Community

Community Spotlight

Esports

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.



Between swapping stories with Halo fans, watching elite Halo Infinite players duke it out on the main stage, announcing <a href="https://www.aka.ms/HCEAnnounce25">Halo: Campaign Evolved</a>, 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!



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



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



After three days of intense competitive heat, Shopify Rebellion clutched up and came out on top against OpTic Gaming 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!



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.



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



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.



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



Download photos from the contest: <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>



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



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!



<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>



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



<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">Meet-up Memories</h2>



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 <a href="https://x.com/Soul_ant19">Soul_ant19</a>, <a href="https://x.com/OutletChief729">OutletChief729</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/entransing">entransing</a>.



<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>



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.



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



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.



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!

Mutinous Core

Thank you for joining us!

Halo World Championship 2025

Halo Fest

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



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.





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.



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



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



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!



The basics:



<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>



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.



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.



<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>



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.



CONCLUSION



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.



Thanks,



Tashi



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

Tashi

Halo Fest Announced

Games

<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-huge-font-size" style="text-transform:uppercase">Update: October 7, 2025</h2>



The nightmare returns. Back from the grave and more gruesome than ever, Survive the Undead claws its way back into Halo Infinite. First introduced last Haloween, the Forge Falcons’ labor of love made the jump from Combat Workshop to playlist just in time for the spooktacular season. And now, it’s back with a new map!



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Strategic Survival</h1>



At its core, Survive the Undead is an Infection-based Firefight survival mode where you, the player, are trying to avoid dying. However, unlike the “regular” Infection modes you may be thinking of where everyone is looking out for themselves, you are in a team of 4 trying to survive the onslaught of infected enemies. Think of it as a horde mode. You can learn the finer points and read more about how this playlist came to be down below.  



The return of the playlist, as part of the Operation: Haloween II offering, comes with everything you know and love from before and adds one brand new map:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size" style="text-transform:uppercase">Station of the Lost</h2>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/cbf475d5-19a2-4fe4-bd1a-350902f931e5">Bookmark</a>



<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/station_012.jpg" alt="Station of the Lost, a new Survive the Undead map created in Halo Infinite's Forge." class="wp-image-152272" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/station_012.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/station_012-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/station_012-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/station_012-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/station_012-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/station_012-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Abandon all hope, all ye who enter this abandoned station. Remember, there’s safety in numbers so stick together.



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



Survive the Undead is the first Community created playlist to go from <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/combat-workshop-survive-the-undead">Combat Workshop</a> to Playlist and it’s just in time for Haloween!



You can <a href="https://aka.ms/HaloweenOperationLaunch">read a bit more about the Forge Falcons and how Survive the Undead came to life over here</a><a>. </a>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-huge-font-size" style="text-transform:uppercase">Objective: Survive</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_002-6704753e15fd6.jpg" alt="Survive the Undead map for Halo Infinite, created in Forge" class="wp-image-120517" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_002-6704753e15fd6.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_002-6704753e15fd6-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_002-6704753e15fd6-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_002-6704753e15fd6-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_002-6704753e15fd6-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_002-6704753e15fd6-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



By now, we all know what Infection is. You vs the horde that’s trying to infect you so you become one of them. Usually round based, the game ends once all Spartans are infected or until there’s a lone survivor able to fend off the constant attacks.



Survive the Undead puts a slight twist on the typical Infection and makes it a more linear experience. And, as the name implies, the idea is to beat the waves of infected and simply survive as long as you can. The rounds start off simple and get progressively more difficult, with points awarded for each round cleared and each kill. Spend your earned points wisely…or go ham on the mystery box (my personal favorite – who doesn’t love surprises?) and then regroup and get ready for the next round!



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-huge-font-size" style="text-transform:uppercase">Survival Handbook</h2>



Looking for some pointers? Straight from the Forge Falcons comes this guide to ensure you have the best chance possible to survive the undead.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_007.jpg" alt="Survive the Undead map for Halo Infinite, created in Forge" class="wp-image-120531" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_007.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_007-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_007-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_007-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_007-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_007-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



PERKS



The three perks are Health, Damage, and Speed. There are 4 tiers per perk and each tier costs 600 points. All perks reset upon death and must be repurchased.



Health Perk



<ul>
<li>Tier 1: 25% Health Increase</li>



<li>Tier 2: 10% Health Increase</li>



<li>Tier 3: 5% Health Increase</li>



<li>Tier 4: Vampirism</li>
</ul>



Speed Perk



<ul>
<li>Tier 1: 100% Reload Speed Increase + 10% Movement Speed</li>



<li>Tier 2: 50% Melee Recovery + 10% Movement Speed</li>



<li>Tier 3: 10% Movement Speed + 10% Slide Speed</li>



<li>Tier 4: 10% Movement Speed + 10% Sprint Speed</li>
</ul>



Damage Perk



<ul>
<li>Tier 1: 100% Damage Increase</li>



<li>Tier 2: 100% Damage Increase</li>



<li>Tier 3: 100% Damage Increase + 100% Melee Impulse</li>



<li>Tier 4: 100% Damage Increase + 50% Melee Damage</li>
</ul>



BONUS DROPS



There are four bonus drops that have a chance to appear when killing enemies: Boom, Spray & Pray, Mounted & Loaded, and Score Attack. These drops are announced by voice lines matching their names.



Boom



<ul>
<li>Effect: Instantly kills all AI, granting each player 400 points. Benefits from Score Attack.</li>



<li>Strategy: Use when in dire need.</li>
</ul>



Spray & Pray



<ul>
<li>Effect: Removes shields from all enemies, making them one-shot kills for 30 seconds.</li>



<li>Strategy: Ideal against bosses.</li>
</ul>



Mounted & Loaded



<ul>
<li>Effect: Refills ammo for all players.</li>



<li>Strategy: Use when team ammo is critically low.</li>
</ul>



Score Attack



<ul>
<li>Effect: Doubles points from kills for 30 seconds; effects stack. Also, keep in mind that this drop affects the points granted from the Boom drop.</li>



<li>Strategy: Collect immediately for maximum benefit.</li>
</ul>



PLAYER BUY BACK



The Player Buy Back (650 points) is located in the spawn room and revives fallen allies, granting the activating player an overshield. It only works if allies are down.



AMMUNITION WALL BUY



The Ammunition Wall Buy (350 points) is in the spawn room on all maps, it has the ‘ammunition’ nav marker and refills the activator’s ammo. It can be used even with full ammo, so check before buying.



POINT SHARING WALL BUY



The Point Sharing Wall Buy is located in the 2nd territory on all maps, it has the ‘points’ nav marker and allows players to share points. It costs 2,000 points to use and it will split the 2,000 points between all players in the game. For example: A team of 2 players receives 1,000 points each. A team of4 players receive 500 each.



RANDOM WEAPON BOX



The Random Weapon Box is located in either the 2nd territory or 3rd territory depending on the map, it is the red banished looking box. It costs 300 points and will grant players a random weapon.



WEAPON UPGRADE MACHINE



The Weapon Upgrade Machine has received an overhaul since the combat workshop, it will now take the weapon you have and upgrade that weapon with other combinations. It costs 1,000 points and can be found in the spawn room on all maps. It will also have the ‘Upgrade’ nav marker.



WEAPON & EQUIPMENT WALL BUYS



Wall buys offer weapons or equipment at displayed prices. Ammo can be refilled via the ammunition wall buy, the Mounted & Loaded drop, or by rebuying the weapon.



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_009.jpg" alt="Survive the Undead map for Halo Infinite, created in Forge" class="wp-image-120545" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_009.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_009-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_009-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_009-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_009-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_009-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



In the Combat Workshop, there was only one map available to you. Now that the playlist has hit the big time, there are multiple options in the playlist:



<ul>
<li>Installation of the Dead</li>



<li>Night of the Undead</li>



<li>Countdown of the Dead</li>
</ul>



Squad up, watch each other’s backs, and maybe you’ll survive the undead.

snickerdoodle

Survive the Undead

Fiction

Join the #audio-book-club channel of our <a href="https://discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Discord server</a> to listen along to this month’s audiobook club selection, discuss your favorite Halo moments with fellow fans, and enter to win free audiobooks from Simon & Schuster!



Our final audiobook club title of the year is Halo: The Rubicon Protocol, a gritty story that follows intrepid Spartans and other surviving crew members of the UNSC Infinity, from the fall of their flagship through subsequent ground actions against the Banished in the months leading up to the start of Halo Infinite’s campaign.



Halo: The Rubicon Protocol is written by USA Today bestselling author Kelly Gay, who has also authored many other Halo universe novels and shorts. The audiobook edition is narrated by acclaimed actor and writer Scott Brick.



Listen to an exclusive excerpt from the audiobook below!



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Rubicon Protocol | Audiobook Preview | Available Now from Simon & Schuster" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nrCPlDUH6s0?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>
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<a href="https://www.bit.ly/485gDEh">Purchase your copy of Halo: The Rubicon Protocol from Simon & Schuster.</a>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="2560" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Rubicon-Protocol-scaled.jpg" alt="Halo: The Rubicon Protocol cover art. "The New York Times bestselling series. Read by Scott Brick. Kelly Gay, acclaimed author of Halo: Renegades and Halo: Point of Light." class="wp-image-151891" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Rubicon-Protocol-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Rubicon-Protocol-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Rubicon-Protocol-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Rubicon-Protocol-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Rubicon-Protocol-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Rubicon-Protocol-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Rubicon-Protocol-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Rubicon-Protocol-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



December 2559. The UNSC Infinity is ambushed and boarded by the Banished. As the defenders are overwhelmed, the crew is forced to abandon ship and flee to Zeta Halo.



Spartans Bonita Stone and Nina Kovan make a narrow escape to the surface and help shepherd survivors—both regular marines and civilian personnel—to a makeshift base around the wrecked UNSC Mortal Reverie. Lost, outnumbered, and severed from leadership, the UNSC’s only hope may lie in turning the inexperienced non-combatants of the “boat crew” into an effective guerilla unit.



Elsewhere, Spartan Tomas Horvath pursues a Banished Bloodstar warrior and unexpectedly learns of a hidden network that could help them find a way to get a message back home.



In the months that follow, duty compels these heroes to enact the Rubicon Protocol, a wartime directive to deny the Banished from gaining new assets by any means necessary.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CHARACTER GUIDE</h2>



Learn more about the cast of Halo: The Rubicon Protocol with these brief character bios.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Horvath.jpg" alt="Spartan Horvath" class="wp-image-151849" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Horvath.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Horvath-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Horvath-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Horvath-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">TOMAS HORVATH</h3>



Separated from his squadmates on Fireteam Intrepid, Spartan Tomas Horvath encounters Bloodstar Gorian while stranded on a fragment of the ruined Halo ring. To escape, they form an unlikely and short-lived alliance. After Gorian betrays him, Horvath pursues the Bloodstar for months looking to settle the score.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">BONITA STONE</h3>



Spartan Stone is a member of Fireteam Shadow, one of the longest-serving Spartan-IV units. After piloting a Bumblebee to the surface, Stone saves a stranded marine unit and aids a second group of non-combatants (soon to be known as the “boat crew”). She soon rejoins her squadmate, Spartan Nina Kovan, and escorts survivors to an impromptu forward base at the wrecked UNSC Mortal Reverie.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">NINA KOVAN</h3>



Known to her comrades on Fireteam Shadow as “The Stoic,” Kovan’s icy demeanor is matched only by her unwavering aim. After escorting the boat crew to relative safety alongside Stone, Kovan conducts field recon and provides overwatch to fellow Spartans.



She is on the front line during the desperate defense of the Mortal Reverie, and proves instrumental in the boat crew’s effort to transmit Zeta Halo’s current coordinates to friendly forces after it is moved through slipspace.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">HUDSON GRIFFIN</h3>



As the UNSC Infinity fell, Spartan Griffin gave the order for all Spartans to abandon ship. Having since established a forward base at the wrecked UNSC Mortal Reverie, Griffin now acts as the de facto leader of the marooned Spartans. Acting on the suspicions of his colleagues, he mounts a doomed mission to assassinate War Chief Escharum.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">LUCAS BROWNING</h3>



A UNSC field medic stranded following the Infinity attack. Though initially rescued from a crashed lifeboat by Stone, Browning gives himself up to Banished patrols to allow his fellow survivors to escape their wrath. As he is processed through the Banished internment facilities, Browning is forced to unlock a cylix containing the enigmatic Harbinger.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Harbinger.jpg" alt="The Harbinger" class="wp-image-151835" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Harbinger.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Harbinger-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Harbinger-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/Harbinger-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">THE HARBINGER</h3>



One of the Endless imprisoned by the Forerunners countless millennia ago, after the firing of Halo cleansed the galaxy. Upon being freed by Browning, the Harbinger enjoins herself to the Banished, evidently finding that their aims are aligned. She vows that the Endless shall return, and tortures Browning, imprinting him with knowledge that breaks his sanity.d tortures Browning, imprinting him with knowledge that breaks his sanity.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/JegaRdomnai.jpg" alt="Jega 'Rdomnai" class="wp-image-151863" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/JegaRdomnai.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/JegaRdomnai-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/JegaRdomnai-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/10/JegaRdomnai-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">JEGA ‘RDOMNAI</h3>



A Sangheili blademaster and renowned Spartan Killer. As a close confidante and top enforcer for War Chief Escharum, Jega is fiercely loyal to the Jiralhanae leader. With his uncanny stealth and deadly blade, Jega fortifies the Banished occupation of Zeta Halo by hunting surviving Spartans from the shadows.



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



A Jiralhanae Bloodstar, from a class of spec-ops soldiers renowned for their battlefield prowess. During the Battle of Zeta Halo, Gorian led a Bloodstar unit to the surface to search for Forerunner artifacts. When his Phantom is waylaid by the ring’s autonomous sentinels, he forges a temporary alliance with Horvath just long enough to return to his dirty work.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">GAME CONNECTIONS</h2>



Though the novel begins during the raid on the UNSC Infinity, the majority of Halo: The Rubicon Protocol’s narrative occurs during the six-month period in which the Master Chief remained adrift in orbit around Zeta Halo.



As the heroes of The Rubicon Protocol battle the Banished occupation forces, they encounter several enemies and allies from Halo Infinite, adding important character exposition and helping to bridge the gap between the game’s opening flashback and the full campaign set in May 2560.



(Spoilers for Halo: The Rubicon Protocol and Halo Infinite below!)



Some heroes of The Rubicon Protocol can be encountered in Halo Infinite as fallen allies (such as Spartan Stone, whose recovered Spartan Cores aid the Master Chief), in cutscenes (as with the tortured Spartan Griffin), or as recurring characters in Halo Infinite’s hidden audio logs.



Several locations from the novel can also be found throughout Halo Infinite’s campaign. After defeating the UNSC survivors, Chieftain Tremonius establishes a Banished outpost around the wrecked Mortal Reverie. Lucas Browning is brought to the Redoubt of Sundering for bodily inspection, conveyed to Chak ‘Lok’s tower for interrogation, and finally forced to release the Harbinger from her cylix at the Silent Auditorium.



In Halo Infinite, Master Chief John-117 raids all four locations, toppling Outpost Tremonius to establish his first Forward Operating Base, freeing captured marines from the Redoubt of Sundering, defeating Chak ‘Lok in his tower while trying to rescue Spartan Griffin, and finally thwarting the Harbinger at the rebuilt Silent Auditorium as she attempts to complete the Reformation of Zeta Halo.



To learn more about the Halo novels, visit our <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/official-halo-book-guide" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Official Halo Book Guide</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ABOUT THE AUTHOR</h2>



Kelly Gay is a USA TODAY bestselling author and the critically acclaimed creator of the Charlie Madigan urban fantasy series. Within the Halo universe, she has authored the widely lauded novels Halo: The Rubicon Protocol, Halo: Point of Light, and Halo: Renegades, the novella Halo: Smoke and Shadow, and the short story “Into the Fire,” featured in Halo: Fractures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ABOUT THE READER</h2>



Actor, writer, and award-winning audiobook narrator Scott Brick has narrated almost 900 audiobooks, including over a dozen Halo-universe titles. To date, his narrations have earned him over 65 Earphones Awards, five Audie Awards, five SOVAS Awards for voiceover, and a Grammy nomination for the multi-cast recording of The Mark of Zorro (2011).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AUDIOBOOK GIVEAWAY</h2>



Enter to win an audiobook copy of Halo: The Rubicon Protocol! To participate, react to the Halo: The Rubicon Protocol post in the #giveaways channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Halo Discord server</a> before October 10.



Stay tuned to <a href="https://www.x.com/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Halo on X</a> for more ways to enter later this month. <a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubGiveaway" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">See contest rules.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">JOIN THE BOOK CLUB</h2>



Listen to Halo: The Rubicon Protocol along with us in our Discord audiobook club! To participate, simply join the #audio-book-club channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Halo Discord server,</a> where we’ll discuss the book, share favorite moments, and meet fellow Halo fans.



Drop a reaction in the topic thread for a chance to find your words featured in an upcoming Halo Waypoint post! At the end of the month, we’ll also host a special Spartan Chatter episode on Discord to discuss the book and answer questions from the Halo community.



<a href="https://www.bit.ly/485gDEh">Purchase your copy of Halo: The Rubicon Protocol from Simon & Schuster.</a>

Audiobook Club: The Rubicon Protocol

Forge Features

Community Cartography 038

Forge Features: October 1, 2025

Click here to purchase tickets to the Halo World Championship 2025

Welcome back!  



HaloWC is just a few weeks away and today we’re sharing the final “Road to HaloWC” blog. By this point we’ve shared just about everything to expect at HaloWC and it’s time to share the final bit of news. 



But first, here are links to the other blogs if you’re looking to catch up: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc-august" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Augu</a><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc-august">st 2025</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-july">July 2025</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-june" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 2025</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-may" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May 2025</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-april">April </a><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-april" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2025</a></li>
</ul>



Let’s go!



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">TICKETING UPDATE</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-141768" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



At this point HaloWC has been sold out for quite a while. We typically sell out every year but usually in the week leading up to the event. This time we sold out about 2 months before, which is by far the earliest we’ve ever sold out. And if you consider the significant increase in ticket allotment compared to prior years – it’s truly remarkable. Thank you to everyone joining us at the event. 



If you’ve been following along on social you may have seen that we released another small batch of tickets and to our surprise they sold out in 30 seconds. After working with the venue and fire marshal we were able to open up another small batch of tickets. 



These FINAL tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, October 1 at 11am pt.  





This is the LAST CHANCE to get tickets for HaloWC 2025. We will not be selling tickets at the door as we normally do. This is it!



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">HALO COMMUNITY STAGE</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/Halo-Community-Stage-module-1024x576.png" alt="Halo Community Stage" class="wp-image-151597" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/Halo-Community-Stage-module-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/Halo-Community-Stage-module-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/Halo-Community-Stage-module-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/Halo-Community-Stage-module-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/Halo-Community-Stage-module-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/Halo-Community-Stage-module.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The Community Stage at HaloWC holds a special place in our hearts and this year is no different. If you’ve been following along you know that we’ll have panels for Steve Downes and Jen Taylor (the voices of Master Chief and Cortana), panels to celebrate anniversaries of Halo: Reach and Halo 5: Guardians, Canon Fodder Live, Cosplay Contest judging, and of course playdates where you can get on a stage for some fun matches yourself. 



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-june" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Back in June</a> we let the community know that we’d be continuing the conversation from last year’s HaloWC and the “A New Dawn” video and sharing more about what we’ve been working on. Like last year we’ll be on the Main Stage to talk about it but this year we’ve also got a “deep dive” panel planned for the Community Stage that you won’t want to miss.  



Both the segment on the Main Stage and the panel on the Community Stage will be going down early Friday afternoon on October 24 at HaloWC. Make sure you’re there early so you don’t miss a second! 



After the Charlotte Major in less than two weeks we’ll be sharing the full schedule for HaloWC so you know exactly when and where to tune in.  



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">GAMERS OUTREACH</h1>



The amazing folks at Gamers Outreach will once again be attending HaloWC with a booth featuring Halo streamers all in continuation of their mission to use games as a way to bring joy and normalcy to children in hospitals. Gamers Outreach have been longstanding partners with the HCS and we’re excited to continue this at HaloWC.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HaloWC25-Gamers-Outreach-WAYPOINT-1024x576.png" alt="Gamers Outreach - HaloWC 2025" class="wp-image-151569" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HaloWC25-Gamers-Outreach-WAYPOINT-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HaloWC25-Gamers-Outreach-WAYPOINT-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HaloWC25-Gamers-Outreach-WAYPOINT-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HaloWC25-Gamers-Outreach-WAYPOINT-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HaloWC25-Gamers-Outreach-WAYPOINT-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HaloWC25-Gamers-Outreach-WAYPOINT.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



If you’re at the event or even just watching online, please consider donating and rallying the community for the kids! 



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">HALOWC MERCH</h1>



At HaloWC we’ll also be selling exclusive event merchandise. Here’s a sneak peek at what will be available: 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HaloWC25-Merch-Tease-WAYPOINT-V2-1024x576.png" alt="HaloWC 2025 Exclusive Event Merch" class="wp-image-151555" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HaloWC25-Merch-Tease-WAYPOINT-V2-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HaloWC25-Merch-Tease-WAYPOINT-V2-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HaloWC25-Merch-Tease-WAYPOINT-V2-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HaloWC25-Merch-Tease-WAYPOINT-V2-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HaloWC25-Merch-Tease-WAYPOINT-V2-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HaloWC25-Merch-Tease-WAYPOINT-V2.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



We will have a full collection onsite, with even more gear for those looking to commemorate this momentous occasion in Halo esports history. 



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">HALO INFINITE MVP</h1>



Each year the pro players attending HaloWC have the opportunity to vote on the MVP for that year. This year, as it’s the final official HCS event for Halo Infinite, we will also be gathering votes and awarding a special trophy for the MVP across all of Halo Infinite’s 4 year tenure.  



As we’ve seen in the past, this is a very special award. For Halo 5: Guardians, none other than Frosty went home with the award – who would you vote as the MVP across Halo Infinite? 



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">HALO MAKER’S CONTEST</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Halo-Makers-Contest-1024x576.png" alt="Halo Pod Infector from the Halo World Championship 2024" class="wp-image-141695" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Halo-Makers-Contest-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Halo-Makers-Contest-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Halo-Makers-Contest-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Halo-Makers-Contest-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Halo-Makers-Contest-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Halo-Makers-Contest.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



This year we’ve added the Maker’s Contest to HaloWC to celebrate those fans who love creating different items from the Halo universe, and not just armors. Weapons, equipment, and all types of artifacts and items from the Halo universe now have their home at the Maker’s Contest.  



Registration for the Maker’s Contest is now open and we’re about half<s> </s>way filled up. If you’d like to register head to: <a href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/7e5db11a88ee4cc79626fafb826a4280" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LINK HERE</a> 



Again, there’s a $2,500 prize pool for this contest (in addition to the $5,000 cosplay contest). We hope to see everyone bring their best creations to the event! 



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">CONCLUSION</h1>



The Halo World Championship 2025 begins on October 24 and we can’t wait to host the Halo community here in Seattle. The support for HCS over the years, especially in this Halo Infinite era has meant the world to us and we want to look back fondly and celebrate with you all. Are you going to the event? Let know if you’re coming and what you’re most looking forward to! 



Thank you – and we’ll see you this weekend in Charlotte, and again in just a few weeks in Seattle. 



Thanks, 



Tashi

Road to HaloWC 2025 – September

Book Preview

“Mission failure is not an option.”



Blue Team returns to Reach, seven years after the planet fell to the Covenant. The legendary squad is on a mission to reach Halsey’s lab, deep within CASTLE base to retrieve assets that could turn the tide of war against Cortana and the rogue AIs of the Created.



But they’re not alone. Between Blue Team and their objective are three Banished clans, led by War Chief Escharum, searching for a portal to bring Atriox back to the galaxy from the Ark.



As part of our ongoing <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/audiobook-club">Audiobook Club in partnership with Simon & Schuster</a>, we sat down with Franchise Writer Alex ‘Haruspis’ Wakeford on our latest episode of Spartan Chatter to explore how Troy Denning’s novel sets the stage for what’s to come leading up to the events of Halo Infinite.



From the Spartans’ homecoming to the ruins of Reach to the rise of the Banished, this is Halo at its most reflective. 



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Want to tag along with the legendary heroes as they navigate the lechatelierite of Reach? <a href="https://bit.ly/41kPh90">Grab a copy of the audiobook today!</a>

Halo: Shadows of Reach | Spartan Chatter

Spotlight: HELLDIVERS 2 x ODST Edition

“Just because the Covenant War is over doesn’t mean there aren’t battles to be fought.”



Halo: New Blood follows the personal journey of Edward Buck, a seasoned ODST who is offered the chance to become a Spartan-IV. Told as a reflective memoir, the novella explores Buck’s early days in the UNSC to his leadership of Alpha-Nine, and touches on the emotional weight of leaving behind his old identity to embrace a new role. 



We suited up for another Spartan Chatter episode of our ongoing <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/audiobook-club">Audiobook Club in partnership with Simon & Schuster</a>, this time featuring Halo: New Blood by Matt Forbeck. Joined by Franchise Writer Alex “Haruspis” Wakeford, we followed the personal journey of Edward Buck through his journey from an ODST in the squad Alpha-Nine to Spartan-IV. From the gritty streets of Draco III to the halls of Spartan Command, New Blood offers a grounded, character-driven look at what it means to evolve in a galaxy still healing from conflict.



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</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Halo: New Blood Spartan Chatter Episode</figcaption></figure>



If you want to take a peek behind Buck’s visor, you can <a href="https://bit.ly/44NldoH">grab a copy of the Audiobook</a> and listen in today!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Community Highlights</h2>



Catch up on the community audiobook club with great shouts from folks in our <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo">official Discord server</a>!



<ul>
<li>Merty: Easily one of my favorites, and it’s very rich in lore for those who want to learn more about the Spartan-IVs. Highly recommended.</li>



<li>Kot_Box: I just finished reading it a couple weeks ago and LOVED it! So much so that I just ordered a copy of Halo: Bad Blood. I’m always happy to see more Buck.</li>



<li>MOK: I love this month’s pick!</li>



<li>AshamanND: I just recently finished this! Great story.</li>



<li>VysorinIV: First Halo book I ever read—it got me hooked on the fandom!</li>



<li>Briarfox13: Oh, this is one of my favorites! Thoroughly enjoyed reading New Blood.</li>



<li>Aaron: I’ve loved the new artwork they’ve been releasing with these previews!</li>



<li>DDog Dazamaan: Just wanted to chime in to say I’m really enjoying this one, too! Pretty fun having it all from a character’s recollection of events.</li>
</ul>

Halo: New Blood | Spartan Chatter

As part of our <a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubGiveaway">audiobook giveaway series</a> with Simon & Schuster, we’re inviting Halo fans to join a community book club in our <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo">official Discord server</a>, where we’ll focus on a new novel from the Halo canon every month until October. Join the #audio-book-club channel to listen along!



This month’s book club title is Halo: Shadows of Reach, a riveting story that sees Blue Team return to the decimated surface of Reach on a mission to infiltrate ONI’s CASTLE base and recover assets that may prove vital to challenging Cortana’s undisputed rule.



Halo: Shadows of Reach is written by Troy Denning, a New York Times bestselling author and a true heavyweight in Halo’s literary universe. The audiobook edition is narrated by award-winning audiobook narrator and broadcaster Sean Patrick Hopkins. Listen to an exclusive excerpt from Halo: Shadows of Reach below:



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<a href="https://bit.ly/41kPh90">Purchase your copy of Halo: Shadows of Reach from Simon & Schuster.</a>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="2560" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-scaled.jpg" alt="Shadows of Reach audiobook cover. Text: "The New York Times Bestselling Series. Halo: Shadows of Reach. A Master Chief story. Read by Sean Patrick Hopkins. TROY DENNING. New York Times bestselling author."" class="wp-image-147650" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



2559. Cortana has subjugated worlds across the galaxy and imposed martial law under the rule of her Created. Beyond from her watchful gaze, the UNSC Infinity makes its way to Reach to dispatch the Master Chief and Blue Team on a secret mission.



Their orders? Infiltrate the ruins of ONI’s CASTLE Base and recover the one weapon that could turn the tide. It would be a cakewalk for a team of seasoned SPARTAN-IIs, if not for the Banished army searching the ruined planet.



Among the roving clans dividing Reach in thirds is Castor, a Jiralhanae chieftain still loyal to the old faith of the Covenant, who means to follow the humans in his quest to unearth the fabled Portal under the Mountain—a gateway that leads to the Ark.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CHARACTER GUIDE</h2>



Learn more about the events of Halo: Shadows of Reach with these brief character bios.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/John117.jpg" alt="Master Chief John-117" class="wp-image-147622" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/John117.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/John117-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/John117-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/John117-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">JOHN-117</h3>



Master Chief Petty Officer. A man of few words. In his latest mission, the Master Chief leads the Spartan-IIs of Blue Team to the surface of Reach to recover key assets from Dr. Halsey’s laboratory in CASTLE base.



Along the way, the Chief forms an uneasy alliance with a militia group to liberate the ruined city of New Mohács, punch through the Banished occupation, and ultimately obtain something that could be used to topple Cortana.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/BlueTeam.jpg" alt="The Spartans of Blue Team. Fred-104, Kelly-087, and Linda-058," class="wp-image-147552" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/BlueTeam.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/BlueTeam-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/BlueTeam-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/BlueTeam-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">FRED-104</h3>



Perceptive, steadfast, and a natural leader. This combination makes him a formidable warrior at close quarters. In recent years, Fred has served as Blue Team’s commander, but he still often defers to the judgment of his former team leader, John-117. Beneath the Menachite Mountain, Fred unexpectedly encounters an old acquaintance with a critical message.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">KELLY-087</h3>



The fastest Spartan. When not embedded in combat, Kelly enjoys listening to classic Earth “rock” music (whatever that is) as a meditative way to distract the thoughts that trouble a seasoned soldier’s mind. Her footspeed is unmatched among Spartans, rivaled only by her hair-trigger reflexes in a firefight.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">LINDA-058</h3>



Renowned sniper. Linda’s resolve has been put to the test many times, and this mission is no different. After separating from the rest of Blue Team during a tense firefight, Linda resorts to the lone-wolf tactics that have typified her career as a Spartan ranger. Count on Linda to survive, no matter the odds.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Halsey.jpg" alt="Dr. Catherine Halsey" class="wp-image-147608" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Halsey.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Halsey-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Halsey-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Halsey-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">DR. CATHERINE HALSEY</h3>



Possibly the Office of Naval Intelligence’s most prolific scientific advisor. Dr. Halsey is the progenitor of the SPARTAN program, a key architect of Project MJOLNIR, and the creator of Cortana. Working once more with the UNSC, Dr. Halsey has deployed Blue Team on a critical mission to recover assets from her lab within CASTLE Base that just might bring an end to her renegade progeny.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Castor.jpg" alt="Castor" class="wp-image-147566" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Castor.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Castor-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Castor-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Castor-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



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



Castor is said to be the last dokab, a Jiralhanae religious elder, still faithful to the ways of the Covenant. Following the Created uprising, Castor pledged his cult, the Keepers of the One Freedom, to the Banished. Though his motives are held in suspicion by the movement’s upper echelon, Castor carefully maneuvers through the politics of rival clans to realize his true goal: travelling to the Ark and activating the Halo Array.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Escharum.jpg" alt="War Chief Escharum" class="wp-image-147580" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Escharum.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Escharum-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Escharum-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Escharum-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



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



As Atriox’s former mentor, War Chief Escharum was the only Jiralhanae trustworthy enough to hold the reins of the Banished in his stead. He last spoke to Castor three months ago, when he ordered the dokab to seek the hidden Portal under the Mountain. Infighting has spread in his absence, as the Banished commanders on Reach become discouraged that they should ever find the fabled site.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Gadogai.jpg" alt="Inslaan 'Gadogai" class="wp-image-147594" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Gadogai.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Gadogai-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Gadogai-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Gadogai-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">INSLAAN ‘GADOGAI</h3>



A Sangheili blademaster in the service of the Banished. ‘Gadogai is quick to take offense, and equally quick to seek retribution. Though formerly an assassin in the Covenant’s Silent Shadow unit, he has strayed from the Covenant faith. His role within the Keepers of the One Freedom is to represent Escharum—and watch Castor for any sign of duplicity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">BELLA DISTZL</h3>



A Reach native and a survivor of its fall. Bella has distinguished herself as a five-time victor of the Tantalus 10,000, a five-day, cross-continent, open-buggy endurance race. She’s the last person you’d expect to meet hiding in a foxhole on a planet crawling with the Banished, but the first person you’d put behind the wheel of a Warthog.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">LIEUTENANT MAKS CHAPOV</h3>



First copilot of Special Delivery, the Owl infiltration craft escorting Blue Team to the surface of Reach. What he lacks in experience, Chapov makes up for in arrogance, headstrong reckoning, and a certain endearing determination. It’s clear that the young lieutenant idolizes the Master Chief, and his ace pilot skills eventually manage to impress even the war-weary Spartan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">GAME CONNECTIONS</h2>



Halo: Shadows of Reach occurs between the events of Halo Wars 2 and Halo Infinite. This novel tells a harrowing story from humanity’s desperate last stand against Pax Cortana (the UNSC’s designation for the transformed nemesis of Halo 5: Guardians).



Using the UNSC Infinity as a secret base of operations, Blue Team infiltrates Reach to recover assets that will prove indispensable to the creation of “The Weapon,” the Master Chief’s ally and partner in Halo Infinite and the forthcoming novel <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-edge-of-dawn-cover-reveal">Halo: Edge of Dawn</a>.



Among the “rehab pioneers” of the Viery Militia, we meet descendants of the industrial titans who established Reach as a thriving, wealthy colony in its heyday—a halcyon era that ended with the devastating fall of Reach, leaving only remnants of its culture behind.



Along the way, we encounter familiar characters from Halo 4 such as Dr. Catherine Halsey, Captain Thomas Lasky, and Spartan Commander Sarah Palmer (whom you might also recognize from <a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubAugust">last month’s Audiobook Club</a>).



To learn more about the Halo novels, visit our <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/official-halo-book-guide">Official Halo Book Guide</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ABOUT THE AUTHOR</h2>



Troy Denning is the New York Times bestselling author of more than forty novels, including Halo: Divine Wind, Halo: Oblivion, Halo: Silent Storm, Halo: Retribution, Halo: Last Light, a dozen Star Wars novels, the Dark Sun: Prism Pentad series, and many bestselling Forgotten Realms novels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ABOUT THE READER</h2>



A student of neuroscience and speech pathology, Sean Patrick Hopkins has translated his understanding of human behavior & vocal performance into a career in storytelling. He has over 500 titles to his credit, and has been honored with Audie, Earphones, Odyssey, and SOVAS awards for his audiobook narrations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AUDIOBOOK GIVEAWAY</h2>



Enter to win an audiobook copy of a new book-club title this month and next! To participate, react to the Halo: Shadows of Reach post in the #giveaways channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo">official Halo Discord server</a> before September 8.



Stay tuned to <a href="https://www.x.com/halo">@Halo on X</a> later this month for more ways to win, and watch for a new Audiobook Club entry in October. <a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubGiveaway">See full contest rules and entry directions.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">JOIN THE BOOK CLUB</h2>



Listen to Halo: Shadows of Reach in our Discord book club! To participate, simply join the #audio-book-club channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo">official Halo Discord server</a>, where we’ll discuss the book, share favorite moments, and select a new title from the Halo universe to discuss in October.



Drop a comment in the discussion thread for a chance to find your words featured in an upcoming Halo Waypoint post! At the end of the month, we’ll host a special Spartan Chatter episode on Discord to discuss the audiobook and answer questions from the Halo community.



<a href="https://bit.ly/41kPh90">Purchase your copy of Halo: Shadows of Reach from Simon & Schuster.</a>