Community

Games

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!



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<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

You have one shot. One opportunity. Will you seize it or let victory slip away?



Introducing One Shot Slayer. And yes, as the name implies, this new mode is going to be especially relevant to the interests of the Tactical Slayer fans.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Tactical Refresh</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/OneShotSlayer_02.jpg" alt="Two Halo Infinite multiplayer Spartans holding Manglers." class="wp-image-119346" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/OneShotSlayer_02.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/OneShotSlayer_02-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/OneShotSlayer_02-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/OneShotSlayer_02-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/OneShotSlayer_02-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/OneShotSlayer_02-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



If you haven’t checked it out yet, Halo Infinite’s Tactical Slayer operates on the same rules and basis as past game installments. While previously known as SWAT, the mode remains the same. No one in the lobby has shields and everyone has a precision weapon of sorts capable of killing in a single headshot. Whether you’re wielding a BR, a DMR, a pistol, or the Mangler, aim for the head and keep moving!



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">One Shot Slayer</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/OneShotSlayer_01.jpg" alt="A blue Halo Infinite multiplayer Spartan being chased by a full team of Gold Spartans." class="wp-image-119360" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/OneShotSlayer_01.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/OneShotSlayer_01-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/OneShotSlayer_01-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/OneShotSlayer_01-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/OneShotSlayer_01-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/OneShotSlayer_01-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



It’s (tactical) combat: evolved. When the match starts, you’ll have your trusty Mangler equipped, but there’s only one round in the chamber. If you make it count, anywhere from head to toe, you’ll be refunded your bullet and live to have another fight. If you miss, you’ll find yourself scrambling to evade the shootout and hoping you can get a melee on a player to steal their round. If that fails, you simply have to stay under the radar and play your life for 5 seconds to regain your ability to return fire.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Lay of the Land</h1>



Here’s the maps you’ll be playing for keeps on:



<ul>
<li>Bazaar</li>



<li>Curfew</li>



<li>Illusion</li>



<li>Live Fire</li>



<li>Kiken’na</li>



<li>Solution</li>



<li>Streets</li>
</ul>



Wipe off those sweaty palms, this is no time to have weak knees or heavy arms.  Look sharp and stay alive – your teammates are counting on you.

One Shot Slayer

Forge Features

Fall is (almost) here and so is another installment of Forge Features! This is where we look at all the incredible works that players across the Halo community are creating in Halo Infinite’s Forge tool.



And yes. I’m blinded by the majesty each and every time. Let’s check out some new stuff together!



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-huge-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/93c10991-6e5c-4cf9-91f2-03bc40329a05">BENEATH</a></h2>



Credits: Zaddy Hammer, The Xzamplez <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/93c10991-6e5c-4cf9-91f2-03bc40329a05">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/2024/09/Beneath_Waypoint.jpg" alt="Beneath - an ethereal map created in Halo Infinite's Forge tool." class="wp-image-119119" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Beneath_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Beneath_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Beneath_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Beneath_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Beneath_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Beneath_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



“Stunning” is the only word that comes to mind checking out this asymmetrical map. Everything about this map is pleasing to the eye and serves as a brilliant reminder of how powerful Forge is.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/c61aa8f0-d6d3-4ee7-b6ed-704d922fafa7">CONJURER</a></h2>



Credits: bullet2thehead9, MikRips, DISTORTED JAKAL, Mr Greencastle <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/c61aa8f0-d6d3-4ee7-b6ed-704d922fafa7">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/2024/09/Conjurer_Waypoint.jpg" alt="Conjurer - a reimagining of Wizard from Halo C E, created in Halo Infinite's Forge." class="wp-image-119133" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Conjurer_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Conjurer_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Conjurer_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Conjurer_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Conjurer_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Conjurer_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Wizard…Warlock…Warlord…This map has known many iterations. But this might be the most beautiful one yet. Looks like it was conjured straight out of a fantasy novel!



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4d7632b7-6511-4a52-aafd-825c7fa77d8a">BOREALIS</a></h2>



Credits: SilvervioletX98 <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4d7632b7-6511-4a52-aafd-825c7fa77d8a">Bookmark</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/9ffdeb92-4b35-4023-840e-c5c79517ae9d">Firefight 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/2024/09/Borealis_Waypoint.jpg" alt="Borealis - A B T B map inspired by Halo C E with a borealis in the sky created in Halo Infinite's Forge." class="wp-image-119147" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Borealis_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Borealis_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Borealis_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Borealis_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Borealis_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Borealis_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Fit for a Big Team Battle or a fierce Firefight, Borealis will give you big Halo: Combat Evolved vibes.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/54cb69c3-9f60-4061-85c4-0ab3da4d234a">HACKSAW CANYON</a></h2>



Credits: nkdape <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/54cb69c3-9f60-4061-85c4-0ab3da4d234a">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/2024/09/HacksawCanyon_Waypoint.jpg" alt="Hacksaw Canyon - a map created in Halo Infinite Forge." class="wp-image-119161" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/HacksawCanyon_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/HacksawCanyon_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/HacksawCanyon_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/HacksawCanyon_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/HacksawCanyon_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/HacksawCanyon_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Mashing up the unlikely pairing of Halo 4 and the battle of Hacksaw Ridge, this map works great for 8v8 squad battles as well as Firefight: King of the Hill, and a bunch of other modes.  



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/2abba1f1-c1b6-4f69-8136-70ebea74fcf1">SILENT CARTOGRAPHER</a></h2>



Credits: Nilphz, AxiosVH, Starkey213036, ArturBloodshot and RedDeath3401 <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/2abba1f1-c1b6-4f69-8136-70ebea74fcf1">Map</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/2f321d6e-7c78-41ec-aaf2-517cafc60188">Mode</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1079" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/SilentCartographer_Waypoint.jpg" alt="The Halo C E campaign mission Silent Cartographer recreated in Halo Infinite's Forge." class="wp-image-119175" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/SilentCartographer_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/SilentCartographer_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/SilentCartographer_Waypoint-1024x575.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/SilentCartographer_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/SilentCartographer_Waypoint-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/SilentCartographer_Waypoint-1568x881.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



The quintessential Master Chief experience—storming the beach of the Silent Cartographer. Now playable in Halo Infinite, courtesy of Forge.



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We’re always on the lookout for your creations, whether we’re surfing the in-game Customs Game Browser, browsing <s>Twitter</s> X, or by checking out the Forge show and tell area on the <a href="http://discord.gg/Halo">Halo Discord</a>.



Keep sharing your work and we’ll see you next time!

Community Cartography 030

Forge Features: September 20, 2024

Alex Wakeford

Champions Operation Launch

Refuge

Courtyard

Gyrefight

Powerhouse

Ardent Prayer

Lone Wolf

The hills in Firefight: King of the Hill have moved to a new location. Reach, to be exact.



The latest update to the map pool for Firefight will have you battling the Banished on the familiar territory that is Halo: Reach maps. (Okay and one that’s technically a Halo 2 map remade in Halo: CEA in Halo: Reach.) From the beaches of Gyre to the Ardent Prayer, drop in and get ready to make a stand.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Firefight: Battle for Reach | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EYvGk3db-ak?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a9fef2f4-0758-43c5-bb62-c91651cbb80c">REFUGE</a>



Credits: Cousin Tim, InfiniteForges, Micheal B 2K8, NightAvenger01 <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a9fef2f4-0758-43c5-bb62-c91651cbb80c">Bookmark</a>





Dive head long into the fight on this map that you should know like the back of your hand. 



We call that a tactical advantage.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-huge-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/2f337095-3c19-4fb8-96ec-d9321c015655">COURTYARD</a></h2>



Credits: bullet2thehead9, Mr Greencastle <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/2f337095-3c19-4fb8-96ec-d9321c015655">Bookmark</a>





“We’ve got Jackals in the courtyard!”



Defending Sword Base is the quintessential, classic Firefight experience straight out of Halo: Reach so let your muscle memory kick in as you hang out on the bridge and upper ledges, picking off the enemies as they approach the courtyard.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-huge-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/ede320ec-bb44-45b8-96f6-067b535465f8">GYREFIGHT</a></h2>



Credits: Igrizhar, Virus11010, Mr Kwatz, MikRips <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/ede320ec-bb44-45b8-96f6-067b535465f8">Bookmark</a>





While you might be storming the beach, it’s not a tempest in a teapot so just keep your wits about you and defend the hill while enjoying the scenery.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-huge-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/93e40961-62f2-41f9-87e7-3024536a07db">POWERHOUSE</a></h2>



Credits: UneeQ, Mr Greencastle, ArtN00b, wild1551 <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/93e40961-62f2-41f9-87e7-3024536a07db">Bookmark</a>





The map you played in the Halo: Reach beta has evolved. Night falls and you’ll be taking on the enemy and battling it out under the stars. There’s a lot of ground to cover so keep your eyes peeled. They’re yours, do it quietly.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-huge-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/5f134e8d-8d5f-4a5e-91b1-db288d264edb">ARDENT PRAYER</a></h2>



Credits: Gghio7 <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/5f134e8d-8d5f-4a5e-91b1-db288d264edb">Bookmark</a>





Time for a little boarding action. Make your way onto the Ardent Prayer and seize control of each zone in this linear Firefight KotH experience. The hills will always spawn in the same order, and you’re confined to the room until the next one spawns. You’ll feel more like you’re going through a Campaign experience than your classic FF KOTH match. 



And for this go-around, just make sure the timer isn’t fried. We don’t wanna leave anyone behind.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-huge-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/cfc9685a-eddb-41c1-be15-0dd5b8b7e066">LONE WOLF</a></h2>



Credits: bullet2thehead9, Mr Greencastle <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/cfc9685a-eddb-41c1-be15-0dd5b8b7e066">Bookmark</a>





This time you have a squad for your last stand as you take on the enemy. Stick with your buddy and get to the hills first to improve your odds of survival.



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It’s a good mix of maps that should feel familiar for fans of Halo: Reach. Now that we’ve covered that, you know how it goes.



Objective: Survive



Good luck.

Firefight: Battle for Reach

While it’s been a bit, it’s been by no means dull. Since the last Forge Features edition, we’ve since had a <a href="https://aka.ms/FleetcomOperationLaunch">major content update,</a> three new modes (<a href="https://aka.ms/SentryDefenseBTB">BTB Sentry Defense</a>, <a href="https://aka.ms/FleetcomVIP">VIP</a>, and <a href="https://aka.ms/Headhunter">Headhunter</a>), and had a couple new Operations. But it’s finally back! Let’s check out some more fantastic Forge Features together.



Let’s jump in!



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/dde40c05-2441-4e17-a4ed-3888a4a79c1e">ASCENSION</a></h2>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/dde40c05-2441-4e17-a4ed-3888a4a79c1e">Bookmark</a> Credits: bullet2thehead9, UneeQ TV, Mr Greencastle, MikRips, DISTORTED JAKAL



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2048" height="1152" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Ascension_01.jpg" alt="A Forge remake of Halo 2's map Ascension" class="wp-image-116569" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Ascension_01.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Ascension_01-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Ascension_01-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Ascension_01-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Ascension_01-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Ascension_01-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /></figure>



Strong 2004 flashbacks here. Just in time for the twentieth anniversary of Halo 2. (Seriously? 20? How did that happen. Feels like just yesterday I was playing SWAT Carbines on the Halo 2 version of this…)



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/e78e9cdc-736d-4ba6-a17d-85fb5936324b">HIGHGEAR</a></h2>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/e78e9cdc-736d-4ba6-a17d-85fb5936324b">Bookmark</a> Credits: WAR FH, W0lfR3ign, Okom1, I am a Luxury



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/HighGear_02.jpg" alt="A reimagining of Halo 3's High Ground in Halo Infinite's Forge called "High Gear"" class="wp-image-116583" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/HighGear_02.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/HighGear_02-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/HighGear_02-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/HighGear_02-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/HighGear_02-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/HighGear_02-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



High Ground: Evolved. This crew brought 2007 into 2024 with this evolution of the map that’s perfect for objective gameplay.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/abf3f00e-4e1f-4e30-863d-a02a1cbc6711">HOT POTATO TAG</a></h2>



Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/abf3f00e-4e1f-4e30-863d-a02a1cbc6711">Map</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/a8119872-7a33-4b58-93a8-d84abaec74f9">Mode</a> Credits: Synth7564



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/HotPotatoTag.jpg" alt="An obstacle course looking Forge map designed to play hot potato on." class="wp-image-116597" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/HotPotatoTag.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/HotPotatoTag-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/HotPotatoTag-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/HotPotatoTag-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/HotPotatoTag-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/HotPotatoTag-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



It’s tag meets hot potato as the player that is “It” has the skull and needs to melee someone else to pass it off. Use your mobility skills (sometimes you have a thruster, sometimes a grappleshot) to evade and avoid being caught with the potato when the timer reaches zero.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/bd19afb0-35d7-4b2b-9b6e-2e047088add6">CASTLE TOWN</a></h2>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/bd19afb0-35d7-4b2b-9b6e-2e047088add6">Bookmark</a> Credits: Happy Majora



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/CastleTown.jpg" alt="A castle fortress built in Halo Infinite's Forge." class="wp-image-116611" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/CastleTown.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/CastleTown-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/CastleTown-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/CastleTown-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/CastleTown-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/CastleTown-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Stand as twilight descends and defend the castle. Become the legend you were born to be. 



PS – Have fun storming the castle! 



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/dee1171a-67ae-46b3-81cf-182e735f71ca">GATEKEEPER</a></h2>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/dee1171a-67ae-46b3-81cf-182e735f71ca">Bookmark</a> Credits: SilvervioletX98



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Gatekeeper.jpg" alt="A mashup of Halo 3's Blackout and Guardian created in Halo Infinite's Forge." class="wp-image-116625" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Gatekeeper.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Gatekeeper-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Gatekeeper-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Gatekeeper-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Gatekeeper-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Gatekeeper-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Blackout but make it Guardian. The perfect mashup of the two fan-favorite maps.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/e3a47c9b-2363-4f8f-a1e5-139289421dfe">CASCADE</a></h2>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/e3a47c9b-2363-4f8f-a1e5-139289421dfe">Bookmark</a> Credits: Classy Moth, beesonmars, DireDaybreak, Haijakk, sjmpson, Uber Panzerhund



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Cascade.jpg" alt="A doubles map built into some cliffs in Halo Infinite's Forge." class="wp-image-116639" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Cascade.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Cascade-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Cascade-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Cascade-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Cascade-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Cascade-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Designed for 2v2 so grab a Spartan that’s got your back and take on another dynamic duo.



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There’s a good mix of old and new to be had in this issue so bookmark now and check them out later. If you’re looking to dip your toes into the Forge experience, show off some of your work, or get some pro-tips on scripting, don’t forget to swing by the <a href="https://discord.gg/Halo">Halo Discord and check out the Forge</a> section where you can find Forgers ready to assist.



Until next time!

Community Cartography 029

Forge Features: August 23, 2024

One skull Two skull Flame skull Score skull



Headhunter returns! Introduced in Halo: Reach, this frenetic FFA mode will put your multi-tasking ability to the test. You’ll have to juggle your hunter-gatherer skills with tracking and navigation as you earn kills, collect skulls, and head to the capture point to score them.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size">A BRIEF HISTORY OF HEADHUNTING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Headhunter_Waypoint_01.jpg" alt="A Halo Infinite Spartan with the Haunted helmet standing, holding a skull, while flaming skulls rain down around him" class="wp-image-114751" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Headhunter_Waypoint_01.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Headhunter_Waypoint_01-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Headhunter_Waypoint_01-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Headhunter_Waypoint_01-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Headhunter_Waypoint_01-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Headhunter_Waypoint_01-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Originally concepted as a mode for Halo 2, Headhunter would eventually find its way into Halo: Reach in 2010.



Many of you may find yourselves thinking back to May 3, 2010, when the multiplayer beta for Reach was active. It was here that the Headhunter mode made its formal debut on Powerhouse and Sword Base, where every kill saw a shower of skulls fly out from your opponents for you to collect.



Some of the old hands here know what they’re in for, but the rest of you are due an education…



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size">HUNT THE <s>TRUTH</s> HEADS</h2>



It’s every Spartan for themselves in Headhunter. It’ll be you versus seven other Spartans in this free-for-all mode. Each time a Spartan gets killed, they will drop a skull on the ground. In order to score points, you’ll need to scoop up the skulls and deliver them to the capture point.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Headhunter_Waypoint_03.jpg" alt="A Halo Infinite Spartan with the Haunted helmet running through a field of blazing skulls in a match of Headhunter." class="wp-image-114737" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Headhunter_Waypoint_03.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Headhunter_Waypoint_03-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Headhunter_Waypoint_03-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Headhunter_Waypoint_03-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Headhunter_Waypoint_03-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/08/Headhunter_Waypoint_03-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



The capture zones (which resemble King of the Hill zones) will be scattered around the map and will change every 45 seconds. As kills happen, skulls will be scattered across the map. There are two ways to win a game of Headhunter:



<ul>
<li>Score 25 skulls cumulatively</li>



<li>Score 10 skulls at once</li>
</ul>



10 skulls are the maximum you can hold in your pockets, so if you’ve caught them all start heading towards a capture zone. It’s not as simple as meandering over to win, however. If you’re trying to score multiple skulls, you are a high value target and the rest of the lobby will be doing their best to stop you from ending the game immediately.



Here are the maps you’ll be hunting skulls on:



<ul>
<li>Aquarius</li>



<li>Behemoth</li>



<li>Catalyst</li>



<li>Chasm</li>



<li>Cliffhanger</li>



<li>Forbidden</li>



<li>Forest</li>



<li>Live Fire</li>



<li>Prism</li>



<li>Streets</li>
</ul>



High risk, high reward—try not to lose your head.



Welcome back to Headhunter.

Headhunter

Fleetcom Operation Launch

Esports

On July 30 the next Ranked Season begins and with it comes some updates to the sandbox, ranking system, and Ranked Slayer. Additionally, our backend matchmaking experiments have concluded and as promised we’ve got more detailed information on what we’ve been doing.



Let’s get right into it!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BALANCE UPDATES</h2>



There are quite a few changes coming to the balance of the Sandbox and you can read about all of them <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/sandbox-update-halo-infinite">HERE</a>. For this blog, we’ve pulled out the ones that directly impact Ranked.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size">Bandit EVO</h3>



After observing how the Bandit Evo has been performing since the start of the HCS season and listening to the community’s conversation around the weapon and how its fast time-to-kill was impacting the game, we have slowed the rate of fire slightly. We didn’t want to make drastic changes in the middle of the HCS season but rather nudging it in the right direction.



Changes:



<ul>
<li>Slower rate of fire to address community feedback around time-to-kill | Rounds per second (low & high) 2.9 >> 2.715</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Improvement to red reticle headshot accuracy.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size">Disruptor</h3>



The Disruptor was having a hard time finding its place on maps as an effective pick up like the other weapons on the map, so some changes have been made to beef it up while also removing elements that players found frustrating.



<ul>
<li>Damage over time (DOT) returns | 8 shots to kill (2 supercombines)</li>



<li>Removed particle effect from (Event) 1p_loop | Adjusted particle screen effect to be less intrusive</li>



<li>Damage upper bound (high) decreased 70 >> 35</li>



<li>DOT damage will not continuously cause descope</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">MA40 AR</h3>



The “bloom” of the reticle on the Assault Rifle was causing instances where players were missing shots but seemed like they seemed like they were not registering and overall the weapon at the max bloom felt inconsistent. This has been tightened a bit to give the weapon a more consistent feel.



<ul>
<li>Minimum error angle (high) 0 >> 0.25</li>



<li>Maximum error angle (low) 0 >> 0.25</li>



<li>Maximum error angle (high) 2.1 >> 1.3</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">M41 SPNKr</h3>



The SPNKr in some instances was feeling inconsistent with regards to damage and kills. The goal here wasn’t to functionally change the way the SPNKr behaved but more so fine tune some cases to be more consistent and reliable for players.



<ul>
<li>Damage fall-off feels more consistent | Adjusted fall off function so players are not left with a sliver of health</li>



<li>Outer damage radius adjusted | Lowered radius high 3 >> 2.5</li>



<li>Increased max reserve ammo | Rounds total maximum 6 >> 8</li>
</ul>



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



Grenade impulse tuned to allow grenade jumping in line with previous Halo titles.



<ul>
<li>Frag Grenades: Added impulse to frag grenade damage effect | Instantaneous acceleration increased 1.75 >> 3.5 | Grounded player acceleration scalar decreased 1 >> 0.1</li>



<li>Plasma Grenades: Added impulse to plasma grenade damage effect | Instantaneous acceleration 2.15 >> 3.75 | Grounded player acceleration scalar 1 >> 0.1</li>



<li>Spike Grenades: Added impulse to spike grenade aoe damage effect. | Instantaneous acceleration 1.25 >> 3.25 | Alt instantaneous acceleration 2.75 >> 3.75 | Grounded player acceleration scalar 1 >> 0.1</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SPAWN UPDATES</h2>



There have been changes to spawn points on the majority of the Ranked Arena map suite including Aquarius, Recharge, Solitude, Live Fire, Forbidden, Argyle, Empyrean, and Streets. The goals of these changes are to make the spawn system more readable and consistent, along with reducing instances where players are spawning in overly advantageous positions.



<ul>
<li>Certain spawn points located in the middle of maps that have been identified as problematic have been removed.</li>



<li>Additional spawn points have been added to already existing spawning areas to account for the removed spawns and improve consistency.</li>



<li>We will continue to monitor feedback on the spawning system as the season progresses.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"> AQUARIUS LAYOUT</h2>



In response to feedback on the location of the Overshield on Aquarius, the Overshield and Thruster have swapped locations. Overshield will now spawn top middle, Thruster will now spawn ‘P1’. With the Overshield being a highly impactful item on the map, the intention is that this central location will be more fair for both teams to contest at all points in a match and not just the beginning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">RULESET UPDATES</h2>



Last year we added a requirement for players in Ranked Arena to search solo / duo after 1600 CSR. This was done in response to feedback that we’d been receiving around players not wanting to match against Parties of 3 or 4. While we have seen an overall improvement to match balance and quality, players at 1600 have been also feeling too restricted and want to play more matches with their friends. In the data, we see that the vast majority of players in Ranked Arena search solo / duo (upwards of 95%) so while we still want to make sure those players are enjoying their matches, we’re going to increase the solo / duo restriction to 1700 CSR.



And earlier this year we began experimenting with another change with deterministic CSR. Today, players above 1800 CSR go up +7 when they win, and down -7 when they lose. This has been met with positive feedback and our data shows players above that level are playing even more now! Starting on July 30, this feature will start at 1700 CSR. As usual, we’re going to be monitoring the impact based on what players are telling us and what we are observing in the data to continue to make informed decisions.



In summary, once players hit 1700 CSR they will begin searching solo/duo, and each match will reward or takeaway 7 CSR.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BACKEND EXPERIMENT OUTCOMES</h2>



At a very high level, we matchmake based on Skill and Latency and you can think of Time to Match as the currency we spend to find a match. If you prioritize finding better matches in terms of skill and latency, it means you could be spending more time finding a match. The reason I say, “could” is because there are obviously lots of other factors like time of day, region, local vs expanded options, party size, etc.



What we observed before the experiment in the matchmaking data for ranked and what we were hearing from players was that there was room to make more closely skilled matches. Additionally, find matches with more players in my region or part of my region so that I can I have a higher quality experience. And, we also noticed that there were many times where a lower quality match was being made when the matchmaker only took a few seconds to make the match. Based on this, we decided to experiment and push the match quality to be as good as it can be, without making it so that people could not find matches.



The first experiment was to increase the weighting of the Pairwise Predictability value. Pairwise Predictability will look at how each player stacks up against every other player in the lobby individually. This not only makes it so that the teams would be better balanced against one another, but we’re prioritizing every single person in the lobby being closely matched in skill, which we believe is more important for making a quality match. After observing the impact of this change, we did see an improvement in this area, particularly around the edges of the skill band so Bronze/Silver, and Diamond/Onyx.



Chart Guide:



<ul>
<li>Quits: Quit the match before it ended.</li>



<li>TTM: Time to Match</li>



<li>Latency: A player’s ping to the server and back.</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="695" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-1024x695.png" alt="" class="wp-image-113644" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-1024x695.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-300x204.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-768x522.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image.png 1047w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Once we concluded that there was positive impact in terms of fair matches, we also looked at time to match and concluded that there was no widespread perceivable negative impact in terms of how long players were taking to find matches, as well as indicating data like how many players are canceling their searches.



After this, we decided to see if we could improve the latency, so we increased the weighting there a few weeks later after the first change had settled. Again, this means we’re telling the matchmaker that it should spend a little more time trying to find a match where players searching would have lower latency. We once again observed the results but there wasn’t conclusive data, which indicates that our change was too small or there were other factors that played into making this unclear like playlist changes across the game.



We once again increased Pairwise Predictability in hopes of further increasing the quality of matches. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1008" height="705" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-66a185da02f65.png" alt="" class="wp-image-113658" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-66a185da02f65.png 1008w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-66a185da02f65-300x210.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-66a185da02f65-768x537.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1008px) 100vw, 1008px" /></figure>



At this point, we had started to see more feedback from the community, particularly from players in regions with less population and at skill bands where there are fewer players. We also saw feedback from players who reported searching during what we would consider to be “off peak” times like super late at night or early in the mornings. Typically, in the afternoons/evenings after work and school is when most players tend to jump on and play. From a match quality standpoint, it also wasn’t clear that there was a meaningful positive impact which led us to conclude that we pushed this a bit too far.



Finally, with Match Composer releasing we also added two new Ranked playlists in Ranked Slayer and Ranked Doubles. I’m happy to report that we collectively saw an increase in players (44% increase in the first week) and play time across ranked on a weekly basis. At the same time, a few percentage points of the player population for these new playlists were taken from Ranked Arena, which we believe is making time to match take too long and we’ve certainly seen an uptick in anecdotal reports.



Because of this, we’ve found and deployed another weighting update to find a middle ground from where this experiment started and where it last was so that we can improve the experience overall but still ensure that time to match isn’t unbearably long.



This latest update has been live for the last few weeks, and it seems to be a good working middle ground where we have improved the match quality from where it began without harming time to match significantly . At this point, we’re calling our experiment a success and will not be making further adjustments unless there are other conditions that change and we see changes in the feedback and what we can observe in our data.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="987" height="672" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-66a18618b3bfe.png" alt="" class="wp-image-113672" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-66a18618b3bfe.png 987w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-66a18618b3bfe-300x204.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-66a18618b3bfe-768x523.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 987px) 100vw, 987px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">RANKED SLAYER</h2>



We’ve been very pleased to see so many players jumping into Ranked Slayer and enjoying the game. We’re committed to making updates to the playlist and working to deliver updates we go!



We’ve made an update to the Ranked Slayer map pool along with a few Sandbox updates.



Map pool adjustment



<ul>
<li>Based on average quit rate and end by time rate data in comparison to the other Slayer maps, Forbidden has been removed from the playlist. The map will be reviewed for potential reimplementation in the future as we investigate ways to improve the experience for players.</li>
</ul>



Cliffside



<ul>
<li>Overshield has been added to top middle.</li>



<li>The Energy Sword has replaced the Stalker Rifle in the Cage.</li>



<li>A Threat Seeker has been added to the Cave</li>
</ul>



Illusion



<ul>
<li>A Heatwave has replaced the Repulsor in the Camo hallway.</li>



<li>Thrusters have been replaced with Repulsors in the Overshield Junction.</li>



<li>The S7 Snipers have moved down to the Overshield Deck locations.</li>



<li>Battle Rifles have replaced the Plasma Pistols on the Camo Platforms.</li>



<li>Plasma Pistols have replaced the Needlers in the Camo Pockets.</li>



<li>Sidekicks have replaced the Commando Rifles in the Camo Staging areas.</li>



<li>Commando Rifles have replaced the Battle Rifles on the Camo Deck.</li>
</ul>



Forest



<ul>
<li>Camo has been removed.</li>



<li>Overshield has been added to top middle.</li>



<li>A Thruster has been added to the Alter and Grotto locations.</li>
</ul>



Once again thank you to everyone playing ranked in Halo Infinite and for the feedback you’ve given and continue to give us. The Ranked Team is committed to working on this experience day in and day out to improve the experience as much as we can. Best of luck to all teams competing at the HCS Atlanta Major this weekend!



Thanks,



Tashi