Esports


<p>About a month ago, Year 3 of HCS came to a thrilling conclusion, where we saw Spacestation Gaming continue their dominance to take home the <strong><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc2024">2024 Halo World Championship</a></strong>. Congratulations again to SSG, and to all the teams that qualified for HaloWC 2024 for putting on an amazing show!</p>



<p>Now that the dust has settled, let’s talk about some changes that are coming to both Ranked Arena and the HCS map pool for offseason tournaments, which we’ll have more specific details on later. As mentioned in the patch notes [<strong><a href="https://support.halowaypoint.com/hc/en-us/articles/31505389702676-Halo-Infinite-Winter-Update-2024-Patch-Notes">link</a></strong>], here are the changes coming to Ranked Arena and the HCS offseason map pool:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>ADDED<br><br>Fortress CTF (3 Captures)<br>Fortress Slayer<br>Inquisitor CTF (5 Captures)<br>Inquisitor Slayer</td><td>REMOVED<br><br>Argyle CTF<br>Interference King of the Hill<br>Interference Slayer<br>Interference Strongholds</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<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="TWO NEW Ranked Maps! Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ELnw4LLMGL8?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>



<p>We are very excited to have 2 new maps entering the Ranked Arena playlist! Fortress, created by MikRips and Ethan Hibbs is an original design. Inquisitor, which was created by UneeQ, is based on the iconic Halo 2 map Midship. These fast-paced maps are available now in all Ranked playlists, and you can compete on them in the HCS offseason tournaments. HCS offseason tournament dates and times will be announced later. We will be keeping a close eye on how Inquisitor and Fortress perform both in Ranked Arena and in the HCS offseason tournaments to help determine which gametypes are best suited for the HCS Year 4 map pool.</p>



<p>We also have a couple of maps exiting the Ranked Arena map pool, Argyle and Interference. Based on player feedback and date that showed the gametypes were not performing up to the quality bar we’d like, we’ve decided to remove these 4 gametypes and reevaluate each map to see what can be improved for potential future use. This also means that Argyle CTF and Interference Strongholds will no longer be a part of the HCS map pool. A huge thank you to Astro CSF, the creator of Interference for working with us to get the first community made Forge map into HCS!</p>



<p>These playlist updates are landing in tandem with the rank reset for all Ranked playlists. As part of this rotation, Ranked Snipers will be making its return while also featuring both new maps – Fortress and Inquisitor.</p>



<p>Now, it’s time to jump into matchmaking and test out the new maps! Good luck have fun, Spartans!</p>


Official HCS

2 NEW Maps! (Ranked Arena & HCS Update)

HaloWC 2024 FFA Results

HaloWC

Spacestation are your 2024 Halo World Champions!


<p>Get an intimate look into the world of competitive Halo Infinite with <strong>UNLOCKED</strong> – a collaboration between <strong><a href="https://www.loosefilms.com/">Loose Films</a></strong> and Halo Esports.</p>



<p>This docu-series takes you behind the gamertags of Halo veterans and rising stars alike.</p>



<p>Dive in and learn about what it takes to be a professional Halo player!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/UNLOCKED-Featured-1024x576.png" alt="HCS UNLOCKED premiering live at the Halo World Championship" class="wp-image-121282" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/UNLOCKED-Featured-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/UNLOCKED-Featured-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/UNLOCKED-Featured-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/UNLOCKED-Featured-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/UNLOCKED-Featured-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/UNLOCKED-Featured.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ep.7 – Lucid</strong></h1>



<p>The star of the show.</p>



<ul>
<li>Featuring: <a href="http://twitter.com/lucid_tw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Tommy “Lucid” Wilson</strong></a></li>



<li>Player Origin: <strong>USA</strong></li>



<li>Release: <strong>October 2024</strong></li>
</ul>



<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="UNLOCKED: Ep. 7 "Lucid" | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jGZS0goQ12A?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>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ep.6 – MentaL</strong></h1>



<p>Mental by name. Mental by nature.</p>



<ul>
<li>Featuring: <a href="http://twitter.com/mental" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Billy “MentaL” Putnam</strong></a></li>



<li>Player Origin: <strong>USA</strong></li>



<li>Release: <strong>October 2024</strong></li>
</ul>



<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="UNLOCKED: Ep. 6 "MentaL" | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_jW-WopsmMM?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>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ep.5 – Lqgend</strong></h1>



<p>The legend of a French superstar.</p>



<ul>
<li>Featuring: <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/lqgend_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaci “Lqgend” Sabri</a></strong></li>



<li>Player Origin: <strong>France</strong></li>



<li>Release: <strong>September 2024</strong></li>
</ul>



<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="UNLOCKED: Ep. 5 "Lqgend" | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TtbeNPouDH8?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>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ep.4 – Renegade</strong></h1>



<p>This installment dives into the story of one of Halo’s deadliest players – Meet the demon.</p>



<ul>
<li>Featuring: <a href="http://twitter.com/renegade_jw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Jonathan “Renegade” Willette</strong></a></li>



<li>Player Origin: <strong>USA</strong></li>



<li>Release: <strong>October 2023</strong></li>
</ul>



<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="UNLOCKED: Ep. 4 "Renegade" | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bCwIfx4gfig?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>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ep.3 – FormaL</strong></h1>



<p>The Multi-FPS God needs no introduction.</p>



<ul>
<li>Featuring: <a href="http://twitter.com/formal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Matt “FormaL” Piper</strong></a></li>



<li>Player Origin: <strong>USA</strong></li>



<li>Release: <strong>October 2023</strong></li>
</ul>



<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="UNLOCKED: Ep. 3 "FormaL" | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7uSNGM5xdgA?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>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ep.2 – Kuhlect</strong></h1>



<p>A new challenger approaches, and he’s here to Kuhlect.</p>



<ul>
<li>Featuring: <a href="http://twitter.com/formal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Kahari “Kuhlect” Miller</strong></a></li>



<li>Player Origin: <strong>USA</strong></li>



<li>Release: <strong>September 2023</strong></li>
</ul>



<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="UNLOCKED: Ep.2 "Kuhlect" | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c9qV7QZYpaA?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>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ep.1 – Bound</strong></h1>



<p>Our first episode delves into the 2022 Rookie of the Year’s relentless determination to succeed. Adam Gray is Bound for greatness.</p>



<ul>
<li>Featuring: <a href="http://twitter.com/formal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Adam “Bound” Gray</strong></a></li>



<li>Player Origin: <strong>USA</strong></li>



<li>Release: <strong>August 2023</strong></li>
</ul>



<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="UNLOCKED: Ep.1 "Bound" | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_CIcjGCaeaA?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>


UNLOCKED: HCS Docu-Series (New Episodes!)

Alex Wakeford

Road to HaloWC 2024

SLC24 Results & HaloWC Teams

Click here to view the Open Bracket results from the HCS Atlanta Major 2024.

Spacestation Go Back-2-Back! Congrats to your HCS SLC Major Champions!

Spacestation are your HCS Atlanta Major Champions!

Games

Halo Infinite


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



<p>Let’s get right into it!</p>



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



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



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



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



<p>Changes:</p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Grenade impulse tuned to allow grenade jumping in line with previous Halo titles.</p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Chart Guide:</p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>We once again increased Pairwise Predictability in hopes of further increasing the quality of matches. </p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p><strong>Map pool adjustment</strong></p>



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



<p><strong>Cliffside</strong></p>



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



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



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



<p><strong>Illusion</strong></p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p><strong>Forest</strong></p>



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



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



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



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



<p>Thanks,</p>



<p>Tashi</p>


Tashi

Ranked Update | Halo Infinite

NA Champions

NA Results

EU Champions

EU Results

MX Champions

MX Results

ANZ Champions

ANZ Results


<p>Next Stop: <strong><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/faze2024">HCS Atlanta Major, hosted by FaZe Clan</a></strong>!</p>



<p>Teams in all regions battled throughout the month of June as they climbed the HCS leaderboards, and with the Major Qualifiers now behind us – we have our contenders!</p>



<p>GGs to everyone who competed in the HCS Open Series and congratulations to everyone who qualified – We’ll see you in Atlanta!</p>



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



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



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



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



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



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





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Qualifier Champions<br></strong><br>Team: <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/complexity">Complexity</a></strong><br>– BreakingShot<br>– Huss<br>– Rayne<br>– RyaNoob</td><td><strong>Week #3: Champions<br></strong><br>Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/spacestation"><strong>Spacestation</strong></a><br>– Bound<br>– Eco<br>– Lqgend<br>– StelluR</td><td><strong>Week #2: Champions<br></strong><br>Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/shopifyrebels" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Shopify Rebellion</strong></a><br>– Cykul<br>– MentaL<br>– Soul Snipe<br>– Suppressed</td><td><strong>Week #1: Champions<br></strong><br>Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/sentinels" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Sentinels</strong></a><br>– Precision<br>– Bubu dubu<br>– Falcated<br>– LethuL</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Qualifier Results</strong><br><br><a href="http://aka.ms/m3-qual-na" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a><br><br>Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>LVTHalo</strong></a><br>– <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8AgOk7L2z8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Qualifier / Day 1</a><br>– <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jieDBzbzRc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Qualifier / Day 2</a></td><td><strong>Week #3: Results</strong><br><br><a href="http://aka.ms/m3-os3-na" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a><br><br>Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>LVTHalo</strong></a><br>– <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7OKy4duQUM" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #3 / Day 1</a><br>– <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM6gtb7JNyM" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #3 / Day 2</a></td><td><strong>Week #2: Results</strong><br><br><a href="http://aka.ms/m3-os2-na" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a><br><br>Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>LVTHalo</strong></a><br>– <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2176971718?t=00h00m17s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #2 / Day 1</a><br>– <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2179806086?t=00h10m34s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #2 / Day 2</a></td><td><strong>Week #1: Results</strong><br><br><a href="http://aka.ms/m3-os1-na" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a><br><br>Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>LVTHalo</strong></a><br>– <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2167729764?t=00h33m43s">NA Open #1 / Day 1</a><br>– <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2171158071?t=00h48m27s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #1 / Day 2</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Qualifier Champions<br></strong><br>Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/itbhalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Into The Breach</strong></a><br>– Jimbo<br>– Mighty<br>– Tchik<br>– Wutum</td><td><strong>Week #3: Champions<br></strong><br>Team: <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/quadrant">Quadrant</a></strong><br>– Glory<br>– Sica<br>– SLG<br>– Snipedrone</td><td><strong>Week #2: Champions<br></strong><br>Team: <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/quadrant">Quadrant</a></strong><br>– Glory<br>– Sica<br>– SLG<br>– Snipedrone</td><td><strong>Week #1: Champions<br></strong><br>Team: <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/quadrant">Quadrant</a></strong><br>– Glory<br>– Sica<br>– SLG<br>– Snipedrone</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Qualifier Results</strong><br><br><a href="http://aka.ms/m3-qual-eu" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a><br><br>Tournament VOD by <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague">Euro Halo League</a></strong><br>– <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2185537393?t=00h18m02s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Qualifier</a></td><td><strong>Week #3: Results</strong><br><br><a href="http://aka.ms/m3-os3-eu" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a><br><br>Tournament VOD by <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague">Euro Halo League</a></strong><br>– <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2179512026?t=00h10m21s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Week #3</a></td><td><strong>Week #2: Results</strong><br><br><a href="http://aka.ms/m3-os1-eu" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a><br><br>Tournament VOD by <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague">Euro Halo League</a></strong><br>– <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2173483141?t=00h17m11s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Week #2</a></td><td><strong>Week #1: Results</strong><br><br><a href="http://aka.ms/m3-os1-eu" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a><br><br>Tournament VOD by <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague">Euro Halo League</a></strong><br>– <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2167574410?t=00h04m33s">EU Week #1</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Open Champions<br></strong><br>Team: <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/alpha_gg_">Alpha Esports</a></strong><br>– Acid<br>– Drift<br>– Leuor<br>– Magico</td><td><strong>Week #3: Champions<br></strong><br>Team: <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/alpha_gg_">Alpha Esports</a></strong><br>– Acid<br>– Drift<br>– Leuor<br>– Magico</td><td><strong>Week #2: Champions<br></strong><br>Team: <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/alpha_gg_">Alpha Esports</a></strong><br>– Acid<br>– Drift<br>– Leuor<br>– Noblc</td><td><strong>Week #1: Champions<br></strong><br>Team: <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/alpha_gg_">Alpha Esports</a></strong><br>– Acid<br>– Drift<br>– Noblc<br>– Tapping Buttons</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Open Championship Results</strong><br><br><a href="http://aka.ms/M3-OC-MX" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td><strong>Week #3: Results</strong><br><br><a href="http://aka.ms/M3-OS3-MX" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td><strong>Week #2: Results</strong><br><br><a href="http://aka.ms/M3-OS2-MX" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td><strong>Week #1: Results</strong><br><br><a href="http://aka.ms/M3-OS1-MX" 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>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Open Champions<br></strong><br>Team: <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/mindfreak">MindFreak</a></strong><br>– Plasma<br>– Scoobmeistr<br>– Swayz<br>– Wryce</td><td><strong>Week #3: Champions<br></strong><br>Team: <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/mindfreak">MindFreak</a></strong><br>– Plasma<br>– Scoobmeistr<br>– Swayz<br>– Wryce</td><td><strong>Week #2: Champions<br></strong><br>Team: <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/mindfreak">MindFreak</a></strong><br>– Plasma<br>– Scoobmeistr<br>– Swayz<br>– Wryce</td><td><strong>Week #1: Champions<br></strong><br>Team: <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/mindfreak">MindFreak</a></strong><br>– Plasma<br>– Scoobmeistr<br>– Swayz<br>– Wryce</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Open Championship Results</strong><br><br><a href="http://aka.ms/M3-OS3-ANZ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td><strong>Week #3: Results</strong><br><br><a href="http://aka.ms/M3-OS3-ANZ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td><strong>Week #2: Results</strong><br><br><a href="http://aka.ms/M3-OS2-ANZ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td><strong>Week #1: Results</strong><br><br><a href="http://aka.ms/M3-OS1-ANZ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>


HCS Open Series: Road to Atlanta

Click here to view the Open Bracket results from the HCS London Major 2024.

London Belongs to FaZe Clan – Congratulations to your Champions!


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">BACKGROUND:</h3>



<p>During Pool Play at the HCS London Major, Complexity were onstage preparing for their match against FaZe Clan when during routine equipment checks, the administration was lead to discover that Spartan’s SSD was not the official tournament SSD. Upon further inspection, it was discovered that the software on the SSD was not provided by the administration and furthermore contained new, unapproved software as well as other changes to the existing software in an effort to increase the performance of the PC. No software of any other nature was discovered. When talked to, Spartan cooperated with the investigation.</p>



<p><strong>6/5/2024 Update:</strong> After further investigation, it was later discovered that the SSD device itself was part of a separate batch owned by the administration. The unapproved software was still loaded onto the SSD as described above with a flash drive. The ownership of the SSD was never weighed in the determination of the ruling. The Administrative team will be doing an audit of the existing fleet of hardware and removing any anomalous drives which are inconsistent with the rest of the other SSDs to ensure this doesn’t happen again.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">RULING:</h3>



<p>Competitive integrity and fairness are paramount to the HCS, our partnered teams, players, and community. Due to the tampering of official league provided equipment and the nature of gaining a competitive advantage in the tournament as a result of tampering, Complexity have been disqualified from the tournament.</p>



<p><a href="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HCS_2024_Program_Handbook_v2.0.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HCS 2024 Program Handbook v2.0</a> (<strong>emphasis added</strong>):</p>



<p><em>“C. Cheating</em><br><em>The Administration understands that it has an obligation to facilitate a level playing field for all competitors. Competing fairly and to the best of your ability is important towards fostering a healthy competitive environment, and the Administration is committed to ensuring the facilitation of fair competition throughout the duration of the Program and beyond. <strong>Any form of cheating, whether intentional or not, by any Participant is strictly prohibited.</strong> Participants are required and expected to maintain cognizance of these Official Rules and any form of cheating or violation of these rules, or the spirit of these rules, either intentionally or unintentionally, will result in penalties in accordance with the Code of Conduct. All Participants are prohibited from influencing or manipulating a Game or Match so that the outcome is determined by anything other than fair and reasonable play….</em></p>



<p><em>6. League Required Equipment</em></p>



<ul>
<li><em>Failure to use Provided Equipment</em></li>



<li><em>Using unauthorized or unapproved equipment</em>”</li>
</ul>



<p><a href="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HCS-Major-London-2024-Official-Rules-v1.3.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">HCS Major London 2024 Official Rules v1.3</a></p>



<p>“<em>3. General</em></p>



<ul>
<li><em>3.1. Any violation of the rules set forth in the Handbook, Code of Conduct, or in these Official Rules, including, without limitation, any form of cheating, may result in a forfeit of the Game/Match and/or disqualification from the Tournament.”</em></li>
</ul>



<p>Per the HCS 2024 Program Handbook v2.0 and the HCS Major London 2024 Official Rules v1.3, the HCS administration has disqualified Complexity from the HCS London Major. Further rulings against Spartan will be determined after the tournament.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>TOURNAMENT UPDATE:</strong></h3>



<p>Due to the disqualification of Complexity, the following tournament rulings have been made:</p>



<ol>
<li>Complexity receive an automatic last place in Pool C.</li>



<li>The match that took place between FaZe and Complexity will be ruled as a 3-0 map count in favor of FaZe, their match record is 2-0 headed into Day 2.</li>



<li>The match that did not take place between Cloud9 and Complexity will be ruled as a 3-0 map count in favor of Cloud9, their match record is 1-1 headed into Day 2.</li>



<li>There will still only be 1 team from the Open Bracket that will qualify for Pool C following the conclusion of Open Bracket Play. They will receive and automatic match victory over Complexity with a map count of 3-0, and will enter Pool Play with a record of 1-0.</li>



<li>Complexity will receive 0 HCS points and 0 prizing. </li>
</ol>
