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Community Spotlight

Mutinous Core

Spotlight: May 21, 2025

Click here to see the DreamHack Dallas 2025 Schedule

Click here to purchase tickets to DreamHack Dallas 2025

Click here to see HCS LAN Tournament Info

Esports

Official HCS

Dallas belongs to OpTic Gaming – Congrats to your DreamHack Champions!

Fiction

Games

Halo Studios

Halo: Battle for the Academy – Part 1

Forge Features

Community Cartography 035

Forge Features: May 8, 2025

Last Stand Operation Launch

Firefight continues to evolve in Halo Infinite. You’ve already had a taste of this version when the mode first released and now, it’s time to battle at the Academy. Say your ardent prayers as you prepare to fight. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/BOTA_Watermarked.png" alt="Spartans and Marines running and gunning while the Academy is under attack by Banished forces." class="wp-image-136724" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/BOTA_Watermarked.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/BOTA_Watermarked-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/BOTA_Watermarked-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/BOTA_Watermarked-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/BOTA_Watermarked-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/BOTA_Watermarked-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-huge-font-size">BATTLE BRIEF</h2>



The Banished were invited in by Iratus and it’s up to you to repel the forces from the steps of the Avery J. Johnson Academy of Military Science. In your typical fireteam size of four you’ll be squadding up to stand your ground.



Our first taste of this linear Firefight mode came with Ardent Prayer back at launch.



“What does linear Firefight mean?” 



Thank you for asking, I’d love to tell you. Rather than simply defend hills or race ahead to each hill, you’ll find this mode progresses and gets a bit more difficult at each turn. 



a campaign, this experience moves forward sequentially – you’ll need to finish one battle before you can move forward and start another. In short, Firefight: Battle of the Academy is raising the stakes and is asking you to defend the bases from the onslaught. The goal? Keep the Banished from getting their hands on humanity’s best kept secrets<a>.</a>



Don’t forget to read the upcoming Waypoint Chronicles for more color and insight into the battle. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-huge-font-size">LAY OF THE LAND</h2>



You’ll be going Out With a Bang as you enact the Cole Protocol in this playlist. Okay, not really but those are the two maps you’ll be playing on as you engage in the Battle of the Academy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size">Out With A Bang</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/bang_pk_020.jpg" alt="The Firefight: Battle of the Academy map "Out With A Bang" made in Halo Infinite Forge." class="wp-image-136668" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/bang_pk_020.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/bang_pk_020-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/bang_pk_020-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/bang_pk_020-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/bang_pk_020-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/bang_pk_020-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Bookmarks: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/6dc27650-715a-4b0f-a2f9-2bae7afa23a0">Map</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/b84e61e7-0e54-457c-9e01-d0f741a5cedf">Mode</a>



If you’re gonna go out, is there any better way than going out with a bang? I thought not. Under cover of darkness, you’ll be tasked with making your way to the evac zone but it’s no easy task. Battle through chokeholds, fight alongside the Marines you find along the way, work your way through the facility, and even brush up on your parkour a bit. Scavenge for ammo/weapons and keep moving!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size">Cole Protocol</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/cole_pk_009.jpg" alt="The Firefight: Battle of the Academy map "Cole Protocol" made in Halo Infinite Forge." class="wp-image-136682" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/cole_pk_009.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/cole_pk_009-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/cole_pk_009-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/cole_pk_009-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/cole_pk_009-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/cole_pk_009-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Bookmarks: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/571afb7f-63c3-40a4-9c21-06ef921eb415">Map</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/b84e61e7-0e54-457c-9e01-d0f741a5cedf">Mode</a> Credits: Cousin Tim, Timmyforges



Established by Admiral Preston J. Cole (only the most interesting man in Halo if you ask me), the Cole Protocol is a directive set to prevent the Covenant (or other enemies) from discovering Earth or other colonies.



Now, it is up to you to defend the data and knowledge. Armed with your weapons, wit, and the Marines battling alongside you, repel the Banished forces and hold your ground. Good luck.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-huge-font-size">MUTILATOR MADNESS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/MutilatorMadness.png" alt="The Juggernaut holding the Mutilator in Mutilator Madness." class="wp-image-136710" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/MutilatorMadness.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/MutilatorMadness-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/MutilatorMadness-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/MutilatorMadness-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/MutilatorMadness-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/MutilatorMadness-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



The fabled Mutilator arrives in Halo Infinite. Previously the stuff of legends, the brutal cross between a shotgun and Gravity Hammer takes no prisoners and has no mercy. The Mutilator boasts a double barrel that fires one shell at a time in primary fire mode or fires both at once in the alt-fire mode. And the melee packs a punch! You know <s>what</s> who else packs a punch?



Juggernaut.



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/tenrai-iv-playlist">As we learned before</a>, the Juggernaut has some good perks:



<ul>
<li>Buffed shields</li>



<li>Increased damage resistance</li>



<li>Speed Boost</li>



<li>Quantum Translocator</li>



<li>Gravity Hammer</li>
</ul>



In Mutilator Madness, the same applies except as the Juggernaut you won’t wield the Gravity Hammer. Instead, you’ll be equipped with the Mutilator and Grappleshot. If you kill the Juggernaut, get ready! It’s your turn to be a menace.



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



Well, what are you waiting for? The battle’s begun, get in there, Spartans!

snickerdoodle

Summer 2025 Playlists

Summer Update 2025 | Halo Infinite

HCS Year 4 has kicked off and we’re already deep in planning for the HaloWC 2025 which will be hosted right here in Seattle, WA on October 24-26.



As we lead into the big event, we wanted to do things a little differently. Each month we’ll be releasing a new edition in our Road to Halo World Championship blog series. We want to deliver the absolute best experience possible for those joining us live in-person at the event as well as for those watching from home, and the goal of this blog series is to keep you informed on our progress towards delivering that.



In this month’s blog we’re going to cover some of the fundamentals that we’ll be updating and also confirm that a few long-standing traditions will continue to be part of this year’s HaloWC.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/HaloWC24-Waypoint-Photo-Grid-1024x576.png" alt="Photo collage of moments from the Halo World Championship 2024" class="wp-image-121182" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/HaloWC24-Waypoint-Photo-Grid-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/HaloWC24-Waypoint-Photo-Grid-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/HaloWC24-Waypoint-Photo-Grid-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/HaloWC24-Waypoint-Photo-Grid-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/HaloWC24-Waypoint-Photo-Grid-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/HaloWC24-Waypoint-Photo-Grid.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">TICKETS & FLOOR PLAN</h1>



We’re fortunate to say that the HaloWC has sold out every year, and in 2025, we’re aiming even higher. That’s why we’ve increased the number of General Admission tickets by roughly 30%, giving more fans the chance to join in on the action. That means more Halo friends to connect with, more energy and passion in the crowd, and more opportunities for new faces to witness the best of the best compete for their share of $1,000,000 – all while enjoying the epic festivities you’ve come to expect from the HaloWC.



In order to accommodate this many fans, we’ve had to make a number of changes to the floor plan, which we mostly haven’t needed to change since the first HaloWC for Halo Infinite back in 2022. Now, the Entrance Hall and what’s inside of it will be different, where the various stages are will be different (along with more seating at these various stages), we’re making upgrades to the Playable Area (which we’ll detail in the coming months), and we’ll also be refreshing the look of the Mainstage which we’re excited for fans to see!



Not only will these changes allow us to accommodate more fans, but we also think they will help give the HaloWC a fresh look and feel for those who have joined us in the past!



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">VIP EXPERIENCE</h1>



One thing that hasn’t changed is the amount of VIP tickets allotted. We did talk about this since we were going to increase the amount of GA tickets available, but we felt it was best to keep it at the same quantity to ensure we kept the same quality.



Our guiding philosophy is to focus on delivering a VIP-worthy experience in the venue; and what we’ve learned is that when the quantity goes up too much that experience can get compromised in some areas (like VIP seating, for example).



Overall, we’re excited to continue to build on the VIP experience year-over-year and provide VIP ticketholders with an even better experience than before!



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage.png" alt="Fans competing on the Halo Community Stage" class="wp-image-136238" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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



Over the years the Community Stage has played a critical role in giving a home for non-esports Halo fans and helping fulfil our vision of having HaloWC be a “Halo Fest” of sorts.



We’re excited to share that the Community Stage will once again return with many familiar panels, as well as some new ones. As usual, the Community Stage will be live on Friday and Saturday of the event for a full 8-hours of programming each day. We’ll be sharing the specific panels and details later but you can expect more developer panels, more cosplay, and more fun games that you’ll get to participate in.



No matter why you love Halo, we want the HaloWC to feel like it has something for everyone, and the Community Stage will continue to be a space where you can connect, share, and celebrate what you love!



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/cosplayers-1024x576.png" alt="Halo Cosplay Contestants posing at the Halo World Championship" class="wp-image-136252" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/cosplayers-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/cosplayers-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/cosplayers-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/cosplayers-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/cosplayers-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/cosplayers.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Speaking of cosplay – We’re also excited to confirm that the Cosplay Contest is returning with yet another $5,000 prize pool!



We were absolutely in awe of the amazing craftsmanship and creativity that went into all of the beautiful builds last year, and we cannot wait to see what you’ve all be cooking up this year. Whether you decide to participate in the contest or not, we welcome all cosplayers to join us at the event for a good time. And as usual, we will have dedicated repair and changing rooms for cosplayers to use on site.



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



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



Related, but totally new to this year’s HaloWC, is a Halo Maker’s Contest.



In the community we see not only a lot of fans building armors to wear, but also weapons and other gadgets from the Halo universe and lore whether they’re human, Covenant, Forerunner or something else. We wanted to officially recognize this craft at the event and look forward to welcoming all participants. With a prize pool of $2,500, we’re hoping to see the finest handcrafted or printed items that the Halo community is able to offer.



NOTE: All Entries must be fabricated by the maker. The use of Laser cutters, 3d printers, C&C machines are all allowed but the design must be created and owned by the maker!



We just wanted to get the word out today so the community out there can start thinking about what they’d like to build. We’ll have the full rules of these competitions in the coming months!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/halo-makers-1024x576.png" alt="Fan-created Pod Infector from the 2024 Halo World Championship" class="wp-image-136224" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/halo-makers-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/halo-makers-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/halo-makers-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/halo-makers-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/halo-makers-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/halo-makers.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">ONSITE COMPETITION</h1>



Esports fans and competitors will also have their own fair share of prize money to earn as you can still expect:



<ul>
<li>$1,000,000 – Halo Infinite 4v4 (Main tournament, need to qualify to compete)</li>



<li>$25,000 – Halo Infinite Free-For-All Championship. (Open to all attendees)</li>



<li>$5,000 – Halo Infinite, Halo 5, and Halo MCC Side Events. (Open to all attendees)</li>
</ul>



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



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



The road to the HaloWC begins now, and we can’t wait to see you all there. What do you want to see in next month’s blog? Be sure to let me know on X!



Thanks,



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

Tashi

Road to the HaloWC 2025: April

Click here to for more info on the HCS Open at DreamHack Dallas

Click here to view the Open Bracket results from the HCS Arlington Major 2025

OpTic Gaming are your HCS Arlington 2025 Kickoff Major Champions!

Click here to register for the next HCS tournament in your region.

Click here to create an account on FACEIT.

Click here for the full HCS Points Leaderboards.

Click here for more details on the HCS Open at DreamHack Dallas

Click here to see the HCS 2025 Code of Conduct

The race to the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/dh-dallas-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HCS Open @ DreamHack Dallas</a> has begun.



The HCS Open Series continues this weekend as players in all regions battle it out for their chance to compete live at the next Halo LAN in Texas on May 23-25.



Have what it takes to claim glory?



<ul>
<li>Register for free & Compete for Cash!</li>



<li>Climb the HCS Leaderboards!</li>



<li>Qualify for the Major!</li>
</ul>



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



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



<ul>
<li><a href="#dates">Tournament Dates</a></li>



<li><a href="#compete">How to Compete</a></li>
</ul>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="dates">Road to Dallas – Tournament Dates</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/DAL25-Open-Series-VISID-WIDE-1920x1080-1-1024x576.png" alt="HCS Open Series: Road to Dallas. Compete for cash. Climb the leaderboards. Qualify for LAN.
" class="wp-image-135811" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/DAL25-Open-Series-VISID-WIDE-1920x1080-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/DAL25-Open-Series-VISID-WIDE-1920x1080-1-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/DAL25-Open-Series-VISID-WIDE-1920x1080-1-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/DAL25-Open-Series-VISID-WIDE-1920x1080-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/DAL25-Open-Series-VISID-WIDE-1920x1080-1-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/DAL25-Open-Series-VISID-WIDE-1920x1080-1.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>North America Starts @ 12p ET April 26-27: Open #1 May 3-4: Pool Play Qualifier</td><td>Europe Starts @ 12p BST April 27: Open #1 May 4: Pool Play Qualifier</td><td>Mexico Starts @ 12p CT April 27: Open #1 May 4: Open Bracket Qualifier</td><td>Australia / New Zealand Starts @ 12p AEST April 27: Open #1 May 4: Open Bracket Qualifier</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<h2 class="wp-block-heading">DreamHack Dallas Qualifiers</h2>



Following the HCS Open Series, teams from all regions will battle it out in their respective DreamHack Dallas Qualifiers for Pool Play seeds and/or Travel Coverage to compete in the Open Bracket!



<ul>
<li>Free to Enter</li>



<li>Double Elimination</li>



<li>NA/EU Prize: Pool Play Seeds, HCS Points, & Travel Coverage</li>



<li>MX/ANZ Prize: HCS Points & Travel Coverage</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">POOL PLAY QUALIFICATION</h3>



<ul>
<li>NA Dallas Qualifier: Top 4</li>



<li>NA HCS Point Totals: Top 2 (After Qualifier)</li>



<li>EU Dallas Qualifier: Top 1</li>



<li>EU HCS Point Totals: Top 1 (After Qualifier)</li>
</ul>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/SR-Cykul-1024x576.png" alt="Shopify Rebellion's Cykul playing on the HCS main stage" class="wp-image-132385" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/SR-Cykul-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/SR-Cykul-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/SR-Cykul-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/SR-Cykul-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/SR-Cykul-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/SR-Cykul.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="compete">HOW TO COMPETE</h1>



Want to see how you stack up against players in your region? Follow the steps below and prove you have what it takes to claim glory!



STEP 1: Create FACEIT Account Official HCS tournaments take place over at FACEIT. You will need to create an account and link it with your Halo Gamertag.





STEP 2: Sign up for the next tournament. Assemble your squad and register for FREE in your region. Your teammates will also need FACEIT accounts to join your team!





STEP 3: Climb the HCS Points Leaderboard. Compete for Cash Prizes as you climb the HCS Points Leaderboards ahead of the LAN Qualifiers.





STEP 4: Qualify for LAN. Place well in the LAN Qualifiers or stack up enough HCS Points and secure Travel Coverage to compete live at the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/dh-dallas-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HCS Open @ DreamHack Dallas</a>!





<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="handbook">Player Handbook & Code of Conduct</h2>