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Esports

It’s 2024 and you know what that means – Year 3 of Halo Infinite HCS is right around the corner and if it’s anything like what the last two years have been like then we’re all in for a big treat. New events, new rosters, and new opportunities for the world’s greatest Halo players to etch their names into the competitive Halo history books.



Coming off a historic Year 2, we can’t help but feel immensely grateful for all of the players and fans of competitive Halo and HCS. To everyone who plays in the Ranked Playlists, those who watch every event, the pros that put on an amazing show, and all of our partners – thank you.



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



For Year 3 of HCS we’ve decided to stay close to the tried-and-true format that Halo’s always had with open events where teams earn points that ultimately help them qualify for the Halo World Championship. Last year you might remember that we hosted Global Invitationals where only 16 teams were able to compete. For Year 3, every event before the Halo World Championship is a Major. This means there will be an open bracket and any team can sign up and compete. Ultimately, we felt leaning into competitive Halo’s roots where the entire community was brought under one roof was best for the league.



Last year we also experimented with events hosted by teams with OpTic and Spacestation. Response from fans was amazing as these teams brought us into their home turf and put on great events. For Year 3, we’ve decided to double down on this – literally. Each event leading up to HaloWC 2024 will now be hosted by a partnered team – OpTic, Quadrant, FaZe, and Spacestation. We can’t wait to work with each of these teams to put on a spectacle for all fans to enjoy.



As with last year, tournament administration will be manage by HCS and Esports Engine and not the teams to avoid conflict of interest.



To see more details about the format and rules – see the HCS 2024 Handbook here: <a href="https://aka.ms/2024handbook">https://aka.ms/2024handbook</a>



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



Here’s a look at the events calendar for HCS Year 3.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HCS-2024-Roadmap-FAZE-UPDATE-2-66454eae1c4bf-1024x576.png" alt="HCS 2024 Roadmap" class="wp-image-106533" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HCS-2024-Roadmap-FAZE-UPDATE-2-66454eae1c4bf-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HCS-2024-Roadmap-FAZE-UPDATE-2-66454eae1c4bf-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HCS-2024-Roadmap-FAZE-UPDATE-2-66454eae1c4bf-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HCS-2024-Roadmap-FAZE-UPDATE-2-66454eae1c4bf-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HCS-2024-Roadmap-FAZE-UPDATE-2-66454eae1c4bf-2048x1152.png 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HCS-2024-Roadmap-FAZE-UPDATE-2-66454eae1c4bf-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



As you can see, we’re spreading the love further than Year 2 with the first Halo Infinite Major in Europe, hosted by Quadrant. We cannot wait to see you all there!



As always, there will be online events and qualifiers for each of the 4 regions – see full list of dates below.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Online Dates</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>NA <s>Feb 3-4: Open Feb 9-10: Open Feb 17-18: Open Feb 24-25: Major Qualifier</s> <s>Apr 21, Apr 25: Open Apr 27-28: Open May 5, May 9: Open May 11-12: Major Qualifier</s> <s>June 9, June 13: Open June 16, June 20: Open June 23, June 27: Open</s> <s>June 29-30: Major Qualifier</s> Aug 10-11: Open Aug 17-18: Open Aug 21-22: Open Aug 24-25: Major Qualifier</td><td>EU <s>Feb 4: Open Feb 10: Open Feb 18: Open Feb 25: Major Qualifier</s> <s>Apr 21: Open Apr 28: Open May 5: Open May 12: Major Qualifier</s> <s>June 9: Open June 16: Open June 23: Open</s> <s>June 30: Major Qualifier</s> Aug 11: Open Aug 18: Open Aug 22: Open Aug 25: Major Qualifier</td><td>MX <s>Feb 4: Open Feb 10: Open Feb 18: Open Feb 25: Open Championship</s> <s>Apr 21: Open Apr 28: Open May 5: Open May 12: Open Championship</s> <s>June 9: Open June 16: Open June 23: Open</s> <s>June 30: Open Championship</s> Aug 11: Open Aug 18: Open Aug 22: Open Aug 25: Major Qualifier</td><td>ANZ <s>Feb 4: Open Feb 10: Open Feb 18: Open Feb 25: Open Championship</s> <s>Apr 21: Open Apr 28: Open May 5: Open May 12: Open Championship</s> <s>June 9: Open June 16: Open June 23: Open</s> <s>June 30: Open Championship </s> Aug 11: Open Aug 18: Open Aug 22: Open Aug 25: Major Qualifier</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Register Now on FACEIT</h2>





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



Once again HCS will be delivering over $2,000,000 in prizing to players across all events and breaks down as follows:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Majors: $250,000 HaloWC: $1,000,000 Online: $66,000</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



That’s not all of course as each Major will also feature a $5,000 FFA as well as $5,000 in side events. And as usual we will be hosting the HaloWC FFA Finals with a prize pool of $25,000 once again.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHERE TO WATCH</h2>



In 2024, you’ll be able to watch all official HCS events live on Twitch and YouTube.



Primary streams:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/halo">Twitch.tv/Halo</a> <a href="mailto:YouTube.com/@HaloEsportsHCS">YouTube.com/@HaloEsportsHCS</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



And for events with multiple streams, we’ll be using these channels:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/hcs">Twitch.tv/HCS</a> <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/hcs_red">Twitch.tv/HCS_Red</a> <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/hcs_blue">Twitch.tv/HCS_Blue</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



(Note: These extra streams will be broadcasts within the main YouTube channel above as usual)



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Map and Mode Rotation</h2>



Here’s a look at the map and mode rotation for the start of Year 3 in HCS:



April 23rd Update: Solitude Strongholds has been replaced by Interference Strongholds. (<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/interference-update">Read more about Interference</a>, a remake of The Rig from Halo 5.)



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>SLAYER Aquarius – Ranked Live Fire – Ranked Recharge – Ranked Solitude – Ranked Streets – Ranked </td><td>CTF Aquarius – Ranked Argyle – Ranked Empyrean – Ranked Forbidden – Ranked</td><td>KING OF THE HILL Live Fire – Ranked Recharge – Ranked Solitude – Ranked</td><td>ODDBALL Live Fire – Ranked Recharge – Ranked Streets – Ranked </td><td>STRONGHOLDS Live Fire – Ranked Recharge – Ranked Interference</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Extraction: We were hopeful to have Extraction ready for Year 3 HCS in time for the start of the season, but it needs a bit more work first. We’re looking to make updates to the mode based on player feedback and aim to reintroduce into Ranked / HCS later this year. Be on the lookout for more information in the coming months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Year 1 Launch Unlocked Bundles</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="568" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FEQhcxqXoAoPrO6-1024x568.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90720" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FEQhcxqXoAoPrO6-1024x568.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FEQhcxqXoAoPrO6-300x166.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FEQhcxqXoAoPrO6-768x426.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FEQhcxqXoAoPrO6-1536x852.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FEQhcxqXoAoPrO6-2048x1136.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/FEQhcxqXoAoPrO6-1568x870.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



When Halo Infinite launched we released all-new bundles for each team and then vaulted them just months later. Well, after much demand, they are back but with some huge improvements! The armor and weapon kits have been unlocked which means you can now customize with these coatings for the first time ever. Additionally, they are all now multi-use which means you can wear the amor, visors, or weapon coatings on any armor, helmet, or UNSC weapon. This bundle will be available in the HCS Shop starting on Jan 30. If you already purchased this bundle when Halo Infinite first released, the content will be applied retroactively, including those for teams no longer in the HCS.



These bundles have only be released for teams that are still in the HCS – FaZe Clan, OpTic Gaming, Sentinels, Spacestation Gaming, and Cloud9. We thank them for their ongoing support for Halo esports!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Year 3 Launch Bundles</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/image-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-90706" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/image-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/image-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/image-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/image-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/image-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/image.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Just in time for Year 3 we’ve got a brand new bundle with all-new designs coming to you on Jan 30 as well. This bundle will feature new multi-use armor coatings as well as visor. These have been created by the teams themselves and features their unique branding. On top of this, we’re excited to introduce the first of three of a new collection of weapon models with the Dracon Bandit which will of course work with the original Bandit and Bandit EVO. The remaining Grim Reaper and Extermination weapon models will be available later in the HCS season.



The only way to get this Dracon Bandit is to support one of the teams and purchase their bundle. Keep in mind that the majority of the profits go to the partnered teams and this helps maintain their involvement in the Halo ecosystem. Thank you for your support!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you</h2>



Thank you once again for all of the support of Halo esports and the Halo Championship series. Be sure to follow <a href="https://twitter.com/hcs">@HCS</a> on X and an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWRlMArGqt607LYdhlrrYVA" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWRlMArGqt607LYdhlrrYVA">@HaloEsportsHCS</a> on YouTube to ensure you’re not missing any of the action!



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Official HCS

HCS 2024 Roadmap

Alyek Cosplay

Community

Community Spotlight

It’s January 2024, which must mean that it’s time for a new issue of the Community Corner—the blog series where we spotlight and interview some of the fine folks in the Halo community.



Last time, <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/community-corner-aimee-saturne">we had a fireside chat with GCustomsCreations</a> about the incredible custom, hand-sculpted Halo figures he makes.



Kicking off this year, we’re joined by Halo Grassroots member and streamer Alyek to learn about her personal journey with the Halo series and memorable moments at community events.



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



Welcome, Alyek! Thank you very much for taking the time to kick off 2024’s first issue of the Community Corner with us. For those who may not know you, please introduce yourself—who are you, what do you do as part of the Halo community, and where can we find you online?



Exciting, thank you for having me! Hi I’m Alyek, I’m a full-time content creator on Twitch and I love Halo.



I’m currently part of the Halo Grassroots Program so you’ll see me on multiple playdates. You can also find me honing my hosting skills with LVT during Halo events, and when on my own stream I love running matchmaking with the community. We’ve been loving the Squad Battles and Halo 3 Refueled playlists a lot, but I always set some time down for ranked. Although, I often mix it up and play a variety of games too.



Oh and you can find me on <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/alyek">twitch.tv/alyek</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/alyekly">@alyekly</a> on all socials.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1938" height="1443" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_HWC2.jpg" alt="Photograph of Alyek at the Halo World Championship" class="wp-image-90605" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_HWC2.jpg 1938w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_HWC2-300x223.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_HWC2-1024x762.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_HWC2-768x572.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_HWC2-1536x1144.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_HWC2-1568x1168.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1938px) 100vw, 1938px" /></figure>



How did your great journey with Halo begin?



It all started when my mom randomly walked into our living room with the Halo: Combat Evolved box because some guy at a store said it was really good and she wanted to play with my brothers and I (yes, my mom is a gamer too!)



I remember thinking the green guy on the box was weird and thought I wasn’t going to like it, and man… was I in for a treat! After that, I’ve never really stopped playing. There are a lot of core family memories thanks to Halo.



Are there any specific areas of the series that you really gravitate towards—campaign and story, multiplayer, expanded universe stuff, Forge, etc?



I love both campaign and multiplayer experiences! I’m a huge fan of the old campaigns and right now I’m definitely more of a matchmaking kid—I crave winning games in ranked and just messing around in social and/or customs with people and friends.



I know you like to dabble in cosplay as well. Which Halo characters have you cosplayed and who would you love to suit up as in the future?



Yes! I love making characters come to life! I cosplayed Cortana for the Halo Infinite launch and Miranda Keyes just recently at the Halo Worlds Championship 2023 for the Halo-ween Showdown.



In the future I’d love to cosplay the Weapon and play around with her fun, youthful energy. Hoping I get to see myself in a Spartan suit one day.





Who are some of your favorite Halo characters and why? (I know that we both share a lot of love for the underappreciated Miranda Keyes!)



Were it so easy. Yes, Miranda Keyes is so cool, plus I find her voice very iconic to Halo. I really wish her story would’ve continued.



My favorite character though is definitely the Arbiter. I loved being able to watch his arc in the early campaigns. I loved the idea of humans and “aliens” (the Covenant) being enemies, but end up working together. I also found his eventual friendship with Master Chief so awkward, unique, and hilarious at times.



What’s your favorite helmet in Halo and why?



My favorite helmet is probably the Halo 3 Recon helmet. It’s what my spartan would be wearing right now in Halo Infinite if I could.



I also love the ODST helmet, I can’t look at it without hearing the glorious Halo 3: ODST music…



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/recon.jpg" alt="Halo 3 screenshot of a Spartan with the Recon helmet on Guardian" class="wp-image-90661" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/recon.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/recon-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/recon-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/recon-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/recon-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/recon-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



I had the pleasure of meeting you at the Halo World Championship last October—hard to believe that was already two months ago! What does the esports side of Halo mean to you?



Wow yes, time does fly by! I grew up with Halo as my competitive shooter. It was also the game that made me discover esports even existed.



Once upon a time, I desired to compete, followed MLG, and I did play in local LANs at the time, but now I just enjoy watching Halo and learning from the pros for fun. There’s nothing like watching Halo. I’d love to continue to combine my passion for entertainment and Halo in a professional setting; I’ve been loving hosting on LVT broadcasts recently and want to continue evolving this new skill, it’s been pretty addictive!



Halo has fans all over the world, with talents ranging across the creative spectrum. As a member of the LATAM community as well, are there any fellow Spartans you’d want to highlight here?



Yes! The LATAM community has so many content creator gems I’d love for you all to check out. <a href="https://twitter.com/Extremebreaker1">ExtremeBreaker</a>, the funniest Spanish-speaking stream I’ve ever tuned into. <a href="https://twitter.com/lBlodreina">iBlodreina</a> is insanely good at Halo. She even got Top 4 placement in the MX HCS region! She’s super fun, genuine and so competitive. I have so much to learn from her! <a href="https://twitter.com/ArturBloodshot">ArturBlodshot</a>, part of the Forge Council and LATAM Community Ambassador. And let’s not forget, <a href="https://twitter.com/Beautoriaa">Beautoria</a>! She’s so good at Halo and is so fun to hangout with on stream. She received Twitch Partner last year, and also shares my love for DragonBall Z! Others to check out: <a href="https://twitter.com/MatafiedGaming">MATAFIED Gaming</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/nobleprimado">NoblePrimado</a>, but there’s so many more I’m definitely forgetting and so many more I still need to meet!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1535" height="2048" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_Community.jpg" alt="Photograph of Alyek with community members at the Halo World Championship" class="wp-image-90507" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_Community.jpg 1535w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_Community-225x300.jpg 225w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_Community-768x1025.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_Community-1151x1536.jpg 1151w" sizes="(max-width: 1535px) 100vw, 1535px" /></figure>



What are some personal highlights you’ve had over the years as a member of the Halo community? Between the creators’ panel and meeting Keith David, I imagine last year had its share of memorable moments.



Honestly, standing on the mainstage and playing at the Halo World Championship surrounded by amazingly talented hosts, casters, and creators was so crazy to me. As a kid that grew up watching Halo events, talk about full circle! I loved it so much and felt so ready for that moment!



Also, meeting the voices of the Master Chief, Cortana, and the Arbiter all in the same room backstage had my little girl self dying inside (I maintained my composure as best I could… I think). Being a part of the Creator Panels is so special to me, I love being able to teach and share what I’ve learned on my wild ride as content creator so far. I’d also love to stand on that stage as a host one day.



Tell us a bit about your journey as a streamer over the years. How did you get started and how have things evolved for you over the years?



I landed a full-time job as an entertainer before I started streaming, it was one of my first auditions ever. I quickly fell in love with it and decided to combine my passion for entertainment and acting with my love for gaming.



I hadn’t played video games for a few years and missed the gaming community so much at the time. I started with chill games like Stardew Valley, then Warframe came along and that community adopted me so quickly—the team at Digital Extremes and the Warframe community hold a special place in my heart.



I always knew I wanted to play Halo again in the future, so when Halo Infinite came out I fully made the switch.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1636" height="2048" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_Community2.jpg" alt="Photograph of Alyek with three big fans of hers on the Halo World Championship's Community Stage (HiddenXperia, Oath, and UberNick)" class="wp-image-90521" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_Community2.jpg 1636w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_Community2-240x300.jpg 240w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_Community2-818x1024.jpg 818w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_Community2-768x961.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_Community2-1227x1536.jpg 1227w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_Community2-1568x1963.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1636px) 100vw, 1636px" /></figure>



What advice would you give to folks out there who may be starting their own journey with content creation?



Streaming and content creation is such a rollercoaster career. One minute you’re having the most amazing day of your life… and then the worst financial month of your career the next! You learn to work through it because you love it.



Starting and maintaining consistency is always the hardest though. Make a schedule, stick to it, but also try to be creative with the time you spend live. It can get easily tiring to do the same thing every day. The content creation space changes quickly, so it’s always important to be flexible and adapt new trends to yourself and your content. If you want to stand out, recreate trends that inspire you with your own unique voice and creativity. Oh man, I could go on. I’ll just leave this for now. On a future panel, ask me everything you want haha.



What’s your favorite Halo game in the series?



Halo 2 for campaign. Halo 3 multiplayer. And I think Halo Infinite is the best since Halo 3 and Reach.



Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.



I love languages and daydream about doing food and lifestyle travel content. I’m fluent in English and Spanish, and I taught myself to read and write Korean. I also took Mandarin, Japanese, and Italian in school, but don’t ask me to speak them because I already forgot…



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1776" height="1310" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_HWC1.jpg" alt="Photo of Alyek at the Halo World Championship" class="wp-image-90591" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_HWC1.jpg 1776w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_HWC1-300x221.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_HWC1-1024x755.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_HWC1-768x566.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_HWC1-1536x1133.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Alyek_HWC1-1568x1157.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1776px) 100vw, 1776px" /></figure>



Thank you again for giving us some of your time to chat, Alyek! Do you have any parting words to share?



Honored that you thought of me for this interview! Thank you and the Halo community for being so supportive of me in my adventure as a content creator and entertainer, I’ve seen all your comments in the chats.



I’m so excited to keep growing as a creator and hope you all join me for it. Excited to meet and say hi to any new peeps who read this blog!



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



You can find Alyek on <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/alyek">Twitch</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/alyekly">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/alyek">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alyekly/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@alyekly">TikTok</a>—go and give her a follow!

Alex Wakeford

Issue 012

Community Corner: Alyek

Fiction

Games

Halo Infinite

Intel

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



SCORRIN’S BLADE HYPERSCANNER RESULTS COLLATED BY SCANNERMASTER DIBDIB



BANISHED
DREADNOUGHT: GHOST OF BAROLON



ARMAMENT:



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



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



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



<li>40x scindere arrays</li>



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



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



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



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



>>REPORT CLOSED 



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



CURRENT STATUS MISSING IN ACTION



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



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



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



ONI // REAP-X R&D PRODUCTION NOTES 



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



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



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



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

343 INDUSTRIES

Halo Infinite | Reckoning Intel

Far_Galaxies08 Art

B324Obedience Art

Spotlight: January 16, 2024

Forge Features

New year, new Forge maps!



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Your in-game Halo tabletop adventures await!



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Keep on keepin’ on!

Community Cartography 024

Forge Features: January 12, 2024

“People of Reach, I bring you blessings…”



The Halo television series returns on February 8 exclusively on Paramount+, and we’ve got a new trailer that showcases the epic action to come.



<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="Halo The Series | Season 2 Official Trailer | Paramount+" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GBEgoaLZzXM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



“Master Chief John-117 leads his team of elite Spartans against the alien threat known as the Covenant. As humanity’s best hope for winning the war, John-117 discovers his deep connection to a mysterious alien structure that holds the key to humankind’s salvation, or its destruction—the Halo.”



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



Stream two episodes at premiere and a new episode every Thursday through March 21st.



<a href="https://www.paramountplus.com/">Get your Paramount+ free trial now and start streaming!</a>

Debrief 014

Silver Debrief: Season 2 Trailer

HCS Off-Season 2023

Happy new year! Just in time for Year 3 of HCS, we’ve made a
significant number of updates to the maps in Ranked Arena in an effort to
foster a stronger competitive balance, address player feedback, and breathe
some life into these maps many of which have had the same layout and stale meta
since the game’s launch. These changes are NOW LIVE in Ranked Arena and Custom
Games.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">All Maps:</h2>



<ul><li>Deleted many scenic dynamic objects: Many maps use small set pieces of scenery to immerse the player. These objects, however, have caused network-related instabilities that impact player movement on the map. (This excludes Forbidden which did not have scenic dynamic objects.)</li><li>“Red racked” equipment: Before today’s update, when a piece of equipment was picked up, a new one started spawning immediately. With this update, the equipment must be depleted of its charges or despawn in order for a new one to start spawning. This will reduce potential for imbalanced scenarios where equipment is stacked on an individual player or a team. At the same time, this will add an additional layer of strategy with players have more control over when the new equipment will spawn.</li><li>Custom Games: The ranked version of the maps now have their own file names in Custom Games with the naming convention of, “[MAP NAME] Ranked”. For example, “Live Fire Ranked”.</li></ul>



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



Aquarius was one of the maps we felt needed the biggest changes. There were items that were super valuable, and also items that were not valuable. Additionally, many CTF matches are ending on time instead of score, and we wanted to bring that in line with the other modes.



<ul><li>Weapon/Equipment Layout<ul><li>Swap BR and Commando placement.</li><li>Remove Thrusts from each courtyard, add one Thrust Top Middle (3 Charges)</li><li>Remove Sidekicks</li><li>Move Heatwave to Bottom Mid  </li><li>Remove Quantum Translocator </li><li>Overshield added to front P1  </li><li>Needler replaced with Plasma Pistol  </li><li>Dynamo Grenades replaced with Plasma Grenades  </li></ul></li></ul>



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



For Argyle, we needed to find ways to promote flag scoring so that games end on score vs time more often, as well as address some feedback around weapons on map.



<ul><li>Weapon/Equipment Layout<ul><li>S7 Sniper Rifle respawn timer increased from 2:00 to 2:30.</li><li>Removed Sniper-side window Bandit Evo</li><li>Remove Disruptor in PC / Screens area</li><li>Swap Sidekicks to Disruptor  </li></ul></li><li>Objective:  <ul><li>Flag Plate moved off base platform and towards front of the base</li></ul></li></ul>



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



We felt very few changes were needed to promote games ending on score instead of time for CTF, and to address some player feedback.



<ul><li>Weapon/Equipment Layout<ul><li>Removed Drop Wall </li><li>Removed Needlers </li><li>Swap Heatwave to Bulldog  </li></ul></li><li>Map<ul><li>Crates inside Flag area have been moved to the Plat wall to allow for additional viable flag routes.</li></ul></li></ul>



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



As a new map we only wanted to make sure the equipment charges were consistent across the whole ranked experience.



<ul><li>Weapon/Equipment Layout:<ul><li>Threat Seeker charged reduced from 2 to 1</li></ul></li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Live Fire</h2>



This was another map we felt needed the most amount of work in order to address feedback, improve the overall balance (including King of the Hill), and provide new gameplay challenges for players and teams to learn and solve.



<ul><li>Weapon/Map Layout:<ul><li>Quantum Translocator added Back Green  </li><li>Plasma Grenades Front Green where Repulsor spawned originally</li><li>Spike Grenades moved to Cuts  </li><li>Removed Needler </li><li>Removed Shroud Screen</li><li>Overshield replaced with Active Camo (2:30 respawn time)</li><li>Repulsor moved to Bottom Mid </li><li>Removed Heatwave </li></ul></li><li>King of the Hill:<ul><li>Removed hill surrounding Overshield (now Camo) </li><li>Added a new hill Bottom Bridge near Mud area </li><li>Moved hill in House area slightly towards Scoreboard area </li></ul></li></ul>



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



Much like Live Fire, Recharge was in need a larger overhaul to address balance issues and provide a fresh experience for players, particularly with King of the Hill.  



<ul><li>Weapon/Equipment Layout:<ul><li>Repulsor removed </li><li>Shroud added in Blue Pipes area </li><li>Moved Frag Grenades from Red Pipes to Turbine area </li><li>Removed Needler </li><li>Sidekick swapped with Battle Rifle</li><li>Disruptor swapped with Battle Rifle</li></ul></li><li>King of the Hill<ul><li>Removed hill in Elevator area </li><li>Add new hill in Batteries area  </li><li>Created new hill rotation order :<ul><li>Batteries</li></ul><ul><li>Blue Pipes</li></ul><ul><li>Turbine</li></ul><ul><li>C Platform</li></ul><ul><li>Bottom Middle</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Spawns<ul><li>Deleted Respawn Point on Grappleshot Ledge  </li></ul></li></ul>



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



For Streets, most of the feedback stemmed from the feeling of there being too much power on the map in the form of strong weapons in more ideal to use locations. We wanted to address that feedback while also again providing new ways for players and teams to play on the map.



<ul><li>Weapon/Equipment Layout<ul><li>Rocket Launcher swapped with Camo (spawns 30 seconds into match)</li><li>Bandit EVO removed from B-Stairs</li><li>Stalker Rifle moved to Red Room</li><li>Removed Threat Seeker</li><li>Shroud Screen moved to back A in original Threat Seeker location</li><li>Repulsor added to Driveway area in original Shroud Screen location</li><li>Threat Seeker swapped to Shroud Screen</li><li>Commando Rifle in Top A replaced by Battle Rifle</li><li>Bandit EVO in Café replaced by Commando Rifle</li></ul></li></ul>



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



The main objective with Solitude was to update King of the Hill to address balance and player feedback particularly around the “snow ball” effect on the map. 



<ul><li>Weapon/Equipment Layout<ul><li>S7 Sniper Rifle swapped Shock Rifle  </li></ul></li><li>King of the Hill <ul><li>Removed Top Middle hill   </li><li>Removed Bottom Dip hill </li><li>Added a new hill Bottom Middle</li><li>Added a new hill in Yard </li><li>Created new KOTH rotation order:<ul><li>Bottom Middle</li></ul><ul><li>Yard</li></ul><ul><li>Café Ramp</li></ul><ul><li>Driveway</li></ul><ul><li>Nest</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>



We hope these changes not only provide a fun new experience for all players in Ranked Arena to enjoy, but also a more competitive experience for HCS Year 3. For all things Halo Esports and Competitive Halo, be sure to follow <a href="https://twitter.com/HCS/">@HCS</a> on Twitter.

January 9 Ranked Arena Updates

F-23 FALCATA V/STOL HEAVY FIGHTER

Spartan Ops: Lancer

Canon Fodder

Issue 148

Canon Fodder: Fiction Festivities

WINTER CONTINGENCY III PRESS KIT

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



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



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



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



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



Take a look!



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



FIREFIGHT: KOTH (LEGENDARY)



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



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



Fight hard. Die well.



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



MATCH XP, CAREER RANK, & CHALLENGES



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



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



SQUAD BATTLE IN THE COMBAT WORKSHOP



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Winter Contingency III Operation Launch