Community

Community Update

Alex Wakeford

Happy Halodays 2021

Canon Fodder

Games

GrimBrother One

Issue 122

Canon Fodder: Legendary Endings

Celebrating 20 Years of Halo

Halo’s 20th birthday is around the corner and one of the ways we’re celebrating is with a brand-new Halo Waypoint. More than just a fresh coat of paint, the site and forums you have known and loved for years are getting a total overhaul – 20 has never looked so good. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pointing The Way</h2>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/inside-infinite-june-2021">Way back in June</a>, we sat down with the Waypoint crew and talked about all the work they were doing to prepare for what we’ve been affectionately calling “vNext”.  If you missed that, you can catch up on it at your leisure but the long and short of it is… Our baby’s all grown up! 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Homepage_vNext-1024x612.png" alt="Homepage screenshot" class="wp-image-20524" width="1024" height="612" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Homepage_vNext-1024x612.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Homepage_vNext-300x179.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Homepage_vNext-768x459.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Homepage_vNext-1536x918.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Homepage_vNext-1568x938.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Homepage_vNext.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Right away, you’ll notice a massive difference in aesthetics. Along with the updated visuals, the Waypoint team has worked very hard to make the site functional, informative, and, perhaps most importantly, accessible. We want Halo Waypoint to be your go-to source for all Halo news. For some of you that will be via normal website navigation while others like to check things on the go and thankfully, both of those experiences have been accounted for and carefully considered while the new website and app were under construction. Yes, I said app! Grab the official Halo Waypoint app for both <a href="https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/halo-channel/id1005464348">iOS</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.halochannel">Android</a> and <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/waypoint-vnext-faq">get the 411 on what it can do</a> so you can get to Waypointing on the go. Updates to both the website and app will be rolling out over time so be sure to check for them periodically. 



The site may be new but most of the content should be familiar, and you’ll be able to find the news, esports info, the forums, our Halo Insider program, and links to external sites like Halo Support and the Gear shop. A lot of our recent Inside Infinite, Community Update, Canon Fodder, Community Spotlight, and HCS articles have been brought over for you to view in the new setting. If you’re looking for something specific that didn’t make the move, you can always check out <a href="https://twitter.com/Halopedia/status/1448370882150379524">@Halopedia</a>’s great archive of all available articles and content. So how do you find it? 



Checking out the NEWS header in the navigation bar you’ll see this excellent gallery of recent works:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="813" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/News-1024x813.png" alt="News screenshot" class="wp-image-20496" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/News-1024x813.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/News-300x238.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/News-768x610.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/News-1536x1219.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/News-1568x1245.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/News.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



From here, you can narrow down if you’re looking for something specific related to the community, esports, or a game. If you find yourself needing to report in-game issues or looking to grab some official swag, you can click the “Support” or “Gear” links in the nav bar to be directed to the <a href="https://aka.ms/HaloSupport">Halo Support Site</a> and the <a href="https://gear.xbox.com/Halo">Halo Gear shop</a> respectively. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fashion and Function</h2>



On the personal level, you’ll be able to tweak your displayed Service Awards and let your fellow Spartans know where else they can find you by providing social links to popular channels:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="964" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloWaypointProfilev2-1024x964.png" alt="snickerdoodle's service award through Halo Waypoint" class="wp-image-19528" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloWaypointProfilev2-1024x964.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloWaypointProfilev2-300x282.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloWaypointProfilev2-768x723.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloWaypointProfilev2-1536x1446.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloWaypointProfilev2-1568x1476.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloWaypointProfilev2.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption> Halo Waypoint’s social media links and featured awards on your profile page </figcaption></figure>



Once Halo Infinite launches, you’ll be able to <a href="http://halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/progression">hop in and customize</a> your Halo Infinite Spartan appearance with the plans to further expand this feature to weapon and vehicle coatings in the future. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="890" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloInfiniteCustomization-1024x890.png" alt="Halo Waypoint's Spartan customization page" class="wp-image-19439" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloInfiniteCustomization-1024x890.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloInfiniteCustomization-300x261.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloInfiniteCustomization-768x667.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloInfiniteCustomization-1536x1334.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloInfiniteCustomization-1568x1362.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloInfiniteCustomization.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Halo Waypoint’s Spartan customization page</figcaption></figure>



 You can also check on your Battle Pass progression, your challenges, and check out what’s in-store without needing to hop in game. If you can’t get to your console or PC, you’ll be able to shop at your leisure from the palm of your hand. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="802" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloInfiniteBattlePass-1024x802.png" alt="Battle Pass progression on Halo Waypoint's Halo Infinite profile" class="wp-image-19453" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloInfiniteBattlePass-1024x802.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloInfiniteBattlePass-300x235.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloInfiniteBattlePass-768x602.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloInfiniteBattlePass-1536x1203.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloInfiniteBattlePass-1568x1228.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloInfiniteBattlePass.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Battle Pass progression on Halo Waypoint’s Halo Infinite profile</figcaption></figure>



If you have any codes from things like Rockstar, Jazwares, etc<ins>.</ins>, you can still <a href="http://halowaypoint.com/redeem">redeem those on Waypoint</a> from your profile page too. As an added bonus, you can even update your Halo Insider profile directly. So be sure your DxDiag is up to date, that you are opted in for the platforms you prefer, and you’re all set.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fancy Forums</h2>



And, finally, my personal favorite, the long-awaited <a href="https://forums.halowaypoint.com/">Halo Waypoint forum</a> refresh is here! 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="830" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Progession-1024x830.png" alt="Forums" class="wp-image-20510" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Progession-1024x830.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Progession-300x243.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Progession-768x623.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Progession-1536x1246.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Progession-1568x1272.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Progession.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



You can find a link to the forums in the top nav bar and jump back in. For those on mobile, the forums are well optimized for web view or you may opt to browse via the Discourse app (available on <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/discourse-hub/id1173672076">iOS</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.discourse&hl=en_US&gl=US">Android</a>) instead. The choice is yours and from having checked them both out, the experience is fairly similar. The forums have been streamlined, updated, and given a total face lift. While they’re not here yet, we’re working to bring over the existing forum posts so don’t worry, all is not lost forever! (As someone with more posts than I care to admit, this made me exceptionally happy.) Regulars will notice that the Community Support forums have been removed and this is an intentional change to ensure that all support related requests go directly to <a href="https://aka.com/HaloSupport">Halo Support</a> so they can best serve you, the community. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloWaypointShowcase-1024x576.png" alt="Showcase of the Halo Waypoint website on mobile, desktop, and laptop" class="wp-image-19495" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloWaypointShowcase-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloWaypointShowcase-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloWaypointShowcase-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloWaypointShowcase-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloWaypointShowcase-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/HaloWaypointShowcase.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



That’s just what’s on deck for today. As the saying goes, we’re just getting started, and when Halo Infinite launches later this year, there will be additional updates coming. Plus, as time goes on, you can expect improvements and updates to all facets, from app to website. 



In the meantime, revel in the glow-up and let us know what you think!

snickerdoodle

Welcome to vNext!

And we’re back! Canon Fodder returns to your beloved browsers today for a brief—but fun—look at some exciting new additions coming to Halo: The Master Chief Collection. And in case you missed it, <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/zeta-testing">last issue we recapped</a> the exciting new campaign gameplay from Halo Infinite and made the short story “Sacrifice” <a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/halo_sacrifice-352e807233c6432e8d0e2102c733732b.pdf">available for all to download</a> in celebration of the release of the novel Halo: Divine Wind. Make sure you check it out if you haven’t already!



And now, onto the topic at hand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THROWBACK UNIFORMS</h2>



Just today, our friends on the 343 Publishing Team <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/celebrating-20-years-of-halo-in-the-master-chief-collection">released a fancy new blog</a> detailing all of the sweet new additions heading to the MCC over the next several weeks as part of Halo and Xbox’s 20th anniversary celebrations! Make sure you check it out for all the juicy details on what you can get and when, where, and how you can get it.



For today’s purposes however, we’re going to focus, as you might expect, on the lore side of things—specifically surrounding the two new sets of armor up for grabs. Of course, I say “new,” but as long-time Halo fans will likely already realize, the best thing about these armors is that they actually date back to some of the franchise’s earliest years. Let’s take a closer look, shall we?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">LEGACY OF A GHOST</h2>



One of the mainstay asks among Halo fans—in particular any who have some passing affinity for the extended universe—has been “SPI EQUIPPABLE IN-GAME WHEN?” Well, we’re excited to finally be able to answer that with “now.” Well, “soon,” technically (again, <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/celebrating-20-years-of-halo-in-the-master-chief-collection">see today’s blog</a> from our Pub Team friends for release details).



Semi-Powered Infiltration armor, or “SPI” (typically pronounced S-P-I) as it’s more widely known, was introduced to us in the outstanding Eric Nylund-penned novel Halo: Ghosts of Onyx (one of my personal faves) as the primary armor loadout for the Spartan-IIIs. Some background context: the original SPARTAN-II program was designed to churn out walking-starship-level destruction via the totally-not-terrible method of turning six-year-olds into eventual augmented powerhouses; from an effectiveness standpoint, S-IIs were ultimately incredible and successful but were also few in number and ridiculously expensive, so certain folks in the Office of Naval Intelligence, such as Colonel James Ackerson, decided on a slightly different approach with SPARTAN-III. Instead of stealing kids away from their families, they took children who had already been orphaned by the Covenant’s relentless onslaught and let them “volunteer” to get back at the enemy by becoming next-generation super-soldiers. Thing was, this generation was meant to be a bit more… expendable. Lots more candidates, cheaper to produce, but easier to throw a bunch of them at a big purple problem in scorched-Earth fashion, sacrificing hundreds of lives for precious time in hopes of ensuring humanity’s survival.



Part of what made this generation cheaper to produce was the fact that they typically weren’t equipped with the full suite of Mjolnir power-armor. ONI needed something less expensive, but still up to the task, and SPI was the answer. It provided the wearer with (as the name suggests) enhanced mobility and strength, as well as photo-reactive camouflage panels to aid in stealth and infiltration operations. They lacked energy shield generators and the compact fusion reactors of MJOLNIR, but dozens—or hundreds—of SPI could be produced for the cost of a single Mark IV suit. What you see here is the evolution of that idea, upgrading SPI to MJOLNIR standards to be worn by any generation of Spartan; this particular variant is designated as MIRAGE, and is coming to the Halo 3 customization suite for the MCC.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">MIRAGE</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_mirage-ec573113fca440dfba2d86e3da690798.jpg" alt="Spartan armor variant called Mirage coming to Halo 3 Customization"/></figure>



HELMET



A direct evolution of the Semi-Powered Infiltration armor suite.



CHEST



MIRAGE armor incorporates the latest in software-definable deception jammers.



SHOULDERS



Lightweight, but resilient.



ARMS



A further refinement of the RIFT-class force-amplification gauntlets.



LEGS



Though not as robust as mainline Mjolnir suits, the MIRAGE exoskeleton meets basic performance metrics at a fraction of the price.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BLAST FROM THE PAST</h2>



And if you thought that SPI was throwing it back, our next example predates Halo’s own release—or its existence on Xbox in general. Going back to Halo’s earliest public appearances, this armor evokes both feelings of familiarity as well as an older legacy, donned by the augmented hero we would eventually come to know as the Master Chief. When bringing it forward into the universe as a “proper” set of armor, it made perfect sense to do so in parallel with the earliest origins of the SPARTAN program itself: ORION.



The ORION program was the predecessor to the SPARTAN-II program—in fact, that’s the whole reason there is a “II” after Spartan, paying direct homage to its earlier attempted incarnation, essentially being “ORION-II.” Interestingly enough, the elements that set ORION apart from the SPARTAN-II and SPARTAN-III programs were ultimately largely realized in the SPARTAN-IV generation—augmenting fully-grown adults into heroic super-soldiers. Something the original ORION program attempted but just couldn’t land for several reasons. In fact, Sgt. Major Avery Johnson himself was one of the original ORION candidates, which helps make sense of why he always seemed so tough to take down and keep down.



The ORION program was not just looking at human augmentation, they conducted studies and research into soldier enhancement that include armor, weapons, software interfaces, and even training techniques. Most of their ideas never made it past initial exploration and prototypes, but there are lingering vestiges of what the CMA and ONI might have managed had they been able to fully realize the near-impossible and fielded a suit of powered assault armor that achieved in reality what they hoped for in computer models.



The ORION armor you see here is coming to the Halo 2: Anniversary customization suite in the MCC.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">ORION</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_orion-a55a09786e7e4d1f8b7e7c8770a2a8b9.jpg" alt="Orion armor set coming to the Halo 2: Anniversary customization suite in MCC"/></figure>



HELMET



Project ORION had ambitious plans for complete super-soldier weapon systems, but only Dr. Halsey had the vision and genius to bring both hardware and wetware to fruition.



CHEST



High-grade torso shell with prototype fitting for integrated “Shoulder Angel” micro-missile/decoy launcher.



SHOULDERS



ORION hardware development studies provided useful data for ensuring both range of motion and high levels of protection on later MJOLNIR designs.



ARMS



Field-tested during Operation: KALEIDOSCOPE.



LEGS



Rigorous testing of the greaves was undertaken by candidate 029 on the red plains of Mars.



And there you have it! If you’re as excited as we are about these new-old additions to MCC’s already overflowing sandbox, then get out there, play some games, and spend some Season Points in the in-game Exchange for all the sweet new celebratory loot we’ve got dropping!



Oh, but before we go, just in case you haven’t seen it yet…



<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 Infinite | UNSC Archives - Unspoken" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jPPVDXU5fy4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



 Oh, and I’m not gonna lie, I also loved this one:



<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="Mega Construx: Adventures on Zeta Halo" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NZ8hC3VtHJA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



That will do it for us today—like I said, short and sweet. Of course, I wouldn’t go wandering off too far if I were you. 



Until next time… Live well, play Halo, and GO BRAVES!



<a href="https://twitter.com/grimbrotherone"><3 Grim</a>

Issue 121

Anniversary Armory

Nearly 20 years ago, we met the Master Chief for the very first time in Halo: Combat Evolved. With Cortana at his back, the Master Chief stepped foot onto the mysterious Installation 04 and ignited a fandom that would span generations. Since then, Halo: The Master Chief Collection has become our living legacy; celebrating the original Halo titles that have led us to this moment as we prepare to welcome the next generation of the franchise with Halo Infinite.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/MCC20YearsContentBlog/gruntplush_back-286c989082964e3384d11b056d25a514.jpg" alt="Spartan wearing a Grunt Plush as a back accessory in Halo 3"/></figure>



If you were watching our latest MCC Dev & Flighting Update, you might recognize the Grunt Plush!  [To download this image at full res, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/MCC20YearsContentBlog/gruntplush_back-286c989082964e3384d11b056d25a514.jpg" target="_blank">please click here</a>.]



As such, today we’re thrilled to announce some brand-new content coming to MCC to help celebrate 20 years of Halo! With today’s update there’s a fresh bevy of Halo-themed content for you to adorn your Spartans with, including:



<ul><li>The “Orion” Armor Set for Halo 2: Anniversary, first seen in the original 1999 Halo reveal</li><li>Weapon skins featuring an OG Xbox color scheme</li><li>Back Accessories suited for any Spartan’s loadout</li><li>A batch of brand-new Nameplates! Here’s just a few examples:</li></ul>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/MCC20YearsContentBlog/nameplate_halo20thanniversary-692cce2d895e490c9764a8e1bb5dd413.png" alt="Brand new Halo Master Chief Collection Nameplate for the 20th Anniversary"/></figure></div>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/MCC20YearsContentBlog/nameplate_dreamcat-bcce258b3b40455db34d66cb844814db.png" alt="Brand new Halo Master Chief Collection Nameplate"/></figure></div>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/MCC20YearsContentBlog/nameplate_clippytriumphant-33ca0b49c9884abf9304aa07a694618d.png" alt="Brand new Halo Master Chief Collection Nameplate"/></figure></div>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/MCC20YearsContentBlog/nameplate_believe-9558104642324db8b31f928698c0f17e.png" alt="Brand new Halo Master Chief Collection Nameplate"/></figure></div>



<ul><li>And more!</li></ul>



So, whether you want to duke it out with the Duke, or you want to bring your very own Grunt Plush into battle, there’s plenty waiting for you.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Halo 20th Anniversary content in MCC</h2>



With the release of the latest <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/unleash-your-inner-warrior-mcc-season-8-mythic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MCC Season</a>, we took a chance to <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/mcc-september-development-update-september-2021" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">give you a rundown on how our content would be arriving</a> from that point on – and, today is a first step in that very direction. Today, we’re excited to get content directly into your hands that would have usually had to be bundled up into a much bigger release.



Across MCC there will be a litany of new content to check out, including a brand-new armor set for Halo 2: Anniversary, another set along with some cool new pieces for Halo 3 featuring some of your favorite Xbox gear of yesteryear, a new Utility Item for Halo: Reach, along with nameplates and a few other pieces of flair that will help any Halo fan round out their kit. There will even be some nameplates you can earn by completing new weekly challenges.



Over the course of November, December, and into January we’ll be releasing Halo 20th Anniversary-themed content right in MCC’s Exchange for you to purchase with Season Points. Granted, we know the holiday season brings with it lots of travel, so we’re doing what we can to keep you covered:



<ul><li>First things first, please check out our full schedule below of exactly what’s releasing, and when.</li><li>And, if you miss any of these dates, we’ve got you covered. Everything below will return to the Exchange at a future date! You can rest easy knowing these aren’t one and done.</li></ul>



So, without further ado, here’s a rundown of what’s to come: 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/MCC20YearsContentBlog/tmcc20yearshalo_timeline_1_1120-99a93b01ab354572b4e40d7e4a2f14d2.png" alt="A rundown of Halo 20th Anniversary-themed content in MCC's Exchange"/></figure>



 [To download this image at full res, <a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/MCC20YearsContentBlog/tmcc20yearshalo_timeline_1_3840x2160-5d686afdfe054555a1a4218e25de346a.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">please click here</a>.] 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/MCC20YearsContentBlog/tmcc20yearshalo_timeline_2_1120-0ef3961bd4744ae397520ebdb6951857.png" alt="A rundown of Halo 20th Anniversary-themed content in MCC's Exchange"/></figure>



 [To download this image at full res, <a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/MCC20YearsContentBlog/tmcc20yearshalo_timeline_2_3840x2160-f493478c4bb14602b79101ed644a69da.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">please click here</a>.]



And, for those of you that would prefer to copy and paste, here’s a written rundown of what’ll be available in the Exchange (and when), just for you:



<ul><li>November 3, 2021: “Orion” Armor Set (Helmet, Chest, Shoulders, Arms, Legs) for Halo 2: Anniversary</li><li>November 10, 2021: The Beast Back Accessory and Duke Shoulders for Halo 3</li><li>November 17, 2021: OG Xbox Assault Rifle Skin for Halo 3</li><li>November 24, 2021: Semi-Powered Infiltration “Mirage” Armor (Helmet, Chest, Shoulders, Arms, Legs) for Halo 3</li><li>December 1, 2021: OG Xbox Battle Rifle Skin and Rucksack Back Accessory for Halo 3</li><li>December 8, 2021: Hydration Container Utility Item for Halo: Reach</li><li>December 15, 2021: Fronkbox Back Accessory, Duke Shoulders, and OG Xbox Sniper Rifle skin for Halo 3</li><li>December 22, 2021: Grunt Plush and X-Pack Back Accessories and the OG Xbox Magnum Skin for Halo 3</li><li>December 29, 2021: OG Xbox Shotgun and SPNKr Skin for Halo 3</li><li>January 5, 2022: The first return of the “Orion” armor set for Halo 2: Anniversary</li></ul>



So go forth, mark your calendars and pack your Series S for your next travel date, because your chance to dial up your Spartan’s look is going to level up even that much more. With huge thanks to throwbacks all the way back to the original 1999 reveal, to the Duke, to your very own Grunt Plush Back Accessory – there’s going to be a lot more opportunities to show just how versatile your style is.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/MCC20YearsContentBlog/orion_ingame1120-b7e84b9e931743258fd02e8f3cce9602.png" alt="Party like it's 1999 in Halo 2: Anniversary with the "Orion" set! "/></figure>



Party like it’s 1999 in Halo 2: Anniversary with the “Orion” set!  [To download this image at full res, <a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/MCC20YearsContentBlog/orion_ingame-83806683516841e79286c80f3030482c.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">please click here</a>.]



For a full rundown of everything that’s included in this update, be sure to check out our <a href="https://support.halowaypoint.com/hc/en-us/articles/4409476153236" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">full Patch Notes right over here</a>. And as always, if you need any help or find any issues within MCC, be sure to contact the Halo Support team over at <a href="http://aka.ms/HaloSupport" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aka.ms/HaloSupport</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you for 20 years</h2>



It’s hard to believe that we’ve been together though this great journey together for 20 years now. Console generations, along with human generations have risen up right in front of us during that time. And whether you preferred to spend your time in BTB with friends, replaying campaigns to try your hand against legendary Jackal Snipers, or anything in between, it’s impossible to ignore just how much your feedback and friendship have meant to us. 



Thank you, and we hope you enjoy! Putting together this content for MCC to celebrate 20 years of Halo has inspired us greatly, and we couldn’t be happier to get it into your hands. So whether you’re just diving into Halo for the very first time or you’re a veteran that’s been by Sierra-117’s side since the very beginning, we’re eternally thankful to have you here.



And, when you’re done exploring the new looks, be sure to let us know how your new Spartan looks! Send a <a href="https://twitter.com/Halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tweet</a> our way when you get a chance.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">–<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/asalisbury" target="_blank">Andy</a></h3>

Andy Salisbury

Celebrating 20 Years of Halo in The Master Chief Collection

So, what did you think?



Welcome back to Canon Fodder, your recurring regaling of story-centric Halo happenings. Last issue, we took a look at some of the new locations and sandbox elements encountered in last month’s multiplayer flights and celebrated seven years of this feature being on the air. Well, in print. Online, technically. Whatever, you get the picture.



Today, we’re here to celebrate a few more new events of interest to fiction-focused folks like yourself, and I couldn’t be more excited. Let’s go ahead and dive in, shall we?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HOPE IN WORLD</h2>



Chief among those aforementioned events was yesterday’s anticipated reveal of gameplay from the rapidly-approaching Halo Infinite campaign. If you haven’t seen it yet, first of all I’m impressed, second of all you can check it out for yourself right here (be warned, while there aren’t any specific story spoilers, if you want to go in completely dark, might be best to hold off):



<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 Infinite | Campaign Overview" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tgn8VOv9dc0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Now, speaking of spoilers, since I’m not about to start providing any, we’re going to largely let the video contents speak for themselves. That being said, we’re stoked that you’ve finally got a bit more campaign goodness to dissect and discuss in the lead up to December. It’s the next chapter in the Master Chief’s epic adventure, and he’s got new friends and foes alike to try and make sense of while trying to unravel the recent events on Zeta Halo. Our beloved old Installation 07 has always been rife with intrigue and importance within the larger Halo narrative, but if you think you can’t teach an old ring new tricks, you might be in for a surprise or two.



The Banished have hold of the installation and are trying to make it their own, though to what end—and for what reason—remains unknown. One thing is certain: they aren’t going down without a fight. And speaking of unknowns, we also got our first look at the Harbinger. We don’t have a lot to say about this curious character at the moment, but I will give you this: They’re definitely not a Prelate.



<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 Infinite | The Banished Rise" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hXrMkGXtk0c?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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We’re going to continue to have more to say about the campaign and its enigmatic narrative threads as the days march ever closer to its December 8 release. For now, keep replaying the new reveal video and sleep with dreams of careening headlong into a Banished outpost with a stolen Banshee, immediately freeing several captured UNSC Marines, giving them all your best weapons, piling them in a reclaimed Razorback, and laying waste to the crimson-covered bladed baddies standing in your way. It’s some of the most fun you can have this side of the Auditorium.  



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_inf_bansheeaction-ac7e65b1efb74fb6938bdb868845b1ae.png" alt="Halo Infinite Campaign moment of Banshee action"/></figure>



Oh, and make sure you take back every UNSC Forward Operating Base you can. Rumor has it they have stories to tell…



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_inf_fob-9cbde140458b4792beb8e9f0fc4451de.png" alt="UNSC Forward Operating Base taken over by the Banished"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">DIVINE WIN</h2>



But that’s not all! Last week, we also released the latest story addition to the Halo universe with Halo: Divine Wind, a new novel by <a href="https://twitter.com/TDenningauthor">Troy Denning</a> that follows the Ferrets as they try and keep enemy factions (yes, plural) from enacting galaxy-damaging shenanigans on the Ark. If that plot initially feels a little familiar, we understand. This time however, events might just play out in ways you aren’t quite expecting.



<figure class="wp-block-embed-twitter wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">Listen to an excerpt from <a href="https://twitter.com/TDenningauthor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TDenningauthor</a>'s Halo: Divine Wind, available now from <a href="https://twitter.com/SimonAudio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SimonAudio</a>! 📖 <a href="https://t.co/L6rnRPb5GQ">https://t.co/L6rnRPb5GQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/y1jZMmmVWA">pic.twitter.com/y1jZMmmVWA</a>— Halo Gear (@HaloGear) <a href="https://twitter.com/HaloGear/status/1450461746943172622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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If you haven’t checked it out yet, you can take a look at some spoiler-free previews from folks like <a href="https://haruspis.blog/2021/10/19/halo-divine-wind-review-non-spoiler/">Haruspis</a>—if you’re more the reading type—or the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/HaloCanon">Halo Canon</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/SacredIcon/videos">Sacred Icon</a> YouTube channels—if you’re more the watching type. Or you know, both. Both is good. 



<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: Divine Wind – Spoiler-Free Review" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qhRBxlBxf1E?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<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: Divine Wind Spoiler-Free Review (Feat. Haruspis)" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wDyIFWNpwQo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



We also found a fun interview with Troy Denning on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevBreakdown/videos">GameDev Breakdown</a> YouTube channel that focuses less on the story itself and more on the writing and collaboration process. Check it out below:



<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="Exclusive Interview with Halo Author Troy Denning" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7Z8426yWh54?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



You can <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Divine-Wind/Troy-Denning/Halo/9781982174903">pick up a copy of Halo: Divine Wind for yourself right here</a> from your favorite retailer. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ENHANCED AVAILABILITY</h2>



To help enhance your new novel experience even more, we thought we’d provide a little gift of sorts. If you remember, last year’s release of Halo: Shadows of Reach included a short story titled “Sacrifice” that was exclusive to Wal-Mart purchasers. Seeing as how it also works as a pretty perfect companion piece to Halo: Divine Wind with its connections to the Ark and other relevant reasons, we’re excited to make it available to all in downloadable PDF form right here:



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/halo_sacrifice-352e807233c6432e8d0e2102c733732b.pdf">HALO: SACRIFICE (DOWNLOAD PDF)</a></h4>



Hope you enjoy! Plus, other publishing partners wanted to get on the action as well, and since we had so much awesome art already overflowing beyond the binding of the  <a href="https://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/3354/definitive-guide-halo-universe">upcoming </a><a href="https://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/3354/definitive-guide-halo-universe">Halo Encyclopedia</a>, our friends at <a href="https://twitter.com/DarkHorseComics">Dark Horse</a> were kind enough to let us share this awesome piece by <a href="https://twitter.com/stantonfeng">Stanton Feng</a> to celebrate the events of Halo: Divine Wind. Meet Krelis, one of the Jiralhanae members of the Keepers of the One Freedom. 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_krelis_art_1120-c4afb90ae58a419ba3b364a4ad3ed88d.jpg" alt="Krelis, one of the Jiralhanae members of the Keepers of the One Freedom. "/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HOLIDAY TRIMMINGS</h2>



Before we go, I wanted to mention a few housekeeping details recently discussed in the Waypoint vNext FAQ blog by the illustrious <a href="https://twitter.com/asalisbury">Andy Salisbury</a>. Specific to the interest of the Fodder faithful is the note regarding changes to the Universe section and the current article archive. Here is it straight from the KP’s dialogue digits:



Will there be any other notable parts of Waypoint that will change? KP: The Universe section is something of a relic of a prior age of Waypoint, standing now only as a monument to <a href="https://twitter.com/GrimBrotherOne">Grim</a>’s sins. Less dramatically, this content was central to previous video efforts and we have not maintained it as stand-alone web content. We also know the community has stepped in to fill this role, in greater detail and with more freedom for intrigue. Check out our friends at <a href="https://www.halopedia.org/">Halopedia</a>, for example.



So in short, the “Universe” section is being sunset and only select back issues of Canon Fodder will be carried forward onto the new platform. Now, while some might see this as a bit of a bummer, it’s also an opportunity to check out some of the incredible community resources curated by passionate and dedicated lore fans just like you. As KP mentions above, Halopedia is a great example—in fact, they’ve gone so far as to create a pretty amazing archive of Halo Waypoint content that currently includes content up to May of 2021:



<figure class="wp-block-embed-twitter wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">With Halo Waypoint's upcoming vNext update dropping the Universe articles, we are announcing a brand new part of the Halopedia Archive: the Halo Waypoint archive! This archive contains all news and universe posts on Waypoint prior to May 2020!<a href="https://t.co/gBbHPFv03t">https://t.co/gBbHPFv03t</a> <a href="https://t.co/EwV1Cz0gLG">pic.twitter.com/EwV1Cz0gLG</a>— Halopedia (@Halopedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Halopedia/status/1448370882150379524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Plus, with Waypoint’s growth comes the opportunity to explore new fiction-focused avenues in the future. As this new era continues to unfold, we’ll be eager to find new ways to showcase your favorite corners of the Halo universe. Plus, we do have <a href="https://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/3354/definitive-guide-halo-universe">a pretty incredible official encyclopedia</a> on the horizon… Oh did I mention that already? Sorry, I’m excited about it. 



And that will do it for today! But don’t worry, I don’t think we’ll be gone too long. Have an awesome week!



Until next time… Live well, play Halo, and seriously, just give all your Marines power weapons and pile them in a Razorback. It’s the best.



<3 Grim

ISSUE 120

Zeta Testing

Autumn Archives

Welcome back! I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty excited about the particular moment in time we find ourselves. American football has kicked back off, playoff baseball is nigh, the leaves are changing, the weather is cooling, and there’s some sort of new sci-fi video game coming out soon as well. Spacehoop Eternal I think it’s called? As many of you are already well aware, we’re in the midst of a double-header weekend of flighting for Halo Infinite multiplayer, which means that more and more people are able to get their hands on more and more of the game as we hurtle towards the ever-impending December 8 launch date. With that all in mind, we thought we’d take a few moments (if you have them to spare, that is) to catch you up on some recent and/or upcoming elements you’ll be interacting with during your flight time. Unfortunately, none of them will be a “Wet Floor” sign.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TECHNICALLY SPEAKING</h2>



One of Halo’s greatest qualities is the underlying sense of “belonging” even the smallest object can seem to possess. Whether it’s hopping in a vehicle, picking up a new weapon or piece of equipment, or even just taking a good long look at some well-designed space crates, the universe always seems to try and help you feel at home in it—even if that also involves running for your life from encroaching aliens or enemy fireteams. The latest Halo Infinite multiplayer flights have added a few new sandbox items to encounter, both from last weekend’s Arena focus to the upcoming Big Team Battle bonanza. Let’s take a look at some of their underlying lore!



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">SCORPION</h4>



M808 Main Battle Tank



Widely considered the apex of UNSC tank design, the M808 is effectively a massive mobile battle platform armed with an M512 smoothbore heavy cannon and supplementary machine gun for ancillary engagements.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/1120x630_haloinfinite_scorpion_watermarked_v2-06a33caefe3541c58c03ae29d4f9583b.png" alt="Image of the M808 Main Battle Tank"/></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">SHOCK RIFLE</h4>



Sicatt Workshop Volt Piercer



Charged and maintained at local armory outposts, the Shock Rifle is a long-range Banished electrolaser, the latest in a long line of experimental voltaic appli­cation devices that represent some of the only remaining vestiges of the Jiralhanae’s own great technological age.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/1120x630_haloinfinite_banished_shockrifle_01_darkbg-97b4b94cff77400aa729d156c2b032aa.png" alt="Sicatt Workshop Volt Piercer"/></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">HEATWAVE</h4>



Once employed by Forerunner Warrior-Servants, the Heatwave is a robust hard light projector that fires multiple energized shards which can effectively slice through living creatures while bouncing off dense terrain or architecture. Equipped with alternate firing modes that allow its wielder to tune the weapon’s variable impact geometry on demand.  



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/1120x630_haloinfinite_heatwave_watermarked-6cf04e56393c43fc81129c929c63c7b2.png" alt="Once employed by Forerunner Warrior-Servants, the Heatwave is a robust hard light projector that fires multiple energized shards which can effectively slice through living creatures while bouncing off dense terrain or architecture. Equipped with alternate firing modes that allow its wielder to tune the weapon’s variable impact geometry on demand. "/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PLAY PLACES</h2>



One of the best things about multiplayer maps is that they provide an opportunity to explore different locations or scenarios that you might not necessarily see otherwise. Two of the maps encountered in the current flight do just that, giving their own unique glimpses of Installation 07, inspiring players to ponder the form and function laid out before them.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">FRAGMENTATION</h4>



Set within one of Zeta Halo’s myriad canyons, Fragmentation is rife with enigmatic elements to take in and mull over. From ancient artifacts and nebulous nodes to networked beacons channeling untold energies, this map is one to add plenty of wonder to the wander.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/1120x630_haloinfinite_fragmentation_02_watermarked-3bacdec859bd4d4587c3aa3f2f196443.png" alt="Halo Infinite Map of Fragmentation"/></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">BEHEMOTH</h4>



Amidst the backdrop of a vast desert landscape, Behemoth offers a glimpse at one of Zeta Halo’s tectonic fabrication seams—architectural features built to serve a multitude of parallel purposes, from remediation to transportation.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/1120x630_haloinfinite_behemoth_01_watermarked-b23ee4a4cce44d47aeac035bcbfc546c.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite map of Behemoth"/></figure>



And speaking of Behemoth, content creator <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJvPBZ8sacy_saMv3An3EIA">Sierra I07</a> put together a really awesome ambient edit of the map featuring some perfectly-fitting Halo Infinite music. Definitely check it out for the full vibe.



<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="𝐁𝐄𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐇 - ʜᴀʟᴏ ɪɴꜰɪɴɪᴛᴇ ᴛᴇᴄʜɴɪᴄᴀʟ ᴘʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BE7SsdtyU4c?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FROM ART TO FINISH</h2>



In case you missed it, last week we released a hefty collection of concept art from The Art of Halo Infinite book, showcasing a host of early explorations into the game’s development. There’s nothing specifically story-spoilery in there, but it does give further insight into the intention and “feel” of Halo Infinite and its particular pocket in the universe. If nothing else, there is some primo desktop wallpaper material in here, that’s for sure.



Check out some of the available pieces below, and if it strikes your fancy, you can download the collection here: <a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/HaloInfinite/artofhaloinfinite4k-d01181a15fa24d0a9dca4824f3db7003.zip">4K Zip File</a> | <a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/HaloInfinite/artofhaloinfinitehd-83543864d57b4722b7844b920a805cfe.zip">HD Zip File</a>



And of course, you can preorder a copy of the upcoming art book yourself <a href="https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3005-865/The-Art-of-Halo-Infinite-HC">right here</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/hd_haloinfinite_conceptart_046-959f3b5b79274f378d2b7c5b805466a6.jpg" alt="Concept art from The Art of Halo Infinite book"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/hd_haloinfinite_conceptart_028-00b23daa874547e8bc1a9ebfd8e42ebc.jpg" alt="Concept art from The Art of Halo Infinite book"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/hd_haloinfinite_conceptart_025-c9794675d0f04914a72b696a51e790cb.jpg" alt="Concept art from The Art of Halo Infinite book"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">RESOURCE INTENSIVE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_previouslybannercrop-1f642246ea864f3ab265a54e49cfcfcc.jpg" alt="Catch up on the complete story of Halo through previouslyonhalo.com"/></figure>



Recently, community story stalwart <a href="https://twitter.com/haruspis">Alex “Haruspis” Wakeford</a> put together a monumental resource that helps summarize and catch folks up on basically every piece of Halo media available. It’s a brilliant exploration for fans both new and old, and it’s a great way to pass the time as you await the arrival of Halo Infinite’s campaign experience this December. If you haven’t checked it out yet, make sure you go do so on <a href="https://previouslyonhalo.com/">previouslyonhalo.com</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CANON, CURATION, AND CURIOSITY</h2>



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Today’s edition is a bit of a special milestone I must say. Last week happened to mark the seventh anniversary(!) of the Canon Fodder blog series, which saw its first issue drop on Sept 24, 2014, during the lead-up to Halo: The Master Chief Collection. It’s been an epic adventure so far, and I certainly hope it will be around for many more issues and anniversaries to come. In thinking back on its run thus far, it’s only fitting that we now find ourselves in the midst of another runway to launch—this time for an adventure taking us to, fittingly enough, Installation 07. With Halo Infinite primed to introduce fans to a host of new moments, memories, and mysteries, and across more platforms and places to play than ever, it’s expected that we likely have plenty of new readers coming on board—both in recent months and still to come. With that in mind I thought it might be a good time to offer a bit of a refresher on not just the feature itself and its purview, but also on the nature of Halo’s lore and universe all up.



Long-time readers of this feature will no doubt have a good idea of what to expect from these particular pages (and this particular penman, for that matter). Canon Fodder was an idea that was built from the very beginning to look at the Halo franchise specifically through the lens of its lore, making fiction the foundational focus no matter what subject we tackled. Sometimes it was diving deep into hard core canon and continuity questions or looking closer at a particular event or element to offer new insight into its story significance. We’ve offered both elucidations and revelations alike, but we’ve also taken the opportunity to put a fiction-focused spin on other aspects of the brand. We interviewed real-life star-searching scientists to get their thoughts on the relationship between science and science fiction. We asked Halo pro players what their favorite campaign and story-related aspects of Halo were to celebrate the Season 1 Finals of the then-fledgling <a href="http://www.halo.gg/">Halo Championship Series</a>. And of course we’ve covered cross-over adventures with the likes of Killer Instinct, Gears of War, Rocket League, and more. Over the years, this feature has also become a go-to outlet for announcements and reveals of new story-related products, from new novels and comics to guidebooks and gear. Canon Fodder is a celebration of all things Halo, as viewed from a tailored perspective specifically aimed at fiction-focused fans.



Let’s talk about Halo fiction for a moment though. For newcomers, it might be daunting to dwell on the prospect of a universe with so much “established” detail and history. It can definitely seem like a lot. Fortunately, you have official outlets like this one alongside scores of others across the incredible Halo “lore” community all eager to welcome folks in to discuss and learn, from blogs and forums to YouTube channels and podcasts. And if you’re unsure what we mean by “canon,” it’s essentially the curated collection of “official” fiction and story elements, which includes a mix of games, novels, reference books, and comics, as well as various “linear media” elements like animated features, live action mini-series, and even certain marketing trailers and content. Part of what makes the Halo universe so enthralling is that very history. The depth that seems to always give you more to look for, to discuss and discover. Of course, even for old veterans there’s always more to learn. Sometimes it’s easy to make assumptions or jump to certain conclusions, but it’s always good to remember that world-building and storytelling in a universe as vast as Halo is an incredibly complex endeavor, and that surprises can be around any corner—no matter how long you’ve been exploring that universe.



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And with that, we draw today’s edition to a close. Thanks for spending the last seven years reading these crazy love-letters to lore, and here’s to at least another seven more! So don’t think we’re going anywhere. We have a lot to discuss in the coming age—new moments, new memories, new mysteries. Actually that also reminds me, we have another book coming up soon so we should talk about that a bit more in the nearish future, shouldn’t we?



In the meantime, go read the latest Inside Infinite article and also check out the most recent Technical Preview Overview to get updated on all the current flighting information. And when you’re ready, grab a fireteam, check your schedules, and go put your new Mjolnir to the test!



Until next time… Live well, play Halo, and always be ready to learn new things.



<a href="https://twitter.com/grimbrotherone"><3 Grim</a>

Issue 119

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MCC Development Update – September 2021