For the past several months, the Forge community has been hard at work bringing fresh ideas to familiar inspirations, creating original maps that pay tribute to Halo's legacy.

In partnership with ForgeHub, the $10,000 Halo Fest Forge Contest challenged creators to design original 4v4 arena maps inspired by the iconic multiplayer maps and campaign environments that have defined Halo for the last 25 years. Rather than creating direct remakes, Forgers were tasked with capturing the spirit of classic Halo spaces while introducing fresh ideas, modern gameplay, and unique experiences.

The response from the community was incredible.

A total of 62 maps were submitted, each bringing its own interpretation of Halo's legacy and showcasing the creativity, talent, and passion of the Forge community.

After multiple rounds of review and judging, we've narrowed the field to the 10 finalists.

Forgers: Cold Nightshade, LNeedMoreBleach, spartan blood 1, AddiCt3d 2CHa0s

Bookmark on Halo Waypoint: Abundance

Forgers: JoValiant, Igrizhar, Small Napkins

Bookmark on Halo Waypoint: Bits And Pieces

Forgers: SE7ENGINE, Zaffiro Creep, JDzirkus

Bookmark on Halo Waypoint: Cascade

Forgers: Mr Greencastle, Uneeq

Bookmark on Halo Waypoint: Conveyance

Forgers: Shreddermcgenty

Bookmark on Halo Waypoint: Eulogy

Forgers: xDTx Kaos

Bookmark on Halo Waypoint: Hierarch

Forgers: SaLoT, Tyrant Hacker, JoValiant

Bookmark on Halo Waypoint: Sanctum

Forgers: Zaddy Hammer

Bookmark on Halo Waypoint: Shade's Promise

Forgers: Igrizhar, JoValiant

Bookmark on Halo Waypoint: Sluff

Forgers: Squally DaBeanz

Bookmark on Halo Waypoint: Sojourn

The celebration doesn't stop here.

To help celebrate 25 years of Halo, all ten finalist maps will be featured in a special Halo Infinite matchmaking playlist.

This playlist, coming later this year, brings together all ten finalist maps across a variety of game modes, giving players the opportunity to experience the creativity and craftsmanship of the Forge community firsthand.

Whether you're looking for classic gameplay, fresh experiences, or simply want to support the talented Forgers who made these maps possible, this playlist will be the place to be. Featuring maps inspired by Halo's incredible legacy while introducing original ideas and modern gameplay, the playlist serves as both a celebration of community creativity and a tribute to 25 years of Halo.

While we're excited to announce the finalist lineup today, the competition isn't over just yet.

The final placements and cash prizes for the Top 10 maps, first place through tenth place, will be revealed live at Halo Fest. Contest winners will be announced during the event as we celebrate the incredible talent, creativity, and passion demonstrated by the finalists. Of course, these maps will be playable at Halo Fest for fans in attendance, as well.

To every creator who submitted a map: thank you for helping us celebrate 25 years of Halo. Your creativity and dedication helped make this contest a success, and we're grateful for the passion you continue to bring to Halo's Forge community.

We'd also like to extend a special thank you to the team at ForgeHub for partnering with us on this contest and for their continued support of the Halo Forge community. Their passion for mapmaking and commitment to supporting creators helped make this contest possible.

We can't wait to see these maps in the hands of players and celebrate the winners at Halo Fest.

Good luck to all our finalists and thank you again to everyone who participated in the Halo Fest Forge Contest!