Canon Fodder

Community

Alex Wakeford

Issue 143

Canon Fodder: Digsite Dissection

Digsite Screenshots

Community Update

Outcast Outings

Petals and Power Armor

Cultured Cosplay

Framed Figures

Chibi Champions

Community Spotlight

Tenrai Triumphs

Spotlight: July 25, 2023

Book Preview

Fiction

Meeting the Oath Warden

Halo: Outcasts – Preview 2

Forge Features

Welcome to the latest in Community Cartography! Forgers continue to forge ahead and turn out incredible creations, and they’re only getting even more ambitious. Let’s check out some blasts from the past and something else that will surely blast your socks off!



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THE SILENT CARTOGRAPHER Credits: Nilphz, Rafita Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/503004d3-8f71-4481-8d64-bc61923f0c68">The Silent Cartographer</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/503004d3-8f71-4481-8d64-bc61923f0c68"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/TheSilentCartographer.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of The Silent Cartographer recreated in Forge" class="wp-image-74333" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/TheSilentCartographer.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/TheSilentCartographer-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/TheSilentCartographer-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/TheSilentCartographer-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/TheSilentCartographer-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/TheSilentCartographer-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Did someone call for a throwback? Head back to Halo’s roots and explore The Silent Cartographer again. Do you remember your way to the map room?



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DEATH ISLAND EVOLVED Credits: D0ctorSmurf, Virus11010, Its L0L0, Mr Kwatz, Okom1, Mr IncrediJON, Darth Draius, xXLethalAntXx, ShadowPandah Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/f6964687-52ea-4269-b34e-445c2446b3e2">Death Island Evolved</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/f6964687-52ea-4269-b34e-445c2446b3e2"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DeathIslandEvolved.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Death Island Evolved remade in Forge" class="wp-image-74277" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DeathIslandEvolved.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DeathIslandEvolved-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DeathIslandEvolved-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DeathIslandEvolved-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DeathIslandEvolved-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DeathIslandEvolved-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Same song, slightly different verse. If you have a slight sense of déjà vu here, that’s because Death Island is another throwback to Halo: CE (for PC) that’s got roots in Silent Cartographer. Keep your wits about you, you never know where the enemy will be.



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FORMIDABLE Credits: Aw Lost Soldier Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/3deef5b7-ce41-4a75-a851-8804a403d021">Formidable</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/3deef5b7-ce41-4a75-a851-8804a403d021"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/Formidable.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Formidable artistic map made in Forge" class="wp-image-74305" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/Formidable.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/Formidable-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/Formidable-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/Formidable-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/Formidable-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/Formidable-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



If you didn’t know just how formidable the power of Halo Infinite’s Forge is, this will give you just a glimpse of what’s possible. Jump in and be blinded by its majesty as you gaze upon this demo from your front row seat.



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LOAF’S SCROLLING ROCKETS Credits: Paul Wall Babyy Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/12b74b2b-c44b-4139-9cdf-51b477117636">Loaf’s Scrolling Rockets</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/e0439294-c919-4a62-9e6f-e5ef980881b4">Gamemode</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/12b74b2b-c44b-4139-9cdf-51b477117636"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/ScrollingRockets.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Loaf's Scrolling Rockets made in Forge" class="wp-image-74319" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/ScrollingRockets.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/ScrollingRockets-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/ScrollingRockets-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/ScrollingRockets-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/ScrollingRockets-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/ScrollingRockets-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



This map/mode answers everyone’s age old question… What if Halo were an explosive side<ins>–</ins>scroller? Grab your friends and get ready to have a rockin’ good time!



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">COMMUNITY CREATIONS</h3>



Forge is a very powerful too<ins>l,</ins> but it can also definitely be a bit overwhelming for those just looking to dip their toes in. (I am one of those that feels out of my depth with Forge!) If you want to learn the basics of scripting for Forge, let <a href="https://twitter.com/VidGamesPete">VidGamesPete</a> give you a hand.



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Forge Scripting Basics - Lists" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dIP7LyBT1AE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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That wraps up this edition of Forge Features. Whether you decide to take a walk down memory lane, have a good ol’ customs night with your friends, or give scripting a whirl, there’s plenty to check out.



We’ll see you next time!

snickerdoodle

Community Cartography 014

Forge Features: July 21, 2023

The Arbiter returns!

Halo: Outcasts – Preview 1

Games

Halo Infinite

Tenrai has returned to Halo Infinite!



Tenrai II is an event for all players that runs for two weeks and features a free 10-tier Event Pass, featuring new samurai-themed customization content.



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Tenrai II Launch Trailer | Season 4: Infection | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ckSaUbTV7ns?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Let’s take a look at the gifts that await honorable warriors…



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TENRAI II: SAMURAI BOOGALOO</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2160" height="2160" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S4_TENRAI_2_REWARDS_2160x2160_RGB.jpg" alt="The reward track for the Tenrai 2 event. Includes three weapon coatings, yoroi armor pieces and weapons charms plus a backdrop and alternative geo for the A R. " class="wp-image-73638" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S4_TENRAI_2_REWARDS_2160x2160_RGB.jpg 2160w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S4_TENRAI_2_REWARDS_2160x2160_RGB-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S4_TENRAI_2_REWARDS_2160x2160_RGB-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S4_TENRAI_2_REWARDS_2160x2160_RGB-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S4_TENRAI_2_REWARDS_2160x2160_RGB-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S4_TENRAI_2_REWARDS_2160x2160_RGB-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S4_TENRAI_2_REWARDS_2160x2160_RGB-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S4_TENRAI_2_REWARDS_2160x2160_RGB-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2160px) 100vw, 2160px" /></figure>



From July 18 to August 1, the Tenrai II event will be active.



This is a free event that anybody can jump into; you can progress your Event Pass by completing Event Challenges, unlocking customization rewards to outfit your YOROI armor, weapons (including a new Tenrai-themed weapon kit for your MA40 Assault Rifle), and Spartan ID.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SHOP & ULTIMATE REWARD</h2>



SHOP: DRAGONBORN BUNDLE



Available in the Shop this week is the Dragonborn bundle, a new super bundle (like Hazmat Haven) which packages together three individual bundles at a discount.



You can purchase each individual bundle separately, but getting it all together will additionally unlock an exclusive Mythic Effect Set and the Dragonborn Noble shoulders.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/2023_0611-StoreSocial-Dragonborn-16x9-R03-1.jpg" alt="The Dragonborn bundle includes three separate bundles plus exclusive bonus content." class="wp-image-73652" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/2023_0611-StoreSocial-Dragonborn-16x9-R03-1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/2023_0611-StoreSocial-Dragonborn-16x9-R03-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/2023_0611-StoreSocial-Dragonborn-16x9-R03-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/2023_0611-StoreSocial-Dragonborn-16x9-R03-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/2023_0611-StoreSocial-Dragonborn-16x9-R03-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/2023_0611-StoreSocial-Dragonborn-16x9-R03-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



ULTIMATE REWARD



Complete all your challenges for the week and you’ll unlock this week’s Ultimate Reward: The Highlit Steel armor coating for your YOROI armor.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HighlitSteel_Yoroi_ArmorCoating_S4_Ultimate_16x9.jpg" alt="The blue and yellow highlit steel coating for the Yoroi Armor is the ultimate reward. " class="wp-image-73666" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HighlitSteel_Yoroi_ArmorCoating_S4_Ultimate_16x9.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HighlitSteel_Yoroi_ArmorCoating_S4_Ultimate_16x9-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HighlitSteel_Yoroi_ArmorCoating_S4_Ultimate_16x9-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HighlitSteel_Yoroi_ArmorCoating_S4_Ultimate_16x9-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HighlitSteel_Yoroi_ArmorCoating_S4_Ultimate_16x9-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HighlitSteel_Yoroi_ArmorCoating_S4_Ultimate_16x9-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TENRAI III</h2>



While Tenrai II spans the next two weeks, we will have another YOROI-centric event this season. Tenrai III will arrive on September 19, which will bring with it another free 10-tier Event Pass with even more customization content for you to earn.



Tenrai III will also see the release of a new Story Shard connected to this samurai-inspired take on the Halo universe, so stay tuned!



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The time has now come Step onto the battlefield And fight with honor.

Tenrai II Event Launch

Esports

Welcome to the latest Spartan Chatter!



In this episode, we were joined by the Halo Esports and Viewership lead, Tashi Hasandjekic himself! We chatted with him about the Ranked experience in Halo Infinite and answered some of your questions along the way. 



Some of the highlights include, but are not limited to: 



<ul><li>Ranked Doubles rotating into matchmaking July 18</li><li>Introduction of Ranked Tactical Slayer (Yes, it’s happening!)</li><li>Ranked playlist rotation philosophy</li><li> Catalyst will be returning to Ranked Arena with updated weapon layouts later this month </li><li>Arena vs HCS: Why do we have both? </li><li> Review of player feedback that’s on the active investigation checklist </li><li>What to expect from HCS Salt Lake City, hosted by Spacestation Gaming (Hint: A lot of fun!)</li></ul>



Be sure to tune in and catch the full episode!



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Spartan Chatter: Ranked Matchmaking" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fQn8wuvz6P0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Spartan Chatter is an audio series, a podcast if you will, hosted on our <a href="https://discord.gg/Halo">official Halo Discord</a> which brings members of the studio together to discuss all things Halo with a live audience. 



You can find previous episodes of Spartan Chatter on our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SWLEPaTx4c&list=PLn5QvCoiY3w7t84T_MFkGl8qvYI_q148-">YouTube channel’s Podcasts page</a> and on our Discord server.



Episode 1: Forge & Multiplayer with Michael Schorr <a href="https://youtu.be/7QNHxDg0c9A">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/471730128335142912/1104135351133552664">Discord</a>



Episode 2: Infection, Season 4, & Career Rank with Sean Baron <a href="https://youtu.be/4SWLEPaTx4c">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/471730128335142912/1109279140449894501">Discord</a>



<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/DiscordRankedScreen-1024x576.jpg" alt="A Spartan with Halo Discord channel overlay over it" class="wp-image-73590" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DiscordRankedScreen-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DiscordRankedScreen-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DiscordRankedScreen-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DiscordRankedScreen-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DiscordRankedScreen-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DiscordRankedScreen.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Keep an eye on our <a href="https://twitter.com/Halo">Twitter</a> and our <a href="https://discord.gg/Halo">Discord server</a> to be the first to know about future Spartan Chatter installments so you can mark your calendars and join in when they happen!

Ranked Experience | Spartan Chatter

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Cutting Room MORE!

Digsite Discoveries | Halo: MCC

With the HCS 2023 Season at its half waypoint and Season 4 of Halo Infinite having just released, we’re making some adjustments to the gameplay meta and map rotation. 



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



As seen in matchmaking since Season 4 released, the new equipment Quantum Translocator and Threat Seeker have entered the scene on various maps. These were not utilized at the HCS Major Arlington but are now in effect and will be used at all upcoming tournaments including the next event on August 4-6 at the HCS Global Invitational hosted by Spacestation Gaming.



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



Additionally, Season 4 has brought Solitude, the remake of the fan-favorite Halo 5 map, Plaza. Effective immediately Solitude is in the Official HCS map rotation for tournament play with the following modes:



<ul><li>Slayer</li><li>Strongholds</li><li>King of the Hill</li></ul>



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



For the map rotation, it’s important that we’re not just adding but removing at the same time in order to maintain a healthy number of map and mode combinations in the rotation. If there are too many, then the overall quality of play decreases as teams struggle to practice and master all of them. If there are too few then tournaments become stale and uninteresting. 



Effective immediately, the following map and mode combinations have been removed from the rotation:



<ul><li>Slayer on Empyrean</li><li>Strongholds on Streets</li><li>King of the Hill on Streets</li></ul>



In the Spring, HCS conducted a survey with the league’s pro players as well as amateur players who’d competed on the Faceit platform this year to gather feedback on the gameplay meta including map and mode combinations. These three were, by a wide margin, the lowest rated out of all map and mode combinations in the rotation. That is the information we used to make this decision, in addition to in-game telemetry based on balance, and we thank the competitors for their time in filling out the survey.



These will remain in the Ranked
Arena matchmaking playlist for a short period longer. 



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



For the HCS Major Arlington, we
removed Recharge from the map rotation for Pool Play and Championship bracket
due to an issue that was causing instability for the map Recharge. We believe
we have resolved this issue and our internal testing has been resulting in a
restoration of stability for the map for observers. Recharge will be used as
originally planned for the remainder of the season. 



Unless due to bug fixes or emergent and severe issues that require quick addressal, these will be the last major changes to the gameplay meta until after the Halo World Championship on October 13-15. 



If the first half of the season was any indication, we’re in
for a very exciting second half and we can’t wait to see this new equipment as
well as Solitude make its way to the main stage. 



Best of luck to all teams!

Official HCS

HCS Year 2 Map Rotation Update