Community

Fiction


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



<p>This month’s book club title is <em>Halo: New Blood</em>, a tale that covers the lengthy service record of ODST-turned-Spartan Edward Buck as he recounts some of the most important moments in his life. Join Buck, Veronica Dare, and the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers of squad Alpha-Nine as a conflict with the United Rebel Front pushes their friendships to the breaking point.</p>



<p><em>Halo: New Blood</em> is written by Matt Forbeck, a <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author and game designer. The audiobook edition is narrated by acclaimed actor and writer Scott Brick.</p>



<p>Listen to an exclusive excerpt from the audiobook edition below:</p>



<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 Blood | Audiobook Preview | Available Now from Simon & Schuster" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wJOSg0qyjNU?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>



<p><a href="https://bit.ly/44NldoH" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Purchase your copy of </em>Halo: New Blood<em> from Simon & Schuster.</em></a></p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2400" height="2400" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/New-Blood.jpg" alt="Halo: New Blood cover. Text: "The New York Times bestelling series based on the blockbuster Xbox games! MATT FORBECK. Read by Scott Brick."" class="wp-image-146122" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/New-Blood.jpg 2400w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/New-Blood-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/New-Blood-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/New-Blood-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/New-Blood-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/New-Blood-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/New-Blood-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/New-Blood-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px" /></figure>



<p>Spartan Edward Buck recounts his extensive military career, starting in the latter years of the Covenant War and detailing the fraught political tensions that followed as Buck’s homeworld, Draco III, comes under attack by a human rebel group.</p>



<p>Along the way, Buck tells the story of his troubled romance with Veronica Dare, explores his journey to the SPARTAN-IV program, and relays the tragic events that led to the dissolution of the Alpha-Nine ODST squad.</p>



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



<p>Learn more about the events of <em>Halo: New Blood</em> with these brief character bios.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Buck.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-146066" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Buck.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Buck-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Buck-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Buck-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Edward “Eddy” Buck</strong></h3>



<p>Former UNSC marine, erstwhile ODST gunnery sergeant, and reluctant SPARTAN-IV.</p>



<p>Buck hails from Draco III, a human colony devastated by Covenant invasion shortly after the <a href="https://aka.ms/AudiobookClubJune">attack on Harvest</a>. Upon learning of his family’s massacre and the destruction of the tight-knit, maritime community he’d known in Karnak, Buck enlisted in the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers, where he soon became the leader of Alpha-Nine squad.</p>



<p>He is later inducted into the SPARTAN-IV program by Jun-A266 after suffering a loss.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Dare.jpg" alt="Veronica Dare" class="wp-image-146080" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Dare.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Dare-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Dare-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Dare-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Veronica Dare</strong></h3>



<p>As an agent of the Office of Naval Intelligence, the strictly “need-to-know” basis of Veronica Dare’s work has put understandable strain on her romance with Eddy Buck. Dare acts as ONI’s mission liaison during the events on Talitsa, tasking the Spartans in Buck’s command to save Vergil and Sadie from their Insurrectionist captors.</p>



<p><em>Halo: New Blood</em> recounts their troubled first meeting on a furlough near Saturn, their fiery reunion during the Battle of New Mombasa, and a series of uncertain rendezvous as they try to maintain a relationship within the confines of their separate military careers.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Palmer.jpg" alt="Spartan Commander Sarah Palmer" class="wp-image-146108" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Palmer.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Palmer-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Palmer-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Palmer-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Sarah Palmer</strong></h3>



<p>Long before she signed up for the SPARTAN-IV program, Sarah Palmer served as an ODST, distinguishing herself as a ruthless frontlines combatant. She first met Buck during a failed mission to defend a UNSC munitions factory from the Covenant. When her position was overrun, Buck disobeyed Dare’s orders to mount a foolhardy rescue—but the rest of Palmer’s squad had already been eliminated.</p>



<p>Their fateful second meeting occurs on Draco III years later, after Palmer had become a Spartan-IV.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Jun.jpg" alt="Jun-A266" class="wp-image-146094" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Jun.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Jun-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Jun-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Jun-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jun-A266</strong></h3>



<p>A Spartan-III of Alpha Company and the only member of Noble Team to survive the fall of Reach. In the aftermath of the Covenant War, Jun served as an advisor and recruiter for the burgeoning SPARTAN-IV program, an initiative that used revolutionary technological advancements to turn adult volunteers into super-soldiers.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/AlphaNine.jpg" alt="Alpha-Nine" class="wp-image-146052" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/AlphaNine.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/AlphaNine-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/AlphaNine-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/AlphaNine-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Kojo Agu</strong> <strong>(“Romeo”)</strong></h3>



<p>Ace sniper, former ODST, and current Spartan-IV. After suffering critical wounds during the Battle of New Mombasa, Buck worked tirelessly to save Romeo’s life, thereby earning his unwavering loyalty, even in the face of a changing wartime political landscape.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jonathan Doherty</strong> <strong>(“The Rookie”)</strong></h3>



<p>The youngest member of Alpha-Nine and the nameless protagonist of <em>Halo 3: ODST</em>. Though relatively inexperienced, the Rookie proved himself during the Covenant occupation of New Mombasa and became a highly valued member of Alpha-Nine in the years to come. On Draco III, he takes part in a mission that forever alters the trajectory of the squad’s lives and careers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Taylor Miles (“Dutch”)</strong></h3>



<p>A hardened ODST and a God-fearing man, despite all his time in hell. After witnessing the glassing of Earth firsthand, Dutch grew beleaguered by war against human separatists. The ONI-led operation on Draco III ultimately tests his resolve more than any other mission.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Michael Crespo</strong> <strong>(“Mickey”)</strong></h3>



<p>Demolitions expert and former ODST. As the UNSC turns its attention to insurrectionists in the wake of the Covenant War’s end, Mickey joins the SPARTAN-IV program seeking a more noble appointment. Soon the reignited flames of civil war and a traumatic event lead him to question his personal loyalties.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Quick to Adjust (“Vergil”)</strong></h3>



<p>A Huragok who defected from the Covenant. Known to humanity as “Vergil” (after the Superintendent AI whose data he assimilated in New Mombasa), he is best known for providing valuable intel on the Covenant’s quarry during the Battle of Earth.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Sadie Endesha</strong></h3>



<p>Vergil’s companion and assigned handler. As a child, her father programmed the “Vergil” subroutine of New Mombasa’s Superintendent AI to watch over her. Sadie later helped rescue the Huragok Quick to Adjust, who inherited the absorbed AI’s affinity for Sadie, leading them to become inseparable.</p>



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



<p><em>Halo: New Blood</em> connects several plot threads from the Halo universe.</p>



<p>Told in the style of a memoir, Buck’s recollections form a time-hopping narrative that bridges the gap between <em>Halo 3</em> and <em>Halo 4</em>, in the years when the Master Chief had been declared MIA (still adrift on the wreckage of the <em>UNSC Forward Unto Dawn</em>), and explores the troubled “peace” that followed the end of the Human-Covenant War.</p>



<p>Buck revisits Alpha-Nine’s pivotal rescue of Vergil, as experienced in <em>Halo 3: ODST</em>, and outlines the personal tragedies that culminated in his desire to move away from leadership and reassignment to Fireteam Osiris (a story that continues in <em>Halo 5: Guardians</em>).</p>



<p>Along the way, we are reunited with Jun-A266, the last surviving member of Noble Team (the tragic Spartan heroes of <em>Halo: Reach</em>), who now recruits candidates for the SPARTAN-IV program. We also encounter Sarah Palmer in her early years as an ODST, well before she attains the rank of Spartan Commander aboard the <em>UNSC Infinity</em> in <em>Halo 4</em>.</p>



<p>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>.</p>



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



<p>Matt Forbeck is a <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author with over thirty-five novels and the designer of countless published games. His projects have won a Peabody Award, a Scribe Award, and numerous ENNIE and Origins Awards. He is also the president of the Diana Jones Award Foundation, which celebrates excellence in gaming.</p>



<p>Matt continues Buck’s story in <em><a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Bad-Blood/Matt-Forbeck/Halo/9781508244790">Halo: Bad Blood</a></em>.</p>



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



<p>Actor, writer, and award-winning audiobook narrator Scott Brick has narrated almost 900 audiobooks, including over a dozen Halo-universe titles. To date, his narrations have earned him over 65 Earphones Awards, five Audie Awards, five SOVAS Awards for voiceover, and a Grammy nomination for the multi-cast recording of <em>The Mark of Zorro</em> (2011). Scott reads <em>Halo: New Blood</em> and its sequel, <em>Halo: Bad Blood</em>.</p>



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



<p>Enter to win an audiobook copy of a new book-club title each month now through October! To participate, react to the <em>Halo: New Blood</em> post in the #giveaways channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo">official Halo Discord server</a> before August 8.</p>



<p>Stay tuned to <a href="https://www.x.com/halo">@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>.</p>



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



<p>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://www.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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><a href="https://bit.ly/44NldoH">Purchase your copy of <em>Halo: New Blood</em> from Simon & Schuster.</a></p>


Mutinous Core

Audiobook Club: New Blood

Esports

HaloWC


<p>Welcome back!</p>



<p>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:</p>



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



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



<li><strong>June:</strong> <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>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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 <em>Official HCS Competition</em> 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.</p>



<p>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></p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<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>



<p>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.</p>



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



<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>



<p>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!</p>



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



<p>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>.  </p>



<p>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!</p>



<p>Thanks,</p>



<p>Tashi</p>


Tashi

Road to HaloWC 2025 – July

Community Spotlight

Spotlight: July 23, 2025

Forge Features

Community Cartography 037

Forge Features: July 16, 2025 


<p>Back in my day we had two sticks and a book… And we had to share the book!</p>



<p>While Sgt. Johnson might have had a rock to share, we had a great novel to chit chat about during the latest Spartan Chatter. As part of the ongoing <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/audiobook-club">Audiobook Club in partnership with Simon & Schuster</a>, we kicked things off with Joseph Staten’s <em>Halo: Contact Harvest</em>. Franchise member Alex ‘Haruspis’ Wakeford, joined us to talk about Sgt. Johnson’s auspicious beginnings.</p>



<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: Halo: Contact Harvest" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tgwpgfstIuE?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>



<p>Some Halo fans might say <em>Contact Harvest</em> is required reading and if you don’t have a copy of your own yet, <a href="https://adbl.co/4kWm63v">you can head to Audible and grab your own</a>.</p>



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



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



<ul>
<li><strong>DDog Dazamaan: </strong>Loved this book, especially the story of the two unlikely friends in the Covenant.</li>



<li><strong>No pings please: </strong>Out of all the Halo novels, this is my favorite, hands down! I don’t re-read stuff often, but I’ll make an exception for Contact Harvest.</li>



<li><strong>Massctrl: </strong>Listened to this book for the first time many years ago. Excellent read!</li>



<li><strong>SporkHALO</strong>: Eight chapters in, I think I’m more hooked than I was with <em>Fall of Reach</em>!</li>



<li><strong>GuyverTronNIИ:</strong> Good choice! <em>Contact Harvest </em>is a great place to begin for new readers or anyone wanting to revisit the stories. One of my favorite parts is getting a behind-the-scenes look at the politics of the Covenant and seeing how the Prophets we know in the games come to power.</li>



<li><strong>CIA391WIKI</strong>: That prologue, I dare say, is haunting! I totally get why it makes some folks uncomfortable.</li>



<li><strong>Austin @ JumperScape:</strong> That prologue made me really consider the idea that maybe humanity <em>needed</em> this conflict. Something to pull it away from eating itself.</li>



<li><strong>NsanittyyJUMP:</strong> I loved finding out how the Choppers were originally plowing tools meant as a peace offering to the colonists. The Engineers are so kind!</li>



<li><strong>EnderfortYT: </strong>I loved <em>Contact Harvest.</em> It’s the fifth book I read in the Halo series after The Forerunner Saga and <em>Broken Circle</em>.</li>



<li><strong>Twogood4hisown: </strong>I liked all the details on interstellar logistics, planetary AI, and colonial farming. I also liked the view of the pre-Covenant Insurrectionist conflict. It was messy, and one could easily see UNSC efforts doing more harm than good.</li>



<li><strong>Woodsgump</strong>: This was one good read, and my first Halo novel. I liked how <em>Contact Harvest </em>focused on Johnson’s early days and his travels on Harvest, while we also get to see a bit of Jenkins himself.</li>



<li><strong>pins before posting</strong>: There’s an interesting feeling in this novel. The “vibe” of life itself feels different in the Halo universe before the Human-Covenant war.</li>
</ul>



<p>We’ll be doing 4 more novels between now and October so stay tuned for the reveal of the July selection! </p>


snickerdoodle

Halo: Contact Harvest | Spartan Chatter

Click here to purchase tickets to the Halo World Championship 2025


<p>Welcome back, friends!</p>



<p>In this blog series, we’re posting new Halo World Championship 2025 updates every month, and today we’ve got another jam-packed blog. For those who missed the first two, links are below for you to peruse:</p>



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



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



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>TICKETS UPDATE (EARLY BIRD ENDS TODAY!)</strong></h1>



<p>First off, we want to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who has already secured their HaloWC tickets, especially our VIP ticketholders who sold out VIP within the first few hours. At the moment, HaloWC is about 1/3 sold out, and we’re also currently on pace to sell out faster than in the prior years. Wow, thank you!</p>



<p>The Early Bird special (which gives you 20% off) ends tonight, so if you’re considering attending the event, don’t wait! And like always, if you use one of our HCS Partnered Team codes, you’ll get an <em>additional </em>10% off, with your savings going directly to the team of your choosing, so it’s a win-win-win for everyone!</p>



<p>You can grab your tickets and see team codes <strong><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/halo-world-championship-2025-tickets-1388344669279?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a></strong>:</p>





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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>RUMORS AND SPECULATION</strong></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-june-2-1024x576.png" alt="Fans watching "A New Dawn" live at the Halo World Championship 2024." class="wp-image-142637" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/halowc25-june-2-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/halowc25-june-2-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/halowc25-june-2-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/halowc25-june-2-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/halowc25-june-2-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/halowc25-june-2.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Over the past few weeks, there’s been a fair amount of speculation about when and where more details might emerge about any of the multiple projects Halo Studios is actively working on. We don’t usually comment on such matters, but this time we want to enter the chat and share a little more perspective for Halo fans who might be on the fence about whether to attend this year’s event.</p>



<p>Last year at HaloWC, we premiered “A New Dawn” where we talked about the switch to Unreal Engine, gave you a behind the scenes look at <em>Project Foundry</em>, and debuted our evolution to Halo Studios as we enter a new chapter for Halo. For us, “A New Dawn” was just the beginning – at this year’s HaloWC, we look forward to continuing the conversation.</p>



<p>Speculation is always fun, but if you want the official scoop on what Halo Studios has been working on, you won’t want to miss this year’s Halo World Championship. We really hope you’ll join us in Seattle this October!</p>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PARTNERED TEAM BOOTHS</strong></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-Rebellion-Booth-1024x576.png" alt="Partner Booths at the Halo World Championship" class="wp-image-141740" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Rebellion-Booth-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Rebellion-Booth-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Rebellion-Booth-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Rebellion-Booth-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Rebellion-Booth-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Rebellion-Booth.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>This month, we also wanted to start sharing more about the different booths and experiences coming to HaloWC, starting with a few of our partnered teams. First, we’re excited to confirm that SPACESTATION and SHOPIFY REBELLION will be once again attending HaloWC, and bringing awesome booth experiences that both have become known for.</p>



<p>Now, we’re not going to spoil everything they’ve got in the works, but you can of course expect some fun games to play, exclusive merch, the opportunity for meet and greets with the players, and more. </p>



<p>Thank you as always to Spacestation and Shopify for being part of HaloWC, and for their continued legendary support of the Halo community! </p>



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



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



<p>Today we’re also excited to confirm that the Community Playdate will make their triumphant return at HaloWC. This is where you, the community, get to come up on stage and play some casual Halo multiplayer, and maybe even win some cool prizes. As always, everyone who joins us on stage will get access to the highly coveted Unicorn of Ice emblems and nameplate.</p>



<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/update-halo-unicorn-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite Ice Unicorn Emblem and Nameplate" class="wp-image-142595" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/update-halo-unicorn-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/update-halo-unicorn-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/update-halo-unicorn-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/update-halo-unicorn-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/update-halo-unicorn-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/update-halo-unicorn-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Each month we will share more and more details about the Community Stage and what programming and shenanigans to expect. </p>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>HALO MAKER’S CONTEST</strong></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-Halo-Makers-Contest-1024x576.png" alt="Halo Pod Infector from the Halo World Championship 2024" class="wp-image-141695" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Halo-Makers-Contest-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Halo-Makers-Contest-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Halo-Makers-Contest-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Halo-Makers-Contest-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Halo-Makers-Contest-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Halo-Makers-Contest.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>As we mentioned in our last update, new to this year’s HaloWC is the Halo Maker’s Contest. We know many of you are waiting to hear more about this contest, and today, we’re excited to provide the initial contest guidelines ahead of the Official Rules. We’d like to also give a special shoutout to the 405<sup>th</sup>, who has been helping us think through some of the nuance and specifics for this all-new contest! </p>



<p><strong><a href="http://x.com/cxeefoxx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@CxeeFoxx</a> on X: <em>“Sounded like you guys mentioned it was going to be pretty strict on what was allowed. So really clear rules/guidelines would be super helpful. If there are materials not allowed, what types of premade items can be used/not (if you need motors, lights, blowers etc)”</em></strong></p>



<p>Thank you <a href="http://x.com/cxeefoxx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>@CxeeFoxx</strong></a> for the question – let’s get into the details!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OVERVIEW</strong></h2>



<p>The Halo Maker’s Contest gives you the opportunity to create a real-life replica of any recognizable item from the Halo universe, from Cortana’s Chip to the Needler! This is your chance to show off your creativity, craftsmanship, and passion for the franchise. Whether it’s an iconic item from Campaign, or your favorite niche weapon, we want you to bring it to life!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PRIZE BREAKDOWN</strong></h2>



<p>Total Prize Pool: $2,500  </p>



<ul>
<li>1st. – $1,500</li>



<li>2nd. – $750</li>



<li>3rd. – $250</li>
</ul>



<p>As an optional added bonus, the 1<sup>st</sup> place winner will have the option to have their creation displayed in the Halo Studios Museum for one year, for employees and VIP studio guests to admire on display.</p>



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



<ul>
<li>Must be a replica of an existing object from any official Halo game, media, or lore.  </li>



<li>One entry per person/team.  </li>



<li>All entries must be fabricated by the maker(s). The use of laser cutters, 3D printers, and CNC machines is allowed, but the item must be created and owned by the maker.  </li>



<li>Size: Must be no larger than 6 ft total  </li>



<li>Models can contain lights, motors, servos, blowers, and voice chips for operation, but please make sure that all devices are powered by an external, non-modified USB power bank. No mains powered devices will be accepted, and we ask that Makers do not use rechargeable electric batteries (but as mentioned above, non-modified USB power banks can be utilized).</li>
</ul>



<p>Your creation should be made from safe, lightweight, and non-hazardous materials. Examples of these include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:</p>



<ul>
<li>Various types of foam    </li>



<li>Worbla  </li>



<li>Plastic    </li>



<li>Rubber  </li>



<li>Cardboard   </li>



<li>Fabrics    </li>



<li>3D printed materials   </li>



<li>Wood</li>
</ul>



<p>Are there material types not listed here that you have questions about? Tweet at me and let me know! (<strong><a href="http://x.com/tashi343i" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Tashi343i</a></strong>)</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BANNED ITEMS</strong></h2>



<ul>
<li>Hazardous materials of any kind  </li>



<li>Functional projectile weapons  </li>



<li>Sharp metal edges   </li>



<li>Pyrotechnics, explosives, open flames, smoke   </li>



<li>Gas cylinders, compressed air weapons  </li>



<li>Liquids, glitter, confetti, or substances that could cause a mess   </li>



<li>Disrespectful, offensive, or political imagery or language  </li>



<li>Entries breaching venue or Microsoft Code of Conduct   </li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS</strong></h2>



<ul>
<li>Pre-registration is required – stay tuned later this summer for the pre-registration form and details.   </li>



<li>The top 24 pre-registered entries will be selected and approved to appear in the contest.  </li>



<li>All approved entries must be submitted in-person at the 2025 Halo World Championship in Seattle, WA. Check-in and drop-off must be completed at the designated Maker’s Contest desk by the designated times (to be provided at a later date).  </li>



<li>Items must be clearly labeled with your name, contact info, item name, and include a short, printed description (200 words or less) about the item and build process to accompany the display.  </li>



<li>Entries should be considered final, and not labeled “work-in-progress.” This doesn’t mean you can’t keep polishing your entry after the contest, but items should simply be presented in a ready-to-display state.  </li>



<li>As a note, any submissions cannot be used in both the Maker’s Contest and the Cosplay Contest. For example, a Maker can create a helmet for this contest, but the same helmet can’t be utilized as a part of an armor for the Cosplay Contest at HaloWC25.  </li>



<li>Entrants must be present at the event to qualify.  </li>



<li>Entries will be displayed publicly during the contest showcase.  </li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>JUDGING CRITERIA</strong></h2>



<p>Each entry will be scored on:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Craftsmanship & Build Quality</strong> (30%)  </li>



<li><strong>Accuracy to Source Material</strong> (25%)  </li>



<li><strong>Creativity in Execution</strong> (20%)  </li>



<li><strong>Presentation & Visual Appeal</strong> (15%)  </li>



<li><strong>Effort & Ingenuity</strong> (10%)</li>
</ul>



<p>Judges will include Halo Studios team members and Halo community reps.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>RULES & DISCLAIMERS</strong></h2>



<ul>
<li>Must be 18+ or have parental consent to enter.   </li>



<li>Open to legal residents of the 50 United States (including the District of Columbia).  </li>



<li>By entering, you grant permission to have your work shown off on official Halo and partner channels!  </li>
</ul>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CONCLUSION</strong></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-Player-Popoff-1024x576.png" alt="Pro Player, Cherished, on the Halo World Championship main stage" class="wp-image-141838" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Player-Popoff-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Player-Popoff-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Player-Popoff-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Player-Popoff-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Player-Popoff-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Player-Popoff.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>As always, thank you for supporting the HCS and HaloWC, and we can’t wait to see you in October. Keep it locked here on Waypoint, @Halo, and @HCS for all the latest on the Halo World Championship! </p>



<p>Thanks, </p>



<p>Tashi </p>


Road to HaloWC 2025: June

Spotlight: June 18, 2025


<p><em>Welcome to another edition of Forge Features! This series highlights notable maps, modes, and other creations from our talented Forge community. Bookmark your favorites using the links below for your next custom game.</em></p>



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



<p>With ancient trees, alien motherships, and hogs from heck, this month’s Forge Feature brings together a fabled selection of otherworldly arenas, PvE modes, and minigames fit for a ludic escape. Read on to explore our latest bookmarkable builds!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SUPERB SLAYERS</h2>



<p><em>Exciting arenas for free-for-all and Team Slayer matches. Use the links to add them to your </em>Halo Infinite<em> bookmarks</em>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">YGGDRASIL’S JUDGMENT</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2.png" alt="In an overgrown temple, a multi-leveled walkway climbs toward a sunlit aperture in the ceiling." class="wp-image-138852" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/299be314-3856-4746-96ab-b6ac066e36a9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark this map.</a></p>



<p><strong>Forged by:</strong> Zlitchufdux</p>



<p>In this overgrown temple, play centers around a vertical chamber of layered walkways. Teleport pads will take you to the upper reaches, but first you’ll have to determine which one goes where. Portals can be found on the map’s outer wings near equipment drops—but you might find yourself gunned down beneath the gaze of the mighty World Tree.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED.png" alt="A human mining colony at the verge of a mineral deposit bears the pestilential signs of a Flood infestation." class="wp-image-138726" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/1a034966-2e35-43d7-9204-912df7ec9c6d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark this map.</a></p>



<p><strong>Forged by:</strong> hotozi, Void Wars, Ieed5, ATAT505, OrcusGhxxlz, D3M0NSLAY3R7770</p>



<p>A human mining colony learns firsthand not to disturb the Flood. This map expertly combines urban angles, mineral mounds, and Flood-infested biomass into a cohesive arena for small-scale deathmatches. Check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of7rAoe230o" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hotozi’s video walkthrough</a> for a closer look.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">MINI MOTHERSHIP</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED.png" alt="The smoke-strewn engine room of an alien mothership. Porthole-shaped doorways line the rounded walls, as thick cables snake the ceiling." class="wp-image-138824" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a3c32eb8-91b4-400f-a14e-e0872b53b9eb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark this map.</a></p>



<p><strong>Forged by:</strong> LegendDingle, LegendChar94, LegendCamikaze, LegendBrauntley, LegendLoraxe, LegendJonezy</p>



<p>In this symmetrical Slayer set aboard a damaged Covenant vessel, combat flows around a multi-level chamber featuring loads of alien eye candy. With low-slung cables for catwalks, floor-mounted escape hatches, and rounded kill-zones pearling the outer rim, there are plenty of places to take them to your leader.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED.png" alt="An industrial arena filled with crates and loading bays. A crane looms overhead." class="wp-image-138754" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/0dd44301-7eb2-4732-bb97-dc421431b6b3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark this map.</a></p>



<p><strong>Forged by:</strong> Igrizhar, Cobra J24, JoValiant, Scrubulba, Mr IncrediJON, timmyforges</p>



<p>Movement is the name of the game in this industrial shoot-em-up. Set on a frontier between the forest and the desert, this map offers plenty of obstacles, walkways, and overhangs for both cover and clambering. Get vertical and think quickly—because someone can always find a shortcut faster than you can!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">POTENT PvE</h2>



<p><em>Looking for Banished showdowns, Firefight maps, or a new narrative game mode? Check out these picks from popular PvE experiences.</em></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">THE FAILED SWORD</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED.png" alt="A Spartan warrior faces off with two Elites in a courtyard decorated with a giant, stone Energy Sword." class="wp-image-138768" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/aebed4ac-c029-4957-a6cd-77257399708d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark map.</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/52bd31e1-fe71-4a22-99aa-2c2a34dcd0a7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark mode.</a></p>



<p><strong>Forged by:</strong> TostEZ28</p>



<p>This lengthy mission invites you and your squad to raid a fortress alongside the Swords of Sanghelios. After clearing the fortified landing zone, you’ll navigate through a vent maze, experience <em>Sangheili Speed</em>, and puzzle your way out of a duel with an angry Blademaster.</p>



<p>To rejoin your Elite allies, you’ll have to escort Grunt VIPs, topple minibosses, choose your ending, and platform your way to the ramparts to sabotage a massive sentinel beam. If you manage to survive all that, there’s still a ropes course between you and a final showdown.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ0yeavv9N8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watch TostEZ28’s full video walkthrough.</a></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">CORBULO ACADEMY</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED.png" alt="The Corbulo Academy of Military Science. A Covenant ship opens fire on the courtyard." class="wp-image-138740" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/225b150f-a3ed-4f09-8e01-aa6acfa4505f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark this map.</a></p>



<p><strong>Forged by:</strong> SilvervioletX98, Unusual Hiccup</p>



<p><em>Axios!</em> This stunning tribute to the Corbulo Academy from <em>Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn</em> boasts a nice open courtyard for Linear KOTH Firefight, plus plenty of Easter eggs for fans of the web series turned film. If you find time to catch your breath between waves, try finding the cadets’ mess hall and the dead Elite from <em>that scene</em> in the locker room.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">GOLDEN GATE</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED.png" alt="The Golden Gate bridge stands broken in the rain during a full moon. A Covenant ship looms overhead." class="wp-image-138782" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/61191d2d-2a58-4597-a112-e45d961e9e74" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark this map.</a></p>



<p><strong>Forged by:</strong> RYL X RAiD3D, GlazedJJ, AndrewOGee, HachuThunder, Boss Bannon, OGSGTJohnson, Elite30 sw, zCobrvz, AGR DA XXXX, Ez eggs4181, Endingbassoon71, BIGP0RKBELLY</p>



<p>The human settlement of San Francisco is under siege by the Banished! Fight your way across the gridlocked topside, through dripping maintenance tunnels, and down the twirling access stairs to the bridge’s pylon. Filled with ample power weapons and equipment, this oversized map is perfect for squadding up in Firefight Classic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MADCAP MINIGAMES</h2>



<p><em>All war and no play makes dull Spartans. Bookmark these minigames for a few laughs!</em></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">HOGS FROM HECK</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED.png" alt="A colosseum built over a volcanic inferno. A nearby ramp appears to be the best way to launch at a viewing platform standing amidst the flames." class="wp-image-138796" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/bdd65725-93f5-489c-b889-26625df7b4be" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark map.</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/15842fab-e01a-443e-a22a-c494a1172dd4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark mode.</a></p>



<p><strong>Forged by:</strong> LudoHT, Scrubulba, Mr IncrediJON, Handsome Huber, DISTORTED JAKAL</p>



<p>A fan-favorite minigame redesigned with a <em>repulsive</em> twist. One team stands (well, <em>quivers,</em> really) on a platform surrounded by boiling lava, while their enemies launch Razorbacks at them from all directions. Thankfully, this updated mode equips Survivors with Repulsors, so they can rebuff the advances of those hellish ‘hogs (and probably launch an ally or two in the process). Mind those elbows, would you?</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">SLOW-MOTION SLAYER</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED.png" alt="A Spartan warrior dives through the air, shooting at an unseen foe." class="wp-image-138838" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/c2b34407-aa15-4dfb-b6cd-fc7e9aa5da74" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark mode.</a></p>



<p><strong>Forged by:</strong> Disco_Lizard69</p>



<p>John Halo teams up with John Wu. This action-packed Slayer variant features no jumping, extra long slides, slow-mo dives, and do-or-die descents. Kills don’t count unless you’re sliding or diving like a hardboiled detective. You’ll regain shields with every shot landed while diving, and experience “Max” stopping power during slides. This time, it’s personal.</p>



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<p><em>Found your work featured here? </em><a href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/0e252e23792a441885a8656bc57f0d2b"><em>Fill out this form</em></a><em> to claim your exclusive Fire Unicorn emblem and nameplate for </em>Halo Infinite<em>.</em></p>



<p><em>Stay tuned for another Forge Feature coming soon! To share your creations with the </em>Halo Infinite<em> community team, be sure to drop a link in the </em><a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/1231006442656628758" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>#forge-show-and-tell</em></strong></a><em> channel of our </em><a href="https://discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>official Discord</em></a><em> or post to </em><a href="https://reddit.com/r/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>r/Halo</em></a><em> using the Forge tag.</em></p>


Community Cartography 036

Forge Features: June 4, 2025


<p>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" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Discord server</a>, where we’ll focus on a new novel from Halo’s expansive canon each month. Join the <strong>#audio-book-club</strong> channel to listen along!</p>



<p>This month’s book club title is <em>Halo: Contact Harvest</em>, written by Halo chronicler Joseph Staten and covering humanity’s first tragic contact with the Covenant. The audiobook is narrated by Holter Graham and Jen Taylor. Listen to an exclusive excerpt from the audiobook edition below:</p>



<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="Contact Harvest | Audiobook Preview | Available Now from Simon & Schuster" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1C_xMw8V9qg?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>



<p><a href="https://bit.ly/4kme4B4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Purchase your copy of Contact Harvest from Simon & Schuster.</em></a></p>



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Contact-Harvest/Joseph-Staten/HALO/9781508284543?utm_source=halo_waypoint&utm_medium=audio_author_outlet&utm_content=audio_buy_link&utm_campaign=halocontactharvest#buy-from"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="2560" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-scaled.jpg" alt="The New York Times bestselling series. Halo: Contact Harvest. New York Times bestselling author Joseph Staten. Read by Holter Graham and Jen Taylor." class="wp-image-138880" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a></figure>



<p>In the year 2524, the colony world of Harvest prospers at the edge of human-controlled space. Elsewhere in the galaxy, the United Nations Space Command contends with a bitter civil war against the Insurrection, a colonial rebellion resistant to UNSC authority.</p>



<p>The agrarian society of Harvest has been untouched by war—until now. </p>



<p>Humanity has unknowingly trespassed on holy ground sought by a theocratic alien empire. When a Covenant vessel captures a freighter bound from Harvest, a squad of war-weary UNSC marines must rally the colonists to take arms against a new and deadly foe. </p>



<p>Follow Staff Sergeant Avery Johnson as he finds himself thrust into a fight for humanity’s survival.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="450" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact_Harvest_Chaper_16_Still.png" alt="San'Shyuum Prophets meet the AI Construct Mendicant Bias. The illuminated face of the AI Construct looks down on the Prophet of Truth, who raises his hands in holy ecstasy." class="wp-image-138708" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact_Harvest_Chaper_16_Still.png 800w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact_Harvest_Chaper_16_Still-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact_Harvest_Chaper_16_Still-768x432.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



<p>If you enjoyed the chapter excerpt embedded above, check out these brief intros to prominent characters to learn more about the events of <em>Halo: Contact Harvest</em>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Avery Johnson</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Johnson.jpg" alt="Halo Encyclopedia 2022 art of Avery Johnson" class="wp-image-139500" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Johnson.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Johnson-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Johnson-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Johnson-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<p>Wearied from years fighting Insurrectionist cells across human-occupied space, Avery Johnson returns to Earth for a much-needed furlough. But when he discovers that his last family relation has died alone and uncelebrated, he succumbs to his grief and falls afoul of local law enforcement. </p>



<p>A last-minute transfer to Harvest saves him from disgrace—but who authorized it? </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Nolan Byrn</strong>e</h3>



<p>Johnson’s comrade in arms during Operation: TREBUCHET, a covert strike against Insurrectionist munitions factories, and his unwitting partner in a new mission on Harvest. After a moment of hesitation resulted in tragedy, Byrne has lost the respect he once had for Johnson. Who knows how the coming conflict might change his mind?</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jilan al-Cygni</strong></h3>



<p>A decorated officer of the Office of Naval Intelligence and a clandestine operative of its Section Three subdivision. Though she arrived in the sector under other pretenses, Lieutenant Commander al-Cygni has secretly bootstrapped Byrne and Johnson into a covert mission against Insurrectionists operating near Harvest.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Maccabeus and Tartarus</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MaccabeusAndTartarus.jpg" alt="Halo Mythos art of Maccabeus and Tartarus" class="wp-image-139514" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MaccabeusAndTartarus.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MaccabeusAndTartarus-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MaccabeusAndTartarus-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MaccabeusAndTartarus-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<p>Chieftain of the Jiralhanae and shipmaster of the Covenant vessel <em>Rapid Conversion</em>. Esteemed as much for his naval and martial prowess as his religious zeal, Maccabeus takes a personal interest in the reports of Forerunner relics on Harvest and the possibility of encountering a sacred oracle—even against the orders of the Covenant high command. He is accompanied by his young nephew, the ruthlessly ambitious Tartarus.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Dadab and Lighter Than Some</strong></h3>



<p>An Unggoy deacon assigned to <em>Minor Transgression</em>, the Covenant missionary vessel that first encounters humanity. When a raid on a human freighter goes wrong, Dadab escapes with his Huragok companion, Lighter Than Some, to the cruiser <em>Rapid Conversion,</em> where he preaches the divine word of the Covenant—and finds ways to excuse his friend’s insatiable desire for tinkering.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Sif and Mack</strong></h3>



<p>An artificial intelligence aboard Harvest’s orbital station, the Tiara, and tasked with freight logistics for its shipyards. After encountering a distress beacon from the human freighter <em>Horn of Plenty</em>, Sif coordinates with fellow AI Mack—responsible for Harvest’s agricultural operations and heavy machinery—to evacuate the colony during the ensuing invasion.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Minister of Fortitude</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Fortitude.jpg" alt="Halo 2: Anniversary screenshot crop of the Prophet of Truth" class="wp-image-139486" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Fortitude.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Fortitude-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Fortitude-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Fortitude-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<p>A San’Shyuum minister holding court on the Covenant’s holy city of High Charity. When a Forerunner oracle reveals the truth about the supposed “relics” discovered on Harvest, Fortitude’s schemes lead him and his co-conspirators to the coveted rank of hierarch.</p>



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



<p><em>Halo: Contact Harvest</em> introduces us to Sergeant Johnson as a young man, 28 years before the events of <em>Halo: Combat Evolved. </em>Over the course of the novel, Johnson takes part in the earliest events of the Human-Covenant War and becomes the hardened warfighter who eventually helps the Master Chief finish the fight.</p>



<p>The Minister of Fortitude is perhaps better known as the Prophet of Truth, a major antagonist in both <em>Halo 2</em> and <em>Halo 3</em>. Chieftain Maccabeus is the uncle of Tartarus, who appears in both <em>Halo 2</em> and as a minor character in <em>Contact Harvest. </em>(No spoilers! You’ll have to read the novel to learn what part he plays in its exciting events.)</p>



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



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



<p>Joseph Staten was the writer and creative lead for <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em>, <em>Halo 2</em>, <em>H</em><em>alo 3</em>, <em>Halo 3: ODST, </em>and <em>Halo: Reach,</em> and the Head of Creative for <em>Halo Infinite</em>. He is the <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author of <em>Halo: Contact Harvest</em> and the novella <em>Halo: Shadow of Intent</em>.</p>



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



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



<p>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.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jen Taylor</strong> </h3>



<p>Jen Taylor is the voice of Cortana, Dr. Catherine Halsey, and The Weapon in the Halo series, as well as numerous other recognizable video game characters. Beyond her voice acting career, Jen has performed in theatrical productions, appeared in television series, and narrated over 30 audiobooks, including <em>Halo: Contact Harvest</em> and <em>Halo: Evolutions</em>.</p>



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



<p>Enter to win an audiobook copy of a new book-club title each month now through October! To participate, react to the Contact Harvest post in the <strong>#giveaways</strong> channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Halo Discord server</a> before June 6.</p>



<p>Stay tuned 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" data-type="link" data-id="https://halowaypoint.com/news/audiobook-club">See full contest rules and entry directions.</a></p>



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



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



<p>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 every month, we’ll host a special <strong>Spartan Chatter</strong> episode on Discord to discuss the audiobook and answer questions from the Halo community.</p>



<p><a href="https://bit.ly/4kme4B4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Purchase your copy of Contact Harvest from Simon & Schuster.</em></a></p>


Audiobook Club: Contact Harvest


<p>Halo’s lore is as expansive as the universe in which it takes place. To celebrate the many novels that have helped deepen our understanding of the UNSC, the Forerunners, and the many alien factions that occupy our Milky Way, we’ve partnered with <strong>Simon & Schuster</strong> to showcase a selection of audiobooks from the Halo canon in a community book club and an ongoing giveaway series.</p>



<p>Read on for details on joining the book club and all the ways you can enter to win Halo audiobooks this month!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Community Book Club</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="2560" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-scaled.jpg" alt="The New York Times bestselling series. Halo: Contact Harvest. New York Times bestselling author Joseph Staten. Read by Holter Graham and Jen Taylor." class="wp-image-138880" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<p>Starting this month, we’ll be listening to the fan-favorite novel <em>Halo: Contact Harvest</em> in our community book club. To listen along, <a href="https://bit.ly/4kme4B4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pick up a copy from Simon & Schuster</a> and join the <strong>#</strong><strong>audio-</strong><strong>book-club</strong> channel of our <a href="https://discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Discord server</a>, where you can share your favorite moments and engage in discussion topics for a chance to find your words featured in an upcoming Halo Waypoint post!</p>



<p>At the end of every month now through October, we’ll also be hosting a special <strong>Spartan Chatter</strong> episode on Discord to discuss the audiobook and answer questions from the Halo community. Head to the Discord Stage voice channel to listen in.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Audiobook Giveaways</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover.png" alt="Halo: Contact Harvest book cover. Sergeant Avery Johnson, a man in army fatigues and sunglasses, turns away from a burning grain field and raises his rifle. A cigar dangles from his lips. Marines rush toward the flames ahead of Johnson." class="wp-image-138579" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>Enter to win an audiobook copy of a new book club title each month now through October! To participate, watch the <strong>#giveaways</strong> channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Halo Discord server</a> and stay tuned to <a href="https://https/www.x.com/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Halo on X</a> later this month.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Discord Entry</strong></h3>



<p>Now through October, we’ll give away five (5) audiobook editions of our selected book club title on Discord every month! To enter to win Halo audiobooks, simply join the <a href="https://discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Halo Discord server</a> and react to our new giveaway post in the <strong>#giveaways</strong> channel during the first week of each month.</p>



<p><strong>UPDATE: </strong>The <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach </em>giveaway post will appear in the <strong>#giveaways</strong> channel on September 2, 2025. React to the post by Monday, September 8 for a chance to win!</p>



<p><em>Winners will be randomly selected later in the same month. Winners will be notified and tagged in a follow-up post by the GiveawayBot in the </em><strong><em>#giveaways</em></strong><em> channel of the Halo Discord server.</em></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Social Entry</strong></h3>



<p>Follow <a href="https://x.com/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Halo on X</a> and comment on our monthly giveaway posts for a chance to win one of five (5) Halo audiobooks every month. Look out for  the next giveaway post on September 10, where lucky Spartans can enter to win the audiobook edition of <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em>!</p>



<p><em>Entry period lasts until 8:00 a.m. (PT) on September June 12. Winners will be contacted via </em><em>direct message on the X platform</em><em>.</em></p>
