as certain people, places, or the dreams and aspirations I have, but generally, my drive to make the most of my life is what keeps me going and always chasing the next thing and looking for the next opportunity.



I’m a big advocate of doing all the things you love to do, because life is short and you never want to regret not doing something. If it doesn’t work out the way you want to, at least you tried. That’s further than some people get at all!



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What does being part of the Halo community personally mean to you?



Being part of the Halo community means family—connection. We all have this immense love of a video game that is far more than just a video game to us when it comes down to it. I have never felt more connected with a certain group of people, or more welcomed, especially when I first dipped my toes into the water that is this community. Near or far, we can all get together and play this game and have a good time (or tilt!) and it reminds me of the days when we only had LAN parties and couch co-op.



Having a sense of community around something that I had never realized I could before is enlightening, and I feel proud to be part of such a wide variety of gamers who know exactly how I feel about the series without even having to explain it. We Halo fans go hard!



Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.



I’m actually a marine corps brat, born and raised in Japan. I always say USNC is just in my blood! It’s just too bad Dr. Halsey didn’t turn me into a Spartan. ONI here I come…



There was some heated debate about this between Steve Downes and Jen Taylor on-stage at HaloWC this year, so I thought I would put it out there to folks in the community: Pineapple on pizza—yay or nay? And how about anchovies?



I remember that! Don’t judge me (or do), but absolute yay. Pineapple is actually my favorite! I love a good Hawaiian pizza, and now I feel like I’m probably going to order one tonight. I’m not sure I’ve ever had anchovies on it…but it doesn’t particularly sound like something I’d want to try, either.



Thank you so much again for joining us, Aimee! Do you have any parting words to share?



Thank you so much for having me! This was so fun and really such a dream. Halo is forever, and I would just love to thank everyone involved in making it exactly what it is today, from Combat Evolved to Infinite.



I’ve already mentioned it’s become much more than just a video game, and it’s got such a special place in my heart—and in many others. I can’t wait to attend more events and continue to dive deeper into all that the wonderful universe of Halo offers.



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You can follow Aimee Saturne on <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/aimeesaturne">Twitch</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/AimeeSaturne/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/AimeeSaturne">Twitter</a> to keep up with her streaming and cosplay!

Issue 010

Community Corner: Aimee Saturne