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Community Update

Alex Wakeford

Sundered Showdown

Fiction

343 INDUSTRIES

Women’s History Month 2024

Fireteam February

Welcome to our final Community Update for 2023!



What a year it’s been, eh? From the close of last year’s Winter Update which saw the debut of Halo Infinite’s Forge, to the delivery of multiple seasonal launches that brought new maps and modes, new armor and events, new features—and more.



And that’s just on the game front. The Digsite crew dropped their first release out of slipspace with some of the classic Halo content they’ve been restoring from the deepest reaches of the cutting room floor. We saw the return of the Arbiter and Spartan Vale in Halo: Outcasts, along with five new Waypoint Chronicles—one of which saw Steve Downes, Jen Taylor, and Keith David on-stage together at the climactic Halo World Championship to perform a whole new scene.



We’ve had exciting new partnerships with the likes of Mountain Dew (welcome back, citrus cherry!), Brawlhalla, Sea of Thieves, Dr. Squatch, Honda, Oreo, Calm…



And the Community Update has been here to keep you up to date throughout it all. So, once more unto the breach before we sign off for the year—let’s go!



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HALO INFINITE</h2>



WINTER CONTINGENCY III



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/OperationWinterContingency.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite key art for the Winter Contingency III Operation, showcasing four Spartans in the snow with the central one clad in Santa-inspired armor holding a green sack over their back" class="wp-image-82729" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/OperationWinterContingency.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/OperationWinterContingency-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/OperationWinterContingency-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/OperationWinterContingency-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/OperationWinterContingency-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/OperationWinterContingency-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



As the Combined Arms Operation comes to a close, it will be succeeded next week by the arrival of Winter Contingency III.



Running from December 19 through January 30, you’ll have a new 20-tier Operation Pass full of Holiday-themed customization rewards to deck the (armory) halls with!



We’ll have a full blog with all the information you need to know about Winter Contingency III dropping when the Operation goes live on December 19—stay tuned.



DECEMBER MID-SEASON UPDATE



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FFKOTHNormal.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite playlist image for Firefight: King of the Hill on Normal difficulty depicting Spartans fighting Banished on the House of Reckoning map" class="wp-image-87190" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FFKOTHNormal.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FFKOTHNormal-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FFKOTHNormal-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FFKOTHNormal-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FFKOTHNormal-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FFKOTHNormal-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



You may or may not be aware that Halo Infinite got a little mid-season update the other week…



Amongst other things, this update brought:



<ul><li>FIREFIGHT: KING OF THE HILL – The latest incarnation of the beloved mode has arrived with nine maps, including the new House of Reckoning map from Halo Infinite’s campaign. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/firefight-king-of-the-hill-preview" target="_blank">Check out our Firefight: KOTH blog for a deep dive into this new mode,</a> and give our latest Spartan Chatter episode a watch as we sit down with Michael “Forge Lord” Schorr and Technical Designer Connor Kennelly to discuss all things Firefight.</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Spartan Chatter: Firefight: King of the Hill" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TcFPhwKyhfs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<ul><li>REPAIR FIELD – A new addition to Halo Infinite’s Equipment, the Repair Field can heal (and revive) allies, vehicles… and enemies. Be wary of those who enter its lovely green field!</li><li>FORGE UPDATES – High Value Targets and bosses from Halo Infinite’s campaign have come to the Forge AI Toolkit, along with the addition of Skull modifiers to node graphs, quality-of-life updates, and more.</li><li>RANKED IMPROVEMENTS – UI and audio elements for Ranked Extraction have been implemented to enhance the ranked experience, and CSR penalties for matches where players quit have been improved.</li><li>CUSTOM GAME BROWSER – As long as enough slots are open, the Fireteam leader can bring their entire party into a CGB session.</li><li>STABILITY & NETWORKING – A new networking system has been implemented into Halo Infinite that will be tested in the Firefight: King of the Hill playlist and is also being tested further in the Combat Workshop.</li></ul>



For a full breakdown of all the new additions and improvements in the December Update, you can <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/december-update-halo-infinite" target="_blank">check out our December Update preview blog</a> or head over to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://aka.ms/HaloSupport" target="_blank">read the Patch Notes on Halo Support</a>.



TRIAL OF RECKONING



Following the debut of Firefight: KOTH, we have a new tie-in Waypoint Chronicle set within the House of Reckoning itself.



Trial of Reckoning is available <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-trial-of-reckoning" target="_blank">here on Halo Waypoint</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://aka.ms/REckoningPDF" target="_blank">as a free PDF</a>, and in <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://aka.ms/ReckoningAudio" target="_blank">audiobook format on YouTube</a>.



<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="Halo: Trial of Reckoning | Audiobook" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RE9f-zRLy_o?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



“February 2560. The wreckage of the UNSC Mortal Reverie served as a central rally point and home to human survivors on Zeta Halo, but it was only a matter of time before it was also overrun by the Banished.



A handful of survivors from the battle have been brought to the iron halls of the House of Reckoning where they are forced to take part in a twisted new war game…”



INTEL



Our third piece of Intel for Season 5 has gone live, providing some additional information on Gunnery Sergeant Elena Bobrov—the protagonist of Trial of Reckoning.



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/reckoning-intel#S5Intel3" target="_blank">INTEL #3 – MISSING IN ACTION</a>



FORGE AHEAD



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/09/HaloInfiniteForge.jpg" alt="Header image for the Halo Infinite Forge series showing a Monitor" class="wp-image-45890" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/09/HaloInfiniteForge.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/09/HaloInfiniteForge-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/09/HaloInfiniteForge-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/09/HaloInfiniteForge-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/09/HaloInfiniteForge-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/09/HaloInfiniteForge-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Forge in Halo Infinite has crossed the threshold of being a year old—and what a year it has been!



In no time at all, the cartographers in the community set about creating all sorts of maps and experiences with more powerful and versatile tools than ever before. And over the course of this year, we have continued to build on those capabilities with new canvases, new objects and palettes, various improvements and fixes… and, of course, the AI Toolkit, which has well and truly changed the game for Forge.



We’ve seen recreations of previous campaign missions and entirely new ones built from scratch; tower defense modes with extensive upgrade systems; zombie modes and the old Custom Games you remember from the old days (you can’t beat a bit of Lightspeed Halo!); classic map remakes from across the series, and so much more.



2.3 million unique maps have been created in Forge since its launch last year.



3.2 million hours (approximately 7.2 million matches!) have been spent playing Custom Games on Forge maps since the mode launched.



From February 2023, there have been 44 community maps brought into our official matchmaking playlists—from Quick Play to Super Fiesta, Husky Raid, Squad Battle, Doubles, Halo 3 Refueled, Firefight: KOTH, and beyond.



And we’re not done yet. Forge will continue to be supported in 2024, and we’ll have more to share with you on that front in the new year.



Until then, keep on Forgin’! We see new creations to fall in love with every single day, and the holidays are the perfect time to lose oneself in the Customs Browser!



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HALO TV SERIES</h2>



Earlier this month, Paramount+ released the first teaser for Season Two of the Halo television series.



Due to release on February 8, 2024, the teaser that premiered at CCXP 2023 promises eight new episodes filled with intense action to come as the Covenant threat to humanity escalates.



For a full breakdown, be sure to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/silver-debrief-season-2-reveal" target="_blank">check out our latest Silver Debrief issue</a>.



<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="Halo The Series | Season 2 First Look Trailer | Paramount+" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pfiTJ2JNDco?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">HALO GEAR</h2>



Happy Halodays! As you continue to enjoy Season 5, we wanted to share the final design of the exclusive <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://aka.ms/halogearrewards_s5backpack" target="_blank">Halo Gear Rewards Season 5 Tactical Carrier Backpack</a>. The UNSC-style backpack is designed with utility in mind and loaded with design features and Easter eggs to give you that Halo universe look and feel. Check out the new images below!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="http://aka.ms/halogearrewards_s5backpack"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2400" height="1350" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack.jpg" alt="Image of the Halo Tactical Backpack and optional Season 5 patches" class="wp-image-89003" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack.jpg 2400w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px" /></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="http://aka.ms/halogearrewards_s5backpack"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2400" height="1350" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack1.jpg" alt="Image of details and decals on the Halo Tactical Backpack" class="wp-image-89017" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack1.jpg 2400w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px" /></a></figure>



There’s still time to earn access to the exclusive Halo Gear Rewards Season 5 Tactical Carrier Backpack and Reckoning Insignia patch. Just complete the full 50-tier Premium Battle Pass and you’ll receive a code in your Waypoint notifications.



After receiving your code, head to the Halo Gear shop to complete your purchase ($140 backpack). Players will also have the option to add-on the Operation: Combined Arms Patch and the Operation: Winter Contingency III Patch for an additional $10 per patch.



The last day to purchase the Tactical Carrier Backpack will be January 29, 2024.



<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/TwXOuHfAyvc?si=Yr81vm24Y4z03MIS">For a closer look at some of the amazing Halo gifts that are perfect to stuff your stockings with, check out our end-of-year community playdate livestream!</a>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">RADAR BLIPS</h2>



<ul><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://aka.ms/ForgeFeatures023" target="_blank">FORGE FEATURES 023</a> – In our final issue of Forge Features for 2023, we take a look at some of the latest and greatest creations from the community.</li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://aka.ms/S5CommunityMontage" target="_blank">COMMUNITY MONTAGE</a> – Send us your showstopping captures from Season 5: Reckoning for a chance to be featured in our Community Montage! Submission ends January 12 at 11:59pm PT.</li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/spotlight-december-2023" target="_blank">END-OF-YEAR SPOTLIGHT</a> – Our final Community Spotlight for 2023 has gone live! Check out our collection of the latest and greatest community creations.</li><li>CANON FODDER: Coming on December 18, our final issue of Canon Fodder will see us out for the year.</li></ul>



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



Aaaaand that’s a wrap for 2023!



Thank you all for joining us on this Great Journey, whether you’ve just (re)joined us recently or been here from the beginning. We here at 343 Industries wish you all a safe and happy holidays.



See you in 2024.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HappyHalodays2023Card.jpg" alt="2023 Holiday Card from 343 depicting Spartan Santa riding a sleigh pulled by Unggoy with text that reads "Happy Halo-days! From 343 Industries"" class="wp-image-88989" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HappyHalodays2023Card.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HappyHalodays2023Card-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HappyHalodays2023Card-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HappyHalodays2023Card-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HappyHalodays2023Card-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HappyHalodays2023Card-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>

Wintertime Wonders

Remember, remember the month of November… because it’s Halo’s anniversary month and marks the release of Halo: CE, Halo 2, Halo 4, and Halo Infinite!



It’s been an incredibly exciting time recently, with Season 5 having been out in the wild for a few weeks now and folks have gotten to grips with all its new additions—from new maps to the Forge AI Toolkit, and beyond. There’s plenty more to look forward to, but for now let us reflect on all the latest happenings of the last month…



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HALO INFINITE</h2>



SEASON 5: RECKONING



Unless you’ve been imprisoned within a Cryptum or cylix, or something, you’ve probably heard that Season 5 of Halo Infinite launched on October 17.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Roadmap.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-83546" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Roadmap.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Roadmap-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Roadmap-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Roadmap-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Roadmap-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Roadmap-1568x1176.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



It’s quite possible that since then you’ve been learning the layout of the new maps, Prism and Forbidden, and searched for various Easter eggs, sought to master the new Bandit Evo, or simply stared up at the stunning skyboxes. No doubt, you have spent a good amount of time in the Armory deciding which outfit you feel like wearing for your next match now that multi-use helmets have come to the game, and seeing just how gross you can make your Spartan look with the new Flood-infected customization pieces.



Perhaps you’ve already cleared that 50-tier Battle Pass and have been looking to reach FTL speeds in your journey to the maximum Hero rank, where that coveted Infinite Mark VI armor kit awaits… or maybe you’ve jumped into Forge to try out the new AI Toolkit to create new maps on the new canvases featuring Banished enemies, then headed over to the Custom Game Browser to try out the jaw-dropping creations from other community cartographers (and earning Custom Game XP for it!)



All that is to say, if you haven’t yet dived into Season 5 of Halo Infinite, the time to do so has come! Our first Operation (Combined Arms) is due to go live on November 14, bringing with it a new 20-tier Operation Pass with free customization rewards for you to earn by progressing with Match XP.



FORGE FEATURES



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/forge-features-020"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of (from left-to-right) a Brute, Hunter, and Jackal on a dark map" class="wp-image-84630" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Season 5 brought the next evolution of Forge with the AI Toolkit, well and truly changing the game by empowering players to add AI units to the maps you create.



We’ve already seen classic campaign mission spaces recreated, populated by Banished baddies. We’ve seen altogether new missions for you and your friends to try out together, PvPvE experiences, tower defense maps, and so much more.



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/forge-features-020" target="_blank">Check out our latest issue of Forge Features</a> to bookmark a selection of these new maps and take a look at some developer and community-made tutorials for how to utilize this new toolkit.



WAYPOINT CHRONICLES



Two new Waypoint Chronicles have arrived! For those not in the know: Waypoint Chronicles are canonical short stories that typically accompany certain in-game elements and events, released on Halo Waypoint, as a free PDF, and in audiobook format on YouTube.



When we learned that we would be joined not only by Steve Downes and Jen Taylor for this year’s Halo World Championship event, but Keith David as well, for the very first time these three would be in the same room together… we knew we had an opportunity to do something special. These three titans of the Halo universe performed a new scene together, set immediately after the events of Halo 5 (and concurrently with events depicted in Halo: Bad Blood) where the Arbiter, the Master Chief, and Dr. Halsey are all in the same place.



Read Halo: Sunrise on Sanghelios <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-sunrise-on-sanghelios" target="_blank">here on Halo Waypoint</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://aka.ms/SunriseOnSangheliosPDF" target="_blank">download a free PDF version</a>, or <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heeAkDRuf5g&ab_channel=HALO" target="_blank">watch the live performance by Steve, Jen, and Keith on YouTube</a>!



<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="Halo: Sunrise on Sanghelios | HaloWC 2023 Community Stage" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/heeAkDRuf5g?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Last week, we also released a new short story for Halloween that centers around a Flood outbreak which culminates in the first known instance of a Spartan succumbing to the parasite.



Halo: Saturn Devouring His Son can be read <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-saturn-devouring-his-son" target="_blank">here on Halo Waypoint</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://aka.ms/SaturnPDF" target="_blank">as a free PDF version</a>, and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://aka.ms/SaturnAudio" target="_blank">as an audiobook on YouTube</a>.



<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="Halo: Saturn Devouring His Son | Audiobook" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9H9Pj2YhpyQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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And there are still two more Waypoint Chronicles to come before the end of the year…



SHOP & ULTIMATE REWARD



“Bred for combat, built for war, you are the master of any weapon, pilot of any vehicle, and fear no enemy.”



In the Shop this week is the Combat Evolved Mark V bundle, starting the celebrations of Halo’s twenty-second birthday a little early with this recreation of the classic and iconic Mjolnir Mark V armor worn by the Master Chief in Halo: CE.



This bundle includes:



<ul><li>Combat Evolved Mark V armor kit</li><li>Cinder Ring armor coating</li><li>Viridescent Ring armor coating</li><li>Autumn Evolved visor</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/CEMarkV1.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the CE Mark V armor kit" class="wp-image-83294" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/CEMarkV1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/CEMarkV1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/CEMarkV1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/CEMarkV1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/CEMarkV1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/CEMarkV1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



And complete all of your Challenges this week to acquire the latest Ultimate Reward: the Queen’s Gambit weapon charm.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULTQueensGambit.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the Queen's Gambit weapon charm" class="wp-image-85698" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULTQueensGambit.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULTQueensGambit-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULTQueensGambit-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULTQueensGambit-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULTQueensGambit-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/ULTQueensGambit-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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



We’ve seen your memes. Your crumpled and faded bottles on your trophy shelves. We’ve heard your secret dreams whispered into your pillow. Okay, maybe not that, but I’m probably not far off. Point is, we’ve heard you, we understand you…



Something amazing happened in 2007 and we’ve all been chasing that dream ever since. That’s right. Once again, Mountain Dew and Halo are back together for a limited time this holiday season to bring you Mtn Dew Game Fuel Citrus Cherry. The iconic flavor that has fueled some of your favorite Halo memories is back and in stores in 12-packs of 12 oz. cans and single 20 oz. bottles, and fun fact: the very special label was designed by our own community-member-turned-Halo team-member, William “Pixelflare” Cameron.



We’re not just bringing you your favorite memories in drink form. As we do, we teamed up with Mtn Dew to create a suite of eye-catching in-game content with a striking armor coating, two Mtn Dew-inspired visors, a weapon charm (the Halo 3 Chief helmet), and an emblem pack featuring four Halo 3 map blueprints. I’ve said it before, but please, look at the incredible detail of the condensation and ice in those visors… our customization team has once again done an amazing job.



Points earned by entering the codes found on specially marked Mtn Dew, Doritos, and Rockstar products in the US will get you these and other Xbox gaming rewards. You can also enter to win grand prizes like a Halo-inspired Super 73 e-bike (it’s insane, we all want one!), a Starfield-themed Corvette, and more.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/MtnDewxHalo.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-85670" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/MtnDewxHalo.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/MtnDewxHalo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/MtnDewxHalo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/MtnDewxHalo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/MtnDewxHalo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/MtnDewxHalo-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



And for fans everywhere, we’ve created a limited-edition Halo x Mtn Dew merch collection <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://gear.xbox.com/collections/haloxdew" target="_blank">available now on the Halo Gear Shop</a>.



You’ll find an updated re-issue of a classic Halo 3 x Mtn Dew tee, a jersey inspired by the new Mtn Dew Game Fuel design, a classic hoodie that glows in the dark, a trucker hat to show you’re a person of taste and style, and a koozie so you can make any drink look like a can of Mtn Dew Game Fuel. All of these will go fast, so get yours ASAP.



Feeling nostalgic yet? Ready to jump into the game? That’s the point. We wanted to relive the glory days of drinking Game Fuel Citrus Cherry and playing Halo 3 with you, so we’re doing something we’ve never done before…



Halo and Mtn Dew have teamed up with ArturBloodshot, community Forger, to create a brand-new custom Dew-themed map called Critical Dewpoint, and we’re putting it in an official playlist called ‘Halo 3 Refueled’ which features seven more remade and reimagined Halo 3 maps created by other talented community Forgers. It’s coming on Nov 14th, so join us in this nostalgic adventure—we hope you enjoy it!



This partnership is all about celebrating and involving our community, and we have more to come! Keep your eyes peeled and <a href="https://twitter.com/MTNDEWGaming">follow @MtnDewgaming for more news and giveaways</a>, and we’ll see you out there in your Mountain Tiger armor coating in the Halo 3 Refueled playlist on November 14.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE ARTIST’S CORNER</h2>



Because the Flood has taken center stage for the launch of Season 5, it seemed only fitting that we should feature some Flood-themed artwork from the vault for this Community Update.



This wonderfully grotesque piece comes from artist Tsutomu Nihei, featured in the Halo Graphic Novel that originally released in 2006, depicting a Flood-infected Sangheili combat form.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1654" height="2560" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HGN_Flood_TsutomuNihei-scaled.jpg" alt="Halo Graphic Novel artwork by Tsutomu Nihei of a Flood-infected Sangheili combat form" class="wp-image-85656" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HGN_Flood_TsutomuNihei-scaled.jpg 1654w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HGN_Flood_TsutomuNihei-194x300.jpg 194w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HGN_Flood_TsutomuNihei-662x1024.jpg 662w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HGN_Flood_TsutomuNihei-768x1188.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HGN_Flood_TsutomuNihei-993x1536.jpg 993w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HGN_Flood_TsutomuNihei-1323x2048.jpg 1323w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/HGN_Flood_TsutomuNihei-1568x2426.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1654px) 100vw, 1654px" /></figure>



The Halo Graphic Novel features four fantastic short stories and additional supplemental art pieces set around the events of Halo: CE and Halo 2.



<ul><li>The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor: Spec-Ops Commander Rtas ‘Vadumee and his squad are deployed to the agricultural support ship Infinite Succor, where a far deadlier threat than the humans has been unleashed… (Written by Lee Hammock, art by Simon Bisley)</li><li>Armor Testing: Maria-062 puts the Mjolnir Mark VI armor through live testing trials before it is shipped off to John-117. (Written and illustrated by Ed Lee, Jay Faerber, and Andrew Robinson)</li><li>Breaking Quarantine: Trapped within the Flood containment facility on Alpha Halo, Avery Johnson fights his way out of hell itself. (Illustrated by Tsutomu Nihei)</li><li>Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa: Journalist and war photographer Benjamin Giraud (yes, that Benjamin Giraud!) experiences the devastating events of the Covenant’s arrival at Earth. (Written by Brett Lewis, illustrated by Jean “Moebius” Giraud)</li></ul>



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/678544/halo-graphic-novel-new-edition-by-by-lee-hammock-simon-bisley-ed-lee-jay-faerber-and-andrew-robinson/" target="_blank">The Halo Graphic Novel received a reprint in December 2021, so you should absolutely pick it up!</a>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE HOUSE THAT MASTER CHIEF BUILT</h2>



Follow Steve Downes, the voice of Master Chief, on a personal tour of his Chicago condo overlooking Lake Michigan.



Check out his home studio where he brings the legendary lines of Halo to life, and even get a peek at the Halo Infinite script! You’ll also get to see some of the fan art he’s collected over the years, and meet his dog Ginger!



<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="The House that Master Chief Built: Tour of Steve Downes' Chicago Condo, Voice Over Studio" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bGB6yEe-XhM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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That brings us to the end of this Community Update, which is good news because I’ve got a few more levels of my Season 5 Battle Pass to finish up before the Combined Arms Operation kicks off next week—and I’m sure to be waylaid by some custom games as well…



We’ll be back next month for our end-of-year update before we look ahead to the year of our Didact 2024. See you then!

Flood of Flavor

Esports

Road to HaloWC 2023

Arno Kiss x Tenrai - Community Submissions

September comes to a close with a celebration of some Halo birthdays (namely Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and Halo: Reach) to make us all feel old…



But do not fear the unceasing passage of time because we’re about to head into October which means we are just a few short weeks away from the 2023 Halo World Championship and the launch of Season 5 of Halo Infinite.



Before then, let us look back on the month that has come and gone in a blink of an eye. It’s time to dive into the latest edition of the Community Update!



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HALO INFINITE</h2>



HUSKY RAID RETURNS



The Husky Raid playlist has returned, and it now includes the Super Husky Raid mode featuring the special weapon variants from the Halo Infinite campaign which make for an even more chaotic time.



The Husky Raid playlist will remain in matchmaking without a rotation date for now, however, the team will be monitoring its population and feedback.



TENRAI III



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/tenrai-3-event-launch"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2160" height="2160" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/Tenrai-III-Rewards.jpg" alt="Tenrai III event rewards image" class="wp-image-80564" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/Tenrai-III-Rewards.jpg 2160w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/Tenrai-III-Rewards-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/Tenrai-III-Rewards-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/Tenrai-III-Rewards-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/Tenrai-III-Rewards-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/Tenrai-III-Rewards-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/Tenrai-III-Rewards-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/Tenrai-III-Rewards-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2160px) 100vw, 2160px" /></a></figure>



Tenrai III is live in Halo Infinite, running until October 3, which means you still have plenty of time to jump in and complete your free 10-tier Event Pass, which features the new Hatamoto helmet.



Oh, and did we mention that there are eight new community-created maps for you to play on in the Tenrai Social playlist, featuring ninja-styled variants of Slayer, King of the Hill, Strongholds, and other modes?



Jump in, complete Event Challenges to level up that YOROI armor drip, and study the art of the blade!



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/tenrai-3-event-launch" target="_blank">TENRAI II EVENT LAUNCH</a>



STORY SHARD: DUALITY



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/story-shard-duality"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/DualityHeader.jpg" alt="Story Shard: Duality header image depicting the two YOROI Spartans from the Tenrai II and III key art preparing for battle, evoking the confrontation of Arbiter Fal 'Chavamee and Haka in Halo Legends: The Duel" class="wp-image-80592" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/DualityHeader.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/DualityHeader-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/DualityHeader-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/DualityHeader-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/DualityHeader-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/DualityHeader-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Alongside Tenrai III, Duality is a standalone Story Shard that takes the form of a Tenrai-themed retelling of the Halo Legends episode “The Duel,” featuring art from William “Pixelflare” Cameron and Duncan Shaffer.



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/story-shard-duality" target="_blank">STORY SHARD: DUALITY</a>



FORGE FEATURES



Our latest edition of Forge Features takes a look at another round of 343-recommended community-made maps—from Forerunner sky constructs and stone temples built into mountainsides, to a medieval-inspired fortress, and beyond.



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/forge-features-18" target="_blank">FORGE FEATURES 018</a>



INTEL



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/infection-intel#S4Intel4"><img decoding="async" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/S4Intel4.jpg" alt=""/></a></figure>



Our latest Intel drop for Season 4 of Halo Infinite takes the form of a journal entry from Dr. Halsey concerning the data recorded of the mysterious ruins on Heian, as seen in the Halo Legends episode “The Babysitter.”



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/infection-intel#S4Intel4" target="_blank">INTEL #4 – ARCHEOHOMINA</a>



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HALO ESPORTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/2023_HWC_VisID-1920x1080-CLEAN.jpg" alt="The Visual I D of the 2023 Halo World Championship." class="wp-image-80322" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/2023_HWC_VisID-1920x1080-CLEAN.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/2023_HWC_VisID-1920x1080-CLEAN-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/2023_HWC_VisID-1920x1080-CLEAN-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/2023_HWC_VisID-1920x1080-CLEAN-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/2023_HWC_VisID-1920x1080-CLEAN-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/2023_HWC_VisID-1920x1080-CLEAN-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



The 2023 Halo World Championship draws ever closer, bringing Year 2 of HCS to a climactic conclusion with a $1,000,000 prize pool that will see the ultimate clash of titans take place from October 13-15.



With the return of the Community Stage, the cosplay contest, partnered team booth activations, and some special guest appearances, let’s get you a debrief on everything happening that’s going to make this the biggest year of HCS yet! Keep an eye on our Road to HaloWC 2023 blog, which will be updated over the coming weeks with new information about the event.



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/road-to-halowc-2023">ROAD TO HALOWC 2023</a>



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">RADAR BLIPS</h2>



<ul><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-concert-of-words" target="_blank">CANON FODDER: CONCERT OF WORDS</a> – Our latest issue of Canon Fodder celebrates the sixteenth birthday of Halo 3, answers community questions about Halo: Outcasts, shows off a new Swords of Sanghelios ship, and more.</li><li><a href="https://x.com/Halo/status/1704542412457013383?s=20">ARNO KISS x TENRAI ART</a> – We collaborated with illustrator <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.arno-kiss.com/" target="_blank">Arno Kiss</a> on an exclusive Tenrai III digital poster featuring details from the Event Pass. Be sure to check out the event press kit HERE to get your copy in all its HD glory. And for the chance to win one of ten exclusive prints, make Arno’s poster in your style and <a href="http://aka.ms/Tenrai3Giveaway">submit it by September 29!</a></li></ul>



Let’s take a look at some of the incredible submissions thus far.





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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE ARTIST’S CORNER</h2>



This month’s Artist’s Corner piece, naturally, was chosen in celebration of Halo 3’s sixteenth birthday.



Illustrated by Leonid Kozienko for Halo Mythos, this piece depicts the Master Chief, Arbiter Thel ‘Vadam, Sergeant Major Avery Johnson, and 343 Guilty Spark at the start of Halo 3’s final mission—on approach to the control room of Installation 08 where they intend to activate the ring to destroy the local Flood forces that have traveled outside the galaxy (thus ensuring that this installation’s firing does not set off the other rings).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="660" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/MythosTheFinalBattleLeonidKozienko-1024x660.jpg" alt="Halo Mythos illustration by Leonid Kozienko depicting the Master Chief, Arbiter, Avery Johnson, and 343 Guilty Spark in the snowy environment of Installation 08 at the end of Halo 3" class="wp-image-82369" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/MythosTheFinalBattleLeonidKozienko-1024x660.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/MythosTheFinalBattleLeonidKozienko-300x193.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/MythosTheFinalBattleLeonidKozienko-768x495.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/MythosTheFinalBattleLeonidKozienko-1536x990.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/MythosTheFinalBattleLeonidKozienko-1568x1011.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/09/MythosTheFinalBattleLeonidKozienko.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Perhaps you fondly recall the first time you played through this mission, be it by yourself or with your friends or family. For me, I am instantly transported back to 2008 when the Vidmaster: Annual achievement went live (exactly a year after the game’s launch)—a challenge that would otherwise reward you with zero gamerscore, but was one of your first steps on the road to unlocking that coveted Recon armor.



I vividly recall getting to the top of the control room by use of strategic Brute Shot grenade jumps, trying to keep everyone together in the Ghosts, the countless checkpoint restarts when one of us got a little overconfident… and the relief of making it to the end, the achievement popping for everyone as we escaped extragalactic space.



Incredible, unforgettable times. Happy birthday, Halo 3!



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



Do you feel it? October is coming, which means crunchy autumn leaves on the ground, crisp and cold morning air, peak pumpkin spice latte season, and an unforgettable time of more Halo to come.



Champions shall be crowned, seasonal updates installed, and good times all around! We’ll see you on the other side.

Sundered Showdown

Women’s History Month 2024

Fireteam February

Wintertime Wonders

Flood of Flavor

Road to HaloWC 2023

Sweet Sixteenth

Thursday Thaw

Outcast Outings

Digsite Deliveries | Halo: MCC