Welcome to Blue Team, Spartans.

This legendary Spartan-II team has a prodigious combat record spanning well over two hundred military operations against all kinds of foes—from the colonial insurrection to the Covenant, and the many threats that have arisen in recent years.

While John-117, Fred-104, Kelly-087, and Linda-058 have typically been the primary members of Blue Team, the roster has evolved over time—and now it is time for you to join them.

Operation: Blue Team is live from March 11 to April 8, let’s explore what’s new!

FIREFIGHT CLASSIC

Bip, bap, bam! Classic Firefight returns in Operation: Blue Team.

You know the drill. Each new wave brings progressively more difficult Banished bad guys—five waves make up a round, three rounds (plus a bonus round) make a set. You can keep the party going for as long as you want. No, really, you could keep the good times rolling with your squad into next week if you really wanted to! Or—at the end of a set—head to the exfiltration zone and end the match.

Try not to die, as lives are limited, but you’ll be able to earn them back by successfully completing a bonus round.

Of course, a classic mode pairs nicely with some classic maps! Return to ONI’s headquarters in New Mombasa as Alpha Site and Security Zone from Halo 3: ODST return, along with SWORD Base’s Courtyard from Halo: Reach.

For more details, check out our Firefight Classic playlist blog.

Next wave’s coming in. Get ready, Spartans!

HOT SWAP

A Spartan must be prepared for anything—a sharpened tool able to react to any situation on the battlefield.

Hot Swap puts that to the ultimate test, as this team-based 4v4 mode switches up everybody’s loadout every thirty seconds—that means you, your teammates, and the enemy team. Maybe you’ll all get a rocket launcher, maybe you’ll get a plasma pistol. Whatever the situation you’ll have to adjust your role and strategy if you and your team mean to claim victory.

It's long been said that Halo’s gameplay is built on the foundation of cycling “thirty seconds of fun,” and that is what you will find at the heart of Hot Swap.

For the full debrief, head to our Hot Swap playlist blog.

OPERATION PASS

Front and center of this Operation Pass is Kelly-087, the fastest Spartan.

Exceptionally talented at reconnaissance and close-quarters combat, Kelly is known for her lightning-fast reflexes and ability to run at speeds of 40mph for extended periods. Recently, this killer queen has also developed a fondness for what is considered “classical” music in the 26th century.

Acquire Kelly-087's HERMES-class Mjolnir armor in the free 20-tier Operation Pass. The free pass is available to acquire and progress until the next Operation arrives on April 8. If you miss out or don't complete it before it rotates out, fret not - all of the free customization content will be available to acquire via Spartan Points in the Exchange at a later date.

Upgrade to the Premium Pass to acquire the Wintergeist armor coating to round out Kelly’s look. The Premium Pass comes with an additional Challenge Slot, bonus XP, and never expires. The Blue Team Premium Pass is available for purchase until April 8. Once purchased, it's yours to progress and complete at your leisure with no expiration. If you miss out on purchasing it before it rotates out, the Wintergeist armor coating will be available for purchase in the Shop at a later date.

Update March 13: This section has been edited for clarity regarding the status of the Free and Premium Operation Pass once the next Operation launches on April 8.

WAYPOINT CHRONICLE

Blue Team have arrived and they’re bringing with them a new Waypoint Chronicle!

Set in September 2559, just weeks before the events of Troy Denning’s novel Halo: Shadows of Reach, this Waypoint Chronicle takes place at the planet and space station seen in Halo Infinite’s “Step Inside” trailer as the GEN3 Mjolnir armor is completed.

“September 2559. As the UNSC Infinity’s crew prepare to return to Reach for Operation: WOLFE, the legendary Spartans of Blue Team field test their GEN3 Mjolnir armor alongside ODSTs of the Ninth Platoon.”

FREE UNLOCK: BLACK HISTORY MONTH BUNDLE

Missed your chance to claim last month's log-in unlock? The Black History Month Bundle can now be obtained for free in the Customization Menu. Simply select any Black History Month item within the Armor Hall to acquire the full bundle, featuring the Black History Month Armor Coating, Visor, and multiple Emblem sets.

THE EXCHANGE

A new Operation means a refresh of The Exchange!

Play matches and complete weekly challenges to earn Spartan Points which you can spend in The Exchange.

This Operation, EAGLESTRIKE fans can acquire some classics from the Entrenched events, such as the Kerberos helmet, Wizard Pockets chest attachment, and more. And, in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, some new themed emblems can be acquired to mark the occasion.

SHOP

Start off the Spartan-II reunion tour with the Blue Team bundle!

This bundle includes Linda-058's Argus set, the Master Chief's Mark VI MOD [GEN2] armor, and Frederic-104's Cohort ensemble. Also included is the legendary Nornfang sniper rifle, Inferno Bandit, Wyrd Aura mythic FX, and a pallet-load of legendary armor customization pieces and coatings. Finish out the team with Kelly-087's gear as part of the Operation Pass!

Recreate your favorite member of Blue Team or mix ‘n’ match the armor to your heart’s content.

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

To read more details on today's update, check out the full patch notes. If you encounter a bug, glitch, or unexpected issue, please submit a ticket to the Halo Support team.

That’s a wrap for this briefing which means it’s time to jump into Halo Infinite and make a start on that new Operation Pass. Return to some fan-favorite arenas of the past in Firefight Classic, or embrace the chaotic action of Hot Swap.

We’ll see you on the battlefield!

PRESS KIT

Download the Operation: Blue Team press kit here.