Community

Esports

Welcome back!  



The Halo World Championship is just two months away and we’ve still got even more things to reveal that we think you’ll love! But first, here are links to the other blogs if you’re looking to catch up: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-july">July 2025</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-june" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 2025</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-may" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May 2025</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-april">April </a><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-april" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2025</a></li>
</ul>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">TICKETING UPDATE</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/HaloWC25-May-Featured-1024x576.png" alt="Halo fans enjoying free-play at the Halo World Championship" class="wp-image-138536" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/HaloWC25-May-Featured-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/HaloWC25-May-Featured-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/HaloWC25-May-Featured-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/HaloWC25-May-Featured-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/HaloWC25-May-Featured-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/HaloWC25-May-Featured.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



At this point, HaloWC is now over 95% sold out and we are expecting a packed house like HaloWC’s never had before. 



If you haven’t picked up your ticket yet, at this rate you’ve only got a few more days before they’re gone.  



Also, we’ve seen some conversations around the idea of extra VIP tickets being put on sale which I’d like to address so there’s an official source of info. We will NOT be opening up additional VIP tickets for sale. While they sold out almost instantly and there’s definitely appetite for more – it’s important to us that we deliver a great experience for our existing group of VIP ticket holders before we expand it further.







<h1 class="wp-block-heading">HALO COMMUNITY STAGE</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HALOWC-George-1024x576.png" alt="Halo: Reach, George" class="wp-image-148134" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HALOWC-George-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HALOWC-George-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HALOWC-George-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HALOWC-George-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HALOWC-George-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HALOWC-George.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The Halo Community Stage is almost locked, but we’ve still got a gem for you all. Halo 5: Guardians is not the only game with an important anniversary taking place this year – we’re also going to be celebrating 15 years since Halo: Reach was released. A landmark game in the franchise, Reach introduced us to the amazing cast of characters that make up Noble Team and made us feel their sacrifice for the costly war against the Covenant.  



To relive the memories and hear untold development stories our very own <a href="https://x.com/ske7ch">Ske7ch</a> will be kicking it back with some of his old Bungie pals. 



Reach is near and dear to all of our hearts and really holds a special place in the Halo franchise so we’re all very excited for this panel. If you’ve got any questions – feel free to drop <a href="https://x.com/ske7ch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ske7ch</a> a line on X! 



In next month’s blog (which will be the last of the series) we’ll be sharing the full schedule for the Halo Community Stage so you’ll know when each panel will be going down! 



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">TEAM BOOTHS</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Booth-Experience-1024x576.png" alt="Partner Booths at the Halo World Championship" class="wp-image-141796" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Booth-Experience-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Booth-Experience-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Booth-Experience-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Booth-Experience-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Booth-Experience-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Booth-Experience.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



At this point we’ve confirmed that <a href="https://x.com/shopifyrebels">Shopify</a>, <a href="https://x.com/spacestation">Spacestation</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/cloud9">Cloud9</a> will have booths at HaloWC – and today we’re excited to confirm that <a href="https://x.com/tsm">TSM</a> will also be joining us onsite here in Seattle! 



In their booth you’ll be able to meet the players to get autographs and photos, and take part in giveaways going on throughout the weekend.



A big thank you to all of our partners for helping make this year’s HaloWC so special!



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">MAKER’S AND COSPLAY CONTESTS</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HaloWC-Cosplay-1024x576.png" alt="Halo cosplayers on the main stage at the Halo World Championship" class="wp-image-148176" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HaloWC-Cosplay-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HaloWC-Cosplay-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HaloWC-Cosplay-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HaloWC-Cosplay-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HaloWC-Cosplay-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HaloWC-Cosplay.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Today we’re also excited to open submissions and registration for the Halo Maker’s and Cosplay Contests at HaloWC.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CONTEST ENTRY</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://aka.ms/HaloWC-Cosplay-Contest" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aka.ms/HaloWC-Cosplay-Contest</a></li>



<li><a href="https://aka.ms/HaloWC-Makers-Contest" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aka.ms/HaloWC-Makers-Contest</a></li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CONTEST RULES</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://aka.ms/HaloWC-CosplayRules" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aka.ms/HaloWC-CosplayRules</a></li>



<li><a href="https://aka.ms/HaloWC-MakersRules" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aka.ms/HaloWC-MakersRules</a></li>
</ul>



If you’ve got any questions – don’t hesitate to reach out and ask!



Also for the maker’s contest explicitly, we’ve enlisted the help of <a href="https://x.com/nobleofdeath16">Jonah (NobleofDeath16)</a>, one of the 405th’s fearless leaders to ensure this is a smoothly run competition. If you’ve got any specific questions for Jonah, you can feel free to reach out to him.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">COMMUNITY MEETUPS</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-141768" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Like last year, the Community team will be hosting daily community meetups at the Halo World Championship! All fans in attendance are welcome to hang out with fellow Halo fans, show off their cosplay, play some games, be a part of group photos, and meet some folks at Halo Studios as well.  



The meet up schedule will be posted on the <a href="https://x.com/halo">Halo</a> social channels during the event itself so keep an eye out, and if you miss the announcements then be sure to visit the Info desk onsite for those details.  



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



We’re nearly at the finish line for the season as well as Halo Infinite for official HCS competition and we want to make sure that the HaloWC is as great of an event as fans expect it to be. The studio, alongside our partners, are working hard to deliver just that! Remember, we’re just a few more days away from selling this event out – thank you to everyone who’s purchased a ticket and we’ll see you all there! 



Thanks, 



Tashi

Tashi

Road to HaloWC 2025: August

Games

As HELLDIVERS 2 arrives on Xbox Series X|S, we’ve partnered with Arrowhead Studios to commemorate the occasion with a new, ODST-inspired Warbond.



<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="Helldivers 2 x Halo: ODST Legendary Warbond | PS5 & PC Games" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2O_9hwQ8jLw?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>



Starting today, HELLDIVERS 2 players on all platforms can purchase the HELLDIVERS 2 x Halo: ODST Legendary Warbond, containing two ODST armor sets, UNSC-themed capes, “green and mean” vehicle patterns, and weapons inspired by the iconic armaments of Halo 3: ODST.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT THE “HELL?”</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-scaled.jpg" alt="Two Helldivers clasp hands in a ruined city. They wear the A-35 Recon and A-9 Helljumper ODST armor sets." class="wp-image-147537" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



By an absurd twist of fate, the similarly named Obedient Democracy Support Troopers (also known in their universe as “Helljumpers”) are the stars of a beloved animated series on one of Super Earth’s most popular state-sanctioned broadcasts.



This Legendary Warbond gives Helldivers the chance to live out the cartoon heroes’ most patriotic exploits! <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/08/19/helldivers-2-halo-odst-crossover-warbond-xbox-launch/">Read more at Xbox Wire.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">INTO THE UNJUST</h2>



<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="Helldivers 2 - Into the Unjust Deep Dive" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dJi8VsvnkoE?start=298&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>



Check out this video from Arrowhead Studios for a closer look at the Legendary Warbond and all the Halo-inspired weaponry arriving in the HELLDIVERS 2 Into the Unjust update.



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



Ready to dive feet-first into game dev? Watch the latest <a href="https://www.youtu.be/CxUOcdLBl9g">Official Xbox Podcast</a> video to hear Halo Studios and Arrowhead Studios developers explain the story behind this orbital hot-drop.

Mutinous Core

Available now on all platforms.

HELLDIVERS 2 x Halo: ODST Warbond

Click here for more details on the HCS Open Series

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

Hey everyone, earlier this month we announced changes to the HCS map pool, and we’d like to go into a bit more detail on the thought process for those changes along with providing an update on Neutral Bomb in Ranked/HCS.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Map Pool</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Lattice_Watermarked-1024x576.png" alt="Lattice map. A green crystal emanates light from a pedestal in an industrial research laboratory. Electricity links two severed halves of the large, green shard." class="wp-image-146036" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Lattice_Watermarked-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Lattice_Watermarked-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Lattice_Watermarked-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Lattice_Watermarked-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Lattice_Watermarked-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Lattice_Watermarked.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



While adding Lattice KotH, Oddball and Strongholds, we removed Solitude KotH and Streets Oddball. Over time, the map pool has increased and increased without much removal. Players have long been asking for a new asymmetrical competitive map. We’re excited for Lattice to freshen up the meta and strengthen the quality of our asymmetrical objective suite as well – something that we feel has plateaued. And with the addition of a new map, we knew that some shuffling was needed. The quantity was already higher than desired by both players and HCS alike so to keep the balance per mode reasonable, we felt it was best to remove 1 KotH and 1 Oddball. When surveying Ranked players, Live Fire and Recharge both score better as competitive maps than Solitude and Streets, so while it wasn’t an easy decision, we felt removing those kept the map pool its strongest. 



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Assault Update</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Aquarius-Assault-1024x576.png" alt="Aquarius Neutral Assault returns" class="wp-image-147935" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Aquarius-Assault-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Aquarius-Assault-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Aquarius-Assault-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Aquarius-Assault-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Aquarius-Assault-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Aquarius-Assault.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Regarding Assault, as shared earlier Neutral Bomb had a bug resulting in the mode being removed from HCS and Arena temporarily. This bug has been fixed, and you will see Neutral Bomb return to Ranked today. Since the temporary removal, we’ve seen the negative response to Fortress Bomb and while there are still some that enjoy it, we will be removing it from both Ranked Arena and HCS. Aquarius Bomb will be returning to Ranked today and HCS play beginning this weekend. Thanks everyone for continuing to voice that feedback! 



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Moving Forward</h1>



The gametypes that you will see in the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/open-series" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HCS Open Series</a> this weekend will also be the gametypes played through the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/faze-major" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HCS Charlotte Major</a> and the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/esports/halowc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Halo World Championship</a> in October. 



We’ll see you there!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-Dates-1024x576.png" alt="HCS Open Series: Road to Charlotte - Compete Now!" class="wp-image-147921" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-Dates-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-Dates-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-Dates-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-Dates-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-Dates-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-Dates.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>

Official HCS

Ranked and HCS Map Pool Update

Click here to create an account on FACEIT.

Click here for the full HCS Points Leaderboards.

Click here for more details about the HCS Charlotte Major 2025

Click here to see the HCS 2025 Code of Conduct

HCS Points Leaderboards

Click here for full HCS points player leaderboards

NA Champions

NA Results

The race to the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/faze-major" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HCS Charlotte Major</a> has begun!



The HCS Open Series returns as players in all regions battle it out in weekly tournaments for their chance to compete live in Charlotte NC on October 3-5.



Have what it takes to claim glory?



<ul>
<li>Register for free & Compete for Cash.</li>



<li>Climb the HCS Leaderboards.</li>



<li>Qualify for LAN.</li>
</ul>



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="#dates">Tournament Dates</a> <a href="#qualifiers">Major Qualifiers</a> <a href="#compete">How to Compete</a> <a href="#leaderboards">Leaderboards</a></td><td><a href="#na">NA Results</a> <a href="#eu">EU Results</a> <a href="#mx">MX Results</a> <a href="#anz">ANZ Results</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="dates">Road to Charlotte – Tournament Dates</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HCS-Open-Series-Road-to-Charlotte-Dates-1024x576.png" alt="HCS Open Series: Road to Charlotte" class="wp-image-146873" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HCS-Open-Series-Road-to-Charlotte-Dates-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HCS-Open-Series-Road-to-Charlotte-Dates-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HCS-Open-Series-Road-to-Charlotte-Dates-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HCS-Open-Series-Road-to-Charlotte-Dates-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HCS-Open-Series-Road-to-Charlotte-Dates-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HCS-Open-Series-Road-to-Charlotte-Dates.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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





<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="qualifers">Charlotte Major Qualifiers</h2>



Following the HCS Open Series, teams from all regions will battle it out in their respective Charlotte Major Qualifiers for Pool Play seeds and/or Travel Coverage to compete in the Open Bracket!



<ul>
<li>Free to Enter</li>



<li>Double Elimination</li>



<li>NA/EU Prize: Pool Play Seeds, HCS Points, & Travel Coverage</li>



<li>MX/ANZ Prize: HCS Points & Travel Coverage</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">POOL PLAY QUALIFICATION</h3>



<ul>
<li>NA Charlotte Qualifier: Top 4</li>



<li>NA HCS Point Totals: Top 2 (After Qualifier)</li>



<li>EU Charlotte Qualifier: Top 1</li>



<li>EU HCS Point Totals: Top 1 (After Qualifier)</li>
</ul>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SLC25-OS-OpTic-Renegade-Popoff-1024x576.png" alt="OpTic Gaming's Renegade, celebrating after a map win." class="wp-image-139415" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SLC25-OS-OpTic-Renegade-Popoff-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SLC25-OS-OpTic-Renegade-Popoff-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SLC25-OS-OpTic-Renegade-Popoff-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SLC25-OS-OpTic-Renegade-Popoff-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SLC25-OS-OpTic-Renegade-Popoff-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SLC25-OS-OpTic-Renegade-Popoff.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="compete">HOW TO COMPETE</h1>



Want to see how you stack up against players in your region? Follow the steps below and prove you have what it takes to claim glory!



STEP 1: Create FACEIT Account Official HCS tournaments take place over at FACEIT. You will need to create an account and link it with your Halo Gamertag.





STEP 2: Sign up for the next tournament. Assemble your squad and register for FREE in your region. Your teammates will also need FACEIT accounts to join your team!





STEP 3: Climb the HCS Points Leaderboard. Compete for Cash Prizes as you climb the HCS Points Leaderboards ahead of the LAN Qualifiers.





STEP 4: Qualify for LAN. Place well in the LAN Qualifiers or stack up enough HCS Points and secure Travel Coverage to compete live at the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/faze-major">HCS Charlotte Major</a>!





<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="handbook">Player Handbook & Code of Conduct</h2>







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



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



Regional Leaderboards following Week 2 of the HCS Open Series: Road to Charlotte.







<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Charlotte Pool Play Breakdown</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Pool-Play-PRE-Logic-WAYPOINT-1024x576.png" alt="HCS Charlotte Major 2025 - Pool Play Breakdown" class="wp-image-147492" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Pool-Play-PRE-Logic-WAYPOINT-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Pool-Play-PRE-Logic-WAYPOINT-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Pool-Play-PRE-Logic-WAYPOINT-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Pool-Play-PRE-Logic-WAYPOINT-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Pool-Play-PRE-Logic-WAYPOINT-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Pool-Play-PRE-Logic-WAYPOINT.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



NOTE: The following teams have qualified for Pool Play at the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/faze-major">HCS Charlotte Major</a> via placements at <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/ssg-major" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HCS Salt Lake City 2025</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>1st Place <a href="http://x.com/shopifyrebels">Shopify Rebellion</a> – CykuL – Frosty – Last Shot – Royal2</td><td>2nd Place <a href="http://x.com/optic">OpTic Gaming</a> – Bound – FormaL – Lqgend – Reengade</td><td>3rd Place <a href="http://x.com/fazeesports">FaZe Clan</a> – Lucid – Pznguin – Trippy – SnakeBite</td><td>4th Place <a href="http://x.com/spacestation">Spacestation</a> – Eco – Falcated – StelluR – Suppressed</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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



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



The <a href="http://x.com/optic">OpTic</a> squad goes back-2-back on the Road to Charlotte!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Week #2: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/optic">OpTic Gaming</a> – FormaL – Bound – SnakeBite (Sub for Renegade) – Lqgend</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/optic">OpTic Gaming</a> – FormaL – Bound – Renegade – Lqgend</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Week #2 Results <a href="http://aka.ms/CLT25-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=qLE1ORz5FA4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #2 / 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=JtPWFqeR8Nk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #2 / Day 2</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/CLT25-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/watch?v=T0UwSEEYJ98" 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=Ev-2C_yCHHQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #1 / Day 2</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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



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



Europe belongs to <a href="http://x.com/nmss_gg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Team Nemesis</a> as they secure Week 2!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Week #2: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/nmss_gg">Team Nemesis</a> – Glory – SLG – Snipedrone – Wutum</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/nmss_gg">Team Nemesis</a> – Glory – SLG – Snipedrone – Wutum</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Week #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/clt25-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/2548451743" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Open #2</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/clt25-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/2542413724" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Open #1</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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



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



<a href="http://x.com/akaveesports">Akave Esports</a> resets the bracket and secures Week 2 in Mexico!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Week #2: Champions Team: Akave Esports – Magico – Acid – Drift – Noblc</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: Akave Esports – Magico – Acid – Drift – Noblc</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Week #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/clt25-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/clt25-mx-os1" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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



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



Team <a href="https://x.com/Mindfreak" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mindfreak</a> keeps the ANZ region on lock!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Week #2: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/mindfreak">Mindfreak</a> – Barcode – Swayz – Scoobmeistr – Wryce</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/mindfreak">Mindfreak</a> – Barcode – Swayz – Scoobmeistr – Wryce</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Week #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/clt25-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/clt25-anz-os1" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

HCS Open Series: Road to Charlotte – Compete Now!

Click here to purchase tickets to the HCS Charlotte Major 2025

Click here to purchase a Team Pass to the HCS Charlotte Major 2025

Click here to see Rules for the HCS Charlotte Major 2025

HCS Charlotte Major 2025 (October 3-5) Buy Tickets Now!

Click here to purchase tickets to the HCS Charlotte Major

Click here to purchase a Team Pass for the HCS Charlotte Major

Click here to see more details for the HCS Charlotte Major 2025

Click here to register for the HCS Open Series

Click here to see more details for the HCS Open Series.

Click here to view the Open Bracket results from the HCS Salt Lake City Major 2025

HCS SLC 2025 - Halo Infinite FFA

Shopify Rebellion are your HCS SLC 2025 Champions!

Fiction

You are what you dare.



As part of the ongoing <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/audiobook-club">Audiobook Club in partnership with Simon & Schuster</a>, we joined up with Franchise writer Alex ‘Haruspis’ Wakeford and special guest Chloe Bear to reflect on the late Greg Bear’s novel, Halo: Cryptum.



<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="Spartan Chatter: Cryptum" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YvkBkzx0BGc?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>



If you want to explore the Forerunner origins, learn more about Bornstellar, Chakas, and discover the Didact, <a href="https://bit.ly/3FMiJND">grab your own copy of the audiobook today</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Looking Ahead</h2>



Next up is Matt Forbeck’s novella, Halo: New Blood.



While Spartans get all the glory, no soldier―not even the legendary Master Chief―wins a war on his own. Gunnery Sergeant Edward Buck and his team of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers (ODSTs) played a major role in saving Earth from all-out invasion at the end of the Covenant War―acts of bravery and ingenuity that did not go unnoticed by the United Nations Space Command.



Now, after many Spartans have been killed in battle and the Master Chief is listed as MIA, the UNSC decides to create a new generation of Spartans to defend humanity from threats both outside―and within. When they come to Buck with an extraordinary proposition, he is forced to make a life-altering decision. With the Covenant War finally over, is it time for him to retire to the sidelines for a life he could only dream about…or is he prepared to step up and become part of the military’s new blood?



We’ll see you at the end of the month for the next episode of Spartan Chatter!



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



Catch up on the community book club with great shouts from folks in our <a href="https://discord.gg/halo">official Discord server</a>!



<ul>
<li>Gamehero24: Excited to join! I’m going to go back to June to catch up so I can dive in on this next!</li>



<li>Attorney: Personally, Forerunners are the most fascinating aspect of Halo. Gives me vibes of how the European generations that grew up after the fall of the Western Roman Empire marveled at these structures and technologies that were far beyond their own capabilities and wondered about this advanced civilization which came before and built them.</li>



<li>Cydon505: This book, and entire trilogy by extension, are the best stories in the entire Halo franchise, hands down. I love the cosmic horror elements of this book and the inevitable tragedy of the Forerunners’ fate as the overwhelming forces of the Flood close in. I reread this trilogy probably about once a year it’s just so good.</li>



<li>DDog Dazamaan: Definitely found this book hard to get through on my first read; I wasn’t much of a reader, and generally had a difficult time wrapping my head around the concept of greater tech 100,000 years ago while the humans are almost cavemen-like. I’m enjoying it much more on this rereading, especially Riser!</li>



<li>Almond: I get so much more from the book now that time has passed to make more connections.</li>



<li>pins before posting: There is something so different about these books, a type of different alien wonder.</li>



<li>Aaron: I think this book improves on repeat reading. The first time I read it I found it quite challenging as it’s essentially a whole new universe to learn and doesn’t have the familiar qualities of previous Halo books. However, as I’ve become more familiar with the characters, species, and politics of that era, I’ve enjoyed revisiting this book. Also, I love the new artwork that’s been made for this month and last month’s audiobook previews! Definitely looking forward to more of them with the next book clubs.</li>



<li>Austin @ JumperScape: So glad we’re going over Cryptum. The Forerunner trilogy of books from Greg Bear are some of my favorite reads in the whole book series.</li>



<li>JimFrigginLahey: Honestly that was such a great read. I immediately picked up Primordium after I closed the last page of Cryptum. I’ve only read the first chapter but I’m excited to catch back up with Bornstellar…</li>



<li>GuyverTron: I love these Forerunner books so much. They have been called the “Dune of the Halo universe” for a reason. Every time I read them I pick up a detail I missed on previous reads. For instance, the end of chapter describes the remnants of where the Star Roads connected to the surface of this world.</li>



<li>faded_scope: Just finished this one and definitely going to need another few listens to fully comprehend it all! Really enjoyed the perspective shifts and felt it worked really well, given it was “two characters” built into the same perspective at certain points.</li>
</ul>



We’ll see you at the end of the month to discuss Halo: New Blood!

Spartan Chatter: Cryptum

Click here to purchase Tickets to the HCS Charlotte Major 2025

Click here to purchase a Team Pass for the HCS Charlotte Major 2025

Click here to purchase Tickets to the Halo World Championship 2025

The 2025 HCS Season is in full swing!



Don’t miss your chance to join us live – tickets to the remaining 2025 LAN events are available now!



Checkout the page below for more details, and be sure to follow <a href="http://x.com/hcs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@HCS</a> on socials to stay up to date!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/2025-HCS-Roadmap-CLT25-WAYPOINT-1024x576.png" alt="HCS 2025 Season - Buy Tickets Now at halo.gg/tickets" class="wp-image-147474" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/2025-HCS-Roadmap-CLT25-WAYPOINT-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/2025-HCS-Roadmap-CLT25-WAYPOINT-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/2025-HCS-Roadmap-CLT25-WAYPOINT-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/2025-HCS-Roadmap-CLT25-WAYPOINT-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/2025-HCS-Roadmap-CLT25-WAYPOINT-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/2025-HCS-Roadmap-CLT25-WAYPOINT.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/optic-major" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Major #1</a></td><td><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/dh-dallas-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DH Open</a></td><td><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/ssg-major" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Major #2</a></td><td><a href="#major3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Major</a><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/faze-major" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="#major3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#3</a></td><td><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/esports/halowc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HaloWC</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>









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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="major3">Up Next: HCS Charlotte Major 2025 (Hosted by FaZe Clan)</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HCSCharlotte2025-VisID-BROADCAST-1024x576.png" alt="HCS Charlotte Major 2025 Hosted by FaZe Clan - October 3-5, Charlotte,Convention Center" class="wp-image-147206" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HCSCharlotte2025-VisID-BROADCAST-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HCSCharlotte2025-VisID-BROADCAST-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HCSCharlotte2025-VisID-BROADCAST-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HCSCharlotte2025-VisID-BROADCAST-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HCSCharlotte2025-VisID-BROADCAST-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HCSCharlotte2025-VisID-BROADCAST.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The HCS returns to North Carolina with the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/faze-major" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HCS Charlotte Major</a> hosted by <a href="http://x.com/fazeesports">FaZe Clan</a>!



Be sure to follow <a href="http://x.com/hcs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@HCS</a> and <a href="http://x.com/fazeesports" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@FaZeEsports</a> to be notified when Team Passes go on sale!



<ul>
<li>October 3-5</li>



<li>Charlotte, NC</li>



<li><a href="https://www.charlottemeetings.com/charlotte-convention-center" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charlotte Convention Center</a></li>



<li>Prizing: $250,000+</li>
</ul>









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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="halowc25">Halo World Championship 2025</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1-1024x576.png" alt="Halo World Championship 2025. October 24-26. Seattle Convention Center." class="wp-image-129060" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



October 24-26, the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/esports/halowc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Halo World Championship</a> is once again coming home to Seattle, Washington!



The Halo World Championship will determine not only who gets the lion’s share of the $1,000,000 prize pool but, more importantly, the title of the best Halo team in the entire world! And once again, the HaloWC is the home for all fans in the Halo community, not just HCS fans. You can expect the triumphant return of the Community Stage with special guests and dev panels galore, as well as fun festival-like activities for everyone to enjoy.  We’re also working on introducing some new elements to HaloWC as well as working on layout design changes to spice things up compared to prior years. We hope to see you there!



<ul>
<li>October 24-26</li>



<li>Seattle, WA</li>



<li>Seattle Convention Center</li>



<li>Prizing: $1,000,000+</li>
</ul>