Halo Infinite Covenant Palette

Mode Brain

Halo Infinite Material Swaps

Games

Forge continues to evolve in Content Update 29 (“CU29”), which arrives on January 30.



Ever since Halo Infinite’s Forge arrived, we have been continually blown away by the creativity of the community-made maps, modes, and experiences that have been crafted. Our goal is to continue supporting Halo’s community cartographers as much as possible, and CU29 aims to deliver some of the most highly requested features—new toys and enhanced tools that will help to further unlock and unleash Forgers’ creative potential.



CU29 brings with it the addition of the Covenant object palette, the new Mode Creator feature, AI Toolkit enhancements, along with additional quality of life updates, and more!



Read on below to learn more about the latest update to Forge, and check out some of it in action from our stream last week.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COVENANT DANCE</h2>



“When we joined the Covenant, we took an oath…”



Since Forge’s arrival in Halo Infinite, we’ve continued to build on making the object palettes and aesthetics of the Halo universe available to the player—from the UNSC, to the Forerunners, to the Banished… and now, CU29 will update that list once more with some fashionable purple pieces.



The Covenant palette is coming to Halo Infinite!



Over 70 new structures pieces, primitives, accents, and decals will be available for Forgers to create exciting experiences that harken back to Halo’s roots. Let’s take a look at some pretty pictures of those objects…





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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FORGE MODE CREATOR</h2>



The Forge Mode Creator is a new functionality that lets players script modes in the Node Graph, then save, share, and play those experiences—just like you’d share a mode created in the Custom Game menu.



Our goal with the Forge Mode Creator was threefold:



<ul>
<li>Make it easier for modes to be shared and played.</li>



<li>Make it easier for modes to hook up to community maps (and vice-versa).</li>



<li>Free up map budget, as mode logic will no longer come with a map budget cost.</li>
</ul>



We have created new assets in Forge to enable this: the Mode Brain and Mode Prefab.



MODE BRAIN: Similar to a Script Brain, but this is specifically used for Forge Modes. This can be accessed in the Scripting section of the Object Browser.



MODE PREFAB: A Prefab dedicated to holding Mode Brains.





Here’s how the Forge Mode Creator works:



CREATE A MODE PREFAB OUT OF MODE BRAINS



To create a Forge Mode, the first thing players should do is place two or more Mode Brains and then create their mode in Node Graph with them—players will need to create a Mode Prefab out of the Mode Brains that contain the scripting for your mode. With multiple Mode Brains selected, bring up the Action Menu and select “CREATE MODE PREFAB.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1339" height="1495" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Create-Mode-Prefab-Action-Menu.png" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Action Menu showing the option to Create Mode Prefab" class="wp-image-91240" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Create-Mode-Prefab-Action-Menu.png 1339w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Create-Mode-Prefab-Action-Menu-269x300.png 269w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Create-Mode-Prefab-Action-Menu-917x1024.png 917w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Create-Mode-Prefab-Action-Menu-768x857.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1339px) 100vw, 1339px" /></figure>



Mode Prefabs function similarly to object prefabs, but these can only consist of Mode Brains. Conversely, regular object prefabs cannot use Mode Brains.



MODE PREFAB SETTINGS



You can cycle the parent Mode Brain in the Object Properties menu after selecting a Mode Prefab. Since the Node Graph loads the parent Mode Brain when going into it with a Mode Prefab selected, this will allow you to control which Mode Brain scripts you want to edit after you have created a Mode Prefab.



The Mode Variant value is important as it tells the game if you want to create a mode based on existing official mode logic or want to build all the logic from scratch by selecting Minigame.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="835" height="588" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Mode-Prefab-Settings-Mode-Variant.png" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Mode Variant option in the Mode Prefab settings" class="wp-image-91338" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Mode-Prefab-Settings-Mode-Variant.png 835w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Mode-Prefab-Settings-Mode-Variant-300x211.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Mode-Prefab-Settings-Mode-Variant-768x541.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 835px) 100vw, 835px" /></figure>



HOW TO SAVE MODE PREFAB TO MY FILES



After creating a Mode Prefab, there is one more step to actually create the Forge Mode. With the Mode Prefab selected, open the Action Menu and select “SAVE MODE PREFAB.”



Saving a Mode Prefab does two things:



<ul>
<li>Saves the Mode Prefab (the Mode Brains)</li>
</ul>



Saved Mode Prefabs can be found in the Object Browser – Modes category, where you can place them in a map and then edit in the Node Graph.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2592" height="1506" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Save-Mode-Variant-Action-Menu.png" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of saving a Mode Prefab in the Action Menu" class="wp-image-91366" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Save-Mode-Variant-Action-Menu.png 2592w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Save-Mode-Variant-Action-Menu-300x174.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Save-Mode-Variant-Action-Menu-1024x595.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Save-Mode-Variant-Action-Menu-768x446.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Save-Mode-Variant-Action-Menu-1536x892.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Save-Mode-Variant-Action-Menu-2048x1190.png 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Save-Mode-Variant-Action-Menu-1568x911.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2592px) 100vw, 2592px" /></figure>



<ul>
<li>Saves a Forge Mode based on the logic in the Mode Prefab’s Mode Brains.</li>
</ul>



Saved Forge Modes can be found in My Files and the Custom Game Editor Mode List. After saving a Forge Mode, you can then publish and/or play your Forge Mode.



NOTE: If you want to create a NEW Mode Prefab from an existing Mode Prefab, break apart the Mode Prefab FIRST and then create a new Mode Prefab from the ungrouped Mode Prefab. Ungrouping a Mode Prefab breaks its connection to the saved Forge Mode and Mode Prefab.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2601" height="930" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Forge-Mode-Versioning.png" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Version History for a Mode" class="wp-image-91296" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Forge-Mode-Versioning.png 2601w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Forge-Mode-Versioning-300x107.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Forge-Mode-Versioning-1024x366.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Forge-Mode-Versioning-768x275.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Forge-Mode-Versioning-1536x549.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Forge-Mode-Versioning-2048x732.png 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Forge-Mode-Versioning-1568x561.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2601px) 100vw, 2601px" /></figure>



With this approach to mode creation, we can’t wait to see what the community is going to create with this new addition to Forge!



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MATERIAL SWAP</h2>



Another highly requested feature from the community is material swapping for foliage and decals, which is another improvement added to Forge in CU29.



FOLIAGE Players will be able to adjust up to three colors on select foliage objects to add a greater variety of visual flair for their creative vision.



DECALS Players will be able to mimic stains, foliage overgrowth, and other forms of discoloration to add more set dressing to their creations.





This opens up even more artistic options for Forgers when adding layers of detail to a map.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FORGE AI TOOLKIT</h2>



The Forge AI Toolkit made its debut with Season 5, and in CU29 we are continuing to update and enhance this feature to help build the best experiences possible with Halo Infinite’s AI units.



NEW SQUAD BEHAVIOR – WANDER WHEN IDLE



Wander When Idle is a new squad behavior available on the AI Spawner object. When set to ON, AI units in this spawned squad will wander around their assigned AI Move Zone when idle, which will make them seem a bit livelier.



I don’t know about you, but I could spend hours watching Grunts waddle around!



NEW AI TRAIT NODES



Players will have the ability to give AI units certain traits which can help to spice up those campaign-style and PvE experiences you have been building.



AI Traits include:



<ul>
<li>Bonus Health</li>



<li>Bottomless Clip</li>



<li>Damage Resistance</li>



<li>Health Recharge</li>



<li>Movement Speed</li>



<li>Movement Speed With Turret</li>



<li>Prevent Weapon Firing</li>



<li>Vampirism</li>



<li>Weapon Damage</li>
</ul>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVEMENTS</h2>



Improvements to single axis selection on both the scale and transform widgets. It’s now easier to grab a selection axis of the movement and scaling widgets when using a mouse.



Added “On Player Infected” node to Node Graph. This event node fires when a player is infected and returns both who got infected and who did the infecting.



Added “On Repair Field Heal” node to Node Graph. This event node fires when a player or object is repaired. Returns the Repair Field Object, Healed Object, Healed Amount, and Full Regen Completed.



Added Infected Energy Sword and Mythic Sandwich as weapons. Some weapons are just too powerful, too terrible, and indeed too delicious to even contemplate letting folks use them. The Mythic Sandwich in the wrong hands could spell doom for the entire galaxy, a weapon more devastating than the Halo Array itself… but do you know what these are? The wrong hands!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1003" height="1204" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/SandwichSword.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Infected Energy Sword and Mythic Sandwich" class="wp-image-91394" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/SandwichSword.jpg 1003w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/SandwichSword-250x300.jpg 250w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/SandwichSword-853x1024.jpg 853w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/SandwichSword-768x922.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1003px) 100vw, 1003px" /></figure>



The Infected Energy Sword and Mythic Sandwich will be available in the power spawner, weapon pads, weapon trunks, and as individually placed weapon objects.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FUTURE FORGE UPDATES</h2>



As we have said, we are committed to the continued improvement of Forge and we’ve got more to come on that front this year. Of course, we can’t just tease you like that and stay quiet—how uncivilized that would be!



Coming in future Halo Infinite updates will be a Flood-themed palette and an alien-themed palette for you to play around with. Let’s take a look!



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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/2024/01/CU29_ForgeBlog_FutureContent_Alien_1920x1080_Watermarked.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the alien-themed palette coming in a future update" class="wp-image-91451" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/CU29_ForgeBlog_FutureContent_Alien_1920x1080_Watermarked.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/CU29_ForgeBlog_FutureContent_Alien_1920x1080_Watermarked-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/CU29_ForgeBlog_FutureContent_Alien_1920x1080_Watermarked-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/CU29_ForgeBlog_FutureContent_Alien_1920x1080_Watermarked-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/CU29_ForgeBlog_FutureContent_Alien_1920x1080_Watermarked-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/CU29_ForgeBlog_FutureContent_Alien_1920x1080_Watermarked-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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That brings us to the end of this Forge Overview for CU29, which is just days away from launch on January 30!



We can’t wait to see what you make this year. We’re coming up on almost thirty issues of Forge Features here on Halo Waypoint, which has showcased and spotlighted what is ultimately just a tiny fraction of what you’ve been building—so don’t forget to share your maps by tagging them with “343ask” in-game.



Happy Forging!



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For more on CU29 of Halo Infinite, check out our other blogs:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/community-livestream-cu29">UPDATE OVERVIEW</a> – Catch up on our livestream about all things Halo Infinite in 2024.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/map-overview-halo-infinite-cu29">MAP OVERVIEW</a> – Take a guided tour of Illusion, the new Arena map coming in CU29.</li>



<li>CUSTOMIZATION OVERVIEW – Get a closer look at the Mark IV Armor Core, customization improvements, and upcoming Operations.</li>
</ul>

Alex Wakeford

Forge Overview | Halo Infinite CU29

Coming to Halo Infinite when Content Update 29 (“CU29”) lands on January 30 is a new map: Illusion.



Illusion takes place within an abandoned and forgotten ONI black site where old experiments with recovered (and familiar) Covenant technology still remain, evoking the feeling and design of maps from Halo: Combat Evolved. Let’s take a look…



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We’re joined by multiplayer designer Cliff Schuldt to delve into the depths of this abandoned facility and explore how it came together.



Halo Infinite’s latest update brings an awesome new map to the game—Illusion. What can you tell us about it?



This map is really a love letter to the map design of Halo: Combat Evolved, where every map in that game has a kind of unique element to it—whether that’s in the layout, the location, and so on. Illusion is set at an ONI black site facility, and we really wanted to give it a unique hook to give it a strong sense of identity.



The main point of interest in this map is that its middle section has an active camouflage effect, so players who go into the center will turn invisible—we originally played around with having that area obscured by lots of smoke, but impacting the player’s vision in such a way just didn’t really translate to a fun time in gameplay.



<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/HI_Map_Illusion_103_1920x1080_Watermark.jpg" alt="A screenshot of Illusion, the newest arena map coming to Halo Infinite." class="wp-image-91197" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/HI_Map_Illusion_103_1920x1080_Watermark.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/HI_Map_Illusion_103_1920x1080_Watermark-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/HI_Map_Illusion_103_1920x1080_Watermark-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/HI_Map_Illusion_103_1920x1080_Watermark-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/HI_Map_Illusion_103_1920x1080_Watermark-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/HI_Map_Illusion_103_1920x1080_Watermark-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Once we transitioned to the active camo hallway, the lore of the map really grew out of that. On one side of the map, you’ll see an active camo pyramid from Halo: CE and Halo 2 which is hooked up to still-functioning machinery, a remnant of ONI’s attempts to reverse engineer its effects. On the other side of the map, there’s an overshield cube also hooked up to the ONI machines, but that side is damaged and inactive with error messages.



Just as the Season 5 map Prism tells a story about the crystals being mined on Suban for the Needler, Illusion really showcases the secret experiments ONI was conducting around these power-ups from Halo: CE and Halo 2. It shows how this Covenant technology transitioned to the form it takes as portable equipment, which we see in how the camo and overshield modules appear in Halo 5 and Halo Infinite.



What are some of the unique features and locations of this map?



The camo hallway is the central feature, which harkens back to some of that Halo: CE design philosophy. And the ONI aesthetic, too, is something that feels unique. We have felt the “UNSC fatigue” as well at times, but—like with Cliffhanger in Season 3—there are some really cool new visual and design elements that ONI has which breaks away a bit from the more straightforwardly industrial design of the UNSC. This looks and feels like an abandoned and forgotten black site, the past is buried here.



The way we think of this map is that it has “roles” you can take on to suit your kind of playstyle. Do you want to be the person who ventures into the camo hallway to try to take advantage of the center of the map, or are you somebody who prefers to hang back and be the spotter for the team if an enemy is encroaching on your base while you play defense with the sniper? Those long-range plays can really swing the direction of a match. And you can play offensively, going around the side areas of the map or using kinetic launchers to get the jump on the enemy team.



<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/HI_Map_Illusion_005_1920x1080_Watermark.jpg" alt="A screenshot of Illusion, the newest arena map coming to Halo Infinite." class="wp-image-91226" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/HI_Map_Illusion_005_1920x1080_Watermark.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/HI_Map_Illusion_005_1920x1080_Watermark-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/HI_Map_Illusion_005_1920x1080_Watermark-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/HI_Map_Illusion_005_1920x1080_Watermark-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/HI_Map_Illusion_005_1920x1080_Watermark-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/HI_Map_Illusion_005_1920x1080_Watermark-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



What modes play well with this map?



This map was originally designed with CTF in mind. As a bit of a peek behind the curtain: maps are typically built with a particular mode in mind, and usually you can get a couple of modes that work well… but Illusion ended up surprising us because every mode we tested on it felt like it could have been the “origin mode” for the map.



Strongholds, King of the Hill, and Extraction were modes we particularly loved playing on this, zone control modes in general really brought out that depth in gameplay I mentioned earlier. But Oddball might have been one of my personal favorites—the camo hallway adds a whole new dynamic to how you play. If you take the Oddball into the camo hallway, you run a risky gambit of putting yourself in a vulnerable position but you’re also able to bait the enemy team if your own team is on top of their game.



And Infection… I think people are going to have a good time with that mode on Illusion. Lots of jumpscares!



I remember when you first showed me this map and I literally said “This feels like a map straight out of Halo: CE,” which you then said was very much the intent!



I’ve been a fan of the series since Halo: CE. We used to have LAN parties every weekend with over thirty people coming over, epic high school rivalries emerged from these experiences, and we really carried that feeling through to Illusion as a love letter to the game that started it all.



That’s in the design as well. Like I said about the difference between the “traditional” UNSC aesthetic and what ONI brings to the table, you have more of an eerie vibe to this abandoned space, brutalist designs with those unnaturally tall hallways, this pervading sense that your eyes might be playing tricks on you as you wonder what mysteries were buried here…



And then, in a gameplay sense, there’s a healthy verticality to it as well. Halo: CE had a lot of that when you look at maps like Prisoner, Hang ‘em High, Damnation, Chill Out, and so on. Those all had these strong characteristics, unique hooks in visuals and gameplay (especially when you think of mind-bending maps like Chiron TL-34!)



Do you think Illusion is a map geared towards a particular kind of Halo player?



During testing, one person actually said that they were having a good time on Illusion even though their team was losing! This is not a common response to that kind of situation, but hearing it was great because we want players to enjoy what they are experiencing. Winning is fun, but playing should feel fun.



Illusion is designed for both social and competitive play, we hope that every type of Halo player will find elements of this map that really grab them. It’s super rewarding when you find someone in the camo hallway and take them down with that feeling of “I got you!”, and on the other side of it you feel empowered as a player when you get to be invisible—there’s just something about being stealthy and sneaky which adds a lot of fun, but it’s in a controlled area so you have to think about your positioning.



We wanted players to think about this map differently when they’re in those heat of the moment situations and make interesting choices with plentiful opportunities for risky gambits and exciting counter-plays.



<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/HI_Map_Illusion_008_1920x1080_Watermark.jpg" alt="A screenshot of Illusion, the newest arena map coming to Halo Infinite." class="wp-image-91211" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/HI_Map_Illusion_008_1920x1080_Watermark.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/HI_Map_Illusion_008_1920x1080_Watermark-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/HI_Map_Illusion_008_1920x1080_Watermark-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/HI_Map_Illusion_008_1920x1080_Watermark-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/HI_Map_Illusion_008_1920x1080_Watermark-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/HI_Map_Illusion_008_1920x1080_Watermark-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



We’re quite accustomed to there being fun Easter eggs on new Halo Infinite maps at this point, are there any that players should look out for on Illusion?



Every time people started exploring, we would hear “Oh, cool!” There are lots of little things we put in there that really felt like we were celebrating Halo, remembering our time with the series.



There’s a break room with some fun memorabilia. Let’s say that there are also some more… colorful elements that may prove to be key to discovering something…



And the location of this map is a bit of an Easter egg in itself, as it’s actually underneath another map in the game.



Thank you for joining us again, Cliff—it’s always a joy to talk about map design and fun Halo memories with you! Do you have any parting words to share?



It’s been over twenty-two years since Halo: CE released and we are still so excited about leaning into the original DNA of that game’s design—strong identities, approachable depth, and great fun!



That’s really the heart and soul of the team’s love and passion for Halo. We’re all fans, we want to build maps which facilitate players getting to share their crazy moments at the water cooler, whether you’re just running around with your friends and punching each other or if you’re sweating with the team.



It’s been a huge honor to work on this game, but the blessing I didn’t expect was all about the people—from art, design, sandbox, community, and beyond. Getting to work with so many kind and passionate folks who deeply care about what they’re creating has been amazing, and it’s been such a privilege to share these things with the fans. We hope you enjoy the map, and (as always) can’t wait to see the gameplay clips you share online!



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For more on CU29, stay tuned for the following blogs to come:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/community-livestream-cu29">UPDATE OVERVIEW</a> – Catch up on our January 19 community livestream which outlines the content coming in CU29 and our approach to Halo Infinite going forwards this year.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/forge-overview-cu29">FORGE OVERVIEW</a> – Learn more about the new features and improvements coming to Forge, including the Covenant palette, Mode Creator, and more.</li>



<li>CUSTOMIZATION OVERVIEW – Get a closer look at the Mark IV Armor Core, customization improvements, and upcoming Operations.</li>
</ul>

Map Overview | Halo Infinite CU29

Today, during our first Community Livestream of the year, we pulled back the curtain on what’s next for Halo Infinite and shared details on what’s in store for year three of the Halo Championship Series (HCS).



If you missed the stream, we highly recommend giving it a watch to get up to speed on what you can expect with Infinite’s next update, how the studio is approaching the game going forward, a few longer lead features in active development, and what’s cooking for HCS.



<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="January Update & HCS 2024 Roadmap | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9aV4pIIz2p8?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">CONTENT UPDATE 29</h2>



Halo Infinite’s next free update, Content Update 29 (“CU29”) arrives on January 30, bringing a new Arena map, a Covenant object palette and new Forge features, a new armor core and customization rewards, and the first of three free Operations—starting with the Halo Wars-themed “Spirit of Fire.”



Stay tuned to Halo Waypoint in the coming days as we’ll take a closer look at some of the key components of this latest update:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/map-overview-halo-infinite-cu29">MAP OVERVIEW</a> – Take a guided tour of Illusion, the new Arena map coming in CU29.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/forge-overview-cu29">FORGE OVERVIEW</a> – Learn more about the new features and improvements coming to Forge, including the Covenant palette, Mode Creator, and more.</li>



<li>CUSTOMIZATION OVERVIEW – Get a closer look at the Mark IV Armor Core, customization improvements, and upcoming Operations.</li>
</ul>



Looking further ahead, we also confirmed several player-requested features in active development including “Match Composer” functionality for matchmaking, new ways to earn past customization content, updated networking model, and a new anti-cheat initiative.



We’ll have plenty more to share on these fronts as they get nearer to release but for now, we’re excited to let the team cook and look forward to these marquee updates landing later this year.



<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/Crop_EvergreenTitle_V01_16x9_1920x1080_Watermarked-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-90873" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Crop_EvergreenTitle_V01_16x9_1920x1080_Watermarked-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Crop_EvergreenTitle_V01_16x9_1920x1080_Watermarked-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Crop_EvergreenTitle_V01_16x9_1920x1080_Watermarked-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Crop_EvergreenTitle_V01_16x9_1920x1080_Watermarked-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Crop_EvergreenTitle_V01_16x9_1920x1080_Watermarked-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/01/Crop_EvergreenTitle_V01_16x9_1920x1080_Watermarked.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HCS 2024</h2>



Year three of HCS is upon us! New events, ranked updates, and new team cosmetics are on the horizon, <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/2024roadmap">and you can get the full scoop via the latest HCS blog</a>.



Stay tuned to <a href="http://halo.gg">Halo.gg</a> and be sure to follow <a href="https://twitter.com/HCS">@HCS</a> for the latest competitive Halo news.



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That’s all for now, but we’re excited to have much more to share with you next week as we get closer to the release of CU29 on January 30!



Until then, may you have sweet dreams of Mjolnir Mark IV armor…

343 INDUSTRIES

Community Livestream | Halo Infinite CU29

Fiction

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



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<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…

Halo Infinite | Reckoning Intel

Community

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!



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<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!



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<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!)



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<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.



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<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.



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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

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

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… time to spend the holidays exploring the wonders of the Custom Game Browser!



If you’re looking for a place to start, I got you—let’s check some out together.



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/0b647a3e-a5ac-4f12-8222-566409c18430">WAKA WAKA</a> <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/3b794534-6c89-4226-9760-feb5018bf3e2">Mode Download</a> Author: McElgun



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/0b647a3e-a5ac-4f12-8222-566409c18430"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Waka Waka map made in Forge" class="wp-image-88929" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



This infection map/mode combo is just the right amount of neon RGB for all gamers. There are cubbies with weapons for survivors and lots of twists and turns for zombies to hide. Keep your wits about you as you skulk around in the dark!



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/755ad181-e505-4023-b470-5d41f7d49832">DUCK HUNT MINECRAFT</a> <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/20e85e97-1067-410a-a202-81575483a686">Mode Download</a> Author: Kirby Oofss



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/755ad181-e505-4023-b470-5d41f7d49832"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Minecraft-themed Duck Hunt map made in Forge" class="wp-image-88887" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



It’s the classic “get-from-point-A-to-point-B-while-not-being-sniped” mode with a blocky twist. Each level brings a new challenge in this cat-and-mouse game of sliding, running, jumping, and dodging to get to the end for a brief moment of respite before continuing through the maze. Good luck!



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/53aa6c36-22c3-47a1-ade0-76ec3232ec46">GOOSE HALO</a> <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/14ce711b-2bb9-4673-a2cb-c16b2bbb64d4">Mode Download</a> Authors: ArturBloodshot, Hitbox Unknown



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/53aa6c36-22c3-47a1-ade0-76ec3232ec46"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Goose Halo map made in Forge" class="wp-image-88901" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



The classic “Halo on Halo” returns in Halo Infinite. (Does that make it “Halo on Halo on Halo”? Say that three times fast.) You, a Mongoose, and your driving skills vs the eagle-eyed sharpshooter above.



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a12d6d0f-2ff1-4927-b85c-b37b43dbdd07">ARCTIC POINT | FIREFIGHT OPS</a> Mode: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/ce3ae052-8806-48d4-9f7e-f5d46dc84a4d">Easy</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/583a02e4-5073-48c9-a83b-b591ff75860a">Medium</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/ca723f5b-2513-4d05-b170-f2d7ee46a686">Hard</a> Authors: UneeQ TV, Mr Greencastle, Azwilko1997, Artifice7285



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a12d6d0f-2ff1-4927-b85c-b37b43dbdd07"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Arctic Point map made in Forge" class="wp-image-88873" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Jump into Arctic Point and take on the enemy as you progress through this community-created campaign mission. How long can you survive the onslaught? If it’s too easy, try ramping up the difficulty!



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/3dca1327-2b01-4203-aa64-fa690f7e6b46">CAMPAIGN OP: SNOW SPEAR</a> Mode: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/c22d0ffe-6130-49c7-a6de-6aabbb7330d5">Heroic</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/34cb31b0-5fdb-4fae-90fc-12f2fcf36907">Mythic</a> Author: seanonix



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/3dca1327-2b01-4203-aa64-fa690f7e6b46"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Snow Spear map made in Forge" class="wp-image-88915" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Squad up and take on the enemy in this custom campaign level! Battle Bassus, juke with Jega (and more!) as you try to survive and make it to the end.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TUTORIAL TRAINING</h2>



‘Tis the season, and you can just call Ducain23 “Santa Forge” because he’s back with yet another tutorial for us!



If you want to properly winter-ize your maps but aren’t sure how to go about it, he’s got you covered and you’ll be decking the halls in no time.



<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="Christmas Themed Perfection! (Snow Ground)" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddr4aV3fkSg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



SEND NODES



/u/Bricklemore says “no one asked for this,” but after checking it out <a href="https://old.reddit.com/r/halo/comments/18dghfe/forge_infographics_the_anatomy_of_a_node_my_last/">Node Anatomy 101</a> is something I think a lot of aspiring Forgers will certainly appreciate. Nodes can be confusing and this helpful diagram breaks it down into smaller, more manageable chunks.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://old.reddit.com/r/halo/comments/18dghfe/forge_infographics_the_anatomy_of_a_node_my_last/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1888" height="1345" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph.jpg" alt="Community-made infographic containing details about node graphs" class="wp-image-88943" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph.jpg 1888w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph-300x214.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph-1024x729.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph-768x547.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph-1536x1094.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph-1568x1117.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1888px) 100vw, 1888px" /></a></figure>



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That’s a wrap on Forge Features for the year! We’ll be back with more next year—in the meantime, play hard, win well.



Happy Halodays!

snickerdoodle

Community Cartography 023

Forge Features: December 15, 2023

With the launch of the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/december-update-halo-infinite" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">December Mid-Season Update</a>, we included the latest updates to our networking model in the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/firefight-king-of-the-hill-preview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Firefight: King of the Hill (opens in a new tab)">Firefight: King of the Hill</a> mode. 



We wanted to roll it out in this PvE experience first to have a safe testbed to see how it behaves at scale before enabling it in a PvP mode. However, after listening to player feedback and getting many requests to try this in multiplayer, we decided to expand the experiment to the Squad Battle playlist. 



That’s right, the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/squad-battle" target="_blank">Squad Battle</a> experience you know and love has been updated to run on our updated networking model for a limited time in the Combat Workshop. The Combat Workshop is your one-shop stop to check out work-in-progress maps, modes, and other new experiences. In this playlist you’ll be able to enjoy a mix of Slayer and objective modes on fan-favorite maps while we gather feedback and data about the online experience.



If you’ve already jumped in to play in the Workshop: Squad Battle Networking playlist, we want your feedback!







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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://aka.ms/SquadBattleNetSurveyWaypoint" target="_blank">-> START THE SURVEY <-</a></h2>



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And, if you experience any technical issues, please be sure to report them to us by using the Halo Support site at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://aka.ms/HaloSupport" target="_blank">aka.ms/HaloSupport</a>.



Thank you for your continued feedback, and we’ll see you online in Squad Battle!

Unyshek

Combat Workshop: Squad Battle Networking

The long-awaited PvE Firefight experience has arrived to Halo Infinite.



<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="Spartan Chatter: Firefight: King of the Hill" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TcFPhwKyhfs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Michael “Forge Lord” Schorr and Technical Designer Connor Kennelly joined us to talk about the mode and the evolution of Firefight from the survival round-based nature in Halo 3: ODST to the King of the Hill version in Halo Infinite. If you missed it, you can catch up on the chatter below. 



Some key highlights include:  



<ul><li>Design philosophy behind Firefight: KOTH </li><li>Addition of High Value Targets from campaign </li><li>Match XP and Career Rank improvements on the way</li><li>Exploring the addition of FF Challenges </li><li>…and more! </li></ul>



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/firefight-king-of-the-hill-preview" target="_blank">You can read more about Firefight: King of the Hill in our deep dive here.</a> 



— 



Spartan Chatter is an audio series, a podcast if you will, hosted on our <a href="http://discord.gg/Halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Halo Discord</a> which brings members of the studio together to discuss all things Halo with a live audience. 



You can find previous episodes of Spartan Chatter on our <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SWLEPaTx4c&list=PLn5QvCoiY3w7t84T_MFkGl8qvYI_q148-" target="_blank">YouTube channel’s Podcasts page</a> and on our Discord server.



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Episode 1: Forge & Multiplayer with Michael Schorr  <a href="https://youtu.be/7QNHxDg0c9A" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/471730128335142912/1104135351133552664" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discord</a> 



Episode 2: Infection, Season 4, & Career Rank with Sean Baron  <a href="https://youtu.be/4SWLEPaTx4c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/471730128335142912/1109279140449894501" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discord</a> 



Episode 3: Ranked Matchmaking with Tashi Hasandjekic  <a href="https://youtu.be/fQn8wuvz6P0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/471730128335142912/1129534622267613216" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discord</a> 



Episode 4: Halo: Outcasts with Jeff Easterling and Alex Wakeford  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tL2mK1cZhi8&list=PLn5QvCoiY3w7t84T_MFkGl8qvYI_q148-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/471730128335142912/1139676521884286986" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discord</a>

Firefight: King of the Hill | Spartan Chatter

PRESS KIT

The December Update for Halo Infinite has arrived!



Firefight: King of the Hill, the new Repair Field Equipment, huge additions to Forge with new bosses and High Value Targets added to the Forge AI Toolkit, Custom Game Browser and Ranked improvements—and more.



Here are the highlights of what await you today in Halo Infinite…



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT’S NEW?</h2>



FIREFIGHT: KING OF THE HILL



<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="Firefight: King of the Hill Trailer | Season 5: Reckoning | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g_x0LVnITTg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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The latest incarnation of Firefight has come to Halo Infinite—Firefight: King of the Hill.



You and three other players face off against waves of Banished baddies as you fight to capture hills in this PvE experience, featuring nine maps—including the House of Reckoning from Halo Infinite’s campaign.



The nine maps featured in the Firefight: King of the Hill playlist are:



<ul><li>House of Reckoning</li><li>Behemoth</li><li>Deadlock</li><li>Launch Site</li><li>Live Fire</li><li>Oasis</li><li>Exiled (by Epetr0, SandoChokUN)</li><li>Kusini Bay (by Mr Kwatz)</li><li>Vallaheim (by HaiseOz)</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/FFKOTH_Normal_WM.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite playlist image for Firefight: King of the Hill on Normal difficulty depicting Spartans fighting Banished on the House of Reckoning map" class="wp-image-87754" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Normal_WM.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Normal_WM-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Normal_WM-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Normal_WM-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Normal_WM-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Normal_WM-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



For a deep dive into this new mode, <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/firefight-king-of-the-hill-preview">check out our blog on Firefight: King of the Hill</a>.



Also, coming this week is a new Waypoint Chronicle (our last one for 2023) themed around Halo Infinite‘s Firefight experience, so keep an eye out!



REPAIR FIELD



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the new Repair Field equipment attached to a Warthog on the map Breaker" class="wp-image-87274" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/RepairFieldAction-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Need to conduct some repairs while out in the field? We’ve got the perfect Equipment item for you…



Introducing our latest sandbox addition to Halo Infinite, the Repair Field—a neutral piece of Equipment that heals allies, enemies, and even vehicles. It can even revive Spartans in select modes like Firefight: King of the Hill.



FORGE UPDATES



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1363" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HVTForge1-scaled.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of High Value Targets (Bipbap, Tremonius, and Writh Kul) being placed on the map Oasis in Forge" class="wp-image-87571" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HVTForge1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HVTForge1-300x160.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HVTForge1-1024x545.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HVTForge1-768x409.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HVTForge1-1536x818.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HVTForge1-2048x1090.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HVTForge1-1568x835.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



Forge continues to be enhanced and improved with exciting new additions, including:



<ul><li>High Value Targets and bosses from Halo Infinite’s campaign added to Forge AI Toolkit.</li><li>Skull modifiers added to node graph.</li><li>Quality of life updates (global material allow list, scalable blockers, auto turret allegiance options, and more).</li></ul>



RANKED



Based on player feedback, audio and UI elements for Ranked Extraction have been improved. The Ranked experience will also be getting some quality-of-life updates around CSR.



<ul><li>Audio from the Extraction device is no longer global, it is emitted from the device itself which means you’ll need to be in its vicinity to hear whether it’s being converted.</li><li>UI will no longer show the Extraction device actively being converted.</li><li>Once you rank up a tier, you will get three games, win or lose, before a loss will rank you down to the previous tier. Additionally, if a player in the match (who is not on your fireteam) quits, you will not lose CSR if you decide to quit as well.</li></ul>



CUSTOM GAME BROWSER



With this update, the Custom Game Browser received some improvements and fixes:



<ul><li>As long as enough slots are open, the Fireteam leader can bring their entire party into a CGB session.</li><li>Issues blocking players from joining CGB sessions and unclear messaging have been resolved.</li></ul>



STABILITY & NETWORKING



The online experience for Halo Infinite continues to be improved upon and we have been looking to address that even further with this update.



<ul><li>A new networking system has been implemented into Halo Infinite that will be tested in the Firefight: King of the Hill playlist (as PvE is a safer environment for us to test this overhauled system at scale) and will later be tested further in the Combat Workshop.</li></ul>



For a full breakdown of all the new additions and improvements in the December Update, you can <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/december-update-halo-infinite">check out our December Update preview blog</a> or head over to <a href="http://aka.ms/HaloSupport">read the Patch Notes on Halo Support</a>.



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That closes us out for this latest update. Jump into some Firefight, try out the Repair Field, enhance your Forge maps even further with newly added bosses, test your communication in Ranked Extraction, and enjoy a smoother ride with your friends in the Custom Game Browser…



The December Update for Halo Infinite is live now!



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



<a href="http://aka.ms/FFKOTHPressKit">Download the full 4K Press Kit for the December Mid-Season Update.</a>