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Community Spotlight

Spotlight: July 23, 2025

Three ODST troopers stand before a Warthog. Partially concealed text: "ODST. Orbital Drop Shock Trooper."
Mutinous Core, a humble monitor.
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The Community Spotlight series showcases a selection of awesome fan art, videos, crafts, and other creations by the Halo community. Share your work with us on social media using hashtag #HaloSpotlight to be considered for the next Spotlight!


Grab an Overshield, because the Halo community never misses! Dive into our latest Community Spotlight to see action-packed fan films, unbridled artistry, and a masterclass in mythmaking from some of the fandom’s most talented creators.

FAN FILMS

Spartans never die—they just go missing in action. Hong Kong-based animator and VFX compositor tommylau74 recently unleashed this action-packed fanimation starring Chief in a one-sided tussle with a Covenant armada (the odds are in his favor, naturally). There may be no sound effects, but the visuals hit so hard you can hear 'em.

Between the Elite rodeo, a slow-mo knife throw, Chief’s “magical plumber” routine, and the Brute taking an elbow from the turnbuckle, it’s honestly hard to decide which moment is the most “peak.”

This stop-motion epic by Green Soldier Productions reveals the mortal toll of the Great Schism in a bloody battle between the loyalist Covenant and disgraced Elite warriors.

Torin tells that to the Covenant in an adorable short starring pop-stick puppets.

“So, what’s your favorite type of drywall?” In Magpieleon’s 10,000-subscriber machinima special, the celebration is disrupted by an evil foe seeking—quite understandably—to put an end to an incessant song. Features cameo appearances by Halo machinima greats!

Despite our best technologies, there is no known cure for cranius confettus. In this tragic short, Sud explores the dubious canonicity of the Grunt Birthday Party Skull as a Sangheili doctor breaks sad news to Flippity-Yap-Bap’s human companion.

Let there be lore! Kammyshep constructs a sprawling timeline explaining the context and relationships between every chapter of the Halo universe. Grab a snack and a Snuggie for this one, ‘cause it’s story time.

LoreWithWes fondly remembers the motion-graphic adaptations of Halo: Evolutions with an extensive recap of “Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian.” Throughout the video, Wes breaks down ODST Michael Baird’s story and its broader implications for the Halo universe.

Inspired by the recent arrival of the Mutilator, Late Night Gaming shared a video essay called “Halo’s Weird Weapons Are Beautiful,” offering a thoughtful retrospective on the weirdest and dearest weapons from the Halo series.

Musical interlude! Ace fiddler JustineGriffin celebrates Chief’s legendary roots with a classical violin cover of the “Halo” theme from Halo: Combat Evolved.


LATER, LEGACY!

We’re still catching up on all the love from last month’s Operation: Legacy, so here’s a fresh effusion of community artistry inspired by the enduring legacy of Halo 3 multiplayer.

Eleven Spartans in white armor stand in a row holding Energy Swords. Each wears a different helmet from Halo 3.

To honor Operation: Legacy’s returning armor sets, Primis_Ghost recreated a popular image from Halo 3’s multiplayer file-share circles.

A Hayabusa Spartan adopts a martial arts pose with a colorful dragon in the background.

As a hallowed helm returned from the shadows, Spartanca drew this Hayabusa warrior channeling the might of the Dragon Ninja.

A Blue Team Spartan leaps over Red Team defenders to swing at the orange runner holding the Grifball.

If Grifball had existed during the Italian Renaissance, studies of the “breakaway-runner smash” would probably look like this piece by Silent1Meow.

A cast of colorful Spartans charges forward with weapons drawn. At the center, a black and green Spartan holds a flag with the Cobra Team emblem.

ExaminarI brings some old friends together for a game of CTF.

A Hayabusa Spartan defends a torii gate from an onslaught of aliens in gilded traditional armor.

A Hayabusa warrior makes a desperate last stand in this epic onslaught by Ryliethewalrus.

Two Spartans in matching black and red armor swing Gravity Hammers in Grifball.

9071Seik rolls out in force for a winner-take-all-game of Grifball.

A Hayabusa helmet forged in halves by its Halo Infinite and Halo 3 designs.

SpartanG13 illustrates the evolution of the Hayabusa helmet.

A Hayabusa Spartan with a glowing yellow visor holds a red Energy Sword. The rest of their body is in silhouette.

This Hayabusa assassin by logorn_gadum takes no prisoners.

A Spartan walks through the Halo 3 map Heretic. Text: "A walk through the past, Take as long as you need"

RoadDog2424 invites you to Memory Lane in this video tour of Halo Infinite’s returning Halo 3 maps.


SEEN ON SOCIAL

A comparison of Halo 4 and Halo Infinite armor designs. On the blue, left-aligned half of a bisected plane stand four Spartans in Halo 4's Venator, Raider, FOTUS, and Wetwork armor sets, opposite their counterparts from Halo Infinite in the right, amber-hued half of the bisected image.

Generations echo in this side-by-side Halo 4 armor showcase by B_does_stuff.

Two Spartans take aim at one another before an open doorway in a mist-filled corridor.

VincentGat revisits a tense showdown based on a popular Halo 4 multiplayer screenshot.

Spartans in Venator and Prefect armor rush down a hallway while shooting in tight formation.

This blazing Spartan team-up by PhenexSFM2 is a rush.

Three ODST troopers stand before a Warthog. Partially concealed text: "ODST. Orbital Drop Shock Trooper."

Jump feet-first into your nearest recruitment office with this ODST enlistment propaganda by Hartwell_Design.

An oil painting rendition of a scene from Halo Reach. The player aims a rocket launcher at a Banshee as a Covenant cruiser soars overhead.

Phantoms inbound! Caydeplanet remembers Reach in this first-person oil painting.

A scorched Master Chief holds a Sentinel Beam in one hand and 343 Guilty Spark in the other.

BB12_fx settles an old score with this triumphant scene.

Pixel art of the Master Chief cooking pozole in a traditional fondita. He wears a chef's hat embroidered with "117" on its brim.

Pozole, anyone? JackieHernndez6 invites you to the pixel-perfect Café Cortana.

A recruitment poster for the United Nations Space Command depicting three Spartans on a Halo ring. Text: "UNSC: 'Per Mare, Per Terras, Per Constellatum.' Finish the Fight. Join the Master Chief."

RiteshKMondal urges the heroes of tomorrow to join the UNSC today.

Two Spartans look at clear skies through the open rear hatch of a Pelican.

Blue skies await in this wallpaper-worthy render by CurntlyNotHere.

Cortana sits in a holographic display ring, looking over her shoulder at the viewer in surprise.

You found me! TackelsHolocron draws Cortana awaiting her knight in Mjolnir armor.

The mysterious Spartan-073.

QStricker32487 remembers the sacrifice of the unsung Spartan-073.

Two UNSC marines stalk through a field of wildflowers with a burning city in the background.

GC_Conceptart dreams up a tasteful redesign of UNSC field armor inspired by the cover of Halo: Contact Harvest (which you may have listened to as part of our community audiobook club).

Two purple Spartans stand in a rocky gorge as a UNSC ship hovers overhead.

Spartans get ready for a golden-hour op in this beauty shot by unabel76.

Cal-141 holds her helmet under her arm, revealing a shock of white hair.

JScott_INK aims true with this study of Cal-141 from Halo Legends.

Master Chief leads UNSC marines through the shallow surf on a beachhead near the Silent Cartographer as Covenant forces gather on the sand.

OutletChief729 assaults the Silent Cartographer with a flanking maneuver.

A Grunt rides a Mongoose at top speed.

Gruntgoose. ‘Nuff said. (Art by @wulfeart)

Three Spartans emerge from a Pelican.

Itsbasilbasil gears up with a formidable Spartan trio.

An Elite swings an Energy Sword at a shooting Spartan.

Power overwhelming! AXELLROMERO5 captures an Elite ambush in super-slick style.

A Jackal gently holds a luminous butterfly on its clawed knuckle. Covenant ships fill the darkening sky behind them.

Who says Jackals don’t appreciate nature? Certainly not Vii_Eltup.

A pen-and-ink drawing of Cortana, seen from Master Chief's point of view as he holds her data chip in his outstretched palm.

Halo_CTC rescued this stunning pen-and-ink trading card from the Gravemind’s clutches.

Master Chief and Fred-104 lead a team of UNSC marines through a smoke-filled combat scene.

DrGooseThumb displays a “clean instinct” for action-packed assaults.

August-099 as illustrated by Trajektoria00.

Trajektoria00 used Leader Powers to produce this excellent portrait of August-099.

Noble Six portrait by 2204Design.

Say the words, please: “2204Design has it.” Noble Six takes things well in hand in this evocative portrait. Follow the thread to see a whole set of Noble Team portraits.

A blue Spartan strides forward with a large combat knife on their calf.

PickledGear’s OC Spartan wears a machete for close encounters.

Two Elites glory over a defeated UNSC Spartan lying dead at their feet on an autumn evening.

EtherealEOD knows better than to tread on sacred ground.

Three original Yellow Team Spartans strike poses.

Luxno_Art sketches an original roster for the little-known Yellow Team.

Promethean Knights and Drones surround a Spartan.

Prometheans close in in this ambush scene by matthewo1o.

Black-and-white Arbiter art by KatarsisIAD.

KatarsisIAD pursues a higher calling with this Arbiter fan art.

Master Chief and UNSC marines look through the open rear hatch of a Pelican at an attached Warthog. Another Pelican flies in tight formation beside their ship.

Thoro_blend saddles up for a sun-baked Warthog assault.

A Sangheili ranger runs forward with a Plasma Carbine.

Skykiller2’s Sangheili ranger races to cover with a trusty carbine.

Emile-A239 wipes a bloody dagger on his armor.

KyeZzzz puts another notch in Emile’s deadly hilt.

A Spartan in Yoroi armor holds an en garde pose with an Energy Sword, superposed over their own portrait in the background.

Elusivevector stances up with this poster-style Yoroi Spartan art.

Two Spartan OCs by Hydroarts453. One stands with a hand on their hip as their ally fires a pistol.

A Spartan duo gets tactical in this team-up by Hydro453arts.

A Halo ring encircles different variations of Cortana, Master Chief, and the Weapon amidst a field of purple flowers.

Loonar1987 breaks our hearts with this star-cross'd composite.

A Spartan headhunter uses a pair of binoculars in the crook of an old tree. Beside him sits the broken helm of a fallen ally.

Soul_ant19 once again embraces the thrill of the hunt.

Three Spartans in dusky armor with teal highlights. One is much larger than the other two and holds a heavy machine gun. Text: "Spartan-III Fireteam Teal. Gamma Company."

Liam_RRT creates an original Spartan fireteam with real teal energy.

Cortana clasps her hands in prayer against a backdrop of circuit-board hieroglyphics. Master Chief's helmet is inscribed within the "C" of her name, written vertically in the background.

Cortana meets Art Nouveau in this sacred icon by Pikathorchu.

Master Chief fires a pistol at an unseen threat while clutching a Battle Rifle by its stock in his other hand. Two marines join him, shooting in all directions.

LeoRender65619 is beset on all sides in this killer Firefight scene.

Master Chief swings a Gravity Hammer.

When all you see is nails… Maynard_red comes in swinging.

HAZMAT Spartans stare in awe at a huge Flood form.

Young_Gusano’s HAZMAT Spartans deal with a containment breach.

Three Spartans pose in a snow scene in front of a landed Pelican.

This ain’t a snowball fight. Kab51_ embarks on an alpine adventure.

Master Chief stands in the open rear hatch of a Pelican, firing a heavy machine gun at a trio of pursuing Banshees. One falls out of the sky as its compatriots continue firing plasma.

MeowNPurr_ “mixes it up a little” with a textbook spray-and-pray sesh.

A soft-focus portrait of the Master Chief.

Virtual photographer ADwarfLegion really knows Chief’s good side.

A custom Overshield lamp. A red sphere glows at the center of an acrylic cube with faux metal hinges at its corners.

GreenKnightMods turns down the room with a custom Overshield lamp.

A stylized Spartan floats in a pool ring with a Huragok pal beside them.

It’s also a swimsuit? ThowGerki takes a dip with a Huragok pal.

Toy photography of a Halo Megaconstrux Arbiter figure.

What would you have your Arbiter do? Legendary toy photography by Spiteful117.

A Ghost vehicle model in a block, Minecraft style.

ArthurBn5 debuts a custom Ghost model in a Minecraft aesthetic.

A Spartan stands in a rainy city holding a sniper rifle.

We can already hear the sax. A rain-drenched Spartan sniper by IlRoguee.


COSPLAY CREATIONS

Unfit_Armory takes a selfie with a massive Gravity Hammer prop.

Talk about dedication! Unfit_Armory proudly wields a 30-lb. Gravity Hammer.

ODST cosplay by C4props. An armored trooper holds a flamethrower aloft as it belches flames.

C4props turns up the heat with this Hellbringer ODST cosplay. (Photo by @teamjtf4) Don’t miss their equally impressive Master Chief cosplay based on concept art for Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

Spartan cosplay by DJHING. The Spartan poses in a forest with a green tartan around his neck.

DJHING recently completed an impressive Halo Infinite Mk. VII build! Hit the link to see a second full suit built for DJ’s partner Eden Lazarus.

ODST cosplay by queenbcosplay. A trooper leans idly on the pedestrian walkway beneath an overpass in London.

Queenbcosplay defends London from glassing as a heroic ODST. (Photo by @Ki_Media)

Close-up views of sniper rifle and shotgun models rendered in a low-polygon style.

Diligent_Low5337 demonstrates a wide range with custom sniper and shotgun models.

POV angle of a custom Energy Sword.

Nobodyamazin shares a POV showcase of a custom Energy Sword and its many color options.


GAMEPLAY GALLERY

Slick kills, late-game clutch-ups, hilarious mishaps, and everything in-between. Check out the latest roundup of community gameplay clips below.

Gameplay screenshot by Medveitsi.

Get groovy with Medveitsi’s montage of Halo Infinite ninjutsu. (Honorable mention to this rocket from way downtown.)

More gameplay moments:


FROM THE FORUMS

Recent shares from the r/Halo subreddit and the official Halo Discord server. Join up and drop your creations for a chance to appear in a Community Spotlight!

A Forerunner tower emits a beam of light into a cloudy sky as mist gathers around its base.

K_B_FX paints a serene Halo landscape with lots of happy little trees.

Master Chief deftly parries the Energy Swords of an Elite in a reference to The Matrix.

He is the One… one-seven. Yin317 captures the reality-shattering moment that the Master Chief really starts to believe. See the full video at the link!

A 3D-printed Scarab crawler.

Try not to hear the beam when you look at jarheadjake1’s custom Scarab model.

Cortana and the Weapon by BentoDRAWS. Two identical female avatars stand side-by-side. One is nude, with a hand on her hip, and the other pertly clasps her arms behind her back in a standard UNSC jumpsuit.

BentoDRAWS applies a personal style to Cortana and the Weapon.

The Arbiter in golden armor.

Yozeph shares pristine Arbiter art from a personal Sangheili-themed art project.

An informational flyer about the Covenant Banshee fighter. Three Banshees fly in formation against a gray sky. Text: "Type 26 Banshee. Banshees of legend warned of death, and today all UNSC veterans know the cry of this glittering alien terror. Banshee is the name applied to a series of Covenant atmospheric/exatmospheric aircraft. The craft is capable of achieving a velocity of over 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph). The Banshee sports two weapon pods attached underneath the fuselage; each pod contains a Class-2 plasma cannon capable of firing in the 100–250 kilowatt range and a Class-2 fuel rod cannon."

MassiveAir4081 warns UNSC troops to watch the skies for the dreaded Banshee.

A gold-painted ring case shaped like Master Chief's helmet juxtaposed with its contents: two Halo-inspired engagement rings wrapped in burlap.

Red_Wolfe_ surprised their partner with a perfect pair of custom Halo engagement rings in a Chief-approved helmet case.

Master Chief holds Cortana in his outstretched palm. A speech bubble near his face shows a silly emoji.

Cortana and Chief trade banter in this work of heart by rockiiies.

Supreme Commander Thel 'Vadamee wears golden armor and a cape as he brandishes his Energy Sword.

Predator_Anytime renders Supreme Commander Thel ‘Vadamee in living color.

A cartoonish rendering of a Brute fires its Brute Plasma Rifle while holding it sideways.

HobbesPlaysProtoss nails a throwback style with this attitude-heavy Brute.

A Covenant Seraph built in the Starfield shipbuilding UI.

StarfieldShipwright gives Círdan a run for his money with this Seraph built in Starfield.

A custom Spartan figurine aims their weapon in a moss-covered Ghillie suit.

KhevaKins modded a Halo: Flashpoint model to create a fearsome Ghillie-suit Spartan.


Found your work featured in Community Spotlight? Fill out this form to claim your exclusive Fire Unicorn emblem and nameplate to use in Halo Infinite. Don't forget to share your creations with us on r/Halo, in our official Discord server, or on social media with hashtag #HaloSpotlight for a chance to appear in the next Spotlight!