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<p><em>December 2559. The UNSC faces its darkest hour.</em></p>



<p>Set during the six months that follow the UNSC Infinity getting ambushed by the Banished, Kelly Gay’s novel, <em>Halo: The Rubicon Protocol</em>, takes us along the journey as humanity fights for survival on Zeta Halo. </p>



<p>Wrapping up our <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/audiobook-club">Audiobook Club series with Simon & Schuster</a>, we joined Franchise Writer Alex ‘Haruspis’ Wakeford to delve into the pivotal moments after the Master Chief is neutralized by Atriox, including Cortana’s sacrifice and the ring’s slipspace departure.</p>



<p>A fight against impossible odds and heroes pushed to their limits, <em>Halo: The Rubicon Protocol</em> is a must-read.</p>



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



<p><a href="https://bit.ly/485gDEh" data-type="link" data-id="https://bit.ly/485gDEh">You can pick up your own copy today!</a></p>



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<p>Spartan Chatter is an audio series, a podcast if you will, hosted on our <a href="https://waypoint-cms-prod-01.azurewebsites.net/article/halo-outcasts-spartan-chatter/discord.gg/Halo">official Halo Discord</a> which brings members of the studio together to discuss all things <em>Halo</em> with a live audience.</p>



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


snickerdoodle

Halo: The Rubicon Protocol

Click here to read more info about Halo esports in 2026.

Click here to read more info about Halo Fest 2026

Esports

Official HCS

Shopify Rebellion are your 2025 Halo World Champions!

Games


<p>Next year will mark twenty-five years since the Master Chief first battled the Covenant in <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em>. To celebrate the epic adventure that changed gaming forever, we’ve partnered with <a href="https://www.higround.co">Higround</a> to create a limited-edition series of keyboards and mousepads that pay tribute to our most cherished campaign and multiplayer memories.</p>



<p>Shop the whole collection at participating <a href="https://www.microcenter.com/search/search_results.aspx?N=&cat=&Ntt=higround+halo">Micro Center</a> stores, with in-store pickup at <a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/searchpage.jsp?st=higround%20halo">Best Buy</a>, or online through either retailer now.</p>



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



<p>Higround’s limited-edition <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em> 25th Anniversary gear series unleashes a trio of elite gaming keyboards armored in retro art honoring the legendary Spartans of 2001. With three designs to choose from, there’s something to evolve everyone’s game.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SNIPER EVOLVED</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_SniperEvolved-1.jpg" alt="Sniper Evolved keyboard" class="wp-image-154148" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_SniperEvolved-1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_SniperEvolved-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_SniperEvolved-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_SniperEvolved-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_SniperEvolved-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_SniperEvolved-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>The perfect tool for Jackals on the ridge. Take aim with the <strong>Halo x Higround Basecamp 96+ Sniper Evolved Keyboard</strong>, featuring a tactical look at the Master Chief perched downwind with his favorite precision instrument.</p>



<p>Built on Higround’s largest frame with full-width backlighting, this limited-edition keyboard is an ode to the weapon that launched a million montages.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>About the Basecamp 96+</strong></h4>



<p>Higround’s new 96% keyboard features a num pad for added utility, without sacrificing a relatively compact form factor. Built with the same sound profile and build quality as the longstanding Basecamp+ series, the <strong>Basecamp 96+</strong> features dye-sub PBT keycaps, hot-swappable pre-lubed TTC Neptune switches, an aluminum plate, and Higround’s legendary Dampening Plus system.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FLAWLESS COWBOY</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Flawless-Cowboy-2-1.jpg" alt="Flawless Cowboy keyboard" class="wp-image-154106" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Flawless-Cowboy-2-1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Flawless-Cowboy-2-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Flawless-Cowboy-2-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Flawless-Cowboy-2-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Flawless-Cowboy-2-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Flawless-Cowboy-2-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>Warning: multiple Covenant dropships on approach. The <strong>Halo x Higround Summit 65 Flawless Cowboy Keyboard</strong> hits the ground running with an iconic look at the Master Chief’s first combat encounter on Alpha Halo.</p>



<p>With a sturdy aluminum case, Spartan-quality dampening, and full-width backlighting, you’ll know just how it feels to face a pair of inbound Banshees in Mjolnir armor.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>About the Summit 65</strong></h4>



<p>The <strong>Summit 65</strong> is Highround’s flagship 65% keyboard, with dye-sub PBT keycaps and dedicated arrow keys. Features a full CNC aluminum case, gasket-mounted design, Geo Linear switches, triple dampening foam, and an FR4 flex-cut plate.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SHOTTY SNIPES</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Shotty-Snipes-1-1.jpg" alt="Shotty Snipes keyboard" class="wp-image-154134" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Shotty-Snipes-1-1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Shotty-Snipes-1-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Shotty-Snipes-1-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Shotty-Snipes-1-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Shotty-Snipes-1-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_Shotty-Snipes-1-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>The ultimate duel. Range meets stopping power in the artfully decorated Halo x Higround 65HE Shotty Snipes Keyboard. Whether you prefer to get close or pick your targets from afar, this keyboard’s Hall Effect tech delivers hair-trigger responsivity to every showdown.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>About the Basecamp 65HE</strong></h4>



<p>The <strong>Basecamp 65HE</strong> is Higround’s signature 65% keyboard (dedicated arrow keys) with dye-sub PBT keycaps. Features magnetic switches, Rapid Trigger, and Hall Effect technology for Dynamic Actuation between 0.1 mm and 3.8 mm.</p>



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



<p>The legend of any Spartan warfighter is built on a foundation of honor, duty, and sacrifice. Your gaming skills may be a little nastier in practice, but a firm foundation still makes all the difference between victory and defeat. Get tactile with Higround’s Mousepad XL!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>M90 MELEE</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="850" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_M90Melee_MousepadXL-1.png" alt="M90 Melee Mousepad XL" class="wp-image-154176" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_M90Melee_MousepadXL-1.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_M90Melee_MousepadXL-1-300x133.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_M90Melee_MousepadXL-1-1024x453.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_M90Melee_MousepadXL-1-768x340.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_M90Melee_MousepadXL-1-1536x680.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_M90Melee_MousepadXL-1-1568x694.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>Shot, meet chaser. The <strong>Halo x Higround M90 Melee Mousepad XL</strong> features the iconic aftermath of a close encounter between red and blue Spartans. Try looking at those bulky ragdolls without imagining the sound of a satisfying smackdown.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BATTLE CREEK</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="860" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_BattleCreek_MousepadXL-1.png" alt="Battle Creek Mousepad XL" class="wp-image-154162" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_BattleCreek_MousepadXL-1.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_BattleCreek_MousepadXL-1-300x134.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_BattleCreek_MousepadXL-1-1024x459.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_BattleCreek_MousepadXL-1-768x344.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_BattleCreek_MousepadXL-1-1536x688.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HG_BattleCreek_MousepadXL-1-1568x702.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>Flag dropped! Return to the glory days of CTF on Battle Creek with the <strong>Halo x Higround Battle Creek Mousepad XL</strong>. Featuring a saturated snapshot of the riparian arena and a map close-up outlining all its hallmark weapon drops, this mousepad would make a nostalgic complement to any pro rig.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ABOUT MOUSEPAD XL</strong></h3>



<p>Higround’s <strong>Mousepad XL</strong> provides the foundation necessary to ascend to the top. With non-slip rubber, a 90×40 cm profile, and a medium-fast surface with a slight grain, you’ll get low friction speed and just the right amount of stopping power.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WHERE TO BUY</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/1-HG_Halo-Group-Shots-3-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="Halo x Higround Anniversary PC gear collection" class="wp-image-154078" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/1-HG_Halo-Group-Shots-3-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/1-HG_Halo-Group-Shots-3-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/1-HG_Halo-Group-Shots-3-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/1-HG_Halo-Group-Shots-3-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/1-HG_Halo-Group-Shots-3-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/1-HG_Halo-Group-Shots-3-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Shop the whole collection at participating Micro Center stores or with in-store pickup at Best Buy now. You can also secure your limited-edition Higround x Halo Anniversary PC gear online through both retailers.</p>



<p><strong>Shop now: </strong><a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/searchpage.jsp?st=higround%20halo">Best Buy</a> (Summit SOLD OUT)| <a href="https://www.microcenter.com/search/search_results.aspx?N=&cat=&Ntt=higround+halo">Micro Center</a>| <a href="https://t.co/lZi0saSTak" data-type="link" data-id="https://t.co/lZi0saSTak">Higround</a></p>



<p>Look out for the full collection to arrive at <a href="https://www.higround.co/">higround.co</a> in early November!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>25 YEARS OF HALO</strong></h2>



<p>Our partnership with Higround marks the exciting start of our 25th Anniversary Halobration! Look out for reminiscences, retrospectives, and more tributes to the mighty Master Chief all throughout next year, along with new details on <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em>.</p>


Halo x Higround Anniversary PC Gear

Community Spotlight


<p>Whether you joined us in Seattle or on our live broadcast, we’d like to thank everyone in the Halo community for making this year’s Halo World Championship in Seattle such an unforgettable experience.</p>



<p>Between swapping stories with Halo fans, watching elite <em>Halo Infinite</em> players duke it out on the main stage, announcing <em><a href="https://www.aka.ms/HCEAnnounce25">Halo: Campaign Evolved</a></em>, and seeing our community raise a whopping $67,000 for <a href="https://www.gamersoutreach.org">Gamers Outreach</a>, it’s hard to pick a favorite moment from this incredible weekend—so we thought we’d share a whole collection of them!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Thank you! | Halo World Championship 2025" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KB6Ag-2QEoI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>Check out more highlights from this year’s Halo World Championship below.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Congrats to Shopify Rebellion</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1708" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ShopifyRebellion_HWCChampions-scaled.jpg" alt="Shopify Rebellion claims the trophy at the Halo World Championship Grand Finals." class="wp-image-153966" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ShopifyRebellion_HWCChampions-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ShopifyRebellion_HWCChampions-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ShopifyRebellion_HWCChampions-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ShopifyRebellion_HWCChampions-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ShopifyRebellion_HWCChampions-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ShopifyRebellion_HWCChampions-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ShopifyRebellion_HWCChampions-1568x1046.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<p>After three days of intense competitive heat, <strong>Shopify Rebellion</strong> clutched up and came out on top against <strong>OpTic Gaming</strong> in the best-of-seven Grand Finals. It was a remarkable journey from this year’s earliest HCS events to the Halo World Championship stage, and their relentless dedication certainly paid off on Sunday!</p>



<p>Congratulations to Shopify Rebellion, our 2025 Halo World Champions, and to all the teams that made this year’s tournament the most attended HCS event to date.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_1020.jpg" alt="A group photograph of cosplayer contestants from the Halo World Championship Community Cosplay Contest." class="wp-image-153924" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_1020.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_1020-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_1020-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_1020-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_1020-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_1020-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>Halo cosplayers really know how to strut their Spartan stuff! This year’s Community Cosplay Contest welcomed 85 cosplayers to the Community Stage, where they showed off their stellar handiwork and a flair for dramatic entrances.</p>



<p>Congratulations to <strong>Miss_Boof</strong> (as Olympia Vale), <strong>James</strong> (as Crochet Master Chief), and <strong>Sola Mors</strong> (as Flood Spartan) on ascending to the Main Stage, and to all our heroic contestants who dazzled the crowd at the Community Cosplay Contest!</p>



<p><strong>Download photos from the contest: </strong><a href="https://www.aka.ms/HWC25Cosplay1">Part 1</a> | <a href="https://www.aka.ms/HWC25Cosplay2">Part 2 </a>| <a href="https://www.aka.ms/HWC25Cosplay3">Part 3</a></p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0069.jpg" alt="A row of custom Spartan helmets sits under a VK78 Commando replica painted with a pepperoni pizza design." class="wp-image-153938" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0069.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0069-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0069-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0069-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0069-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0069-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>This year’s Maker’s Contest was filled with impressive armaments, curious creations, and oddly satisfying oddments. Check out photos from the top three winners below!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0078.jpg" alt="Creations from the Halo World Championship Maker's Contest hang displayed on a wall. A mounted trophy head of Jega 'Rdomnai hangs above a scale replica of an Elite Bloodblade, surrounded by more replica Halo weaponry." class="wp-image-153952" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0078.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0078-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0078-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0078-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0078-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-2_0078-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Draxes</strong> took first place with his Jega ‘Rdomnai bust and Elite Bloodblade (above), followed closely by <strong>MightyMarkProps</strong> with an extra-lethal Hydra model and <strong>Fallen922</strong> with a Craigtastic bass guitar (below).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0030.jpg" alt="MightyMarkProps holds a replica Hydra beside Fallen922, who stands proudly with her Craig-inspired bass guitar." class="wp-image-153882" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0030.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0030-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0030-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0030-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0030-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0030-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Meet-up Memories</strong></h2>



<p>It’s always a treat to meet so many Halo fans IRL! During this weekend’s event, the Halo Studios community team held daily Community Meet-ups featuring Halo-themed games and limited-edition posters by <strong><a href="https://x.com/Soul_ant19">Soul_ant19</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://x.com/OutletChief729">OutletChief729</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="https://x.com/entransing">entransing</a></strong>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0251.jpg" alt="A group photo of Halo fans and members of the Halo Studios Community Team holding entransing's poster design at a community meet-up." class="wp-image-153896" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0251.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0251-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0251-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0251-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0251-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HWC25-3_0251-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>We’re so grateful to everyone who stopped by to say hello, play games, and sign our posters for the Halo Studios office! If you couldn’t attend in person, don’t forget to <a href="https://www.aka.ms/HWC25MeetUps">snag a digital copy</a> of this year’s Community Meet-up posters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Halo Fest 2026</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HaloFest-scaled.jpg" alt="Halo Fest: 25 Years of Halo. HaloFest.com." class="wp-image-153980" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HaloFest-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HaloFest-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HaloFest-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HaloFest-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HaloFest-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HaloFest-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HaloFest-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<p>Don’t miss your chance to join us in Seattle, WA again for <a href="https://www.halofest.com">Halo Fest</a> in December 2026.</p>



<p>The event begins with an orchestral performance of iconic Halo music, in concert for one night only on December 11, followed by a two-day convention celebrating Halo’s legacy, story, and unrivaled community. We hope you can make it!</p>


Thank you for joining us!

Halo World Championship 2025


<p><em>Fireteam Osiris, the light is green!</em></p>



<p>It has been ten years since Spartan Locke sent Fireteam Osiris to Kamchatka, thus setting in motion the events of <em>Halo: 5 Guardians.</em></p>



<p>We’re celebrating in Halo Infinite by bringing some fan-favorite armor sets to the Exchange and bringing back the new, unique mode, Extermination.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Anniversary Armors</h2>



<p>If you’ve banked enough Spartan Points, you’ll be able to grab these sets as soon as they drop out of slipspace. If not, fear not – they will be available from the Exchange so you may obtain them at your leisure. (Or you can grab them from the Shop if you prefer that route.)</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HALOWEEN_PK_38.jpg" alt="Hunter and Copperhead armors in Halo Infinite." class="wp-image-153850" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HALOWEEN_PK_38.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HALOWEEN_PK_38-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HALOWEEN_PK_38-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HALOWEEN_PK_38-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HALOWEEN_PK_38-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HALOWEEN_PK_38-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<ul>
<li> <strong>Hunter</strong>: Savvy Spartans choose HUNTER technology for its customizable interfaces, a puissant surveillance suite, and dependable maneuverability in hand-to-hand sparring.</li>



<li><strong>Helljumper</strong>: Thanks to innovative field upgrades by Cascade Stronghold Technologies, testbed HELLJUMPER armor can reliably endure the atmospheric rigors expected of GEN3 Mjolnir.</li>



<li><strong>Copperhead</strong>: When it comes to building interspecies alliances, COPPERHEAD armor has consistently proven its merits for both kinetic diplomacy and charm offensives.</li>



<li><strong>Shinobi:</strong> Though the design’s origins remain obscure, the undisclosed reasons behind its approved use among Spartans of the UNSC may prove even more unknowable.</li>
</ul>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Exacting Extermination</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Extermination_Playlist_AST_1920x1080_Clean-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153836" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Extermination_Playlist_AST_1920x1080_Clean-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Extermination_Playlist_AST_1920x1080_Clean-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Extermination_Playlist_AST_1920x1080_Clean-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Extermination_Playlist_AST_1920x1080_Clean-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Extermination_Playlist_AST_1920x1080_Clean-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Extermination_Playlist_AST_1920x1080_Clean.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>We’re all familiar with Team Slayer where it’s 4v4 and you score a point for each kill on the opponent’s team. And first team to 50 points, wins the match. Extermination is the same at the very basics: 4v4 and you gotta kill the enemy. But you’re not trying to get to 50 kills.</p>



<p>The Goal: </p>



<p>Eliminate all members of the enemy team at once.</p>



<p>Super simple right? If you can kill the entire enemy team before anyone respawns, you win the round.</p>



<p><em>Were it so easy.</em></p>



<p>So what’s the catch? If a player can stay alive long enough for their teammates to respawn, the round continues. You’ll have a 15 second respawn between each death. And for the record: this goes by fast when you’re hunting that last elusive Spartan but somehow seems to last an eternity when you’re desperately evading, trying to let your teammate respawn.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Combat Components</h2>



<p>Alright let’s get the lowdown before you throwdown:</p>



<ul>
<li>Short, two-minute rounds</li>



<li>First to win five rounds, wins</li>



<li>Teams swap sides after each round</li>



<li>Round ends at time or when an entire team is on respawn</li>



<li>Ties can occur when no team was Exterminated before timer runs out</li>



<li>If three ties occur, the team with the most points wins</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Strategic Spaces</h2>



<p>With a new playlist comes new maps! Bookmark the mode here, then grab the maps and check ‘em out!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Extermination Playlist Map Flythrough | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rIhgu3RR424?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p><strong>Collateral<br><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/77f91906-f9bf-47e2-958c-88177f48db3e">Bookmark</a><br>Credits: </strong>Pat Sounds, Dellsoto</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/collateral_004.jpg" alt="Extermination map "Collateral" made in Halo Infinite Forge" class="wp-image-153710" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/collateral_004.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/collateral_004-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/collateral_004-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/collateral_004-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/collateral_004-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/collateral_004-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>No uplink. No Signal…Nothing but static and rain</p>



<p><strong>Stadium<br><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/es/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/10efac3f-0294-4fb7-bedc-2963342912e5">Bookmark</a><br>Credits:</strong> Pat Sounds</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/stadium_003.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite Extermination map created in Forge." class="wp-image-153724" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/stadium_003.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/stadium_003-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/stadium_003-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/stadium_003-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/stadium_003-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/stadium_003-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>1…2…3 kills, you’re out.</p>



<p><strong>Breakthrough<br><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/2e994826-e870-478e-8eb8-96fe70cf0d4c">Bookmark</a><br>Credits:</strong> Silencer EU, Kat Rat A Tat</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/breakthrough_006.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite Extermination map created in Forge." class="wp-image-153738" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/breakthrough_006.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/breakthrough_006-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/breakthrough_006-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/breakthrough_006-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/breakthrough_006-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/breakthrough_006-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>Just listen to the rain and the wind.</p>



<p><strong>Eyrie<br><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/d2a2dded-db45-471f-99cd-0a71a27f74fa">Bookmark</a><br>Credits: </strong> DanZama, ArturBlooshot, Starkey213036</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/eyrie_003.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite Extermination map created in Forge." class="wp-image-153752" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/eyrie_003.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/eyrie_003-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/eyrie_003-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/eyrie_003-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/eyrie_003-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/eyrie_003-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>Guess some of us just don’t like leaving a job half-finished.</p>



<p><strong>Ilex<br><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/fdeff8a9-2f50-4a90-92cf-a9a819a57c41">Bookmark</a><br>Credits:</strong> Igrizhar, Yeehaw J24, JoValiant, Virus11010</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ilex_002.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite Extermination map created in Forge." class="wp-image-153766" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ilex_002.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ilex_002-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ilex_002-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ilex_002-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ilex_002-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/ilex_002-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>It’s the facility, not the goat.</p>



<p><strong>Oppressor<br><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/es/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4de96a7b-8325-47a5-9099-e7a239de8828">Bookmark</a><br>Credits: </strong>Starkey213036, ArturBloodshot</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/oppressor_002.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite Extermination map created in Forge." class="wp-image-153780" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/oppressor_002.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/oppressor_002-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/oppressor_002-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/oppressor_002-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/oppressor_002-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/oppressor_002-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>Drowned desperate screams of useless defiance.</p>



<p><strong>Runoff<br><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a9fe589e-f58e-4515-b50f-650c07f9b993">Bookmark</a><br>Credits: </strong>Cousin Tim, MikRips</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/runoff_008.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite Extermination map created in Forge." class="wp-image-153794" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/runoff_008.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/runoff_008-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/runoff_008-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/runoff_008-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/runoff_008-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/runoff_008-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>Where does the water come from?</p>



<p><strong>Abbiocco<br><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/47b72726-74f2-4b19-bde4-fef30e7c5b64">Bookmark</a><br>Credits: </strong>bullet2thehead9</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/abbiocco_009.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite Extermination map created in Forge." class="wp-image-153808" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/abbiocco_009.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/abbiocco_009-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/abbiocco_009-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/abbiocco_009-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/abbiocco_009-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/abbiocco_009-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>Grab a pizza on your way out.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Closing Contemplations</h2>



<p>The light is still green, Spartans. Grab the new gear and check out Extermination today!</p>


Happy 10th Birthday Halo 5

Halo Studios

Halo: Fifth Canticle


<p>2026 marks the 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Halo franchise and the game started it all – Halo: Combat Evolved. A momentous occasion such as this calls for a celebration!</p>



<p>Today at the Halo World Championship we announced the return of Halo Fest – a community event for you and all of your Halo-loving friends to celebrate the franchise and for any reason you may love it. If you’re a fan of the campaigns, the universe, the rich characters – Halo Fest welcomes you. If you love the music and anytime you see a saxophone you think of Halo 3: ODST – Halo Fest welcomes you. If you love all forms of multiplayer including cooperative and competitive – Halo Fest welcomes you. And if the community at large is a big part of why you continue to love this franchise – Halo Fest welcomes you all.</p>





<p>Over the course of the next year, we’ll be providing monthly updates on Halo Fest where you can learn more, but here are the initial details.</p>



<p>Halo Fest is a three-day event spanning December 11-13, 2026, and is comprised of two components: the Concert and the Convention.</p>



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



<p>Music plays a critical role in the Halo franchise and in the hearts of fans around the world. If you’re like us, the first few monk chant notes alone are enough to give you goosebumps. For the first time ever, Halo will be hosting an official full-length concert celebrating 25 years of the iconic scores that played a part in making Halo the cultural touchstone it is today. The Concert will take place at the beautiful Benaroya Hall and performed by the legendary Seattle Symphony – you won’t want to miss this!</p>



<p>The basics:</p>



<ul>
<li>December 11</li>



<li>Benaroya Hall</li>



<li>200 University St, Seattle, WA 98101</li>
</ul>



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



<p>If you’ve ever been to the Halo World Championship you’ll have noticed that the event offers more than just an esports competition, but rather acts as an annual pilgrimage for the whole community with the Community Stage, voice actors in attendance, cosplay contest, meetups, and more. Halo Fest will be the realization of that vision. In the Summit building of the convention center has a larger footprint than the Arch where HaloWC has been historically held and we plan on offering twice as many tickets compared to this year’s HaloWC.</p>



<p>No matter why you love Halo, we want you to feel at home at Halo Fest and have plenty to do with your fellow community members.</p>



<ul>
<li>The basics:</li>



<li>December 12-13</li>



<li>Seattle Convention Center (Summit Building)</li>



<li>900 Pine Street, Seattle, WA 98101</li>
</ul>



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



<p>Halo Fest tickets will be going on sale in just two months on December 10, 2025. In the November blog we will provide a full deep dive on the ticketing packages and what to expect. We will be offering tickets for both components on one ticketing platform, and fans will have access to both the Concert and the Convention on the same day. Please note that the capacity at Benaroya Hall of the Concert is significantly less than the capacity at the Convention. We expect the Concert tickets to sell out first and foremost so please keep that in mind as you’re determining your Halo Fest plans.</p>



<p>CONCLUSION</p>



<p>We are very thankful to have such a vibrant community who loves Halo from Year 1 to Year 25. And at Halo Fest, you will be able to take part and celebrate with the community like you never have before. Be on the lookout for next month’s blog where we’ll share more about the event and ticketing information.</p>



<p>Thanks,</p>



<p>Tashi</p>



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



<p><a id="_msocom_1"></a></p>



<p> </p>


Tashi

Halo Fest Announced


<p>Earlier in the summer we announced that Year 4 would be the final year for Official HCS competition on Halo Infinite, and today at HaloWC we announced some more information about what competitors can expect in 2026.</p>



<p>Competitive Halo is important to you, the community, and it’s important to us as well. For 2026, we’re partnering with key members of the esports ecosystem and community to host Halo Infinite competitions and even one of our own. Let’s jump into the details.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="878" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/DH_Halo_Birmingham_Black-1024x878.png" alt="" class="wp-image-153597" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/DH_Halo_Birmingham_Black-1024x878.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/DH_Halo_Birmingham_Black-300x257.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/DH_Halo_Birmingham_Black-768x658.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/DH_Halo_Birmingham_Black.png 1078w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Halo has had a long history with DreamHack at this point and they’ve been great hosts for the entire Halo community. We’re excited and thankful to announce that Halo will be coming to DreamHack Birmingham on March 27-29 in the UK. There will also another event at a US-based DreamHack event in 2026 to be announced by DreamHack later this year.</p>



<p>With a prize pool of $100,000, travel awarded for the top teams, and featuring an open bracket – these events across both NA and EU are ones you will definitely want to be a part of!</p>



<p>We will be loaning DreamHack tournament equipment from HCS including consoles, monitors, and headsets, as well as providing the prize pool and travel funding for teams. Both parties are making significant investments in bringing Halo to the amazing DreamHack events.</p>



<p>These events will be owned and hosted by DreamHack with HCS as partners, so you can expect to hear official updates from them on the competition, ticketing, etc.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Partnered Team Support</h2>



<p>The HCS Partnered Teams are also stepping up to support the Halo Community in 2026. We are still working on the details and tournament sizing but can confirm that the following teams are committed to partnering with us:</p>



<ul>
<li>Cloud9</li>



<li>FaZe</li>



<li>Shopify</li>



<li>Spacestation</li>
</ul>



<p>HCS will continue to support the teams by contributing to prize pools and ensuring cohesion from a scheduling perspective across the ecosystem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HCS Grassroots</h2>



<p>We will also be partnering with legends from the community and HCS Grassroots partners, LVT as well European Halo League to support them in their Halo events. HCS will be contributing prizing for them to host more Halo online competitions throughout 2026.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Halo Fest 2026</h2>



<p>And, in case you missed it, we also announced that Halo Fest will be coming to Seattle to celebrate 25 Years of Halo. This community event will be home to Halo fans no matter why they love Halo, and esports is certainly a part of that.</p>



<p>At Halo Fest 2026, we will be hosting an HCS Invitational for the top invited teams to participate in, which will be put on stage for the fans in attendance and broadcasted for fans at home to watch.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="450" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCS-2026-Partners-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153611" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCS-2026-Partners-1.jpg 800w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCS-2026-Partners-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCS-2026-Partners-1-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



<p>We’re very thankful for the amazing community and ecosystem partners who will continue supporting Halo, and we’re excited to partner with them to bring more competition and content for fans.</p>



<p>Thank you once again for supporting the Halo Championship Series and we will see you in the New Year.</p>



<p>Thanks,</p>



<p>Tashi</p>



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


Halo Esports 2026 Update


<p>We’re pleased to announce that our next game, <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em>, will be a ground-up remake of <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em>’s genre-defining campaign coming to Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5 in 2026.</p>



<p>Featuring new missions, expanded gameplay, two-player split-screen on consoles, online and networked co-op for up to four players on console and PC, and seamless cross-platform play with shared progression, it will be the definitive return trip through one of gaming’s greatest journeys.</p>



<p>Enjoy our first released concept art above, and watch our <a href="https://www.aka.ms/HCEReveal">roundtable reveal</a> for a look at gameplay from <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em> and in-depth commentary from the Halo Studios development team.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo: Campaign Evolved | Roundtable Reveal" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e-tXi1NC_aU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p><strong>Wishlist <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em> now: </strong><a href="https://www.aka.ms/HCEWishlistX">Xbox</a> | <a href="https://www.aka.ms/HCEWishlistS">Steam</a> | <a href="https://www.aka.ms/HCEWishlistPS">PlayStation</a></p>



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A RING REFORGED</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Environment-1920x1080-02-Watermarked.png" alt="The Silent Cartographer campaign mission. A gleaming Forerunner installation juts from a cliff facing a beachfront and calm waters. The Halo ring curves from the horizon in front of a gas giant planet." class="wp-image-153040" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Environment-1920x1080-02-Watermarked.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Environment-1920x1080-02-Watermarked-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Environment-1920x1080-02-Watermarked-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Environment-1920x1080-02-Watermarked-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Environment-1920x1080-02-Watermarked-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Environment-1920x1080-02-Watermarked-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p><em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em> invites you to explore reverently realized environments and enhanced missions that capture the wonder and mystery of the original Halo tale.</p>



<p>The vistas and monumental set-pieces you’ll encounter in <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em> faithfully evoke the grandeur of <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em>’s narrative and scenery, completely rebuilt with high-definition visuals, improved controls, and refined level design.</p>



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo: Campaign Evolved | The Silent Cartographer Trailer" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/efThjRym-ks?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p><em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em> expands the Master Chief’s original adventure with new missions, enhanced cinematics, more weapons, vehicle improvements, and more Skulls than ever.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>New missions: </strong>Fight beside Sergeant Avery Johnson, one of the Master Chief’s most beloved and stalwart allies, as you encounter new characters, enemies, environments, and dangers in three new missions set before the events of <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em>.</li>



<li><strong>Stunning cinematics: </strong>Battle through all of <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em>’s iconic moments with enhanced cinematics featuring new motion-capture animations and freshly recorded dialog from returning cast members.</li>



<li><strong>Enhanced audio: </strong>Immerse yourself in heroic exploits with a remastered soundtrack and fully rebuilt sound design that brings Halo’s unmistakable weapons and vehicles to life in stunning fidelity. Just listen to those glorious Hunters shoot!</li>



<li><strong>Expanded arsenal: </strong>Wield nine additional weapons from the Halo universe for the first time in <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em>! Battle the Covenant with the Energy Sword, Battle Rifle, Needle Rifle, and more instantly recognizable Halo weapons, alongside tried-and-true standbys from the Master Chief’s first journey.</li>



<li><strong>Vehicle upgrades: </strong>For the first time in <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em>, the Master Chief can hijack nearby enemy vehicles and add range to his repertoire at the helm of a Wraith tank. Better still, the dependable Warthog now boasts an additional seat on the rear bumper—so your whole four-player Fireteam can ride out together!</li>



<li><strong>Dozens of Skulls: </strong>Return to any mission in <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em> and remix your experience with the most gameplay-modifying Skulls of any Halo campaign. Activate Skulls for randomized weapons, altered enemy behavior, player attributes, environmental effects, and more!</li>
</ul>



<p>All you greenhorns who wanted to see Covenant up close: this is your lucky day.</p>



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PLAY TOGETHER, WHEREVER</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="3200" height="1800" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-CoOp-R01A.png" alt="Two gamers sit in armchairs playing split-screen co-op in Halo: Campaign Evolved." class="wp-image-153110" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-CoOp-R01A.png 3200w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-CoOp-R01A-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-CoOp-R01A-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-CoOp-R01A-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-CoOp-R01A-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-CoOp-R01A-2048x1152.png 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-CoOp-R01A-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px" /></figure>



<p>Everyone’s invited to this mission. For the first time in Halo history, <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em> allows players to seamlessly squad up with friends playing on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 in both online and networked co-op for up to four players.</p>



<p>Experience the legendary story together from anywhere, at any time, with shared progression between all platforms.</p>



<p>Console versions will support two-player split-screen for a fully immersive nostalgia factor. Conquer all 13 campaign missions with a friend from the classic confines of your favorite couch on both Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.</p>



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo: Campaign Evolved | The Silent Cartographer – 13 Minute Gameplay Demo" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hSjbIM0iegY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>Ready to see the game in action? Check out these highlights from “The Silent Cartographer,” the fourth mission of <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em>, and the setting of the playable pre-release build available to fans at this weekend’s Halo World Championship.</p>



<p>The 4K footage in the above gameplay demo was captured in-engine on Xbox Series X.</p>



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A TIMELESS CAMPAIGN</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Cinematics-1920x1080-02-Watermarked.png" alt="The Master Chief stands in the rear hatch of a Pelican as it and two other Pelicans soar over an ocean." class="wp-image-153096" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Cinematics-1920x1080-02-Watermarked.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Cinematics-1920x1080-02-Watermarked-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Cinematics-1920x1080-02-Watermarked-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Cinematics-1920x1080-02-Watermarked-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Cinematics-1920x1080-02-Watermarked-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/HCE-Cinematics-1920x1080-02-Watermarked-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p><em>After crash landing on a mysterious ringworld known as Halo with his AI companion, Cortana, the Master Chief must defend his stranded shipmates against Covenant forces and uncover a dark secret that threatens the annihilation of all life in the galaxy…</em></p>



<p>Return to the ring that started it all, with a fresh look at a timeless campaign.</p>



<p>Whether you’re discovering Halo for the first time or returning to Alpha Halo after 25 years, <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em> retells the legendary story of <em>Halo: Combat Evolved</em> with an expanded narrative and gameplay enhancements that broaden the scope of our first encounter with the Covenant.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Halo_CampaignEvolved_Wallpaper_1920x1080_RGB.jpg" alt="Halo: Campaign Evolved key art. The Master Chief John-117 stands ready for action in a beautiful pinelands on Halo." class="wp-image-153054" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Halo_CampaignEvolved_Wallpaper_1920x1080_RGB.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Halo_CampaignEvolved_Wallpaper_1920x1080_RGB-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Halo_CampaignEvolved_Wallpaper_1920x1080_RGB-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Halo_CampaignEvolved_Wallpaper_1920x1080_RGB-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Halo_CampaignEvolved_Wallpaper_1920x1080_RGB-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Halo_CampaignEvolved_Wallpaper_1920x1080_RGB-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>We can’t wait to share more information with you next year. Stay tuned to Halo Waypoint for updates on <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em>, coming to Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5 in 2026.</p>



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



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



<p><a href="http://aka.ms/HCERevealPK" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/HCERevealPK">Download the official <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em> press kit. </a></p>



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



<p></p>



<p><strong>Wishlist <em>Halo: Campaign Evolved</em> now: </strong><a href="https://www.aka.ms/HCEWishlistX">Xbox</a> | <a href="https://www.aka.ms/HCEWishlistS">Steam</a> | <a href="https://www.aka.ms/HCEWishlistPS">PlayStation</a></p>
