Community

Esports

HaloWC

Welcome back!  



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Let’s go!



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Thanks, 



Tashi

Tashi

Road to HaloWC 2025 – September

Canon Fodder

Fiction

Alex Wakeford

Issue 165

Canon Fodder: Feet First Into Fall

Book Preview

“Mission failure is not an option.”



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



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



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Spartan Chatter: Shadows of Reach" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MX8DKNh-iDc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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

snickerdoodle

Halo: Shadows of Reach | Spartan Chatter

Waypoint Chronicles

Halo Studios

Halo: ‘Ghosts & Glass’ by B. Giraud

Games

Halo Infinite

Mutinous Core

Play Halo Infinite now through October 7.

Operation: Warpath Now Live

Unstoppable force, meet immovable object. (At least, if you’re on defense you really hope you can embody that immovable object spirit.) It’s tactical, it’s intense, and it’s got just enough Halo: Reach DNA to make longtime fans feel right at home… Invasion has arrived!



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Warpath Launch Trailer | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CXwreSlUctI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Whether you’re storming the gates or desperately trying to keep them shut, Invasion turns every match into a showdown of Spartan grit and glorious chaos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size">OBJECTIVE OVERDRIVE</h2>



At its core, Invasion is an asymmetrical, one-sided objective mode pitting two teams of 8 against each other. Each team will get the chance to attack and defend for a total of two rounds. Each round is broken into 3 phases, and if you complete each phase, you get a point. The modes available for each phase are identical to those found in Reach, plus one new addition: 



<ul>
<li>Capture the Zone
<ul>
<li>As the name implies, this is a zone control style mode and your goal is to capture it before time runs out</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Assault
<ul>
<li>Much as the normal Arena mode, you are bringing a bomb to the zone and aim to detonate it before the enemy team stops you</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Core Delivery
<ul>
<li>If you played Reach, this is going to be a familiar objective where you are literally delivering the core to the enemy team’s base. In Infinite, this will be a Flag you are running to plant</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Deliver the Payload
<ul>
<li>New to Invasion with Halo Infinite, delivering the payload will have you escorting a payload along a set trail to the end destination. When the enemy is contesting the payload, forward progress halts so keep that path clear! And don’t leave the payload behind or else it won’t progress. The more Spartans on the payload, the faster it progresses along the path.
<ul>
<li>Worth noting that you can earn TWO points for delivering the payload to its final destination: One at the very end, naturally, but you’ll also earn a point when you reach the checkpoint.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size">LOADOUT LOGIC</h2>



The setup will be UNSC vs. Banished-affected Spartans, very similar to the experience in Banished Slayer. Each phase will have multiple options to select from, so choose wisely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-normal-font-size">Spartan Setups</h2>



Phase 1, UNSC Scout



<ul>
<li>MA5K Avenger</li>



<li>Frag Grenades</li>



<li>Threat Seeker</li>
</ul>



Phase 1, UNSC Sentry



<ul>
<li>MK50 Sidekick</li>



<li>Frag Grenades</li>



<li>Drop Wall</li>
</ul>



Phase 2, UNSC Warrior



<ul>
<li>MA40 Assault Rifle</li>



<li>MK50 Sidekick</li>



<li>Frag Grenades</li>



<li>Drop Wall</li>
</ul>



Phase 2, UNSC Operator



<ul>
<li>CQS48 Bulldog</li>



<li>Frag Grenades</li>



<li>Quantum Translocator</li>
</ul>



Phase 2, UNSC Skirmisher



<ul>
<li>VK78 Commando</li>



<li>MA5K Avenger</li>



<li>Frag Grenades</li>



<li>Thruster</li>
</ul>



Phase 3, UNSC Headhunter



<ul>
<li>BR75</li>



<li>VK78 Commando</li>



<li>Frag Grenades</li>



<li>Shroud Screen</li>
</ul>



Phase 3, UNSC Healer



<ul>
<li>CQS48 Bulldog</li>



<li>MK50 Sidekick</li>



<li>Frag Grenades</li>



<li>Repair Field</li>
</ul>



Phase 3, UNSC Marksman



<ul>
<li>Bandit Evo</li>



<li>MA40 Assault Rifle</li>



<li>Frag Grenades</li>



<li>Grappleshot</li>
</ul>



Phase 3, UNSC Sentinel



<ul>
<li>VK78 Commando</li>



<li>MA5K Avenger</li>



<li>Frag Grenades</li>



<li>Thruster</li>
</ul>



Phase 3, UNSC Heavy



<ul>
<li>MLRS-2 Hydra</li>



<li>MA40 Assault Rifle</li>



<li>Frag Grenades</li>



<li>Overshield</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-normal-font-size">Banished Battle Kits</h2>



Just like the UNSC side, the Banished side also has loadout options that update each phase.



Phase 1, Banished Sentry



<ul>
<li>Mangler</li>



<li>Spike Grenades</li>



<li>Thruster</li>
</ul>



Phase 1, Banished Scout



<ul>
<li>Needler</li>



<li>Plasma Grenades</li>



<li>Active Camo</li>
</ul>



Phase 2, Banished Marksman



<ul>
<li>Vestige Carbine</li>



<li>Plasma Pistol</li>



<li>Spike Grenades</li>



<li>Repulsor</li>
</ul>



Phase 2, Banished Hunter



<ul>
<li>Heatwave</li>



<li>Spike Grenades</li>



<li>Drop Wall</li>
</ul>



Phase 2, Banished Sapper



<ul>
<li>Ravager</li>



<li>Needler</li>



<li>Plasma Grenades</li>



<li>Thruster</li>
</ul>



Phase 3, Banished Headhunter



<ul>
<li>Bandit Evo</li>



<li>Pulse Carbine</li>



<li>Spike Grenade</li>



<li>Grappleshot</li>
</ul>



Phase 3, Banished Warrior



<ul>
<li>CQS48 Bulldog</li>



<li>Mangler</li>



<li>Spike Grenade</li>



<li>Threat Sensor</li>
</ul>



Phase 3, Banished Sentinel



<ul>
<li>Sentinel Beam</li>



<li>Vestige Carbine</li>



<li>Spike Grenade</li>



<li>Repulsor</li>
</ul>



Phase 3, Banished Medic



<ul>
<li>Pulse Carbine</li>



<li>MA40 Assault Rifle</li>



<li>Spike Grenade</li>



<li>Repair Field</li>
</ul>



Phase 3, Banished Dark Assassin



<ul>
<li>Duelist Energy Sword</li>



<li>Disruptor</li>



<li>Plasma Grenades</li>



<li>Active Camo</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size">SAFE SPAWNING</h2>



One of the more unique features Invasion introduced was Buddy Spawning. This allowed you to spawn on your buddy directly rather than at the default spawn location. It’s not required but who doesn’t love options? Your buddy is randomly assigned during the match and you cannot change or swap. Once the game starts, you are together for the full match. Yes, this means if your buddy abandons the match that you no longer have the ability to Buddy Spawn. The caveats to Buddy Spawning:



<ul>
<li>Buddies are reciprocal (If they are your buddy, you are theirs)</li>



<li>Your Buddy must be alive to spawn on them</li>



<li>They must have been alive for at least five seconds to spawn on them</li>



<li>They must have full health and shields to spawn on them</li>



<li>They must be clear of engagements or have no enemies nearby to spawn on them</li>



<li>If your Buddy is in a vehicle, there must be an empty seat to spawn on them</li>



<li>When you spawn on your Buddy, you will be facing the way they are facing</li>
</ul>



If you don’t want to spawn on your buddy, you can choose to spawn at the other zones: Left, Middle, or Right spawns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size">VICTORY VARIABLES</h2>



So…how do you win an Invasion match? Each phase you “win” or progress will net your team a point. So if you are attacking first and you make it through all three phases and you complete them, you will have earned three points total. If you are on defense and you stop the team at the second phase, the attacking team only has one point.



It is possible to tie so if both teams successfully make it through all three phases and earn three points, everyone goes home a winner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size">IMPRESSIVE INTSALLATIONS</h2>



There are six new maps coming to Invasion which means plenty of variety for you to engage with. Let’s check them out! Grab <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/0d192b69-6899-4c3c-b63d-4de7beb07f76">the mode here</a>, and then grab the maps below.



Breakpoint <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/fe7d8044-bc7f-4a05-a266-061382dfd8fa">Bookmark</a> Credits: Okom1, Virus11010, Scrubulba, Mr Kwatz, Igrizhar, spartan blood 1, JoValiant, Mr IncrediJON, THE SLAMMERSS, Nas



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Breakpoint_1920x1080_Watermarked_007.jpg" alt="A remake of Halo: Reach's map "Breakpoint" in Halo Infinite." class="wp-image-149888" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Breakpoint_1920x1080_Watermarked_007.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Breakpoint_1920x1080_Watermarked_007-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Breakpoint_1920x1080_Watermarked_007-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Breakpoint_1920x1080_Watermarked_007-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Breakpoint_1920x1080_Watermarked_007-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Breakpoint_1920x1080_Watermarked_007-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



A classic returns from Halo: Reach. Don’t let it push you to your breaking point.



Crashout <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/178ee422-43c1-4df8-be86-84f8bb0cc4d2">Bookmark</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Crashout_1920x1080_Watermarked_015.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite Invasion map "Crashout"" class="wp-image-149902" style="width:1280px;height:auto" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Crashout_1920x1080_Watermarked_015.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Crashout_1920x1080_Watermarked_015-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Crashout_1920x1080_Watermarked_015-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Crashout_1920x1080_Watermarked_015-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Crashout_1920x1080_Watermarked_015-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Crashout_1920x1080_Watermarked_015-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



They said it was a crash. We called it a tactical arrival.



Exhumed <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/354b1633-1b47-4e0f-9a43-15ebf0acef0c">Bookmark</a><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/55eccabf-1865-439d-ad7b-3920b5cfd645"> </a>Credits: Mr IncrediJON, Scrubulba, spartan blood 1, Virus11010, Mr Kwatz, Igrizhar, JoValiant



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Exhumed_1920x1080_Watermarked_007.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite Invasion map "Exhumed"" class="wp-image-149916" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Exhumed_1920x1080_Watermarked_007.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Exhumed_1920x1080_Watermarked_007-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Exhumed_1920x1080_Watermarked_007-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Exhumed_1920x1080_Watermarked_007-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Exhumed_1920x1080_Watermarked_007-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Exhumed_1920x1080_Watermarked_007-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



You came looking for glory but you found a grave.



Last Road <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/24d6a48b-d78b-49c7-8b24-338fa3508a32">Bookmark</a> Credits: Mr Kwatz, MikRips, Scrubulba



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Last_1920x1080_Watermarked_005.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite Invasion map "Last Road"" class="wp-image-149930" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Last_1920x1080_Watermarked_005.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Last_1920x1080_Watermarked_005-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Last_1920x1080_Watermarked_005-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Last_1920x1080_Watermarked_005-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Last_1920x1080_Watermarked_005-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Last_1920x1080_Watermarked_005-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Last Road: where the only traffic is incoming fire.



Recovery <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/1bc0e2a7-9d6d-4771-9574-9978e7c9292c">Bookmark</a> Credits: Okom1, Virus11010, Scrubulba, D0ctorSmurf, spartan blood 1, Mr IncrediJON, Mr Kwatz, Cousin Tim, JoValiant



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Recovery_1920x1080_Watermarked_009.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite Invasion map "Recovery"" class="wp-image-149944" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Recovery_1920x1080_Watermarked_009.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Recovery_1920x1080_Watermarked_009-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Recovery_1920x1080_Watermarked_009-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Recovery_1920x1080_Watermarked_009-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Recovery_1920x1080_Watermarked_009-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Recovery_1920x1080_Watermarked_009-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



They terraformed Reach, now it’s your turn to reshape the battlefield.



Wavelength <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/72339fd1-c61a-4cbb-a876-0ffdb877a899">Bookmark</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Wavelength_1920x1080_Watermarked_009.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite Invasion map "Wavelength"" class="wp-image-149958" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Wavelength_1920x1080_Watermarked_009.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Wavelength_1920x1080_Watermarked_009-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Wavelength_1920x1080_Watermarked_009-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Wavelength_1920x1080_Watermarked_009-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Wavelength_1920x1080_Watermarked_009-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/09/HI_Map_Wavelength_1920x1080_Watermarked_009-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Broadcasting live from the edge of chaos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size">EXIT ENGAGEMENTS</h2>



Now, it’s time to invade the battlefield. Whether you’re storming the gates or holding the line, Invasion’s better with buddies (and a few well-placed grenades), so squad up and hit the ground running!

Invasion

The road to Charlotte is complete!



GGs to everyone who competed and congratulations to all teams who secured a trip to the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/faze-major" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HCS Charlotte Major 2025</a> hosted by <a href="http://x.com/fazeesports" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FaZe Clan</a>!



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



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



<ul>
<li><a href="#next">Up Next</a></li>



<li><a href="#leaderboards">Leaderboards</a></li>



<li><a href="#na">NA Results</a></li>



<li><a href="#eu">EU Results</a></li>



<li><a href="#mx">MX Results</a></li>



<li><a href="#anz">ANZ Results</a></li>
</ul>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="next">Up Next: HCS Charlotte Major</h1>





The HCS returns to North Carolina with the HCS Charlotte Major hosted by <a href="http://x.com/fazeesports">FaZe Clan</a>.



Don’t miss your chance to join us at the final Major of the 2025 season as the world’s best teams throw down for qualification to the Halo World Championship! Tickets and team passes are available now!







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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="leaderboards">Leaderboards</h1>



Final HCS Leaderboards following the HCS Open Series: Road to Charlotte.







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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="na">NA Results</h1>



Team Envy claims the #5 seed ahead of the Charlotte Major!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/envy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Envy</a> – Yakzn – Precision – Descendant – Piggy</td><td>Week #3: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/shopifyrebels" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shopify Rebellion</a> – Last Shot – Cykul – Frosty – Royal2</td><td>Week #2: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/optic">OpTic Gaming</a> – FormaL – Bound – SnakeBite (Sub for Renegade) – Lqgend</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/optic">OpTic Gaming</a> – FormaL – Bound – Renegade – Lqgend</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/CLT25-na-qual" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0-silbaE9Y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Qualifier / Day 1</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuGCmk7_YO0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Qualifier / Day 2</a></td><td>Week #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/CLT25-na-os3" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzrdkk2xF9I" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #3 / Day 1</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuC5g773558" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #3 / Day 2</a></td><td>Week #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/CLT25-na-os2" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLE1ORz5FA4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #2 / Day</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQm87HAihM0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/kHkAeK2_7Uw?si=gBJj9kBp4LmMe6d1&t=4493" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtPWFqeR8Nk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #2 / Day 2</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/CLT25-na-os1" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0UwSEEYJ98" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #1 / Day</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQm87HAihM0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/kHkAeK2_7Uw?si=gBJj9kBp4LmMe6d1&t=4493" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev-2C_yCHHQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #1 / Day 2</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="eu">EU Results</h1>



The #7 seed at HCS Charlotte goes to team <a href="http://x.com/majin_club">Majin Club</a>!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/majin_club" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Majin Club</a> – Bastoss – Mighty – Tchik – Septiq</td><td>Week #3: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/nmss_gg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Team Nemesis</a> – Glory – SLG – Snipedrone – Wutum</td><td>Week #2: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/nmss_gg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Team Nemesis</a> – Glory – SLG – Snipedrone – Wutum</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/nmss_gg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Team Nemesis</a> – Glory – SLG – Snipedrone – Wutum</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/clt25-eu-qual" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EuroHaloLeague</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2560422389" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Qualifier</a></td><td>Week #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/clt25-eu-os3" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EuroHaloLeague</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2554480756" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Open #3</a></td><td>Week #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/clt25-eu-os2" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EuroHaloLeague</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2548451743" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Open #2</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/clt25-eu-os1" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EuroHaloLeague</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2542413724" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Open #1</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="mx">MX Results</h1>



Team <a href="http://x.com/akaveesports">Akave Esports</a> secures a paid trip to represent Mexico in the Charlotte Major Open Bracket!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/akaveesports" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Akave Esports</a> – Magico – Acid – Drift – Leuor</td><td>Week #3: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/akaveesports" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Akave Esports</a> – Leuor – Acid – Drift – Noblc</td><td>Week #2: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/akaveesports" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Akave Esports</a> – Magico – Acid – Drift – Noblc</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/akaveesports" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Akave Esports</a> – Magico – Acid – Drift – Noblc</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/clt25-mx-qual" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/clt25-mx-os3" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/clt25-mx-os2" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/clt25-mx-os1" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="anz">ANZ Results</h1>



Australia’s best, <a href="https://x.com/Mindfreak" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mindfreak</a>, are set to fight through the Charlotte Major Open Bracket!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>ANZ Qualifier: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/mindfreak" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mindfreak</a> – Barcode – Swayz – Scoobmeistr – Wryce</td><td>Week #3: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/mindfreak" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mindfreak</a> – Pipz (Sub for Barcode) – Swayz – Scoobmeistr – Wryce</td><td>Week #2: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/mindfreak" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mindfreak</a> – Barcode – Swayz – Scoobmeistr – Wryce</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/mindfreak" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mindfreak</a> – Barcode – Swayz – Scoobmeistr – Wryce</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/clt25-anz-qual" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/clt25-anz-os3" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/clt25-anz-os2" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/clt25-anz-os1" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Official HCS

HCS Open Series: Road to Charlotte (2025)

Community Spotlight

Spotlight: HELLDIVERS 2 x ODST Edition

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



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Spartan Chatter: New Blood" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Knxs7NDk6ME?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Halo: New Blood Spartan Chatter Episode</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Halo: New Blood | Spartan Chatter

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



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Shadows of Reach | Audiobook Preview | Available Now from Simon & Schuster" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/17WzdN-y5L4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Audiobook Club: Shadows of Reach