Canon Fodder

Community

Games

Alex Wakeford

Issue 142

Canon Fodder: System Shocks

Community Spotlight

The Community Corner is back with a new guest to talk about all things Halo!



In the Community Corner, we spotlight and interview individual members of the Halo community about the cool stuff they do (whether that’s art, cosplay, Forge, animation, streaming, and so on) and their personal history with the series.



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/community-corner-moto">Last time, we were joined by Moto Streams to talk about her journey with Halo over the years in streaming and podcasting, and how she cultivated one of the most wholesome communities out there.</a>



Today, we’re joined by artist Will Clements to discuss fan art, art advice, custom game nights, and more.



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Welcome, Will! Thank you very much for joining us for this month’s Community Corner. Introduce yourself—who are you, what do you do as part of the Halo community, and where can we find you?



Hi there! I’m a digital character artist and fan artist, and within the Halo community I have the pleasure of drawing other peoples’ Spartans!



You can find me on <a href="https://twitter.com/willclementsart">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/willclementsart/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://willclementsart.weebly.com/gallery.html">over on my website.</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://willclementsart.weebly.com/gallery.html"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2000" height="2400" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will1.jpg" alt="Master Chief art by Will Clements" class="wp-image-70576" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will1.jpg 2000w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will1-250x300.jpg 250w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will1-853x1024.jpg 853w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will1-768x922.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will1-1280x1536.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will1-1707x2048.jpg 1707w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will1-1568x1882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></a></figure>



What’s your Halo origin story? How did you get started on the path of the Great Journey?



I started playing Halo when I was around ten or eleven with the original trilogy. Whilst Halo 2 was my first Halo that I played, I’d say my Great Journey properly started with after-school Halo 3.



I can vividly remember visiting my friends and playing couch co-op, hopping on the Xbox in the evenings to play Garbage Man, Duck Hunt, and all the other customs that so many of us lost countless hours to.



I’ve loved Halo multiplayer ever since I first played it, but once the social side of this series grabbed me it has never let me go. Even now, I will always say yes to a custom games evening.



(Special mention goes to the Halo: CE lunchtime sessions on Boarding Action!)



What areas of the series do you find yourself gravitating towards—or would you describe yourself as something of an all-rounder when it comes to things like campaign and story, multiplayer, Forge, etc?



I’m for sure an all-rounder when it comes to Halo. I love a bit of everything.



Replaying a campaign, hopping into multiplayer with friends, or trying to recreate Alien: Isolation in Forge—it all depends on my mood for the day.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://twitter.com/willclementsart"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2000" height="2400" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will4.jpg" alt="Art of a Spartan on Zeta Halo by Will Clements" class="wp-image-70618" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will4.jpg 2000w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will4-250x300.jpg 250w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will4-853x1024.jpg 853w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will4-768x922.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will4-1280x1536.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will4-1707x2048.jpg 1707w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will4-1568x1882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></a></figure>



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



The Forerunner Saga written by Greg Bear.



I don’t know what I can say about this trilogy that hasn’t been said already, but I was so excited knowing we’d learn more about the Forerunners and these books did not disappoint.



Anything involving the Didact is a win for me, so I’m also very excited for Halo: Epitaph.



I wish I could pick a favorite soundtrack from this series to include here as well, but I don’t think I can…



What’s your origin story as an artist? How did you discover your love for it, and what are some of your major inspirations—be it from Halo or other sources?



I was drawing dinosaurs, sharks, and pirate ships from as early as five years old! A year later I watched Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man for the first time and I became obsessed with the character—my mum still keeps a binder of my earliest drawings and most of them are related to the wall-crawler.



From there I progressed into reading comics, and they quickly became my biggest inspiration (and still are, even now). I’ve never stopped appreciating the artistry that goes into making them.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/willclementsart/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2327" height="2560" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will3-scaled.jpg" alt="Art of a Spartan on Oasis by Will Clements" class="wp-image-70604" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will3-scaled.jpg 2327w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will3-273x300.jpg 273w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will3-931x1024.jpg 931w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will3-768x845.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will3-1396x1536.jpg 1396w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will3-1862x2048.jpg 1862w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will3-1568x1725.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2327px) 100vw, 2327px" /></a></figure>



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



My process always starts with collecting as much reference as I can before I put pen to tablet. As soon as I’m comfortable with my reference library I start to sketch, slowly learning the individual shapes and working on the details.



Once I’ve finished sketching it all becomes a bit of a blur, and suddenly a finished piece of art emerges, with color and a background.



I’m joking about that last bit… sort of.



Do you listen to music when you go into artist mode? What Halo tracks get you in the zone for maximum inspiration and productivity?



Absolutely! I’m usually listening to a curated playlist, but sometimes I’m happy to let shuffle do its thing.



Halo tracks I’m always happy to hear when working are Impend/Impart from Halo 2, Covenant Dance from Halo: CE (because OF COURSE!), and more recently Riven’s Gate and Through the Trees from Infinite.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://twitter.com/willclementsart"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2000" height="2400" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will5.jpg" alt="Art of a Spartan on Zeta Halo by Will Clements" class="wp-image-70632" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will5.jpg 2000w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will5-250x300.jpg 250w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will5-853x1024.jpg 853w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will5-768x922.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will5-1280x1536.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will5-1707x2048.jpg 1707w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will5-1568x1882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></a></figure>



How do you think your art has evolved over time?



Oh, this question is always so hard to answer, but recently I’ve noticed my color rendering more than anything else.



Over the last few years, I’ve made a conscious effort to improve my approach to color, light, and shadow, and I’m really pleased with my progress.



Sometimes you have to go looking for the changes to finally see them!



Do you have any words of wisdom to share with other artists out there looking to get started?



Know when to walk away. It sounds counter-productive but trust me it’s incredibly helpful for noticing problems with your sketch.



Get up, stretch, do anything else but draw for an hour or two, and when you return to the tablet/page you’ll likely notice what’s been bugging you.



Oh, and digital artists, don’t forget to flip your canvas!



What’s your favorite piece of Halo artwork?



The twentieth anniversary artwork. It’s perfect. ‘Nuff said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Lassen_KeyArt_Flat_NoLogo-scaled.jpg" alt="20 years of Halo official artwork" class="wp-image-19338" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Lassen_KeyArt_Flat_NoLogo-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Lassen_KeyArt_Flat_NoLogo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Lassen_KeyArt_Flat_NoLogo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Lassen_KeyArt_Flat_NoLogo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Lassen_KeyArt_Flat_NoLogo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Lassen_KeyArt_Flat_NoLogo-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Lassen_KeyArt_Flat_NoLogo-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption>(AW NOTE: No disagreement here!)</figcaption></figure>



Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.



I can do a fairly decent Escharum impression. I doubt you’ll ever hear it!



(AW NOTE: It is, of course, only natural for Halo fans to spend time in the shower reciting lines from the series in characters’ voices.)



Thank you again for joining us for this issue, Will! Do you have any parting words to share?



Halo 2‘s story is the GOAT, and thanks for having me!



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



You can follow Will Clements on <a href="https://twitter.com/willclementsart">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/willclementsart/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://willclementsart.weebly.com/gallery.html">check out his website!</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://willclementsart.weebly.com/gallery.html"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1100" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will2.jpg" alt="Art of the Master Chief and Zeta Halo by Will Clements" class="wp-image-70590" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will2.jpg 1100w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will2-229x300.jpg 229w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will2-782x1024.jpg 782w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will2-768x1005.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px" /></a></figure>

Issue 008

Community Corner: Will Clements

Community Update

Bonus Bonanza

Forge Features

We’ve got a special new edition of Forge Features for you today where we’re offering the opportunity to get your maps into matchmaking for the return of the fan-favorite Husky Raid mode!



Let’s get you a briefing on the details, and then let’s take a look at a new selection of community-made maps.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AIN’T NO RAID LIKE A HUSKY RAID!</h2>



Ten years ago, we were playing a game you might have heard of called Halo 4. Like its predecessors going back to Halo 2, it featured the Action Sack playlist—the home of whacky and unusual gametypes often created by the community where we lost hours to Tug of War, Team Stickies, Dino Blasters, Paintball, and more. And one of the additions Halo 4 made to that offering was Husky Raid.



In Husky Raid, the map is a long, narrow corridor. You spawn on one side with random weapons, meaning that you, your allies, and your enemies may be heading out with a rocket launcher or a plasma pistol. And you’ve got to get through the chaos that’s about to ensue in order to capture the enemy flag.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/H5HuskyRaid.jpg" alt="Halo 5 screenshot of the Assault on the Control Room map" class="wp-image-67739" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/H5HuskyRaid.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/H5HuskyRaid-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/H5HuskyRaid-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/H5HuskyRaid-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/H5HuskyRaid-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/H5HuskyRaid-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



The mode returned in Halo 5 (see an example in the screenshot above), and it’s now coming to Halo Infinite—and you’ve got an opportunity to get your own Husky Raid map into matchmaking!



THE TEMPLATES



We have two prefab templates for you to download and utilize in the creation of your Husky Raid map. Grab them from the links below.



<ul><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/prefabs/f693dbdf-3b62-4c12-ad8e-3e4453f11120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="343 Husky Raid – Alley Template (opens in a new tab)">343 Husky Raid – Alley Template</a></li><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/prefabs/756de5d5-953b-4cff-be82-fc10b59d5c65" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="343 Husky Raid – Trench Template (opens in a new tab)">343 Husky Raid – Trench Template</a></li></ul>



These will be useful for getting Forgers started, so if you just want to apply some cool artistic flourishes to them that’s absolutely fine for submission. But if you want to take things a step further and make your own changes, or start from scratch to unleash your creativity, you should absolutely feel free to do so!



As for testing your map, in the meantime we recommend using Fiesta: CTF.



HOW DO I GET MY MAP NOTICED?



Once your map is in a state you are happy with, you need to publish it and tag it with the 343ask-Husky Raid tag and include a screenshot.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="3840" height="1997" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/04/343ForgeTags.png" alt="Image of official Forge tags" class="wp-image-65818" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/04/343ForgeTags.png 3840w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/04/343ForgeTags-300x156.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/04/343ForgeTags-1024x533.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/04/343ForgeTags-768x399.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/04/343ForgeTags-1536x799.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/04/343ForgeTags-2048x1065.png 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/04/343ForgeTags-1568x815.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 3840px) 100vw, 3840px" /></figure>



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



IS THERE A DUE DATE?



The fun should never truly end, but for folks looking to try and make it into our first official Husky Raid selection, we’ll need your creations no later than June 30.



Take the time to flex those creative muscles—we can’t wait to see what you cook up for us.



With all that said, let’s take a look at what you’ve been up to with the maps you’ve already been making!



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THUNDERHEAD Credits: DarkMaiming Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/6d4738f5-a141-40d2-bbdc-01106ca53b4e" target="_blank">Thunderhead</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/6d4738f5-a141-40d2-bbdc-01106ca53b4e"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Thunderhead.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Thunderhead" class="wp-image-67781" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Thunderhead.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Thunderhead-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Thunderhead-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Thunderhead-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Thunderhead-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Thunderhead-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



The UNSC Infinity sits pretty over a colossal Forerunner beam tower, flanked by two reformation spires that mark each base for opposing teams.



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VYRANT Credits: W0lfR3ign Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/cff6d967-76ca-452c-a424-807250485f8a" target="_blank">Vyrant</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/cff6d967-76ca-452c-a424-807250485f8a"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Vyrant.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Vyrant" class="wp-image-67795" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Vyrant.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Vyrant-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Vyrant-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Vyrant-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Vyrant-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Vyrant-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Welcome to the Vyrant Telecom tower, helping you to stay connected with your friends across the galaxy—by giving you a digital space to pummel them!



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SNOWAGULATION Credits: AlphaEpsilon Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/618db91c-f8fe-47c7-9d60-aefdebffcda2" target="_blank">Snowagulation</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/618db91c-f8fe-47c7-9d60-aefdebffcda2"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Snowagulation.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Snowagulation" class="wp-image-67753" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Snowagulation.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Snowagulation-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Snowagulation-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Snowagulation-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Snowagulation-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Snowagulation-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



It’s Coagulation, the timeless Halo 2 classic as you know and love it… in the snow! Stay frosty.



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SORCERER Credits: WAR FH Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/b0e5d991-3476-49e6-8d00-ea5e9000bc5d" target="_blank">Sorcerer</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/b0e5d991-3476-49e6-8d00-ea5e9000bc5d"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Sorcerer.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Sorcerer" class="wp-image-67767" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Sorcerer.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Sorcerer-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Sorcerer-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Sorcerer-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Sorcerer-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Sorcerer-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Ever looked at Wizard—or any of its remakes—and thought it could stand to be a little bigger to spread out some of that 4v4 or 5v5 chaos? Sorcerer is the map for you.



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And that’ll bring this issue to a close. You’ve got your mission, should you choose to accept—to all community cartographers, prepare to drop feet-first into Forge and let loose your imagination on Husky Raid.



Make one. Heck, make two. That’s an order, soldier!

Community Cartography 012

Forge Features: May 26, 2023

Modtacular 002

Halo: MCC | Mod Spotlight: May 2023

“Spartan Chatter” is a new avenue we are exploring to provide direct updates to the Halo community through the Discord Stage feature on <a href="http://discord.gg/Halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">the official Halo server</a>.



In our latest episode, Sean Baron, Head of Halo Infinite Live Service, stopped by to answer community questions, discuss player customization, and share new details on what to expect when Season 4 arrives on June 20.



The full conversation is available below which includes several notable bits of information for Halo Infinite players:



<ul><li>Halo Infinite’s take on the fan-favorite mode Infection arrives with Season 4 on June 20</li><li>Beginning with Season 4, all new premium coatings (Premium Battle Pass and Shop) will include individual versions compatible with all armor cores.</li><li>Career Rank is also coming to Halo Infinite on June 20, giving players an all-new progression system with military-style ranks</li><li>343’s official Forge remake of the Halo 5 map “Plaza” is targeted to be released early in Season 4</li><li>Attendees of the upcoming <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/dhdallas2023">HCS Dreamhack Dallas</a> event will get a chance to go hands-on with new Season 4 content</li><li>Halo Infinite’s first Bonus XP Weekend will take place over June 2-4</li></ul>



Check out the full Spartan Chatter episode below for additional insights into the studio’s priorities, where Infinite’s player customization systems are headed, responses to community questions, and more.



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Spartan Chatter: Infection, Season 4 & Career Rank" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4SWLEPaTx4c?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



And, in case you missed it, <a href="https://youtu.be/7QNHxDg0c9A">the first episode of Spartan Chatter with special guest Michael “Forge Lord” Schorr is now available on the Halo YouTube page</a>. In it, we discuss Halo Infinite’s playlists, Forge improvements landing in Season 4, and tackle a variety of community questions.



<a href="http://discord.gg/Halo">Join the official Halo Discord server</a> to continue the discussion and participate in future Spartan Chatter conversations.



Stay tuned to Halo Waypoint in the coming weeks for more details on Season 4.



You can also grab a full 4K-resolution version of the Infection concept art image (made by artists Jeff Simpson and David Heidhoff) by clicking the image below!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/S4Infection4KWatermarked.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/S4Infection4KWatermarked-scaled.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite concept art for the Infection mode showing three Spartans infected by Iratus" class="wp-image-67421" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/S4Infection4KWatermarked-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/S4Infection4KWatermarked-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/S4Infection4KWatermarked-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/S4Infection4KWatermarked-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/S4Infection4KWatermarked-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/S4Infection4KWatermarked-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/S4Infection4KWatermarked-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a></figure>

343 INDUSTRIES

Season 4, Infection, & Career Rank | Spartan Chatter

Issue 141

Canon Fodder: Didact’s Delights

Book Preview

Fiction

Over ten years ago, the Master Chief awakened from cryo sleep as the UNSC Forward Unto Dawn approached a mysterious shield world known as Requiem.



Within this hollow sphere was an ancient Forerunner warrior—the Didact. Imprisoned a hundred millennia ago by his wife after being driven to madness, he emerged to continue his campaign against the humans that he saw as unworthy of the Mantle, the responsibility of guardianship over life in the galaxy.



Seeking to imprison humanity as his army of machine thralls, the Didact was defeated by the Master Chief and Cortana as he led an attack on Earth, casting him into slipspace. A further confrontation on Gamma Halo would see the Didact’s physical body disintegrated by the destruction of his Composer devices, sending the scatterings of his consciousness into the Domain.



It is here that <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Epitaph/Kelly-Gay/Halo/9781668017531">Halo: Epitaph, the next novel from acclaimed author Kelly Gay</a>, begins. Here’s the official description of what is to come:



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Stripped of armor, might, and memory, the Forerunner warrior known as the Didact was torn from the physical world following his destructive confrontation with the Master Chief and sent reeling into the mysterious depths of a seemingly endless desert wasteland. This once powerful and terrifying figure is now a shadow of his former self—gaunt, broken, desiccated, and alone. But this wasteland is not as barren as it seems. A blue light glints from a thin spire in the far distance…



Thus begins the Didact’s great journey—the final fate of one of the galaxy’s most enigmatic and pivotal figures.



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Epitaph/Kelly-Gay/Halo/9781668017531"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1675" height="2470" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/HaloEpitaphCoverFront.jpg" alt="Front cover of Halo: Epitaph depicting the hooded figure of the Didact, his face half exposed by his broken helmet" class="wp-image-67220" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/HaloEpitaphCoverFront.jpg 1675w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/HaloEpitaphCoverFront-203x300.jpg 203w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/HaloEpitaphCoverFront-694x1024.jpg 694w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/HaloEpitaphCoverFront-768x1133.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/HaloEpitaphCoverFront-1042x1536.jpg 1042w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/HaloEpitaphCoverFront-1389x2048.jpg 1389w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/HaloEpitaphCoverFront-1568x2312.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1675px) 100vw, 1675px" /></a></figure>



We are thrilled to reveal the cover art of Halo: Epitaph, beautifully illustrated by Chris McGrath, depicting the Didact in a vast desert within the Domain, where fans of Halo 3 may recognize a certain tower in the background.



Published by Gallery Books and our friends over at Simon & Schuster, Halo: Epitaph is currently scheduled for release in early 2024.



Stay tuned later this year for chapter previews that will provide a closer look at the last great journey of the Didact.



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Epitaph/Kelly-Gay/Halo/9781668017531" target="_blank">PRE-ORDER HALO: EPITAPH</a>

The Didact returns!

Halo: Epitaph | Cover Reveal

The time has come for another bi-weekly instalment of Forge Features!



We’re on a bit of an original trilogy binge in this issue, starting aboard the UNSC Pillar of Autumn and working our way across games from there. So, bring yourself up to combat alert alpha and let’s take a look at some community creations.



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ESCAPE FROM REACH Credits: Mr Kwatz, Sikamikanico, xTomcatx, KingBartlett, Whos Blaze, tdubfed1 Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/361a3188-f9fb-4136-a2e6-9f709556e1fa" target="_blank">Escape From Reach</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/361a3188-f9fb-4136-a2e6-9f709556e1fa"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/EscapeFromReach.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Escape From Reach" class="wp-image-67191" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/EscapeFromReach.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/EscapeFromReach-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/EscapeFromReach-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/EscapeFromReach-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/EscapeFromReach-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/EscapeFromReach-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



“Cortana, all I need to know is did we lose them?”



Not yet, you haven’t! Multiple Covenant vessels are inbound and it’s up to you to gather as many of your friends as possible to jump into Wasps and defend the UNSC Pillar of Autumn (stunningly recreated in Forge) from attacking Banshees.



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ARRIVAL Credits: THE SLAMMERSS Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/37e8bf85-26f6-43b8-b9f7-15630e26707a" target="_blank">Arrival</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/37e8bf85-26f6-43b8-b9f7-15630e26707a"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Arrival.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Arrival" class="wp-image-67163" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Arrival.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Arrival-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Arrival-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Arrival-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Arrival-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Arrival-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Forget those adjustments to your A2 scope, there’s a station to defend. Arrival is a map that has been spiritually and aesthetically based on Halo 2’s Cairo Station—it even has an antimatter charge!



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INSOLENCE Credits: xDTx Kaos, W0lfR3ign, THE SLAMMERSS, Le Frenchys Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/546e5238-d937-40be-b121-a5c998ee0263" target="_blank">Insolence</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/546e5238-d937-40be-b121-a5c998ee0263"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Insolence.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Insolence" class="wp-image-67205" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Insolence.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Insolence-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Insolence-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Insolence-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Insolence-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Insolence-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



It is a truth universally acknowledged that a Halo game in possession of a multiplayer must be in want of a Forerunner-themed map in a box canyon.



With two opposing bases that have been based (heh!) on the barrier towers from Halo 3’s classic mission The Covenant, and featuring a downed Scarab that is being reclaimed by nature, you’d have to be pretty insolent to not try this out with up to 24 of your friends!



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DOMICILE Credits: LUNNZIES, NASTY VESPA Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a137d555-0e78-447a-9c68-e29fbabb287e" target="_blank">Domicile</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a137d555-0e78-447a-9c68-e29fbabb287e"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Domicile.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Domicile" class="wp-image-67177" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Domicile.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Domicile-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Domicile-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Domicile-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Domicile-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/05/Domicile-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



That old, familiar feeling…



Welcome back to Construct, just as you know and love it! We hope you like the new coat of paint.



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



Scrubulba has been working on <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/fd12f5af-bce1-411c-a537-b250004e0f3c" target="_blank">recreating the hangar bay from the Halo 2 missions The Arbiter and The Oracle</a>, where you fight Sesa ‘Refumee—leader of the heretics on the Threshold Gas Mine—as he tries to escape in a Seraph fighter. Scrubulba has given us a breakdown of cost-effective lighting techniques he used, which could be useful for your own maps.



<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="How I achieved my lighting on my map Oracle - Halo Infinite Forge Lighting" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_rr7az1SyrE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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That brings this issue of Forge Features to its end. Whether you’re looking for some space dogfights, direct remakes of old classics, or new maps with a familiar flavor, these maps have got you covered.



Now get to your action stations and get ready to give your friends a warm welcome.

Community Cartography 011

Forge Features: May 12, 2023

In September of 2021, 343 Industries launched the official Halo Waypoint app for iOS and Android platforms which have served as native mobile companions offering the same features and content as the Halo Waypoint website. Over time, we’ve seen usage patterns shift away from the apps while the mobile version of halowaypoint.com continues to capture the vast majority of site engagement.



As we look to the future, our focus is on the products and experiences that are most impactful and beneficial to our players and community.  To that end, we have made the decision to cease support for the Halo Waypoint iOS and Android apps and officially sunset them on approximately June 7, 2023.



Going forward, all the same content and features will continue to live and grow on halowaypoint.com. The Halo Waypoint website on mobile and desktop will remain the home for Halo game service records, file shares, leaderboards, franchise news, HCS, code redemption, and more.



Thank you to everyone who has supported the Halo Waypoint app and provided feedback along the way. We hope to continue enriching your game experiences and celebrating the Halo franchise with you on halowaypoint.com into the future.

Halo Waypoint App Sunsetting