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Good book, good friends, good conversations—that’s episode four of Spartan Chatter in a nutshell!



We got together with 343 Industries staff Jeff Easterling and Alex Wakeford to chat about Halo: Outcasts, the latest book from Troy Denning which released on August 8. If you haven’t read it yet, don’t worry—spoilers are contained only to Chapters 1, 2, and 5 (<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-outcasts-preview-1">which we’ve released as previews</a>), so you can listen at will.



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Spartan Chatter: Halo: Outcasts" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tL2mK1cZhi8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Some topic highlights include:



<ul><li>A brief recap of the story leading up to Halo: Outcasts in November 2559</li><li>A discussion of the general book synopsis—no spoilers!</li><li><a href="https://aka.ms/HaloBookGuide">Our new official guide to the Halo books, here on Halo Waypoint</a></li><li>What the Arbiter has been up to since Halo 3</li><li>The Created occupation of Sanghelios</li><li>Spartan Vale’s character journey following the events of Halo 5</li><li>The role of Oath Wardens in Sangheili society</li><li>…and more!</li></ul>



<a href="https://aka.ms/HaloOutcasts">Get your copy of Halo: Outcasts from your choice of retailer today.</a>



Also, don’t forget to head to the Halo Infinite Shop between now and August 22 to get your free Swords of Sanghelios-inspired Arbiter’s Guard coating set.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ArbitersGuard_MOTD.jpg" alt="The Arbiter's Guard armor coating for Halo Infinite" class="wp-image-76516" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ArbitersGuard_MOTD.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ArbitersGuard_MOTD-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ArbitersGuard_MOTD-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ArbitersGuard_MOTD-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ArbitersGuard_MOTD-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ArbitersGuard_MOTD-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption>Arbiter’s Guard coating for Halo Infinite</figcaption></figure>



If you missed it live, you can catch the full episode on Discord below. YouTube will follow early next week!



<a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/471730128335142912/1139676521884286986">Discord</a> | <a href="https://aka.ms/SpartanChatter04Discord">Direct Download Link</a>



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



Spartan Chatter is an audio series, a podcast if you will, hosted on our <a href="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>



Episode 3: Ranked Matchmaking with Tashi Hasandjekic <a href="https://youtu.be/fQn8wuvz6P0">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/471730128335142912/1129534622267613216">Discord</a>


Be the first to know about future Spartan Chatter episodes by following our <a href="https://twitter.com/Halo">Twitter</a> and our <a href="https://discord.gg/Halo">Discord server</a> and the mark your calendars so you can join us when they happen!

snickerdoodle

Halo: Outcasts | Spartan Chatter

Halo art by Entransing

Halo: Reach art by Entransing

Halo ships by Entransing

Community Spotlight

The Community Corner returns for another monthly issue where we spotlight and interview individuals about their amazing contributions to the Halo community—art, cosplay, animation, streaming, Forge, and so on.



Last time, we were joined by artist Will Clements to learn more about how Halo has inspired him as an artist.



Today, we’re joined by Samantha (“Entransing”) to learn about her journey with Halo and the stunning artwork she has produced of its characters, worlds, ships, and more!



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



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



Hello! I’m Samantha and I’m a Sydney-based freelance artist specializing in traditionally drawn art. I’ve done hundreds of Halo artworks over the past few years in a variety of mediums—from ballpoint pen to oil paints.



You can find my work <a href="https://www.instagram.com/entransing_/">on Instagram at @entransing_</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/entransing">on Twitter at @entransing</a>, where I’m always updating it and creating new works!





What’s your Halo origin story?



At the start of 2013, my parents gave me the choice between an iPad or an Xbox 360 as a high school starting gift. The choice was obvious for me, and I soon had an Xbox along with some great titles—Skyrim, GTA IV, and of course Halo 4, which I was immediately drawn to.



From there, I basically played the game nonstop, starting with the campaign, then jumping into multiplayer, before going back and playing all the previous titles. From this journey, I made great friends, great memories, and a love for Halo that’s stuck ever since.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://twitter.com/entransing/status/1659305034604224513?s=20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1440" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing35.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77049" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing35.jpg 1440w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing35-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing35-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing35-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></a></figure>



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



Over the years, I’ve been drawn to different aspects of Halo. In the beginning, multiplayer was my main interest, as I could spend hours having fun with friends in matchmaking and custom playlists. Ranked playlists and playing in tournaments was also an interest of mine, so a lot of my time went into the multiplayer aspect of Halo.



However as of recently, time has become scarcer, so I’ve dedicated less time to multiplayer, instead opting to go co-op through the Halo campaigns, introducing the series to friends and making more memories along the way.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://twitter.com/entransing/status/1377027448949284868?s=20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1440" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing34.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77035" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing34.jpg 1440w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing34-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing34-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing34-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing34-768x768.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></a></figure>



What are some of your favorite pieces of Halo media and why?



My favorite Halo media pieces that I’m currently collecting are any kind of Halo book, whether it be the novels or the art books and visual guides. These are a major source of inspiration for me, and I love discovering little bits of lore here and there that I wouldn’t have learnt from the games alone.



Do you have a favorite Halo character—both in general, and a favorite character to draw?



I’m going to have to cheat a little and say my favorite Halo characters are the six members of Noble Team.



Halo: Reach is my favorite title of the whole series and drawing them always brings back memories of first playing through the campaign, discovering their fates and the fate of Reach. But… if I had to pick one member from the team, it would be Kat-B320.





Tell us your origin story as an artist—how did you discover your love for it and what are some of your major inspirations?



Art has always been a major part of my life; I’ve been drawing ever since I could hold a pencil.



However, video games really opened my eyes to a whole new means of artistic expression and a way of discovering new and creative ideas and worlds.



Destiny was one of my first major artistic inspirations, where I picked up my first game art book: The Art of Destiny. From there, I discovered my love for science fiction art, where I analyzed and drew virtually every page from the book. If you scroll down far enough on my Instagram, you’ll find my very first pen illustrations, which is where it all began!



As I’ve considered pursuing art, other inspirations have arisen to help me develop my own style. I’ve recently fallen in love with the Berserk manga and take a lot of inspiration from Kentaro Miura’s linework. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many artists at conventions as well, whose own art and stories also inspire me further.



Where do you start from when you begin working on a new piece of artwork and how does your process go from there?



To even begin to put pencil on paper, I need ideas, which can come at any time of the day. Whether it’s through suggestions from others or my own inspiration, I have a folder of thousands of reference pictures ready to go when an idea comes my way.



I keep my sketches pretty rough most of the time, making sure to just get the key details and proportions in. The next steps change according to how I’m lining or shading the piece. It could be in ballpoint pen, fine liner, brush pen or watercolor.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://twitter.com/entransing/status/1688666468144369665?s=20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2048" height="1536" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing32.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77007" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing32.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing32-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing32-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing32-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing32-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing32-1568x1176.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /></a></figure>



You’ve done some absolutely incredible illustrations of various Halo characters, and I see you’ve recently been doing some ships—the Pillar of Autumn, Spirit of Fire, Infinity, etc—and landscapes as well. Do you vary your approach based on the subject?



My recent UNSC ship series has been so much fun to work on as yes, it required a different process to my usual routine.



Given the highly detailed nature and blueprint look of these drawings, I had to take a much more careful and precise approach towards the work. I had to break out the ruler, do measurements and line each stroke up to make the work as precise as possible.



However, with my oil painted landscapes, the process behind these was on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Painting these landscapes is always such a therapeutic and calming process for me, as I can let loose, focus on brushwork and blending, rather than precision.



It’s really these differences in my practice that allow me to continuously stay inspired, even if I’m drawing the same subject over and over. There’s just so many different ways I can approach the same landscape or same character. I can never get bored of it!





Do you listen to music when you go into artist mode? What Halo tracks are on the drawing playlist for inspiration?



Music is a must for me, and I love to match what I’m drawing with its respective Halo soundtrack. My favorite soundtrack has to be that of Halo: Reach, but some of my favorite individual tracks are The Rookie, A Spartan Rises, and Ghosts and Glass.



How would you describe your style of art? Do you have a favorite medium to work with?



I would describe my art as my approach towards realism, with a touch of comic-book style linework and shading in my pen pieces.



I’m strict on my palette being mainly black-and-white with a dash of color for emphasis. However, since I do cover a lot of mediums in my art—pen, graphite pencil, oil paint, watercolors—my art style is also very dynamic. My favorite medium of all has got to be the standard Bic ballpoint pen, as it really tests my skills as an artist and is so fun to use!



How do you think your art has evolved over time? And how would you like to see it develop further?



I often look back at the artwork I’ve made over the past few years, and with each new piece I create, the evolution of my art only becomes more and more apparent.



My technical skills are always changing and developing as I learn from past mistakes or change directions in my art style. I am blessed to have so many opportunities to explore new ideas in my art, and I would love to continue with more creative and more ambitious pieces of work that test my skills further.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://twitter.com/entransing/status/1646272455315697664?s=20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2048" height="2048" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing13.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76741" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing13.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing13-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing13-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing13-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing13-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing13-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing13-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /></a></figure>



Do you have any wisdom to share with other artists out there who might just be getting started?



Art is all about consistency—put in the hours and you’ll see results!



Don’t be afraid to share your art with others, whether it be friends or fellow artists. You can learn a lot about where you can improve, and where your strengths are as well.



And most importantly, enjoy the process. Your best art is made when it comes from a place of love and passion!



What’s your favorite piece of Halo artwork?



It’s really hard for me to choose a single favorite piece, but I really love the cover art of the Halo novels, as well as Halo’s environmental concept art.



I really love the cover art of <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Shadows-of-Reach/Troy-Denning/Halo/9781982143619">Halo: Shadows of Reach</a> and <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Outcasts/Troy-Denning/Halo/9781668003282">Halo: Outcasts</a>.



What’s are some of your favorite pieces of artwork that you’ve done? And is there something Halo-related you might be excited to draw in the future?



I’m always super proud of the Halo oil paintings I do, and they always receive a lot of love as well. This piece (the top of the one pictured below), based off an artwork for Halo: CE, is one of my favorites and was quick to find a home with a fellow fan.



I also love the Noble Team series I did for a friend of mine, all in ballpoint pen with a touch of watercolor.



While I’m mixing things up a bit more in terms of my art, I always have Halo artwork ideas on the backburner. My next plan is to do an epic Blue Team piece, so stay tuned for that!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://twitter.com/entransing/status/1627214469624651777?s=20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1536" height="2048" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing17.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76797" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing17.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing17-225x300.jpg 225w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing17-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing17-1152x1536.jpg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px" /></a></figure>



Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.



Whilst I’m mainly an artist by trade, I’m also a graphic designer, designing and illustrating for books and websites.



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



It’s a dream come true to be featured here and to be able to express my love for Halo with thousands of fellow fans! I want to say a big thank you for having me, and great work with keeping Halo’s spark alive!



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Don’t forget to go and follow Entransing on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/entransing_/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/entransing">Twitter</a> to keep up with all her latest and greatest art pieces!

Alex Wakeford

Issue 009

Community Corner: Entransing

Cyber Showdown II Press Kit

Games

Halo Infinite

A neon night descends, cold and brittle amidst towering buildings and expansive arcologies, fitfully aglow with immense digital signs that guide the eyes to all kinds of rewards. Electronic beats flow through the city like a heartbeat, and those that gather for this moment—clothed in armor—know that the time has come for a showdown!



Cyber Showdown has returned to Halo Infinite, and this free event brings with it a new 10-tier Event Pass filled with synthwave-themed customization goodness.



<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="Cyber Showdown II Trailer | Season 4: Infection | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NqZHXXbfs_g?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 what’s in that Event Pass…



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE SYNTHWAVE SENSATION</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/CyberShowdownIIRewards.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/CyberShowdownIIRewards-scaled.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image showcasing the rewards for the Cyber Showdown II event" class="wp-image-76318" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/CyberShowdownIIRewards-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/CyberShowdownIIRewards-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/CyberShowdownIIRewards-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/CyberShowdownIIRewards-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/CyberShowdownIIRewards-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/CyberShowdownIIRewards-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/CyberShowdownIIRewards-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a></figure>



From August 8-22, the Cyber Showdown 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 armor, weapons (including a new weapon kit for your BR75 Battle Rifle), and Spartan ID.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/GIFTCyberKitty.jpg" alt="Cyber Kitty nameplate and emblem gift for the Cyber Showdown II event" class="wp-image-76332" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/GIFTCyberKitty.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/GIFTCyberKitty-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/GIFTCyberKitty-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/GIFTCyberKitty-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/GIFTCyberKitty-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/GIFTCyberKitty-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Also, log in anytime during these two weeks to get an additional free gift, the Cybercat Nameplate and emblem for your armor, vehicles and weapons. It’ll be the puurfect addition to that neon ensemble you’re putting together.



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



SHOP: BRXX LIGHTFIRE BUNDLE



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/SHOPBRXX.jpg" alt="BRXX LIGHTFIRE Shop image" class="wp-image-76346" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/SHOPBRXX.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/SHOPBRXX-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/SHOPBRXX-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/SHOPBRXX-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/SHOPBRXX-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/SHOPBRXX-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Pump up the awesome with the BRXX LIGHTFIRE weapon model, TORCHBEARER helmet for your MARK VII armor, Powerup Sights weapon coatings, Pacific Pitch armor coatings, and more!



ULTIMATE REWARD



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ULTPlumfireS7.jpg" alt="Ultimate Reward of the Plumfire weapon coating for the S7 Sniper" class="wp-image-76360" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ULTPlumfireS7.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ULTPlumfireS7-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ULTPlumfireS7-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ULTPlumfireS7-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ULTPlumfireS7-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ULTPlumfireS7-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Complete all your challenges for the week and you’ll unlock this week’s Ultimate Reward: The Plumfire Weapon Coating for your S7 Sniper.



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The free Cyber Showdown II event is now live in Halo Infinite, so fire up those pinball machines, dress up retro-style for the occasion to let your inner neon glow shine, and get ready to party like it’s December 2559!



We’ll see you on the streets.



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



<a href="https://aka.ms/CyberShowdown2PressKit">Grab the full 4K Cyber Showdown press kit here!</a>

Cyber Showdown II Event Launch

Since its release, Season 4: Infection has been winning over hearts and Iratus has been taking over minds. Although the reception of Season 4 has been great, there’s still plenty to do and we haven’t slowed down or lost sight of that fact. To help illustrate that point, let’s take a look at some of the additions, improvements, and bug fixes landing next Wednesday, August 9, with the upcoming August Update!



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



Our newest map, Dredge, is entering Halo Infinite’s lineup next week! With inspiration directly from Halo: Reach’s popular map Countdown, this forged homage is sure to make a lasting impression. When diving into the map for the first time, players can expect a new take on the scenery and refreshed gameplay flow.



Starting next Wednesday, you’ll be able to play Dredge all day long in the Dredge 24/7 playlist!



<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="Dredge Map Preview | Season 4: Infection | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HfLWB0wXt78?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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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COMMUNITY REQUESTS</h2>



You asked. We answered.



In addition to a new multiplayer map, the Halo Infinite team has really been focusing their efforts on top community requests. Let’s take a look at the feedback topics they went after!



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Improved Pelican Vehicle Drops</h3>



After cracking open the code for Pelican vehicle deliveries in Big Team Battle, we found a few different systems that used specific markers that worked together to deliver vehicles. While predictable, the outcome was not quite the same as the consistent, symmetrical vehicle drops that Halo fans typically prefer.



To bring the Pelican deliveries closer in line with those expectations, we’ve improved the system to deliver the same vehicles on both sides of the map in the same wave.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Pelicans_1_Watermarked.jpg" alt="A Pelican drops off a Scorpion on Highpower." class="wp-image-76089" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Pelicans_1_Watermarked.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Pelicans_1_Watermarked-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Pelicans_1_Watermarked-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Pelicans_1_Watermarked-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Pelicans_1_Watermarked-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Pelicans_1_Watermarked-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Please note: due to different Pelican flight paths, there may be a difference in the exact timings of delivery.  



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">BTB Fireteam Improvements  </h3>



In another effort to improve the BTB experience, the team also tackled a common piece of community feedback around intro cameras. Now, Big Team Battle matches will prioritize placing the members of your Fireteam in your in-game squad of four players. That means during the intro camera sequences at the start of each game, the line up shot with four Spartans will also prioritize showing members of your Fireteam.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Watermarked.jpg" alt="Three Spartans running together on Scarr." class="wp-image-76103" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Watermarked.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Watermarked-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Watermarked-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Watermarked-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Watermarked-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Watermarked-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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



There are not many feelings that can match the rewarding sensation of taking down an entire enemy team and hearing Jeff Steitzer say, “Extermination.”  



With the introduction of the Elimination and Attrition game modes in Halo Infinite, there was a desire to help make that medal moment even more special by attributing it to Overkills that helped end a round. However, many of you expressed that this made it feel too tucked away and asked for it to return to all game modes—and that request was heard loud and clear.



We’re happy to say that with the launch of the August Update, the Extermination medal will be available in all multiplayer modes. We look forward to you all sharing clips of your favorite clean sweeps online!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Extermination_Watermarked.jpg" alt="A first-person screenshot of a player getting an Overkill Extermination in a match of King of the Hill on Forest." class="wp-image-76117" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Extermination_Watermarked.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Extermination_Watermarked-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Extermination_Watermarked-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Extermination_Watermarked-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Extermination_Watermarked-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Extermination_Watermarked-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Death Cam Improvements</h3>



While this topic was a bit more niche, we saw the posts and comments asking for improvements in this area and the team was happy to jump on it.  



Our reasoning for going with static death cams was to help ensure a fair environment in which a team only gathered information that was earned. However, we heard the feedback around the static death cams and we went after it for this update.



Starting next week, after you’ve fallen in combat, you’ll be able to rotate your death cam to look around while spectating teammates—much like in previous titles. We expect this extra bit of freedom will encourage even better teamwork and improve communication while players wait to respawn.  



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Death_Cam_Watermarked.jpg" alt="A screenshot of a Death Cam being rotated enough to spot an enemy in the background." class="wp-image-76131" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Death_Cam_Watermarked.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Death_Cam_Watermarked-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Death_Cam_Watermarked-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Death_Cam_Watermarked-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Death_Cam_Watermarked-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Death_Cam_Watermarked-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Additionally, to help make sure you can spectate your teammate’s even faster, we’ve increased the speed at which you can cycle through players on your death cam. Now, with this additional layer of player agency, you should always be able to help a teammate in need.  



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Reactive Water Plane</h3>



Season 4 brought the first appearance of a placeable and scalable water object in Forge—the static water plane. Being a static object, it didn’t react to gameplay interactions such as footsteps, bullets, or explosions and was more applicable for map aesthetics. It was a big step forward for Forge, but we knew that having a reactive water plane would be the next big leap.



Next week, you’ll be able to take that leap with the addition of a scalable water plane in Forge. This new water object will react to players, vehicles, and projectiles just like it would on any of our dev maps!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Reactive_Water_Plane_Watermarked.jpg" alt="A screenshot of the Reactive Water Plane's ripple effect when being shot at." class="wp-image-76145" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Reactive_Water_Plane_Watermarked.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Reactive_Water_Plane_Watermarked-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Reactive_Water_Plane_Watermarked-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Reactive_Water_Plane_Watermarked-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Reactive_Water_Plane_Watermarked-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Reactive_Water_Plane_Watermarked-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Forge QoL Updates & Bug Fixes</h3>



In addition to the introduction of the reactive water plane, Forge will also get some extra love and polish in this update. A quality-of-life (QoL) update for our Forge menu folders means that creators will be able to expand and collapse all the folders in each menu with a single action. Beyond that, the team went after numerous community-reported issues for the August Update.



The full list of those bug fixes will be available on the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/HaloSupport" target="_blank">Halo Support</a> team’s Patch Notes at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://aka.ms/HaloInfiniteUpdate" target="_blank">aka.ms/HaloInfiniteUpdate</a> and will go live with the update’s launch next week.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="506" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Forge_Folders_Watermarked.gif" alt="A gif of all the Folders being opened and collapsed in the Forge menu." class="wp-image-76187"/></figure>



Much like all our updates, the focus of the August Update was to continue addressing top community requests across the board. In addition to the few topics we’ve covered above, we’ll have even more fixes for top community reported issues such as Personal AI voice resetting, bringing slide back to parity with its Season 3 behavior, multiple Observer and Theater bugs, and stability improvements for all platforms.



As a reminder, the full list of fixes—with additional context—will be available on <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/HaloSupport" target="_blank">Halo Support</a>’s Patch Notes page (<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://aka.ms/HaloInfiniteUpdate" target="_blank">aka.ms/HaloInfiniteUpdate)</a> next week.



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While we know there will always be plenty more to go after, we’re excited to release this one and share these improvements with you. Thank you for your continued support and constructive feedback as we continue to update Halo Infinite!

Unyshek

August Update Preview

Forge Features

It’s that time again for a new issue of Forge Features.



We’ve got a new opportunity for you to get your maps into matchmaking and a round-up of some of the latest and greatest 343 Recommended maps. Let’s get right into it!



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">343 REQUESTS: YOUR TIME TO SHINE</h2>



We want to get your maps into matchmaking!



There are times where we will be looking to vet a variety of community-made maps for specific purposes and playlists, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/forge-features-012" target="_blank">such as when we provided some templates for Husky Raid maps</a> back in our twelfth Forge Features issue.



We are looking for Forgers to submit maps themed around the seasons—Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.



Maybe you’ve got a Halloween-themed map in-mind for some horrifying haunted house hostilities, or perhaps a snowy wonderland where grenades may be exchanged for some explosive Holiday cheer…



HOW DO I GET MY MAP NOTICED?



Once your map is in a state you’re happy with, you need to publish it and tag it with the relevant “343ask” tag, which are:



<ul><li>343ask-Autumn</li><li>343ask-Winter</li><li>343ask-Summer</li><li>343ask-Spring</li></ul>



If your map is one we’d like to move forwards with, we will reach out to the gamertag listed as the author of the map and continue further dialogue on Discord.



We can’t wait to see you flex those creative muscles and show us what you’ve been cooking!



Speaking of which, let’s take a look at some new map recommendations…



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UNEEQ | LONGSHORE Credits: UneeQ TV, Mr Greencastle, WookieCookies1, MikRips, Artifice7285 Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/e66bb6d6-8f0b-4b3b-8f76-c8563e73e250" target="_blank">UneeQ | Longshore</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/e66bb6d6-8f0b-4b3b-8f76-c8563e73e250"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Longshore.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Longshore remade in Forge" class="wp-image-76258" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Longshore.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Longshore-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Longshore-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Longshore-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Longshore-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Longshore-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



It’s Halo 3’s Longshore as you remember it, but with some multi-layered expansion as there are now a couple of ships docked around the borders of the map which provide additional space for you to move around.



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THE CAGE Credits: vPrimeval Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/dd7a7846-561d-4fa8-9fb9-413448667ef6" target="_blank">The Cage</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/dd7a7846-561d-4fa8-9fb9-413448667ef6"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/TheCage.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of The Cage remade in Forge" class="wp-image-76272" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/TheCage.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/TheCage-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/TheCage-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/TheCage-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/TheCage-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/TheCage-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



The Cage from Halo: Reach, now with less grey!



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THRONE Credits: DarkMaiming Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/8bfbb219-668a-49ec-823b-ed7c0013afc4" target="_blank">Throne</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/8bfbb219-668a-49ec-823b-ed7c0013afc4"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Throne.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Throne made in Forge" class="wp-image-76286" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Throne.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Throne-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Throne-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Throne-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Throne-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Throne-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



A battlefield whereupon you shall ponder the orb…



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KINGPIN Credits: inpachie, N3RDCHAOTIC, Amadeus615 Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4ae36318-6f33-4078-978f-cd299392b081" target="_blank">Kingpin</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4ae36318-6f33-4078-978f-cd299392b081"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Kingpin.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Kingpin made in Forge" class="wp-image-76244" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Kingpin.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Kingpin-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Kingpin-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Kingpin-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Kingpin-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Kingpin-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Tight corridors in a dark and moody indoor environment will lead to lots of jump-scare moments as you see an enemy pop out from around an unexpected corner. Bring spare pants.



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INFINITY Credits: KondouVT Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/cd87b6a4-3283-4187-a5b3-b3d4cd8446d6" target="_blank">Infinity</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/cd87b6a4-3283-4187-a5b3-b3d4cd8446d6"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Infinity.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Infinity remade in Forge" class="wp-image-76230" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Infinity.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Infinity-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Infinity-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Infinity-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Infinity-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Infinity-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Infinity from Halo: CE, lovingly recreated with Halo Infinite’s Forerunner palette. Try not to fall.



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That plays us out for this issue of Forge Features. Bookmark some cool new maps, get a customs night set up with your friends (or just hop into the Custom Games Browser), and see what cool season-themed maps you can build that just might find their way into matchmaking in the future!



We’ll catch you classy cartographers next time.

Halo: Outcasts | Spartan Chatter

Community Corner: Entransing

Cyber Showdown II Event Launch

August Update Preview

Forge Features: August 4, 2023

Halo: Outcasts – Preview 3

Canon Fodder: Digsite Dissection

Outcast Outings

Spotlight: July 25, 2023

Halo: Outcasts – Preview 2