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Welcome back!



In this blog series, we’re posting new HaloWC 2025 updates every month, and can you believe we’re already just about through July and almost into August?! HaloWC will be here before we know it! For those who missed the first three, links are below for you to catch up on:



<ul>
<li>April: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-april">https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-april</a></li>



<li>May: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-may">https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-may</a></li>



<li>June: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-june">https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-june</a></li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TICKETING UPDATE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HaloWC-Featured-Crowd-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-74230" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HaloWC-Featured-Crowd-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HaloWC-Featured-Crowd-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HaloWC-Featured-Crowd-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HaloWC-Featured-Crowd-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HaloWC-Featured-Crowd-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HaloWC-Featured-Crowd.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



As always, we’re going to start with a ticketing update for HaloWC. If you remember back in April, we announced that we’re going to be selling about 1/3 more tickets than we have in the past. Well today I’m delighted to announce that we’ve already sold more tickets than HaloWC 2024 and are over 70% sold out for the whole event. We are really excited about this because it means more of the Halo community will be under the same roof together than ever before for HaloWC.



And, <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-infinite-hcs-update">in case you missed it</a>, this year’s HaloWC will be even more special as it will be the last Official HCS Competition for Halo Infinite. After having transitioned from H2A and then from Halo 5, we know that the final event always means something a little more not only for the competitors but also for the fans who have built shared memories together over the years. This is an important part of Halo history, and we’d love for you to be part of it in person here in Seattle where we can all celebrate this amazing game and community together.



Tickets: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/halo-world-championship-2025-tickets-1388344669279?aff=oddtdtcreator">Halo World Championship 2025 Tickets, Fri, Oct 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SPECIAL GUESTS</h2>



This year we’re excited to welcome back Steve Downes and Jen Taylor, the voices of the Master Chief and Cortana. Halo events are always more special with these two in attendance and we’re very thankful to have them joining us once again for HaloWC.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HaloWC-Featured-Steve-Needler-1024x576.png" alt="Steve Downes and Jen Taylor at the Halo World Championship 2022" class="wp-image-74244" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HaloWC-Featured-Steve-Needler-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HaloWC-Featured-Steve-Needler-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HaloWC-Featured-Steve-Needler-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HaloWC-Featured-Steve-Needler-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HaloWC-Featured-Steve-Needler-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HaloWC-Featured-Steve-Needler.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Steve and Jen will only be in attendance Friday and Saturday of the event where they’ll be participating in fun panels on the Community Stage, signing sessions for all fans, as well as VIP-exclusive photo opportunities. We’ll be sharing their detailed schedule closer to the event date.



Thank you once again Steve and Jen, we can’t wait to see here in Seattle!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PARTNERED TEAM BOOTHS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/DD-HCS-KC-MAJOR-042922-091-1-X3-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-145744" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/DD-HCS-KC-MAJOR-042922-091-1-X3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/DD-HCS-KC-MAJOR-042922-091-1-X3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/DD-HCS-KC-MAJOR-042922-091-1-X3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/DD-HCS-KC-MAJOR-042922-091-1-X3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/DD-HCS-KC-MAJOR-042922-091-1-X3-1568x1046.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/DD-HCS-KC-MAJOR-042922-091-1-X3.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Last month we confirmed that both Spacestation and Shopify were going to have a booth at HaloWC, and this month we’re excited to confirm that Cloud9 will be representing in full force. The team at Cloud9 are eager to represent at HaloWC and are in the kitchen cooking up a great experience for fans in attendance. Keep a close eye on their <a href="https://x.com/Cloud9" data-type="link" data-id="https://x.com/Cloud9">channels</a> to see what they’re going to be bringing to the table!



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



To everyone competing this weekend at the HCS Major Salt Lake City this weekend, we wish you the best of luck. To see the latest, head to the official event page: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/ssg-major">https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/ssg-major</a>. 



We’ve got only two more majors on our road to the final HaloWC for Halo Infinite – may the best team win and we’ll see you in the arena!



Thanks,



Tashi

Tashi

Road to HaloWC 2025 – July

When HCS first started in 2014 we were competing on Halo 2: Anniversary which delivered our first season champions in Evil Geniuses along with so many historic moments. Just a year later, we moved onto Halo 5: Guardians which ushered in a new era of competition as well as the Halo World Championship format. And in 2021, the Halo Infinite launch brought Halo esports into a new echelon.



Over the next few months, the HCS will host the 2 planned Majors as well as the almost sold out and highly anticipated Halo World Championship on October 24-26. Once a world champion is crowned in October, the HCS will be retiring Halo Infinite from Official HCS Competition. This means we will still support Halo Infinite and the tournament scene in 2026, but HCS will be moving on from Halo Infinite for official competition following this year’s Halo World Championship.  



As the studio continues to shift more and more towards the next era of Halo, we feel this is the right time for Official HCS Competition to move on from Halo Infinite. Year 4 will be the final Official HCS events for Halo Infinite, and now’s your last chance to be part of this momentous chapter of Halo esports history.



In 2021 we launched with a Ranked playlist and tournament maps and modes, as well as observer mode, and partnered team cosmetics – all on Day 1. And that week we announced the full year roadmap with all LAN and online event dates and locations for all regions, with the first tournaments kicking off just 3 days after launch.



We put our all into it – and you all showed up.



To all the players, the fans, staff, and the partners that believed in Halo Infinite and kept supporting the game and HCS, we are deeply grateful for what has been a very special period in Halo’s rich 24-year franchise history.



HCS events have become an important gathering place for the whole community, as well as our studio and developers. You’ve made it all a place where no matter why you love Halo, you can feel at home and you’ve welcomed new Halo fans to HCS who maybe never followed competitive Halo in the past. For the studio, these experiences and lessons with you all have shaped us and the games, now and into the future.



And, now, we’re just a few months away from closing out the 4th year for Halo Infinite – the longest a single Halo esports title has held major competition. And after all this time, players continue to wow us and put on a show for the entire community, and the level of competition continues to rise. We’ve got a few more Major events and of course HaloWC 2025 where we will crown a final champion for Halo Infinite and celebrate the franchise we all love. At HaloWC we will also be crowning the MVP for Year 4, as well as the MVP for Halo Infinite’s entire HCS duration starting from 2021.



HCS Major Salt Lake City hosted by Spacestation Gaming – <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/ssg-major" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/ssg-major</a>



HCS Major Charlotte hosted by FaZe – <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/hcs-tickets#major3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/hcs-tickets#major3</a>



Halo World Championship 2025 – <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc2025</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT’S NEXT</h2>



Looking forward to 2026, while the studio is fully focused on the future of Halo, you can expect there to still be more online and on LAN competition for Halo Infinite. We will be supporting events with prizing and player travel, and even Halo 5 and MCC as we’ve done consistently via side events. We know the competitive Halo community just loves to play and compete, so we will still offer some light competition. And let’s not forget that 2026 is Halo’s 25th anniversary and we plan to celebrate the occasion in style with the whole community. Stay tuned to HaloWC this year where we’ll share the initial details of what’s to come.



So, when will Official HCS competition return for a new title? While we look forward to the day, it will not be in 2026. As always, we will keep the community up to date with the latest and expect another update from us on that front at some point late next year.



On behalf of the HCS team and the whole studio, thank you. We hope you’ll join us for these few historic months of Halo Infinite HCS competition!

Halo Infinite Esports Update

Community Spotlight

Mutinous Core

Spotlight: July 23, 2025

Forge Features

Community Cartography 037

Forge Features: July 16, 2025 

Click here to register for the next HCS tournament in your region.

HCS Points Leaderboards

Click here for full HCS points player leaderboards

NA Champions

NA Results

EU Champions

EU Results

MX Champions

MX Results

ANZ Champions

ANZ Results

The road to Salt Lake City is complete!



GGs to everyone who competed and congratulations to all teams who stamped their tickets to the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/ssg-major" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HCS SLC Major 2025</a> hosted by <a href="http://x.com/spacestation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spacestation</a>!



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">CONTENTS</h1>



<ul>
<li><a href="#next">Up Next</a></li>



<li><a href="#leaderboards">Leaderboards</a></li>



<li><a href="#na">NA Results</a></li>



<li><a href="#eu">EU Results</a></li>



<li><a href="#mx">MX Results</a></li>



<li><a href="#anz">ANZ Results</a></li>
</ul>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="next">UP NEXT: ROAD TO CHARLOTTE</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-1024x576.png" alt="HCS Open Series: Road to Charlotte" class="wp-image-145425" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>North America Starts @ 12p ET August 16-17: Open #1 August 23-24: Open #2 August 30-31: Open #3 September 6-7: Pool Play Qualifier</td><td>Europe Starts @ 12p BST August 17: Open #1 August 24: Open #2 August 31: Open #3 September 7: Pool Play Qualifier</td><td>Mexico Starts @ 12p CT August 17: Open #1 August 24: Open #2 August 31: Open #3 September 7: Open Bracket Qualifier</td><td>Australia / New Zealand Starts @ 12p AEST August 17: Open #1 August 24: Open #2 August 31: Open #3 September 7: Open Bracket Qualifier</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





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<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="leaderboards">Leaderboards</h1>



Regional Leaderboards following the HCS Open Series: Road to Salt Lake City.







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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="na">NA Results</h1>



<a href="http://x.com/complexity">Complexity</a> clinches the #5 seed heading into the Salt Lake City Major!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>SLC Qualifier: Champions Team: Complexity – Cherished – King Nick – Mental – RyaNoob</td><td>Week #3: Champions Team: OpTic Gaming – Bound – Formal – Lqgend – Renegade</td><td>Week #2: Champions Team: 007 – Bound – Cykul – Last Shot – Lqgend</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: 007 – Cykul – Frosty – Kuhlect – Lqgend</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>SLC Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/SLC25-na-qual" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKVzJoUZVoA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Qualifier / Day 1</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Llyt0BGu5xM" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Qualifier / Day 2</a></td><td>Week #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/SLC25-na-os3" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5_ty3NSO88" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #3 / Day 1</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSNOknfyOdM" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #3 / Day 2</a></td><td>Week #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/SLC25-na-os2" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=089yL89mPwU" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #2 / Day 1</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IsbEJS1Xvo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #2 / Day 2</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/SLC25-na-os1" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/kHkAeK2_7Uw?si=gBJj9kBp4LmMe6d1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #1 / Day</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQm87HAihM0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/kHkAeK2_7Uw?si=gBJj9kBp4LmMe6d1&t=4493" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJRFqF3KClo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #1 / Day 2</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="eu">EU Results</h1>



The #7 seed goes to <a href="http://x.com/nmss_gg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Team Nemesis</a>!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>SLC Qualifier: Champions Team: Team Nemesis – Glory – SLG – Snipedrone – Wutum</td><td>Week #3: Champions Team: Team Nemesis – Glory – SLG – Snipedrone – Wutum</td><td>Week #2: Champions Team: Team Nemesis – Glory – SLG – Snipedrone – Wutum</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: Zero Tenacity – Bastoss – Mighty – Sica – Tchik</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>SLC Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-eu-qual" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EuroHaloLeague</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2511283467" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Qualifier</a></td><td>Week #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-eu-os3" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EuroHaloLeague</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2499030690" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Open #3</a></td><td>Week #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-eu-os2" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EuroHaloLeague</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2492826325" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Open #2</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-eu-os1" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EuroHaloLeague</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2480410234" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Open #1</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="mx">MX Results</h1>



<a href="https://x.com/ETHRGaming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETHR Gaming</a> will represent Mexico in SLC as they battle through the Open Bracket!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>SLC Qualifier: Champions Team: ETHR Gaming – Acid – Drift – Tapping Buttons – Noblc</td><td>Week #3: Champions Team: ETHR Gaming – Acid – Drift – Tapping Buttons – Noblc</td><td>Week #2: Champions Team: ETHR Gaming – Acid – Drift – Tapping Buttons – Noblc</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: ETHR Gaming – Acid – Drift – Tapping Buttons – Leuor</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>SLC Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-mx-qual" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-mx-os3" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-mx-os2" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-mx-os1" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="anz">ANZ Results</h1>



Australia’s finest, <a href="https://x.com/Mindfreak" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mindfreak</a>, are ready to take on the SLC Open Bracket!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>SLC Qualifier: Champions Team: Mindfreak – Wryce – Swayz – Scoobmeistr – Barcode</td><td>Week #3: Champions Team: Mindfreak – Wryce – Swayz – Scoobmeistr – Barcode</td><td>Week #2: Champions Team: Mindfreak – Wryce – Swayz – Scoobmeistr – Plasma</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: Mindfreak – Wryce – Swayz – Plasma – Pipz</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>SLC Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-anz-qual" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-anz-os3" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-anz-os2" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-anz-os1" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Official HCS

HCS Open Series: Road to Salt Lake City (2025)

Fiction

Halo Studios

Halo: Moonrise Over Mombasa

Games

Halo Infinite

Play Halo Infinite now through August 5.

Operation: Reclaimer Out Now

The time has come – S&D Extraction has arrived in Halo Infinite and we’re going to breakdown what you can expect. Let’s jump right in.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="NEW Halo game mode: S&D Extraction - Play Now!" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oCQZwSkYTPk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT IS S&D EXTRACTION?</h1>



For the uninitiated, S&D Extraction (Seek and Deploy) is an all-new mode based on the classic tactical FPS genre.  



Here’s how it works:



<ul>
<li>Sandbox: All of your movement capabilities, shield health, weapon damage / traits are all the same and what you would expect out of Halo Infinite.</li>



<li>Round based: The mode is a Best of 11 rounds, where the first to win 6 rounds will claim victory in the match.</li>



<li>Extraction: In other tactical games players carry a bomb – well, in S&D Extraction there is no bomb, and instead you go to either A or B sites to plant the Extraction device. This means that anyone can plant on Offense and you don’t need to worry about who carries the bomb. </li>



<li>One sided: Each team will take turns on Offense and Defense. On Offense, your job is to plant the Extraction device and either eliminate everyone on Defense or successfully extract the device. On Defense, you have to stop the enemy team from planting either by wiping them out, stopping them from planting within the 90 second round, or “defusing” the Extraction device after it’s been planted. </li>



<li>Economy: Based on individual and team performance, each player will earn points that they can spend next round.  The more kills, assists, and round wins you get – the more points you get. </li>



<li>Custom Loadouts: While each player starts with Bandit Evo, you’ll have a chance at the beginning of each round to upgrade your loadout with the points you’ve earned including weapons, grenades, and equipment. Do you spend each round, or do you save your points for the big spend? Each round your items get reset, so only buy something if you know you’re going to use it. </li>



<li>Buy Back: Players with enough points can buy back into a round after they’ve died to provide reinforcements to the team in times of need. It’s expensive though so decide wisely and once you buy back, you’ll just have your Bandit Evo and won’t be able to buy anything else.</li>
</ul>



The entire mode was scripted in Forge, and Halo Studios hired none other than <a href="http://x.com/ArtificesLab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artifice</a> to make this design and vision come to life. Thank you, Artifice, for your hard work and masterful skill scripting in Forge.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-1-1024x576.png" alt="Spartan planting the Extraction device in S&D Extraction" class="wp-image-130172" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-1-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-1-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-1-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-1.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">PLAYLISTS</h1>



S&D Extraction will launch with two playlists:



<ul>
<li>Ranked </li>



<li>Social /Unranked</li>
</ul>



The Unranked playlist will be available for a limited time, and the Ranked playlist will become part of the monthly rotationals.



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">MAPS</h1>



The S&D Extraction playlists will launch with (6) total maps made exclusively for this mode.



For the first map titled Hangar 18, Halo Studios hired <a href="https://x.com/MikRips" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mikrips</a> from the community to design and art this amazing map. Thank you Mikrips for your work on this map and for your close partnership in designing and fine tuning this map from beginning to end.  



The remaining 5 maps were chosen from the finalists from the <a href="https://www.forgehub.com/events/contests/12631" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forgehub S&D Extraction contest</a> earlier this year. We want to thank the entire <a href="http://x.com/forgehub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forgehub</a> staff for running this competition, and of course matching our prize pool contributions. And thank you to the over 50 Forgers that submitted their maps into the contest after working so hard to complete their maps in time for the tight deadline. Thank you!  



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HANGAR 18 by MikRips</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hangar-18_2-1024x576.jpg" alt="Hangar 18 by MikRips" class="wp-image-143259" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hangar-18_2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hangar-18_2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hangar-18_2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hangar-18_2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hangar-18_2-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hangar-18_2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>





<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ABRASION by ExtraDot</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Abrasion-1024x576.jpg" alt="Abrasion by ExtraDot" class="wp-image-143217" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Abrasion-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Abrasion-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Abrasion-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Abrasion.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>





<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HOLLOWED by Zaddy Hammer</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hollowed-1024x576.jpg" alt="HOLLOWED by Zaddy Hammer" class="wp-image-143203" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hollowed-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hollowed-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hollowed-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hollowed.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>





<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FRACTURE by SilencerEU, UnknownEmerald, KatRatATat, Squally DaBeanz</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Fracture-1024x576.jpg" alt="FRACTURE by SilencerEU, UnknownEmerald, KatRatATat, Squally DaBeanz" class="wp-image-143189" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Fracture-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Fracture-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Fracture-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Fracture.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>





<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ELLIPSE by mysh0tisntsik</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Ellipse-1024x576.jpg" alt="ELLIPSE by mysh0tisntsik" class="wp-image-143175" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Ellipse-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Ellipse-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Ellipse-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Ellipse.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>





<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ASHORE by ADSR</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Ashore-1024x576.jpg" alt="ASHORE by ADSR" class="wp-image-143231" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Ashore-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Ashore-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Ashore-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Ashore.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>





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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">CONCLUSION</h1>



When we set out to make this mode, we wanted to make something new, competitive, and fun that Halo’s never had before. So while this won’t be featured on the mainstage in HCS, we hope that players have a blast and we can’t wait to see all the epic moments that come out of it! 



Enjoy! 



Thanks, 



Tashi

Halo Infinite: S&D Extraction (Seek and Deploy)

Book Preview

A new Halo short story anthology is on its way!



For almost three years, the series of online short stories known as “Waypoint Chronicles” have been released in support of Halo Infinite’s ongoing updates, notable game anniversaries, and even the odd Flood-infested Halloween special.



Coming in March 2026, all of these stories and more will be collected in the print edition of Halo: Waypoint Chronicles – Volume One.



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



Delve once more into stories of legendary heroism and star-spanning conflicts—from the time of the ancient Forerunners to the perils of a twenty-sixth century clash between the United Nations Space Command and the Banished alien alliance.   Halo: Waypoint Chronicles – Volume One collects over thirty short stories from all corners of the Halo universe, including twenty-four adventures previously only available online, plus ten brand-new tales exclusive to this collected volume! Also included are dozens of additional pieces of lore-laden intel items and story vignettes connected to the Halo Infinite game experience.



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



The cover art was made by Levi “Leviathan” Hoffmeier, who has previously contributed illustrations to the likes of the Halo Encyclopedia (2022) and Halo: Evolutions.



<a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Waypoint-Chronicles/Jeff-Easterling/Halo/9781668215227" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PRE-ORDER HALO: WAYPOINT CHRONICLES – VOLUME ONE</a> 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Waypoint-Chronicles/Jeff-Easterling/Halo/9781668215227"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1680" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/WaypointChroniclesVolumeOneSocialTall.jpg" alt="Halo: Waypoint Chronicles - Volume One cover art with mechanicals illustrated by Levi Hoffmeier depicting Despondent Pyre, a Promethean Knight, Ilsa Zane, a Flood-infected Spartan, Laurette Agryna, Escharum, Fahl 'Nto, and Jun-A266" class="wp-image-142567" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/WaypointChroniclesVolumeOneSocialTall.jpg 1080w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/WaypointChroniclesVolumeOneSocialTall-193x300.jpg 193w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/WaypointChroniclesVolumeOneSocialTall-658x1024.jpg 658w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/WaypointChroniclesVolumeOneSocialTall-768x1195.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/WaypointChroniclesVolumeOneSocialTall-987x1536.jpg 987w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></a></figure>



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT’S IN THE BOOK?</h2>



Waypoint Chronicles seek to provide greater texture to the grand tapestry of the Halo universe.



These stories explore concepts that have lived in the periphery of the franchise’s extensive lore, expanding on moments referenced or only glimpsed in the games, or simply spending more time with beloved characters in the gaps between their grand battles against overwhelming odds.



What does a typical day look like for the UNSC Spirit of Fire’s crew on the Ark, or the humans and Sangheili working together on Anvil Station? What did Noble Team look like before the fall of Reach when Thom-A293 and Rosenda-A344 were around? How does a Promethean Knight see the world? What happens when a Spartan is compromised and infected by the Flood? What are the Created up to in the wake of Cortana’s demise on Zeta Halo?



And, perhaps most importantly… what did the Master Chief and the Arbiter discuss after that legendary barbeque on Sanghelios at the end of Halo 5?



All this and more is explored within!



Included in this anthology are the following short stories from 2022-2025:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Vertical Umbrage</td><td>Winter Contention</td><td>Precipice</td><td>Duality</td></tr><tr><td>Sunrise on Sanghelios</td><td>Saturn Devouring His Son</td><td>Battle for the Blood-Moon</td><td>Trial of Reckoning</td></tr><tr><td>Hippocratica</td><td>Fireside</td><td>The Third Life</td><td>Anvil Accord</td></tr><tr><td>The Machine Breaks</td><td>Venezian Sonata</td><td>Age of Retribution</td><td>Whispers from the Pyre</td></tr><tr><td>From the Soil to the Stars</td><td>Tulpamancy</td><td>Battle for the Academy – Part 1</td><td>Battle for the Academy – Part 2</td></tr><tr><td>Moonrise Over Mombasa</td><td>‘Ghosts & Glass’ by B. Giraud</td><td>Ascension on Atropos</td><td>Fifth Canticle</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



There are also ten new short stories that will be added to this print anthology novel.



Further additional content includes all of the Halo Infinite Intel drops that spanned Season 2: Lone Wolves through Season 5: Reckoning, along with every Armory Infinitum entry from the last few years of Canon Fodder issues—micro-stories that detail a moment in time when the special weapons in Halo Infinite were used.



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



Published by Gallery Books and our friends over at Simon & Schuster, Halo: Waypoint Chronicles – Volume One is currently scheduled for release in March 2026.



Stay tuned as there are still four more Waypoint Chronicles to be released over the next few months, concluding in October with a story celebrating the tenth anniversary of Halo 5.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Waypoint-Chronicles/Jeff-Easterling/Halo/9781668215227"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2048" height="1420" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/WC_FullCover.jpg" alt="Full Halo: Waypoint Chronicles - Volume One cover art illustrated by Levi Hoffmeier depicting a Halo ring, a UNSC frigate, a Warthog driving past a Forerunner beam tower, Despondent Pyre, a Promethean Knight, Ilsa Zane, a Flood-infected Spartan, Laurette Agryna, Escharum, Fahl 'Nto, and Jun-A266" class="wp-image-142581" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/WC_FullCover.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/WC_FullCover-300x208.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/WC_FullCover-1024x710.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/WC_FullCover-768x533.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/WC_FullCover-1536x1065.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/WC_FullCover-1568x1087.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /></a></figure>

Halo: Waypoint Chronicles – Volume One | Cover Reveal

As part of our <a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubGiveaway">audiobook giveaway series</a> with Simon & Schuster, we’re inviting Halo fans to join a community book club in our <a href="https://discord.gg/halo">official Discord server</a>, where we’ll focus on a new novel from Halo’s expansive canon each month. Join the #audio-book-club channel to listen along!



This month’s book club title is Halo: Cryptum, the first entry of the Forerunner Saga penned by sci-fi pioneer Greg Bear. This novel details the Didact’s revival and tutelage of a young Forerunner manipular, leading up to a confrontation with his rival, the Master Builder. The audiobook edition of Halo: Cryptum is narrated by actor Holter Graham.



Listen to an exclusive excerpt from Halo: Cryptum below.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Cryptum | Audiobook Preview | Available Now from Simon & Schuster" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1s1mv_uiPrU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<a href="https://bit.ly/3FMiJND">Purchase your copy of Halo: Cryptum from Simon & Schuster.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PLOT PREVIEW</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Cryptum-686423b999de3-1024x1024.jpg" alt="The New York Times Bestselling Series: HALO: Cryptum. Hugo and Nebula Award Winner & New York Times Bestselling Author Greg Bear. Book One of the Forerunner Saga, Read by Holter Graham." class="wp-image-142705" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Cryptum-686423b999de3-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Cryptum-686423b999de3-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Cryptum-686423b999de3-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Cryptum-686423b999de3-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Cryptum-686423b999de3-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Cryptum-686423b999de3-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Cryptum-686423b999de3-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



After escaping an exile imposed by his father to be taught the discipline required to join his family’s prestigious Builder rate, a young Forerunner named Bornstellar-Makes-Eternal-Lasting embarks on an adventure in pursuit of ancient treasure from the long-vanished Precursors.



With two human companions as his guides, Bornstellar stumbles upon the resting place of an exiled Forerunner Warrior-Servant known as the Didact. Upon awakening, the Didact kidnaps the unlikely trio and sets out on a star-spanning search to learn what has happened in his thousand-year absence concerning the activities of his wife, the return of the Flood, and the nature of the ultimate weapon that will silence the galaxy—Halo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CHARACTER GUIDE</h2>



Learn more about the events of Halo: Cryptum with these brief character bios.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bornstellar-Makes-Eternal-Lasting</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="288" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Bornstellar-1024x288.jpg" alt="Bornstellar character banner" class="wp-image-142342" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Bornstellar-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Bornstellar-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Bornstellar-768x216.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Bornstellar.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



A wayward and incorrigible Forerunner youth, sent by his father to live among the Miners of Edom (Mars). After languishing there for three years, he escapes to nearby Erde-Tyrene (Earth) on the oddly rebellious advice of his personal ancilla, where the promise of treasure, glory, and adventure await.



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="288" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Chakas-1024x288.jpg" alt="Chakas character banner" class="wp-image-142356" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Chakas-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Chakas-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Chakas-768x216.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Chakas.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Beyond his prowess as a navigator of waters, Chakas proves especially perceptive to the motivations of those around him. The awakening of the Didact sets Chakas on a path to rediscover truths about the ancient space-faring human empire that was laid low in a cataclysmic war with the Forerunners.



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="288" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Riser-1024x288.jpg" alt="Riser character banner" class="wp-image-142426" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Riser-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Riser-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Riser-768x216.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Riser.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



A Florian (also known as a hamanune, or Homo foloresiensis), this “short fellow” bears a long name—Day-Chaser Makes Paths Long-stretch Morning Riser—and an equally stout pride for the works of his people. Possessed of great cheer, wisdom, and loyalty, even by the Didact’s estimation, this curious human represents the best of his species.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Didact</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="288" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Didact-1024x288.jpg" alt="Didact character banner" class="wp-image-142370" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Didact-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Didact-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Didact-768x216.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Didact.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Imprisoned in a Cryptum for his fervent opposition to the Halo Array’s construction, the Didact awakens from his imposed meditations and seeks to learn all that has transpired in his absence. While serving as the reluctant mentor to the young Forerunner who released him, he soon deduces that his wife, the Librarian, must have intended their meeting, setting them on a journey to find answers.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Librarian</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="288" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Librarian-1024x288.jpg" alt="Librarian character banner" class="wp-image-142398" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Librarian-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Librarian-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Librarian-768x216.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Librarian.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The visionary Forerunner Lifeshaper with a great affinity for humanity, the Librarian endowed her favored human subjects with genetic tendencies (geas) that would guide successive generations to eventual conclusions of her own design. She has purposefully manipulated the wayward Bornstellar into awakening her exiled husband—but to what end?



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Master Builder</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="288" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Faber-1024x288.jpg" alt="Master Builder Faber character banner" class="wp-image-142384" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Faber-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Faber-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Faber-768x216.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Faber.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Faber-of-Will-and-Might holds the title of Master Builder, positioning him as one of the most powerful Forerunners in the ecumene—and one of the most corrupt. In the aftermath of the war against humanity, preparations for the Flood’s inevitable return turn the Master Builder and the Didact into archrivals. Despite the Didact’s counterproposals, the Master Builder’s promises of glory and profit eventually culminate in the creation of the Halo rings.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mendicant Bias</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="288" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MendicantBias-1024x288.jpg" alt="Mendicant Bias character banner" class="wp-image-142412" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MendicantBias-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MendicantBias-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MendicantBias-768x216.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MendicantBias.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



An artificial intelligence co-created by the Didact and the Master Builder, and the most advanced ancilla ever devised. Medicant Bias was charged with assuming control over the protection of the ecumene in the Forerunners’ absence. However, after forty-three years of discourse with an ancient being known as the Primordial, Mendicant Bias defected and disappeared, taking an entire Halo installation—and the mysterious creature—with him for unknown purposes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE FORERUNNER SAGA</h2>



Halo: Cryptum is the first act of a three-part tale that culminates in the firing of the Halo rings.



This novel introduces the primary concept of the Mantle of Responsibility and fleshes out the culture of the proud, doomed Forerunner civilization, along with their connections to humanity. 



In the sequels Halo: Primordium and Halo: Silentium, we learn more about:



<ul>
<li>The Conservation Measure. A galaxy-spanning indexing process led by the Librarian that collected genetic information from countless species in order to reseed the galaxy with life after the activation of Halo. Through her testimonies, we also learn about her inquiries into the origins of the Flood and the revelations she uncovers on a voyage beyond the Milky Way galaxy.</li>



<li>Zeta Halo. The ancient ringworld that serves as a laboratory for horrific experiments with the Flood conducted on humans and Forerunners alike.</li>



<li>Chakas’s future. Formerly a con man and a small-time crook, Chakas had initially sought to rob the impressionable Bornstellar, in hopes of using the ill-gotten gains to reunite his family. He soon finds himself on an interstellar odyssey, exploring the ruins of humanity’s old empire, enduring the terrifying Palace of Pain, meeting the enigmatic being known as the Primordial, and how he becomes somebody who will play a pivotal role in the Master Chief’s journey a hundred thousand years later.</li>



<li>The Didact’s descent. Discovery, capture, and betrayal set the Didact on a dark path to madness as a cosmic game of vengeance nears its dire terminus.</li>
</ul>



Stay tuned to hear an exclusive excerpt from the sequel, Halo: Primordium, later this month!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">GAME CONNECTIONS</h2>



Halo: Cryptum occurs nearly 100,000 years before the events of Halo: Combat Evolved, in the declining Forerunner ecumene, where political turmoil in the wake of a costly war with humanity has left them exposed to a greater menace: the Flood.



This novel follows the story of the Didact and Bornstellar, two legendary Forerunners who have shaped events in the Milky Way for untold millennia. We learn more about the Librarian’s contributions to the preservation of all galactic life in the ensuing installments of the Forerunner Saga—and in Halo 4, where both the Didact and Librarian return for a new chapter in the Master Chief’s journey.



To learn more about the Halo novels, visit our <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/official-halo-book-guide">Official Halo Book Guide</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ABOUT THE READERS</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Holter Graham</h3>



Holter Graham is a stage, film, and television actor based in New York. He has also narrated over 200 audiobooks, including works by Stephen King, Nicholas Sparks, and prolific Halo writer Greg Bear, as well as several other works in the Halo series. <a href="https://bit.ly/3FMiJND">Reader of Halo: Cryptum.</a>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Timothy Dadabo</h3>



Timothy Dadabo is a prolific voice actor and singer. After appearing as 343 Guilty Spark in Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, and Halo 3, Tim once again lent his voice talents to the Halo universe as the audiobook narrator of Halo: Primordium, the second entry in Greg Bear’s Forerunner Saga, and Halo: Point of Light by Kelly Gay. <a href="https://bit.ly/44n5Gvh">Reader of Halo: Primordium.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AUDIOBOOK GIVEAWAY</h2>



Enter to win an audiobook copy of a new book-club title each month now through October! To participate, react to the Halo: Cryptum post in the #giveaways channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo">official Halo Discord server</a> before July 7.



Stay tuned<a> </a>to <a href="https://https/www.x.com/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Halo on X</a> later this month for more ways to win! <a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubGiveaway">See full contest rules and entry directions.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">JOIN THE BOOK CLUB</h2>



Listen to a new Halo title every month in our Discord book club! To participate, simply join the #audio-book-club channel of the <a href="https://discord.gg/halo">official Halo Discord server,</a> where we’ll select a new title from the Halo universe to discuss each month now through October.



Share your favorite moments and engage in discussion topics for a chance to find your words featured in an upcoming Halo Waypoint post! At the end of the month, we’ll host a special Spartan Chatter episode on Discord to discuss the audiobook and answer questions from the Halo community.



<a href="https://bit.ly/3FMiJND">Purchase your copy of Halo: Cryptum from Simon & Schuster.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS</h2>



Interested in catching up with the community audiobook club? Check out our recent <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-contact-harvest-spartan-chatter">Spartan Chatter blog</a> to read great submissions from Discord members about last month’s title, Halo: Contact Harvest.



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Audiobook Club: Cryptum