Community

Community Spotlight

Welcome back to the Community Corner!



Earlier this week, we launched Operation: Haloween which features Survive the Undead—a new playlist experience made by The Forge Falcons. Naturally, it only seemed right that we sit down with the fine folks of that team: EliteFalcon, MaxBloodBath, Prim27, and Outlet.



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Welcome (back!) and thank you for joining us today! Please introduce yourselves and tell us all about who The Forge Falcons are and where we can find you.



Thank you for having us (again!), for those who don’t know, we are a team of Forgers who love Halo and its community. Since our inception, the goal with ‘The Forge Falcons’ was to make it function somewhat like a typical game studio—or what some might simply call, a Forge studio.



Across multiple teams (Forgers, Scripters, and Graphic Designers) we all work together to create the absolute best Forge experiences we possibly can. Each team has a lead to ensure we are always releasing quality content and renders. The best places to find us are <a href="https://discord.com/invite/FhqSHJesy4">Discord</a> and <a href="https://x.com/TheForgeFalcons">Twitter</a>.



How did your great journey with Halo start?



Individually, it has varied from the release of Halo: CE up to Halo: Reach. But our love for the franchise has grown ever since.



Our journey as a team started on November 1, 2022. How did this come to be? Well, we all really love making things and we of course love Halo and there was a clear opportunity for us to create a Forge based studio, and build a community around that and the content we make. But more importantly, we wanted to provide great experiences for the players and contribute to the franchise we love.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons3.jpg" alt="Forge Falcons art depicting four Spartans" class="wp-image-119768" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons3.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons3-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons3-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Let’s talk Forge. Tell us about your experience with Forge over the years. Did you begin with Halo 3 when the tool was more of a level editor, or did you jump into the mode in more recent years?



As a team, we obviously started with Halo Infinite‘s Forge, but individually, the majority of us started with Halo 3, while some of us started with Halo: Reach.



Forge has come a long way since the early days, especially in regards to what is actually possible with the experiences you can make—mainly because of the Node Graph in Halo Infinite and the ability to add Campaign AI. So, for players that might only be starting out with Halo Infinite, you genuinely have an almost infinite playground.



Do you remember what your first ever Forge creation was? Personally, I can vividly recall messing around on Last Resort in Halo 3 and finding out that throwing deployable cover into a gravity lift would make the large crate fly into the air while I was inside it.



The first experience we made as a team was Survive the Undead, which of course is why we’re here today! But going all the way back to the days of Reach, many of us remember messing around with fusion coils—making it rain with fusion coils, making a battleship-type map with cannons that people can use… Back then, that was considered impressive. It was fourteen years ago to be fair, but we will always remember stuff like that.



How has it felt to have the Halo community playing your maps and experiences in matchmaking?



Having the community play our experiences we have spent thousands of hours on feels good, that’s why you make things, right? For people to play them, and getting your maps into matchmaking is the best way to do that in Halo Infinite.



As it’s an entirely new experience we’re making, we never expected it to go into matchmaking. But for it to actually go in, get its own playlist, and do extremely well with the community… it’s an extremely good feeling.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons4.jpg" alt="Forge Falcons art depicting a Sangheili Ultra with the Banished symbol" class="wp-image-119782" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons4.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons4-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons4-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons4-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons4-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons4-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



What’s the origin story for the Forge Falcons? How did this group come together and develop to not just encompass people passionate about Forge, but graphic designers as well?



When I originally created The Forge Falcons, I wanted to create exceptional experiences that required a well-coordinated, skilled, and passionate team.



If you look at anything we have made since our inception, it can’t be made by any one person, at least in a reasonable amount of time. And I guess I wasn’t aware of just how many people had that same mindset, about wanting to create amazing things with a team that follows a studio-like structure.



Unsurprisingly, we found folks with graphic design skills  that are just as passionate and skilled as the Fforgers, so now we have an incredible team that all work well with each other and understand the vision of the studio.



Where do you begin when looking to design a map—whether that’s a functional multiplayer arena or more of a specific experience?



We have had many meetings and discussions about what experiences we should make, so the process really starts at the concept phase. What do players want, what would do well with players, and most importantly what are we most passionate about?



From there, the team leads take that concept, talk with their teams, and get a plan together for what direction they want to take it. Then the blockout gets made before anything to make sure we’re happy with it and that it is budget friendly. After that, we get the scripts done, tested, and then it’s onto art. Sometimes in odd cases, like with Helljumpers, there will be crossover with blockout, scripts and art all at once if it’s best for the direction we’re taking it and the deadlines we’re aiming to hit.



Do you have a favorite map or experience that you’ve created as a team?



This has to go to Survive the Undead. This experience has come a really long way since it was originally released, from its origin leveraging bots to now with fully realized campaign AI and bosses. We’ve always had fun working on Survive the Undead and that probably shows in the amount of maps we have created for it. If players love it in matchmaking and it has its own playlist like it currently does, then we will be more than willing to make new maps and even mode variants down the line to really beef the playlist up.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1350" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons5.jpg" alt="Forge Falcons art depicting four Spartans surrounded by Jega 'Rdomnai, two Sangheili, and Escharum looming over them in the background" class="wp-image-119796" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons5.jpg 1080w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons5-240x300.jpg 240w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons5-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons5-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



On the graphic design front, where do you begin when putting together the amazing imagery for these maps and experiences?



From the beginning, it was always about supporting the talent that the Forgers pour into their creations. At the same time, since we are based in Halo Infinite, we want to adhere to designs that 343 established so everything feels cohesive.



To do that consistently, I draw up a creative brief that gives direction for our other artists and allows for some consistency, regardless of who is making what. Aside from that, artists have creative freedom to do what they think best amplifies the work done by the Forgers. Most often, that involves finding noteworthy spots in their maps that we would want to showcase front and center.



Do you have a favorite piece you’ve made for a Forge Falcons experience? Why that particular piece?



It’s really tough to pick just one. The thumbnails for Survive the Undead were some of the first things I made for The Forge Falcons before we onboarded other artists, so those were fun in the sense that we didn’t have an overall tone set in place, and we were exploring what that would eventually be. But my favorite might just be the content for Helljumpers that was recently shown off at the 2024 Halo World Championship event!



What advice would you give to folks who are interested in trying out Forge but might feel unsure of where to start? What are some of the fundamental things you think those people should know?



For anyone wanting to learn Forge, always start out small and don’t commit to something you know you can’t do yet. Build up slowly, build confidence in your work and your workflow, and take it from there.



One thing every Forger should keep in mind is performance. Forge can get very unoptimized at times and it’s down to the Forger to manage that; cut back in places that aren’t as noticeable and really make sure players have a good experience before anything else.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons2.jpg" alt="Forge Falcons art depicting a Spartan and Sangheili with a red energy sword" class="wp-image-119754" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons2.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons2-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



If you could issue a challenge to the community, what’s something you’d like to see people make in Forge?



If we could challenge the community to make something, it would be more experiences like Warzone, Invasion, Rush (Battlefield), and any crazy stuff like that. We do know that Okom and co are working on a Warzone experience and the HaloFunTime folks are cooking up Forge World. So that’s always awesome to see.



Who are some of the Forgers out there that have inspired you?



Forgers that inspired us would be people like: Nightavenger01, InfiniteForges, Paimon and RedNomster. Incredible artists and creatives, if anyone reading this hasn’t checked them out, please do.



Forge has come a long way—both over the years as a whole and also as it has continued to be supported in Halo Infinite. As Forgers, are there any further wishlist items you have for what you’d like to see implemented into this mode in the future?



Forge has certainly come a long way, but there are for sure some features we’d love to see added that would take the tool to the next level. Most notably is a Saving Device or something of the sort (allow the players to save their progress across multiple games via the cloud), and of course, a real landscape tool that allows us to make fully custom terrain.



Those two features would effectively take Forge from an advanced player tool to a full-on dev tool at that point.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1906" height="1068" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons1.jpg" alt="Forge Falcons image for the Halo World Championship 2024 Forge panel showing a Spartan and Monitor" class="wp-image-119740" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons1.jpg 1906w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons1-300x168.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons1-1024x574.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons1-768x430.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons1-1536x861.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons1-1568x879.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1906px) 100vw, 1906px" /></figure>



Do you have any hints about cool maps and experiences you might be looking to build in the future?



Aside from maps we’d be willing to make for Survive the Undead in matchmaking, the biggest one we’re working on—and one people would have got a good look at during our Forge Panel at HaloWC earlier this month—is none other than Helljumpers. It is by far our biggest and most ambitious experience and we cannot wait for people to finally play it on October 25.



Outside of Forge, do you have any other areas of the franchise that you really gravitate towards—whether that’s the campaign and fiction, multiplayer, and so on?



We all love Halo, from the games to the books, and beyond. Campaign is of course a favorite, for the majority of us it’s a big draw to Halo. Whenever any of us pick up a new Halo game at launch, the first thing we are doing is playing through the campaign before anything else.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons6.jpg" alt="Forge Falcons art for the Helljumper experience depicting ODSTs and Banished" class="wp-image-119811" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons6.jpg 1080w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons6-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons6-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons6-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/ForgeFalcons6-768x768.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



Thank you very much for joining us for this issue of the Community Corner! Do you have any parting words to share?



Thank you for having us (again!), we really enjoyed answering all of these questions and giving people even more insight into what we do and who we are.



We want to thank the Halo community for supporting us through all of our projects, it means the world to us, truly. And we want to thank 343 for their close collaboration with our team to put on an awesome panel and to get Survive the Undead into a really solid state.



Working with 343 has been a pleasure and we hope we can do it again in the future to bring more of our experiences to matchmaking!



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Don’t forget you can <a href="https://discord.com/invite/FhqSHJesy4">join the Discord group for The Forge Falcons</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/TheForgeFalcons">follow them on Twitter</a>!

Alex Wakeford

Community Corner: The Forge Falcons

Games

Haloween Operation Launch

Survive the Undead is the first Community created playlist to go from <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/combat-workshop-survive-the-undead">Combat Workshop</a> to Playlist and it’s just in time for Haloween!



You can <a href="https://aka.ms/HaloweenOperationLaunch">read a bit more about the Forge Falcons and how Survive the Undead came to life over here</a><a>. </a>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-huge-font-size" style="text-transform:uppercase">Objective: Survive</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_002-6704753e15fd6.jpg" alt="Survive the Undead map for Halo Infinite, created in Forge" class="wp-image-120517" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_002-6704753e15fd6.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_002-6704753e15fd6-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_002-6704753e15fd6-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_002-6704753e15fd6-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_002-6704753e15fd6-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_002-6704753e15fd6-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



By now, we all know what Infection is. You vs the horde that’s trying to infect you so you become one of them. Usually round based, the game ends once all Spartans are infected or until there’s a lone survivor able to fend off the constant attacks.



Survive the Undead puts a slight twist on the typical Infection and makes it a more linear experience. And, as the name implies, the idea is to beat the waves of infected and simply survive as long as you can. The rounds start off simple and get progressively more difficult, with points awarded for each round cleared and each kill. Spend your earned points wisely…or go ham on the mystery box (my personal favorite – who doesn’t love surprises?) and then regroup and get ready for the next round!



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-huge-font-size" style="text-transform:uppercase">Survival Handbook</h2>



Looking for some pointers? Straight from the Forge Falcons comes this guide to ensure you have the best chance possible to survive the undead.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_007.jpg" alt="Survive the Undead map for Halo Infinite, created in Forge" class="wp-image-120531" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_007.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_007-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_007-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_007-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_007-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_007-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



PERKS



The three perks are Health, Damage, and Speed. There are 4 tiers per perk and each tier costs 600 points. All perks reset upon death and must be repurchased.



Health Perk



<ul>
<li>Tier 1: 25% Health Increase</li>



<li>Tier 2: 10% Health Increase</li>



<li>Tier 3: 5% Health Increase</li>



<li>Tier 4: Vampirism</li>
</ul>



Speed Perk



<ul>
<li>Tier 1: 100% Reload Speed Increase + 10% Movement Speed</li>



<li>Tier 2: 50% Melee Recovery + 10% Movement Speed</li>



<li>Tier 3: 10% Movement Speed + 10% Slide Speed</li>



<li>Tier 4: 10% Movement Speed + 10% Sprint Speed</li>
</ul>



Damage Perk



<ul>
<li>Tier 1: 100% Damage Increase</li>



<li>Tier 2: 100% Damage Increase</li>



<li>Tier 3: 100% Damage Increase + 100% Melee Impulse</li>



<li>Tier 4: 100% Damage Increase + 50% Melee Damage</li>
</ul>



BONUS DROPS



There are four bonus drops that have a chance to appear when killing enemies: Boom, Spray & Pray, Mounted & Loaded, and Score Attack. These drops are announced by voice lines matching their names.



Boom



<ul>
<li>Effect: Instantly kills all AI, granting each player 400 points. Benefits from Score Attack.</li>



<li>Strategy: Use when in dire need.</li>
</ul>



Spray & Pray



<ul>
<li>Effect: Removes shields from all enemies, making them one-shot kills for 30 seconds.</li>



<li>Strategy: Ideal against bosses.</li>
</ul>



Mounted & Loaded



<ul>
<li>Effect: Refills ammo for all players.</li>



<li>Strategy: Use when team ammo is critically low.</li>
</ul>



Score Attack



<ul>
<li>Effect: Doubles points from kills for 30 seconds; effects stack. Also, keep in mind that this drop affects the points granted from the Boom drop.</li>



<li>Strategy: Collect immediately for maximum benefit.</li>
</ul>



PLAYER BUY BACK



The Player Buy Back (650 points) is located in the spawn room and revives fallen allies, granting the activating player an overshield. It only works if allies are down.



AMMUNITION WALL BUY



The Ammunition Wall Buy (350 points) is in the spawn room on all maps, it has the ‘ammunition’ nav marker and refills the activator’s ammo. It can be used even with full ammo, so check before buying.



POINT SHARING WALL BUY



The Point Sharing Wall Buy is located in the 2nd territory on all maps, it has the ‘points’ nav marker and allows players to share points. It costs 2,000 points to use and it will split the 2,000 points between all players in the game. For example: A team of 2 players receives 1,000 points each. A team of4 players receive 500 each.



RANDOM WEAPON BOX



The Random Weapon Box is located in either the 2nd territory or 3rd territory depending on the map, it is the red banished looking box. It costs 300 points and will grant players a random weapon.



WEAPON UPGRADE MACHINE



The Weapon Upgrade Machine has received an overhaul since the combat workshop, it will now take the weapon you have and upgrade that weapon with other combinations. It costs 1,000 points and can be found in the spawn room on all maps. It will also have the ‘Upgrade’ nav marker.



WEAPON & EQUIPMENT WALL BUYS



Wall buys offer weapons or equipment at displayed prices. Ammo can be refilled via the ammunition wall buy, the Mounted & Loaded drop, or by rebuying the weapon.



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_009.jpg" alt="Survive the Undead map for Halo Infinite, created in Forge" class="wp-image-120545" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_009.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_009-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_009-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_009-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_009-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/hw_map_009-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



In the Combat Workshop, there was only one map available to you. Now that the playlist has hit the big time, there are multiple options in the playlist:



<ul>
<li>Installation of the Dead</li>



<li>Night of the Undead</li>



<li>Countdown of the Dead</li>
</ul>



Squad up, watch each other’s backs, and maybe you’ll survive the undead.

snickerdoodle

Survive the Undead

Community Update

Prior to the climactic conclusion of the 2024 Halo World Championship, we offered a glimpse of the future of Halo as the franchise and studio turns the page to begin a new chapter.



We are Halo Studios, and a new dawn is breaking as the future of Halo is being built with Unreal Engine 5. Join members of the Halo Studios team to learn more in this behind-the-scenes video:



<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDgR1FRJnF8">HALO | A NEW DAWN</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDgR1FRJnF8"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Video.jpg" alt="Click here to view A New Dawn video" class="wp-image-120322" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Video.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Video-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Video-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Video-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Video-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Video-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



“If you really break Halo down, there have been two very distinct chapters. Chapter 1 – Bungie. Chapter 2 – 343 Industries. Now, I think we have an audience which is hungry for more. So we’re not just going to try improve the efficiency of development, but change the recipe of how we make Halo games. So, we start a new chapter today.” ~ Pierre Hintze, Studio Head



To hear more from Pierre Hintze, Elizabeth Van Wyck, and Chris Matthews, visit Xbox Wire: <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2024/10/06/halo-studios-unreal-engine-interview/">Halo Studios: New Name, New Engine, New Games, New Philosophy</a>



A key step in our path for the future is Project Foundry. Neither a game nor a tech demo, Foundry represents our multi-discipline research and reflection on what is required to build Halo in Unreal, while also serving as a training tool for our development process going forwards.



This is the foundation for how we are changing the recipe for how we make Halo games.



In the video linked above, you will see old and new elements of Halo brought to life, exploring just how far we can push these environments. The classic Pacific Northwest landscape that has served as a familiar hallmark and stunning backdrop to many adventures over the years.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://aka.ms/HaloFoundry4K"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_PNW.jpg" alt="Project Foundry image of a Pacific Northwest-themed environment surrounding a Forerunner beam emitter" class="wp-image-120308" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_PNW.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_PNW-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_PNW-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_PNW-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_PNW-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_PNW-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



The deep freeze of the Coldlands, where a Forerunner beam emitter stands amidst snow-covered plateaus and the environment is reflected in great fields of ice.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://aka.ms/HaloFoundry4K"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Coldlands.jpg" alt="Project Foundry image of a Forerunner beam emitter in an environment of snow and ice with the band of the Halo ring silhouetted against a gas giant and moon" class="wp-image-120266" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Coldlands.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Coldlands-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Coldlands-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Coldlands-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Coldlands-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Coldlands-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



And the Blightlands, where we bear witness to a place that has been consumed by the Flood—the virulent parasite that is the reason why the Halo Array was built.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://aka.ms/HaloFoundry4K"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Blightlands.jpg" alt="Project Foundry image of a Forerunner beam emitter and environment that has been completely consumed by the Flood" class="wp-image-120224" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Blightlands.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Blightlands-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Blightlands-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Blightlands-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Blightlands-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Blightlands-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



And at the center of the action, we see the Master Chief clad in his iconic MJOLNIR Mark V armor facing off against an Energy Sword-wielding Elite, ready to finish the fight.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://aka.ms/HaloFoundry4K"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_ChiefVsElite.jpg" alt="Project Foundry image of the Master Chief holding an M6D Magnum facing off against a Sangheili wielding an Energy Sword" class="wp-image-120252" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_ChiefVsElite.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_ChiefVsElite-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_ChiefVsElite-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_ChiefVsElite-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_ChiefVsElite-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_ChiefVsElite-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



This gives us a glimpse at the sheer level of fidelity we are able to realize when bringing both new and legacy assets to life, such as the M6D Magnum.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://aka.ms/HaloFoundry4K"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Magnum.jpg" alt="Project Foundry image of a close-up on the M6D Magnum" class="wp-image-120280" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Magnum.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Magnum-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Magnum-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Magnum-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Magnum-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_Magnum-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



This is just the first step in our transformation as a studio as we have worked to change our structure, our processes in how we build our games, the technology powering those games, and our culture of how we work together.



We are working on multiple projects and looking to grow our team as we build the next generation of Halo with Unreal Engine and deliver stories of hope and heroism, alien worlds of wonder and mystery, and unforgettable experiences with your fireteam of friends and family.



Stay up to date by following us on LinkedIn, and visit Microsoft Careers to learn more about how you can help us forge the future of Halo and apply to open roles.



<a href="http://aka.ms/halojobs">JOIN HALO STUDIOS</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/halo-foundryue5-bb6690d90c204266b76244eff4f9890a.zip"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_ChiefSword.jpg" alt="Project Foundry image of the Master Chief wielding an Energy Sword" class="wp-image-120238" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_ChiefSword.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_ChiefSword-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_ChiefSword-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_ChiefSword-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_ChiefSword-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/Foundry_ChiefSword-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>

343 INDUSTRIES

A New Dawn

Esports

Road to HaloWC 2024

Feet First into Fall

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<ul>
<li>Bazaar</li>



<li>Curfew</li>



<li>Illusion</li>



<li>Live Fire</li>



<li>Kiken’na</li>



<li>Solution</li>



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



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

One Shot Slayer

Fiction

Halo: Venezian Sonata

Forge Features

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



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



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



Credits: Zaddy Hammer, The Xzamplez <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/93c10991-6e5c-4cf9-91f2-03bc40329a05">Bookmark</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Beneath_Waypoint.jpg" alt="Beneath - an ethereal map created in Halo Infinite's Forge tool." class="wp-image-119119" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Beneath_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Beneath_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Beneath_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Beneath_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Beneath_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Beneath_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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



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



Credits: bullet2thehead9, MikRips, DISTORTED JAKAL, Mr Greencastle <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/c61aa8f0-d6d3-4ee7-b6ed-704d922fafa7">Bookmark</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Conjurer_Waypoint.jpg" alt="Conjurer - a reimagining of Wizard from Halo C E, created in Halo Infinite's Forge." class="wp-image-119133" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Conjurer_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Conjurer_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Conjurer_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Conjurer_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Conjurer_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Conjurer_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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



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



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



Credits: SilvervioletX98 <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4d7632b7-6511-4a52-aafd-825c7fa77d8a">Bookmark</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/9ffdeb92-4b35-4023-840e-c5c79517ae9d">Firefight Bookmark</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Borealis_Waypoint.jpg" alt="Borealis - A B T B map inspired by Halo C E with a borealis in the sky created in Halo Infinite's Forge." class="wp-image-119147" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Borealis_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Borealis_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Borealis_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Borealis_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Borealis_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/Borealis_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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



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



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



Credits: nkdape <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/54cb69c3-9f60-4061-85c4-0ab3da4d234a">Bookmark</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/HacksawCanyon_Waypoint.jpg" alt="Hacksaw Canyon - a map created in Halo Infinite Forge." class="wp-image-119161" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/HacksawCanyon_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/HacksawCanyon_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/HacksawCanyon_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/HacksawCanyon_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/HacksawCanyon_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/09/HacksawCanyon_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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