Fiction

Games

Halo Infinite

Intel

Season 5 of Halo Infinite has arrived, bringing with it a new collection of Intel—a series of data drops that provide some additional lore and context to elements of each season.



Intel can be found here on Halo Waypoint and in-game in Halo Infinite‘s message of the day carousel.



This blog will be updated over the course of Season 5 with new Intel.



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<a href="#S5Intel1">INTEL 1</a> | <a href="#S5Intel2">INTEL 2</a> | <a href="#S5Intel3">INTEL 3</a> | <a href="#S5Intel4">INTEL 4</a>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="S5Intel1">INTEL 1: GALLOWS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Intel1.png" alt="Halo Infinite image of a Flood-infected Spartan's wrist and chest" class="wp-image-84185" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Intel1.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Intel1-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Intel1-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Intel1-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Intel1-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Intel1-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



WARNING: FSC SIGNATURE DETECTED ALERT ENERGY SHIELDS DEPLETED; ARMOR BREACH CONFIRMED SPARTAN COMPROMISED . . . FSC INFECTION CONFIRMED . COUNTERMEASURES INITIATED . . . . \HYDROSTATIC GEL LAYER PRESSURIZED . . . SUCCESS \GALLOWS DATALINK SEVERENCE . . . SUCCESS \BEGIN REACTOR DETONATION . . . FAILURE . . \CODE INJECTION DETECTED \COUNTERMEASURES CANCELED BECOME \ARMOR BREACH SEALED \ENERGY SHIELDS RECHARGED BECOME \ARMOR SYSTEMS REPAIRED UNITY. SWEETNESS.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="S5Intel2">INTEL 2: GHOST OF BAROLON</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5Intel2.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the skybox of the map Prism showing the Banished dreadnought Ghost of Barolon"/></figure>



SCORRIN’S BLADE HYPERSCANNER RESULTS COLLATED BY SCANNERMASTER DIBDIB



BANISHED
DREADNOUGHT: GHOST OF BAROLON



ARMAMENT:



<ul>
<li>1x superheavy grav-impact driver</li>



<li>6x light plasma lances</li>



<li>10x incinerator plasma cannon clusters</li>



<li>40x scindere arrays</li>



<li>24x plasma torpedo silos</li>



<li>70x pulse laser batteries</li>



<li>1x experimental volt piercer</li>
</ul>



CROSS-REFERENCE NOTES: “Looks like the big bad Banished dreadnought got some kind of hidden experimental electrolaser gun on their ship—bad news if they catch us gettin’ close! Hey… you ever seen a Brute scientist? I wonder if they–“



>>REPORT CLOSED 



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="S5Intel3">INTEL 3: MISSING IN ACTION</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/S5_Intel_3.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the crashed UNSC Mortal Reverie after it has been claimed by the Banished and renamed Outpost Tremonius" class="wp-image-88801" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/S5_Intel_3.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/S5_Intel_3-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/S5_Intel_3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/S5_Intel_3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/S5_Intel_3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/S5_Intel_3-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



//UNSC DATABASE //FFG-525 – UNSC MORTAL REVERIE //PERSONNEL DOSSIERS



NAME: Bobrov, Elena SERVICE NUMBER: 91532-11116-EB RANK: Gunnery Sergeant HEIGHT: 6ft 1in (185.4cm) WEIGHT: 170lbs (77.1kg) BIRTH WORLD: Alluvion DATE OF BIRTH: June 19, 2522



NOTABLE OPERATIONS GySgt Elena Bobrov’s service record records marks of distinction in several major campaign areas. Notable entries include:



<ul>
<li>REACH (2552): Assisted Gauntlet Team in civilian evacuation operations during Covenant invasion. </li>



<li>REQUIEM (2557-8): Stationed aboard UNSC Infinity during both phases of the Requiem mission. Assigned as M510 Mammoth crew chief for Operation: WHIRLPOOL.</li>



<li>WOLFE (2559): Deployed to the surface of Reach alongside Spartan fireteams to engage Banished forces.</li>
</ul>



CURRENT STATUS MISSING IN ACTION



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="S5Intel4">INTEL 4: SUNDERED STAR</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/S5_Intel4.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a Spartan outfitted in the Sundered Star armor coating and wielding a Heatwave"/></figure>



ONI // REAP-X R&D PRODUCTION NOTES 



If the end of the Covenant War allowed us to run in the field of analyzing Forerunner technology, the awakening of the Didact in ‘57 and subsequent events concerning Requiem and the Created uprising pushed us to sprint.



Of particular interest to our ongoing efforts to unlock the potential of this ancient technology are design seeds—machine cells encoded with data to assemble anything from advanced combat skin to entire starships.



Helmet footage from Blue Team engaging the Didact on Gamma Halo demonstrated the Promethean’s armor was adaptively capable of being attuned to weaponry used against him. If we could harness this capability for Mjolnir, it could be the biggest evolution for Spartan combat since energy shielding.



Our experiments with the former have begun yielding minimal, but promising results. Will follow up with further information shortly…

343 INDUSTRIES

Halo Infinite | Reckoning Intel

Community

Forge Features

New year, new Forge maps!



Welcome back to Forge Features, where we highlight a selection of the latest and greatest community-made maps and experiences that you can download and play in Halo Infinite.



Let’s take a look at what you’ve been cooking…



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/393ecd77-260d-4437-8501-386012af6685">THE HALO RPG</a> Credits: RedNomster Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/393ecd77-260d-4437-8501-386012af6685">MAP</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/634cab14-d0d8-443e-8ba3-56f3bcc9aedb">MODE</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/393ecd77-260d-4437-8501-386012af6685"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloRPG1.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a top-down view on the Halo tabletop RPG map made in Forge" class="wp-image-89721" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloRPG1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloRPG1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloRPG1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloRPG1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloRPG1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloRPG1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Red Nomster has made a turn-based tabletop game using Halo Infinite’s Forge… yes, you read that right.



Through the mark system and approximately 1400 scripting nodes, up to 8 players (4v4 max, 2v2 recommended, 1v1 if you want to settle things in the arena) can experience Halo Infinite as they never have before.



<a href="https://youtu.be/OhWZ4HwpEMM?si=3bf0XG2pv9wInynj">Check out RedNomster’s video on the making of this experience</a>, and don’t forget to learn the four very straightforward rules of how to play:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloRPG2.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the rules for the Halo tabeltop RPG in Forge. Text reads: 1. Mark AI 2. Zoom + Mark to move 3. Two moves per turn 4. Mark here to end turn *. Shoot to swap cam" class="wp-image-89735" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloRPG2.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloRPG2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloRPG2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloRPG2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloRPG2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloRPG2-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Your in-game Halo tabletop adventures await!



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/153c7ecb-9ba1-44d2-8b92-4d2ffd5504a5">ASSAULT ON THE CONTROL ROOM</a> Credits: Nikos4476, xXBarthXx, HMkiller05 Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/153c7ecb-9ba1-44d2-8b92-4d2ffd5504a5">PART 1</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/cb1b91ea-030b-4fd9-aa13-80af8d07dae1">PART 2</a> Mode: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/e3026186-ecf0-49d4-91dd-204d77f08887">Easy</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/6173030a-e351-406b-9f82-686811c07449">Normal</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/0a6907e3-c250-449f-97de-4730dde5e3eb">Heroic</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/8b3d4874-3e71-4207-90d6-66a5486e2bc4">Legendary</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/153c7ecb-9ba1-44d2-8b92-4d2ffd5504a5"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-AOTCR.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a bridge from Halo: CE's Assault on the Control Room mission recreated in Forge" class="wp-image-89693" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-AOTCR.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-AOTCR-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-AOTCR-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-AOTCR-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-AOTCR-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-AOTCR-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



We knew that Halo Infinite’s Forge would be able to create some truly jaw-dropping stuff, and that the ambitions of community cartographers would push the boundaries of what even we believed possible… and here’s another such example, as the entire Halo: CE mission Assault on the Control Room has been remade.



Split into two parts, this is the mission just as you remember it—eerie, repeating Forerunner corridors, bridges over vast mountainous walls, vast snowy landscapes, Scorpion tank carnage… it’s all been recreated down to the smallest detail in enemy encounters.



Be sure to check out Nikos’s video on the making of the map as well!



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/e555b85a-a933-4d1e-ac7e-f03052a8cfb2">INFINITY DOWN</a> Credits: Sams S033 Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/e555b85a-a933-4d1e-ac7e-f03052a8cfb2">MAP</a> Mode: Use with Firefight: King of the Hill



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/e555b85a-a933-4d1e-ac7e-f03052a8cfb2"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-Infinity.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the UNSC Infinity's hangar bay exterior with a Phantom approaching in Forge" class="wp-image-89749" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-Infinity.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-Infinity-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-Infinity-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-Infinity-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-Infinity-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-Infinity-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



At the start of Halo Infinite‘s campaign, the UNSC Infinity is ambushed by the Banished at Zeta Halo. Take the fight to the hangar bay and capture the hills in order to reclaim humanity’s flagship from the alien invaders.



(Of course, we all know how successfully that goes!)



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4219bc4d-6c92-44c2-84c4-28fee6d145cb">HALO HILLS</a> Credits: IcyAsh3956 Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4219bc4d-6c92-44c2-84c4-28fee6d145cb">MAP</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/11333aca-e428-484d-81bd-ce7a528cc1d2">MODE</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4219bc4d-6c92-44c2-84c4-28fee6d145cb"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloHills.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a Forerunner beam emitter in a cavern made in Forge" class="wp-image-89707" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloHills.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloHills-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloHills-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloHills-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloHills-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-HaloHills-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



I must admit that my jaw dropped as I explored this map. It just kept going… and going… and then there was another level above, and then that kept on going…



With battlecruisers hanging in the skies overhead, Banished forces dropping into the caverns below to guard a sunlit Forerunner beam tower, and multiple flags to capture, this is the perfect staging ground for some PvPvE CTF action.



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/f10b3565-1da0-479c-bf55-1d8540fce8e8">TETHER</a> Credits: SPiriTBomb808 Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/f10b3565-1da0-479c-bf55-1d8540fce8e8">MAP</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/f10b3565-1da0-479c-bf55-1d8540fce8e8"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-Tether.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a complex constructed around an orbital tether made in Forge" class="wp-image-89763" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-Tether.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-Tether-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-Tether-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-Tether-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-Tether-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FF24-Tether-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



The orbital tether is something of an iconic element of the Halo universe, though all of their most memorable moments are when they collapse—seeing it fall in Halo 3: ODST, its structural skeleton scattered over the African plains as you head to Voi in Halo 3, and who could forget that harrowing sequence at the turning point of Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn.



This tether, though, remains intact. In this sprawling complex built around the space elevator, you can unleash some BTB chaos with your friends.



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That’ll wrap us up for this issue—the first of many more to come over the course of this year.



The boundless creativity of the Forge community thrills, energizes, and quite frankly terrifies us as we bear witness to the imaginative ways this tool can be used to create new and entirely unexpected experiences in Halo.



Keep on keepin’ on!

Alex Wakeford

Community Cartography 024

Forge Features: January 12, 2024

WINTER CONTINGENCY III PRESS KIT

Rockin’ around Zeta Halo At the all-night customs hop, Rockets spawn where you can see, Every teammate tries to stop!



The Winter Contingency III Operation is here! From December 19 through January 30, you can deck your Spartan and arsenal out with 20 tiers of free Holiday-themed customization rewards and bring some festive cheer to the battlefield!



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Winter Contingency III Trailer | Season 5: Reckoning | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_eq7qBHE3dg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WINTER CONTINGENCY III OPERATION PASS</h2>



Hark! The herald angels sing: The Winter Contingency III Operation Pass features 20 tiers of free customization rewards, including new armor pieces (like the Santa-inspired Winterknight helmet), new coatings, and new nameplates and emblems.



Take a look!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2160" height="2160" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_OperationPassRewards.jpg" alt="Image showing the Winter Contingency III key art along with the free reward track featuring 22 items" class="wp-image-89088" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_OperationPassRewards.jpg 2160w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_OperationPassRewards-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_OperationPassRewards-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_OperationPassRewards-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_OperationPassRewards-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_OperationPassRewards-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_OperationPassRewards-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_OperationPassRewards-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2160px) 100vw, 2160px" /></figure>



Like with our debut Operation, Combined Arms, the Operation Pass for Winter Contingency III comes with premium upgrade options:



<ul><li>500 credits instantly unlocks an exclusive bonus customization item, makes the Operation Pass durable (it will not expire), and—when equipped—offers bonus XP and an extra Challenge slot during the Operation’s live window.</li><li>2,000 credits instantly unlocks all 20 tiers of the Operation Pass at purchase and includes the exclusive bonus customization item.</li></ul>



Purchase either of the options above and you will additionally unlock the exclusive Ice Fissure armor coating.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SplashScreen.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the switcher showing the 500 credit premium pass (featuring the exclusive Ice Fissure armor coating and the 2000 credit premium pass" class="wp-image-89551" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SplashScreen.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SplashScreen-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SplashScreen-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SplashScreen-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SplashScreen-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SplashScreen-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption> Winter Contingency Premium Pass Screen</figcaption></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SHOP & ULTIMATE REWARD</h2>



Deck the halls with Spartan Santas! The Santa’s Little Helper bundle is available in Halo Infinite’s Shop, featuring the following items:



<ul><li>Stocking Stuffer MK50 Sidekick, Slay Bells BR75, & Holiday Cheer M41 SPNKr weapon models</li><li>Santa’s Little Helper, Good Morning, Payment Due, & Krampus Coat weapon coatings</li><li>Yule Kick, Blood Jumper, & Hearth Fire armor coatings</li><li>Gifted Step mythic armor effect set</li><li>Winter Step & Winter Lights armor effects</li><li>Chill Out kill effect</li><li>Snowballer weapon charm</li><li>Kaleidobolt, Kaleidoshot, and Kaleidochip nameplate & emblems</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SantasLittleHelper.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the Santa's Little Helper bundle" class="wp-image-89046" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SantasLittleHelper.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SantasLittleHelper-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SantasLittleHelper-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SantasLittleHelper-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SantasLittleHelper-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SantasLittleHelper-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



And be sure to complete all of your Challenges this week to unlock the latest Ultimate Reward: the Sui Generis Snowflake weapon charm.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_UltimateReward_SuiGeneris.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the Sui Generis weapon charm" class="wp-image-89060" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_UltimateReward_SuiGeneris.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_UltimateReward_SuiGeneris-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_UltimateReward_SuiGeneris-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_UltimateReward_SuiGeneris-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_UltimateReward_SuiGeneris-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_UltimateReward_SuiGeneris-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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



We’ve got some great options for those looking to kick back and have a Halo-day party of their own. Be sure to check both experiences, live now!



FIREFIGHT: KOTH (LEGENDARY)



There won’t be any Holidays if we don’t stop the Banished.



Firefight: Legendary King of the Hill has arrived! You know the drill: you’ll be battling waves of Banished enemies across a variety of maps, including the House of Reckoning from Halo Infinite‘s campaign, but those looking to test their mettle can jump into the action on Legendary for a limited time.



Fight hard. Die well.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Legendary.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite playlist image for Firefight: King of the Hill on Legendary difficulty depicting Spartans fighting Banished on the House of Reckoning map" class="wp-image-89102" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Legendary.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Legendary-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Legendary-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Legendary-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Legendary-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Legendary-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



MATCH XP, CAREER RANK, & CHALLENGES



We’re improving the experience for folks who are loving Firefight and want to spend their time fighting the Banished. First, Match XP (Battle Pass) payouts for some hill completions in Heroic and Legendary will be incrementally higher to reward the level of challenge. And secondly, both Heroic and Legendary will also have slightly increased Career Rank payouts thanks to an Applied Score modifier to ensure they align more closely with other playlists.



Last, but certainly not least, the Challenges offered each week will be adjusted to better serve the PvE experience. Since we are leveraging existing Challenges, that will means folks may see similar Challenges in their given deck for the foreseeable future.



SQUAD BATTLE IN THE COMBAT WORKSHOP



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/winter_pk_208.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a Spartan holding a plasma pistol standing in front of a snowman made in Forge" class="wp-image-89116" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/winter_pk_208.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/winter_pk_208-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/winter_pk_208-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/winter_pk_208-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/winter_pk_208-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/winter_pk_208-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Try out our updated networking model in Squad Battle through the Combat Workshop playlist!



The Squad Battle experience you know and love has been updated to run on our new networking model for a limited time. Enjoy a mix of Slayer and objective modes on fan-favorite maps while we gather feedback and data about the online experience.



The Combat Workshop is your one-shop stop to check out work-in-progress maps, modes, and other new experiences. If you’ve already jumped in to play in the Workshop: Squad Battle Networking playlist, <a href="https://aka.ms/SquadBattleNetSurveyWaypoint">we want your feedback!</a>



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That’s a wrap for us today, which means it’s now time for you to unwrap the gifts of Winter Contingency III.



Maybe you can’t get enough of Firefight: King of the Hill, or the incredible community-made PvE creations in the Customs Browser; perhaps you’re still riding on that Mountain Dew high and it’s time to jump back into the Halo 3 Refueled playlist; or you crave the chaotic carnage of Husky Raid and Squad Battle…



Whatever way you choose to play, you’ll earn Match XP to progress that Operation Pass!



And so, we bid our farewell to 2023. The Holidays await, and we here at 343 Industries hope you all simply have a wonderful time—warm and safe with full bellies, surrounded by good company, and ready to jump into “just one more game…”



Oh the weather outside is frightful, but Season 5 is so delightful—and since we’ve no place to go… Play Halo! Play Halo! Play Halo!



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



<a href="https://aka.ms/WCIIIPressKit">Download the official Winter Contingency III Press Kit here!</a>

Winter Contingency III Operation Launch

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… time to spend the holidays exploring the wonders of the Custom Game Browser!



If you’re looking for a place to start, I got you—let’s check some out together.



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/0b647a3e-a5ac-4f12-8222-566409c18430">WAKA WAKA</a> <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/3b794534-6c89-4226-9760-feb5018bf3e2">Mode Download</a> Author: McElgun



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/0b647a3e-a5ac-4f12-8222-566409c18430"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Waka Waka map made in Forge" class="wp-image-88929" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



This infection map/mode combo is just the right amount of neon RGB for all gamers. There are cubbies with weapons for survivors and lots of twists and turns for zombies to hide. Keep your wits about you as you skulk around in the dark!



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/755ad181-e505-4023-b470-5d41f7d49832">DUCK HUNT MINECRAFT</a> <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/20e85e97-1067-410a-a202-81575483a686">Mode Download</a> Author: Kirby Oofss



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/755ad181-e505-4023-b470-5d41f7d49832"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Minecraft-themed Duck Hunt map made in Forge" class="wp-image-88887" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



It’s the classic “get-from-point-A-to-point-B-while-not-being-sniped” mode with a blocky twist. Each level brings a new challenge in this cat-and-mouse game of sliding, running, jumping, and dodging to get to the end for a brief moment of respite before continuing through the maze. Good luck!



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/53aa6c36-22c3-47a1-ade0-76ec3232ec46">GOOSE HALO</a> <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/14ce711b-2bb9-4673-a2cb-c16b2bbb64d4">Mode Download</a> Authors: ArturBloodshot, Hitbox Unknown



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/53aa6c36-22c3-47a1-ade0-76ec3232ec46"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Goose Halo map made in Forge" class="wp-image-88901" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



The classic “Halo on Halo” returns in Halo Infinite. (Does that make it “Halo on Halo on Halo”? Say that three times fast.) You, a Mongoose, and your driving skills vs the eagle-eyed sharpshooter above.



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a12d6d0f-2ff1-4927-b85c-b37b43dbdd07">ARCTIC POINT | FIREFIGHT OPS</a> Mode: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/ce3ae052-8806-48d4-9f7e-f5d46dc84a4d">Easy</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/583a02e4-5073-48c9-a83b-b591ff75860a">Medium</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/ca723f5b-2513-4d05-b170-f2d7ee46a686">Hard</a> Authors: UneeQ TV, Mr Greencastle, Azwilko1997, Artifice7285



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a12d6d0f-2ff1-4927-b85c-b37b43dbdd07"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Arctic Point map made in Forge" class="wp-image-88873" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Jump into Arctic Point and take on the enemy as you progress through this community-created campaign mission. How long can you survive the onslaught? If it’s too easy, try ramping up the difficulty!



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/3dca1327-2b01-4203-aa64-fa690f7e6b46">CAMPAIGN OP: SNOW SPEAR</a> Mode: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/c22d0ffe-6130-49c7-a6de-6aabbb7330d5">Heroic</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/34cb31b0-5fdb-4fae-90fc-12f2fcf36907">Mythic</a> Author: seanonix



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/3dca1327-2b01-4203-aa64-fa690f7e6b46"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Snow Spear map made in Forge" class="wp-image-88915" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Squad up and take on the enemy in this custom campaign level! Battle Bassus, juke with Jega (and more!) as you try to survive and make it to the end.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TUTORIAL TRAINING</h2>



‘Tis the season, and you can just call Ducain23 “Santa Forge” because he’s back with yet another tutorial for us!



If you want to properly winter-ize your maps but aren’t sure how to go about it, he’s got you covered and you’ll be decking the halls in no time.



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Christmas Themed Perfection! (Snow Ground)" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddr4aV3fkSg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



SEND NODES



/u/Bricklemore says “no one asked for this,” but after checking it out <a href="https://old.reddit.com/r/halo/comments/18dghfe/forge_infographics_the_anatomy_of_a_node_my_last/">Node Anatomy 101</a> is something I think a lot of aspiring Forgers will certainly appreciate. Nodes can be confusing and this helpful diagram breaks it down into smaller, more manageable chunks.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://old.reddit.com/r/halo/comments/18dghfe/forge_infographics_the_anatomy_of_a_node_my_last/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1888" height="1345" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph.jpg" alt="Community-made infographic containing details about node graphs" class="wp-image-88943" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph.jpg 1888w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph-300x214.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph-1024x729.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph-768x547.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph-1536x1094.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph-1568x1117.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1888px) 100vw, 1888px" /></a></figure>



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That’s a wrap on Forge Features for the year! We’ll be back with more next year—in the meantime, play hard, win well.



Happy Halodays!

snickerdoodle

Community Cartography 023

Forge Features: December 15, 2023

With the launch of the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/december-update-halo-infinite" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">December Mid-Season Update</a>, we included the latest updates to our networking model in the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/firefight-king-of-the-hill-preview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Firefight: King of the Hill (opens in a new tab)">Firefight: King of the Hill</a> mode. 



We wanted to roll it out in this PvE experience first to have a safe testbed to see how it behaves at scale before enabling it in a PvP mode. However, after listening to player feedback and getting many requests to try this in multiplayer, we decided to expand the experiment to the Squad Battle playlist. 



That’s right, the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/squad-battle" target="_blank">Squad Battle</a> experience you know and love has been updated to run on our updated networking model for a limited time in the Combat Workshop. The Combat Workshop is your one-shop stop to check out work-in-progress maps, modes, and other new experiences. In this playlist you’ll be able to enjoy a mix of Slayer and objective modes on fan-favorite maps while we gather feedback and data about the online experience.



If you’ve already jumped in to play in the Workshop: Squad Battle Networking playlist, we want your feedback!







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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://aka.ms/SquadBattleNetSurveyWaypoint" target="_blank">-> START THE SURVEY <-</a></h2>



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And, if you experience any technical issues, please be sure to report them to us by using the Halo Support site at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://aka.ms/HaloSupport" target="_blank">aka.ms/HaloSupport</a>.



Thank you for your continued feedback, and we’ll see you online in Squad Battle!

Unyshek

Combat Workshop: Squad Battle Networking

The long-awaited PvE Firefight experience has arrived to Halo Infinite.



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



Michael “Forge Lord” Schorr and Technical Designer Connor Kennelly joined us to talk about the mode and the evolution of Firefight from the survival round-based nature in Halo 3: ODST to the King of the Hill version in Halo Infinite. If you missed it, you can catch up on the chatter below. 



Some key highlights include:  



<ul><li>Design philosophy behind Firefight: KOTH </li><li>Addition of High Value Targets from campaign </li><li>Match XP and Career Rank improvements on the way</li><li>Exploring the addition of FF Challenges </li><li>…and more! </li></ul>



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/firefight-king-of-the-hill-preview" target="_blank">You can read more about Firefight: King of the Hill in our deep dive here.</a> 



— 



Spartan Chatter is an audio series, a podcast if you will, hosted on our <a href="http://discord.gg/Halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Halo Discord</a> which brings members of the studio together to discuss all things Halo with a live audience. 



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



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Episode 1: Forge & Multiplayer with Michael Schorr  <a href="https://youtu.be/7QNHxDg0c9A" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/471730128335142912/1104135351133552664" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discord</a> 



Episode 2: Infection, Season 4, & Career Rank with Sean Baron  <a href="https://youtu.be/4SWLEPaTx4c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/471730128335142912/1109279140449894501" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discord</a> 



Episode 3: Ranked Matchmaking with Tashi Hasandjekic  <a href="https://youtu.be/fQn8wuvz6P0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/471730128335142912/1129534622267613216" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discord</a> 



Episode 4: Halo: Outcasts with Jeff Easterling and Alex Wakeford  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tL2mK1cZhi8&list=PLn5QvCoiY3w7t84T_MFkGl8qvYI_q148-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/471730128335142912/1139676521884286986" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discord</a>

Firefight: King of the Hill | Spartan Chatter

PRESS KIT

The December Update for Halo Infinite has arrived!



Firefight: King of the Hill, the new Repair Field Equipment, huge additions to Forge with new bosses and High Value Targets added to the Forge AI Toolkit, Custom Game Browser and Ranked improvements—and more.



Here are the highlights of what await you today in Halo Infinite…



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT’S NEW?</h2>



FIREFIGHT: KING OF THE HILL



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Firefight: King of the Hill Trailer | Season 5: Reckoning | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g_x0LVnITTg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



The latest incarnation of Firefight has come to Halo Infinite—Firefight: King of the Hill.



You and three other players face off against waves of Banished baddies as you fight to capture hills in this PvE experience, featuring nine maps—including the House of Reckoning from Halo Infinite’s campaign.



The nine maps featured in the Firefight: King of the Hill playlist are:



<ul><li>House of Reckoning</li><li>Behemoth</li><li>Deadlock</li><li>Launch Site</li><li>Live Fire</li><li>Oasis</li><li>Exiled (by Epetr0, SandoChokUN)</li><li>Kusini Bay (by Mr Kwatz)</li><li>Vallaheim (by HaiseOz)</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Normal_WM.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite playlist image for Firefight: King of the Hill on Normal difficulty depicting Spartans fighting Banished on the House of Reckoning map" class="wp-image-87754" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Normal_WM.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Normal_WM-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Normal_WM-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Normal_WM-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Normal_WM-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Normal_WM-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



For a deep dive into this new mode, <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/firefight-king-of-the-hill-preview">check out our blog on Firefight: King of the Hill</a>.



Also, coming this week is a new Waypoint Chronicle (our last one for 2023) themed around Halo Infinite‘s Firefight experience, so keep an eye out!



REPAIR FIELD



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the new Repair Field equipment attached to a Warthog on the map Breaker" class="wp-image-87274" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Need to conduct some repairs while out in the field? We’ve got the perfect Equipment item for you…



Introducing our latest sandbox addition to Halo Infinite, the Repair Field—a neutral piece of Equipment that heals allies, enemies, and even vehicles. It can even revive Spartans in select modes like Firefight: King of the Hill.



FORGE UPDATES



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1363" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HVTForge1-scaled.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of High Value Targets (Bipbap, Tremonius, and Writh Kul) being placed on the map Oasis in Forge" class="wp-image-87571" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HVTForge1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HVTForge1-300x160.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HVTForge1-1024x545.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HVTForge1-768x409.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HVTForge1-1536x818.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HVTForge1-2048x1090.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HVTForge1-1568x835.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



Forge continues to be enhanced and improved with exciting new additions, including:



<ul><li>High Value Targets and bosses from Halo Infinite’s campaign added to Forge AI Toolkit.</li><li>Skull modifiers added to node graph.</li><li>Quality of life updates (global material allow list, scalable blockers, auto turret allegiance options, and more).</li></ul>



RANKED



Based on player feedback, audio and UI elements for Ranked Extraction have been improved. The Ranked experience will also be getting some quality-of-life updates around CSR.



<ul><li>Audio from the Extraction device is no longer global, it is emitted from the device itself which means you’ll need to be in its vicinity to hear whether it’s being converted.</li><li>UI will no longer show the Extraction device actively being converted.</li><li>Once you rank up a tier, you will get three games, win or lose, before a loss will rank you down to the previous tier. Additionally, if a player in the match (who is not on your fireteam) quits, you will not lose CSR if you decide to quit as well.</li></ul>



CUSTOM GAME BROWSER



With this update, the Custom Game Browser received some improvements and fixes:



<ul><li>As long as enough slots are open, the Fireteam leader can bring their entire party into a CGB session.</li><li>Issues blocking players from joining CGB sessions and unclear messaging have been resolved.</li></ul>



STABILITY & NETWORKING



The online experience for Halo Infinite continues to be improved upon and we have been looking to address that even further with this update.



<ul><li>A new networking system has been implemented into Halo Infinite that will be tested in the Firefight: King of the Hill playlist (as PvE is a safer environment for us to test this overhauled system at scale) and will later be tested further in the Combat Workshop.</li></ul>



For a full breakdown of all the new additions and improvements in the December Update, you can <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/december-update-halo-infinite">check out our December Update preview blog</a> or head over to <a href="http://aka.ms/HaloSupport">read the Patch Notes on Halo Support</a>.



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That closes us out for this latest update. Jump into some Firefight, try out the Repair Field, enhance your Forge maps even further with newly added bosses, test your communication in Ranked Extraction, and enjoy a smoother ride with your friends in the Custom Game Browser…



The December Update for Halo Infinite is live now!



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



<a href="http://aka.ms/FFKOTHPressKit">Download the full 4K Press Kit for the December Mid-Season Update.</a>

December Mid-Season Update Launch | Halo Infinite

A Brief History of Firefight

Firefight: King of the Hill Preview | Halo Infinite

The December Mid-Season Update for Halo Infinite arrives on December 5, just a few short days from now, and we’ve got the details of everything you need to know right here.



Firefight: King of the Hill, the new Repair Field equipment, Forge updates, Ranked and Custom Game Browser improvements, and much more are prepared to drop—let’s get you briefed!



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FIREFIGHT: KING OF THE HILL</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-10.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a Brute Chieftain and Brute Warrior in a hill on the House of Reckoning" class="wp-image-87218" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-10.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-10-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-10-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-10-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-10-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-10-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Bip. Bap. Bam! Firefight is coming to Halo Infinite next week.



Over the years, Firefight has taken many forms across various Halo games. From its traditional survival mode in Halo 3: ODST to its more arcade-inspired incarnation in Halo: Reach, to Warzone Firefight in Halo 5, along with Blitz Firefight and Terminus Firefight in Halo Wars 2—it’s a mode that has evolved across games, and the time has come for it to arrive in Halo Infinite.



Firefight: King of the Hill will see you and three other players facing off against waves of Banished baddies as you fight to capture hills on nine maps when the playlist goes live—including the House of Reckoning from Halo Infinite’s campaign and three community-made maps.



We’ll have a full, detailed blog on Firefight: King of the Hill going live on December 4, ahead of its in-game debut the following day.



We can’t wait for you to get your hands on it!



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">REPAIR FIELD</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the new Repair Field equipment attached to a Warthog on the map Breaker" class="wp-image-87274" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Need to conduct some repairs while out in the field? We’ve got the perfect Equipment item for you…



Introducing our latest sandbox addition to Halo Infinite, the Repair Field!



Similar to the Regenerator from Halo 3, the Repair Field is a neutral piece of Equipment that heals allies and enemies within its radius. It’s also capable of repairing vehicles, and it can be attached to them (as well as most environmental surfaces). Additionally, the Repair Field can also revive downed Spartans in select modes such as Firefight: King of the Hill, Attrition, etc.



Are you the kind of player that prefers to provide support for the team? The Repair Field is a great complement to that particular playstyle and, used strategically, just might help give your team an edge in a firefight or vehicular showdown.



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HI_S5_Extraction_01_Watermarked_1920x1080.jpg" alt="A multiplayer Spartan plays Extraction in Halo Infinite." class="wp-image-83075" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HI_S5_Extraction_01_Watermarked_1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HI_S5_Extraction_01_Watermarked_1920x1080-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HI_S5_Extraction_01_Watermarked_1920x1080-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HI_S5_Extraction_01_Watermarked_1920x1080-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HI_S5_Extraction_01_Watermarked_1920x1080-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HI_S5_Extraction_01_Watermarked_1920x1080-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



The Ranked experience is getting some improvements in this December Update, starting off with updates to Ranked Extraction and CSR.



<ul><li>RANKED EXTRACTION</li></ul>



At the moment, you can hear that your Extraction point is being converted by the enemy team from anywhere on the map. This meant players were able to leave the area around the Extraction device and use the global audio queue to tell them when to peek back out. With this upcoming audio change, the device itself will emit the audio, meaning you’ll have to be in close vicinity to hear it’s being converted. As a result, teams will need to pay closer attention to the Extraction device.



Right now, you can see in your UI when the Extraction point is being converted. Similar to above, this allowed players to leave the area near the Extraction device and only peek out when the UI showed it was being converted. With our upcoming change, this will go away almost entirely. The UI will no longer indicate to you when the Extraction point is actively being converted, and it will also no longer indicate to you how much time is remaining. It’s going to play a bit old school and hardcore, as players and coaches will need to time the Extractions like timing weapons and powerups in previous Halo titles.



<ul><li>CSR IMPROVEMENTS</li></ul>



There are some further improvements also coming to rank loss protection and teammate quitting. Once you rank up a tier, you will get three games, win or lose, before a loss will rank you down to the previous tier. Additionally, if a player in the match (who is not on your fireteam) quits, you will not lose CSR if you decide to quit as well. You can read more about these updates <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/december-ranked-updates">in our most recent Ranked Update blog!</a>



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



When Season 5 launched back in October, the Forge AI Toolkit quite literally changed the game for community creators, allowing players for the first time ever to place campaign enemies into multiplayer maps to build PvE experiences.



In the December Update, we have some more improvements to share with you that will enhance this feature even further…



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-9.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Unggoy High Value Target known as Bipbap running in a hill capture zone on the House of Reckoning map" class="wp-image-87232" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-9.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-9-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-9-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-9-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-9-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-9-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<ul><li>HIGH VALUE TARGETS & BOSSES</li></ul>



In Halo Infinite’s campaign, there are various boss enemies that can be encountered on Zeta Halo, such as the High Value Targets that can be hunted down, each one rewarding the Master Chief with a powerful special weapon variant.



All fifteen of these HVTs will be added to Forge with the December Update—from the almighty Bipbap the Vanquisher to the very hungry Ik’novus the Devourer, and beyond.



Major bosses are also included in this line-up as well, such as Jega ‘Rdomnai, Escharum, and the Harbinger. The potential for what the creative cartographers in the community are going to make truly is endless (heh!)



<ul><li>SKULLS IN NODE GRAPH</li></ul>



With Firefight: KOTH on the way, enabling Skulls to modify difficulty is a notable part of the experience. With this update, Forgers will be able to use Node Graph to enable or disable any of the twelve Skulls, from Bandana to Black Eye.



Notably, Skulls are not just limited to the Firefight game variants. These difficulty modifiers will work in any game mode, allowing creators to use them to spice up ordinary multiplayer matches or extend their Season 5 PVE experiences.



<ul><li>QUALITY-OF-LIFE UPDATES</li></ul>



The Global Material Allow list gives the player the ability to access all swatches contained in swatch groups added to the global allow list in all regions. This functionally gives the player access to a much larger pool of swatches for each region, and allows regions previously disallowed from using tiling swatches to access them.



Because hugs make everything better, we have also added the Trigger Grunt Hug node to Forge’s Node Graph. This will allow creators to make any Grunts in a squad pull out two plasma grenades and run toward the nearest enemy until the grenades explode. We sincerely hope this addition will make your Custom Browser experiences with Grunts more loving and friendly.



Scalable Blockers allow the player to place a single blocker object and scale it to the size they’d like it to be. This will help you save on object count and help clean up maps.



Auto Turret Allegiance has been updated, meaning the Auto Turret will now respect the Team setting it receives in Forge. When placed on a team, the Auto Turret will treat units (players & AI) as allies and will not target them. If placed on Neutral team, the turret will remain hostile to all units.



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-55.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of three Spartans in a Warthog" class="wp-image-87246" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-55.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-55-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-55-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-55-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-55-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-55-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



When Season 5 launched, we introduced Custom Game XP and the addition of the Forge AI Toolkit opened up the floodgates for countless hours to be spent jumping from custom game to custom game—whether you’re looking for some of that classic Infection fun you’ve been enjoying since Halo 3, or the vast range of exciting new experiences that folks have been creating.



The team has been working on a variety of improvements to the Custom Game Browser which should make for a smoother ride for you and your fireteam.



<ul><li>JOIN SESSION AS FIRETEAM</li></ul>



As long as there are enough slots available, the Fireteam Leader can bring their entire party into a CGB session. Upon joining the session, all members of your Fireteam will join together and merge into the Custom Game leader’s Fireteam.



While working on this, the team also made sure that it was enabled for lobbies. If you are playing with a friend and want to join another friend’s lobby, you can choose “Join with Fireteam” to bring your entire Fireteam into their matchmaking/custom game lobby.



<ul><li>IMPROVEMENTS</li></ul>



Several improvements have been implemented to the Custom Game Browser, resolving issues that block players from joining CGB sessions that were open when a backend change occurred; issues around unclear messaging when attempting to join a full session; and instances where attempting to join a session that was no longer active would not deliver any failure messages.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">STABILITY & NETWORKING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-39.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of three Spartans in a Firefight: KOTH match on Exiled" class="wp-image-87260" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-39.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-39-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-39-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-39-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-39-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FF_KOH_PK-39-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Along with all the additions and quality-of-life updates above, this update is also focused on increasing the game’s stability by addressing crashes and improving our online experience via updates to our networking.



Season 5 added more reporting information in the game, which helps us better detect when and why crashes happen. Using this data, the team has knocked out multiple crashes across PC and consoles, including the top crash on Xbox Series X|S devices.



As for improvements to networking, we’ve been working on a more comprehensive overhaul of the system. The first glimpse of this updated networking model will land on December 5 with the December Update. You’ll be able to jump into the Firefight: King of the Hill playlist and try out the new networking model in a safe environment. Enabling it in a PvE experience gives us a safe testbed to see how it behaves at scale before enabling it in a PvP mode, where the stakes would feel much higher for each player. Please be sure to dive in, blast the Banished, and let us know how it feels in Firefight: King of the Hill. If the results are promising, we’ll look to host a PvP experience in the Combat Workshop in the future.



While there should only be improvements in these areas, please be sure to report any crashes or networking related issues to us <a href="http://aka.ms/HaloSupport" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">by using the Halo Support site</a>.



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



That closes us out for this preview of 2023’s December Update for Halo Infinite. Stay tuned for a deep dive on Firefight on December 4 ahead of the update dropping out of slipspace on December 5!

December Mid-Season Update Preview | Halo Infinite

The next update for Halo Infinite will release including two new features for Ranked play that have been highly requested by players; Rank Demotion Protection and Ranked Quit Penalty Adjustments. Let’s dive into the details and talk about how it’ll work!



Ranked Demotion Protection: You just leveled up from
Gold into Platinum – nice work, that wasn’t easy. Unfortunately, in your next
game you didn’t play too hot, or maybe you got a phone call and were
distracted, or maybe one of your teammates quit – welp, back to Gold you go.
Well, not anymore with the introduction of Rank Demotion Protection. Whenever
you rank up into a new division (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, or Onyx) you
will get a grace period of three games, win or lose, as a bit of safety net and
you won’t get demoted into the prior division.



Example scenario: You level up into Onyx and your CSR
is 1503. If you lose a game, disconnect, or quit – your new CSR will be 1500
which will keep you in Onyx. If the same thing happens two more times, you will
stay 1500. 



Winning a game will count as one of the three protection
games – it’s not 3 losses, it’s 3 games no matter what happens. 



Ranked Quit Penalty Adjustments: So, you’re in the
middle of a game and someone on your team just quit – great, now you’ve got no
real shot of winning and you’re just going to lose points anyway for quitting.
Well, that’s going to change as well. If someone in your game but not on your
fireteam quits, they will still receive the max penalty, but you will not lose any
CSR.



Ok very cool but we’ve got some questions, Tashi:



<ul><li>If someone on the other team quits, can I quit
with no penalty? Yes!</li></ul>



<ul><li>If someone on my fireteam quits, and then I quit, what’s the penalty? You will lose up to 5 CSR, just like it is today. </li></ul>



<ul><li>If someone not on my fireteam quits, but we stay
and lose the game, how much CSR would I lose? 0 CSR. Ranked games are not
meant to be played out with uneven teams – players should be able to leave with
no penalty and just start searching again for another match.</li></ul>



<ul><li>What happens if a teammate quits/crashes while loading in? The first quit after the match starts will still receive a full penalty, but after that all players will be able to leave without any penalty.</li></ul>



<ul><li>If someone in my game quits, and then I decide
to quit for no penalty, will I still get hit with the banhammer? No.
Quitting in these instances is safe from the banhammer.</li></ul>



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



Based on feedback we’ve heard from players we’ve also made a couple key updates to Ranked Extraction (you will NOT see these updates in the Extraction featured in social playlists). 



Audio changes: At the moment, you can hear that your Extraction point is being converted by the enemy team from anywhere on the map. This meant players were able to leave the area around the Extraction device and use the global audio queue to tell them when to peek back out. With this upcoming audio change, the device itself will emit the audio – meaning you’ll have to be in a close vicinity to hear it’s being converted. As a result, teams will need to play closer attention the Extraction device much more than they need to today. 



UI changes: Right now, you can see in your UI when the Extraction point is being converted. Similar to above, this allowed players to leave the area near the Extraction device and only peek out when the UI showed it was being converted. With our upcoming change, this will go away almost entirely. The UI will no longer indicate to you when the Extraction point is actively being converted, and it will also no longer indicate to you how much time is remaining. It’s going to play a bit old school and hardcore, as players/coaches will be needing to time the Extractions like timing weapons/powerups in the older Halo titles.



We hope these quality-of-life updates make your ranked
experience more enjoyable and best of luck on your grind to the top.



See you online! 



-Tashi