Games

Halo Infinite

When Halo Infinite launched, Ranked Arena had separate playlist options for input as well as Fireteam size. In order to fix an issue we combined them, and as time went on, we’ve kept them combined in order to promote a better matchmaking experience (ping, time to match, and skill). We also combined them to have a unified ranking experience instead of some players being a certain rank in solo/duo and another rank in the unfiltered option. This year we’ve seen growing feedback from players around solos and duos matching against Fireteams of 3 and 4, and we’ve been closely monitoring the data at the same time.



Today we’re going to talk about what we’ve done and will be doing to address the feedback.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ADDRESSING THE FEEDBACK</h2>



In July, the services team delivered a backend update that will now factor in a Fireteam’s collective CSR when matching. 



Here’s how it works:



When a Fireteam enters matchmaking, the system will offset the CSR based on the size of the Fireteam (more players in Fireteam means a greater offset). For example, this means that a Fireteam of 4 will match against higher CSR players, but only in the case fireteam sizes are imbalanced between teams. The philosophy behind this is that a Fireteam with 2 or more players will have a greater chance of winning against a team of solos due to the teamwork, coordination, communication, etc that comes with Fireteams. This offset is meant to account for those natural advantages that Fireteams have. 



On top of this, we’re also working on a longer-term solution leveraging Fireteam search restrictions. 



Here’s how it’ll work:



<ul><li>If your CSR is 1500 and above (Onyx), you’ll be unable to search with a Fireteam of 3 or 4, and will be shown an error message.</li><li>This is not based on Fireteam average. If even 1 player on the Fireteam is Onyx and the rest are below Onyx, the Fireteam will not be able to search. </li><li>Effectively, this means that the Ranked Arena playlist will be solos and duos only if you’re an Onyx player.</li></ul>



The reason we’re making this change for Onyx only is because that’s where we see more of these issues, and we still want to encourage the vast majority of players in the playlist to party up with friends. Once this is implemented later this Summer, we will of course monitor feedback and data in order to make further changes if required.



Please keep an eye on <a href="https://twitter.com/halosupport">@HaloSupport</a> on Twitter to see when this feature goes live. 



See you online!



-Tashi



<hr class="wp-block-separator" />

Tashi

Ranked Arena Party Matching Update

A neon night descends, cold and brittle amidst towering buildings and expansive arcologies, fitfully aglow with immense digital signs that guide the eyes to all kinds of rewards. Electronic beats flow through the city like a heartbeat, and those that gather for this moment—clothed in armor—know that the time has come for a showdown!



Cyber Showdown has returned to Halo Infinite, and this free event brings with it a new 10-tier Event Pass filled with synthwave-themed customization goodness.



<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="Cyber Showdown II Trailer | Season 4: Infection | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NqZHXXbfs_g?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Let’s take a look at what’s in that Event Pass…



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE SYNTHWAVE SENSATION</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/CyberShowdownIIRewards.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/CyberShowdownIIRewards-scaled.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image showcasing the rewards for the Cyber Showdown II event" class="wp-image-76318" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/CyberShowdownIIRewards-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/CyberShowdownIIRewards-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/CyberShowdownIIRewards-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/CyberShowdownIIRewards-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/CyberShowdownIIRewards-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/CyberShowdownIIRewards-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/CyberShowdownIIRewards-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a></figure>



From August 8-22, the Cyber Showdown II event will be active.



This is a free event that anybody can jump into; you can progress your Event Pass by completing Event Challenges, unlocking customization rewards to outfit your armor, weapons (including a new weapon kit for your BR75 Battle Rifle), and Spartan ID.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/GIFTCyberKitty.jpg" alt="Cyber Kitty nameplate and emblem gift for the Cyber Showdown II event" class="wp-image-76332" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/GIFTCyberKitty.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/GIFTCyberKitty-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/GIFTCyberKitty-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/GIFTCyberKitty-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/GIFTCyberKitty-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/GIFTCyberKitty-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Also, log in anytime during these two weeks to get an additional free gift, the Cybercat Nameplate and emblem for your armor, vehicles and weapons. It’ll be the puurfect addition to that neon ensemble you’re putting together.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



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



SHOP: BRXX LIGHTFIRE BUNDLE



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/SHOPBRXX.jpg" alt="BRXX LIGHTFIRE Shop image" class="wp-image-76346" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/SHOPBRXX.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/SHOPBRXX-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/SHOPBRXX-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/SHOPBRXX-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/SHOPBRXX-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/SHOPBRXX-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Pump up the awesome with the BRXX LIGHTFIRE weapon model, TORCHBEARER helmet for your MARK VII armor, Powerup Sights weapon coatings, Pacific Pitch armor coatings, and more!



ULTIMATE REWARD



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ULTPlumfireS7.jpg" alt="Ultimate Reward of the Plumfire weapon coating for the S7 Sniper" class="wp-image-76360" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ULTPlumfireS7.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ULTPlumfireS7-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ULTPlumfireS7-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ULTPlumfireS7-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ULTPlumfireS7-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/ULTPlumfireS7-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Complete all your challenges for the week and you’ll unlock this week’s Ultimate Reward: The Plumfire Weapon Coating for your S7 Sniper.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



The free Cyber Showdown II event is now live in Halo Infinite, so fire up those pinball machines, dress up retro-style for the occasion to let your inner neon glow shine, and get ready to party like it’s December 2559!



We’ll see you on the streets.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



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



<a href="https://aka.ms/CyberShowdown2PressKit">Grab the full 4K Cyber Showdown press kit here!</a>

Alex Wakeford

Cyber Showdown II Event Launch

Since its release, Season 4: Infection has been winning over hearts and Iratus has been taking over minds. Although the reception of Season 4 has been great, there’s still plenty to do and we haven’t slowed down or lost sight of that fact. To help illustrate that point, let’s take a look at some of the additions, improvements, and bug fixes landing next Wednesday, August 9, with the upcoming August Update!



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



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



Our newest map, Dredge, is entering Halo Infinite’s lineup next week! With inspiration directly from Halo: Reach’s popular map Countdown, this forged homage is sure to make a lasting impression. When diving into the map for the first time, players can expect a new take on the scenery and refreshed gameplay flow.



Starting next Wednesday, you’ll be able to play Dredge all day long in the Dredge 24/7 playlist!



<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="Dredge Map Preview | Season 4: Infection | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HfLWB0wXt78?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COMMUNITY REQUESTS</h2>



You asked. We answered.



In addition to a new multiplayer map, the Halo Infinite team has really been focusing their efforts on top community requests. Let’s take a look at the feedback topics they went after!



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Improved Pelican Vehicle Drops</h3>



After cracking open the code for Pelican vehicle deliveries in Big Team Battle, we found a few different systems that used specific markers that worked together to deliver vehicles. While predictable, the outcome was not quite the same as the consistent, symmetrical vehicle drops that Halo fans typically prefer.



To bring the Pelican deliveries closer in line with those expectations, we’ve improved the system to deliver the same vehicles on both sides of the map in the same wave.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Pelicans_1_Watermarked.jpg" alt="A Pelican drops off a Scorpion on Highpower." class="wp-image-76089" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Pelicans_1_Watermarked.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Pelicans_1_Watermarked-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Pelicans_1_Watermarked-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Pelicans_1_Watermarked-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Pelicans_1_Watermarked-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Pelicans_1_Watermarked-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Please note: due to different Pelican flight paths, there may be a difference in the exact timings of delivery.  



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">BTB Fireteam Improvements  </h3>



In another effort to improve the BTB experience, the team also tackled a common piece of community feedback around intro cameras. Now, Big Team Battle matches will prioritize placing the members of your Fireteam in your in-game squad of four players. That means during the intro camera sequences at the start of each game, the line up shot with four Spartans will also prioritize showing members of your Fireteam.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Watermarked.jpg" alt="Three Spartans running together on Scarr." class="wp-image-76103" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Watermarked.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Watermarked-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Watermarked-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Watermarked-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Watermarked-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_BTB_Watermarked-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Extermination</h3>



There are not many feelings that can match the rewarding sensation of taking down an entire enemy team and hearing Jeff Steitzer say, “Extermination.”  



With the introduction of the Elimination and Attrition game modes in Halo Infinite, there was a desire to help make that medal moment even more special by attributing it to Overkills that helped end a round. However, many of you expressed that this made it feel too tucked away and asked for it to return to all game modes—and that request was heard loud and clear.



We’re happy to say that with the launch of the August Update, the Extermination medal will be available in all multiplayer modes. We look forward to you all sharing clips of your favorite clean sweeps online!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Extermination_Watermarked.jpg" alt="A first-person screenshot of a player getting an Overkill Extermination in a match of King of the Hill on Forest." class="wp-image-76117" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Extermination_Watermarked.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Extermination_Watermarked-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Extermination_Watermarked-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Extermination_Watermarked-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Extermination_Watermarked-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Extermination_Watermarked-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Death Cam Improvements</h3>



While this topic was a bit more niche, we saw the posts and comments asking for improvements in this area and the team was happy to jump on it.  



Our reasoning for going with static death cams was to help ensure a fair environment in which a team only gathered information that was earned. However, we heard the feedback around the static death cams and we went after it for this update.



Starting next week, after you’ve fallen in combat, you’ll be able to rotate your death cam to look around while spectating teammates—much like in previous titles. We expect this extra bit of freedom will encourage even better teamwork and improve communication while players wait to respawn.  



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Death_Cam_Watermarked.jpg" alt="A screenshot of a Death Cam being rotated enough to spot an enemy in the background." class="wp-image-76131" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Death_Cam_Watermarked.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Death_Cam_Watermarked-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Death_Cam_Watermarked-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Death_Cam_Watermarked-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Death_Cam_Watermarked-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Death_Cam_Watermarked-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Additionally, to help make sure you can spectate your teammate’s even faster, we’ve increased the speed at which you can cycle through players on your death cam. Now, with this additional layer of player agency, you should always be able to help a teammate in need.  



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Reactive Water Plane</h3>



Season 4 brought the first appearance of a placeable and scalable water object in Forge—the static water plane. Being a static object, it didn’t react to gameplay interactions such as footsteps, bullets, or explosions and was more applicable for map aesthetics. It was a big step forward for Forge, but we knew that having a reactive water plane would be the next big leap.



Next week, you’ll be able to take that leap with the addition of a scalable water plane in Forge. This new water object will react to players, vehicles, and projectiles just like it would on any of our dev maps!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Reactive_Water_Plane_Watermarked.jpg" alt="A screenshot of the Reactive Water Plane's ripple effect when being shot at." class="wp-image-76145" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Reactive_Water_Plane_Watermarked.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Reactive_Water_Plane_Watermarked-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Reactive_Water_Plane_Watermarked-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Reactive_Water_Plane_Watermarked-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Reactive_Water_Plane_Watermarked-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Reactive_Water_Plane_Watermarked-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Forge QoL Updates & Bug Fixes</h3>



In addition to the introduction of the reactive water plane, Forge will also get some extra love and polish in this update. A quality-of-life (QoL) update for our Forge menu folders means that creators will be able to expand and collapse all the folders in each menu with a single action. Beyond that, the team went after numerous community-reported issues for the August Update.



The full list of those bug fixes will be available on the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/HaloSupport" target="_blank">Halo Support</a> team’s Patch Notes at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://aka.ms/HaloInfiniteUpdate" target="_blank">aka.ms/HaloInfiniteUpdate</a> and will go live with the update’s launch next week.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="506" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/HI_Forge_Folders_Watermarked.gif" alt="A gif of all the Folders being opened and collapsed in the Forge menu." class="wp-image-76187"/></figure>



Much like all our updates, the focus of the August Update was to continue addressing top community requests across the board. In addition to the few topics we’ve covered above, we’ll have even more fixes for top community reported issues such as Personal AI voice resetting, bringing slide back to parity with its Season 3 behavior, multiple Observer and Theater bugs, and stability improvements for all platforms.



As a reminder, the full list of fixes—with additional context—will be available on <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/HaloSupport" target="_blank">Halo Support</a>’s Patch Notes page (<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://aka.ms/HaloInfiniteUpdate" target="_blank">aka.ms/HaloInfiniteUpdate)</a> next week.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



While we know there will always be plenty more to go after, we’re excited to release this one and share these improvements with you. Thank you for your continued support and constructive feedback as we continue to update Halo Infinite!

Unyshek

August Update Preview

Tenrai has returned to Halo Infinite!



Tenrai II is an event for all players that runs for two weeks and features a free 10-tier Event Pass, featuring new samurai-themed customization content.



<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="Tenrai II Launch Trailer | Season 4: Infection | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ckSaUbTV7ns?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Let’s take a look at the gifts that await honorable warriors…



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TENRAI II: SAMURAI BOOGALOO</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2160" height="2160" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S4_TENRAI_2_REWARDS_2160x2160_RGB.jpg" alt="The reward track for the Tenrai 2 event. Includes three weapon coatings, yoroi armor pieces and weapons charms plus a backdrop and alternative geo for the A R. " class="wp-image-73638" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S4_TENRAI_2_REWARDS_2160x2160_RGB.jpg 2160w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S4_TENRAI_2_REWARDS_2160x2160_RGB-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S4_TENRAI_2_REWARDS_2160x2160_RGB-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S4_TENRAI_2_REWARDS_2160x2160_RGB-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S4_TENRAI_2_REWARDS_2160x2160_RGB-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S4_TENRAI_2_REWARDS_2160x2160_RGB-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S4_TENRAI_2_REWARDS_2160x2160_RGB-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HALO_INFINITE_EVENT_S4_TENRAI_2_REWARDS_2160x2160_RGB-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2160px) 100vw, 2160px" /></figure>



From July 18 to August 1, the Tenrai II event will be active.



This is a free event that anybody can jump into; you can progress your Event Pass by completing Event Challenges, unlocking customization rewards to outfit your YOROI armor, weapons (including a new Tenrai-themed weapon kit for your MA40 Assault Rifle), and Spartan ID.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



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



SHOP: DRAGONBORN BUNDLE



Available in the Shop this week is the Dragonborn bundle, a new super bundle (like Hazmat Haven) which packages together three individual bundles at a discount.



You can purchase each individual bundle separately, but getting it all together will additionally unlock an exclusive Mythic Effect Set and the Dragonborn Noble shoulders.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/2023_0611-StoreSocial-Dragonborn-16x9-R03-1.jpg" alt="The Dragonborn bundle includes three separate bundles plus exclusive bonus content." class="wp-image-73652" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/2023_0611-StoreSocial-Dragonborn-16x9-R03-1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/2023_0611-StoreSocial-Dragonborn-16x9-R03-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/2023_0611-StoreSocial-Dragonborn-16x9-R03-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/2023_0611-StoreSocial-Dragonborn-16x9-R03-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/2023_0611-StoreSocial-Dragonborn-16x9-R03-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/2023_0611-StoreSocial-Dragonborn-16x9-R03-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



ULTIMATE REWARD



Complete all your challenges for the week and you’ll unlock this week’s Ultimate Reward: The Highlit Steel armor coating for your YOROI armor.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HighlitSteel_Yoroi_ArmorCoating_S4_Ultimate_16x9.jpg" alt="The blue and yellow highlit steel coating for the Yoroi Armor is the ultimate reward. " class="wp-image-73666" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HighlitSteel_Yoroi_ArmorCoating_S4_Ultimate_16x9.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HighlitSteel_Yoroi_ArmorCoating_S4_Ultimate_16x9-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HighlitSteel_Yoroi_ArmorCoating_S4_Ultimate_16x9-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HighlitSteel_Yoroi_ArmorCoating_S4_Ultimate_16x9-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HighlitSteel_Yoroi_ArmorCoating_S4_Ultimate_16x9-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/HighlitSteel_Yoroi_ArmorCoating_S4_Ultimate_16x9-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TENRAI III</h2>



While Tenrai II spans the next two weeks, we will have another YOROI-centric event this season. Tenrai III will arrive on September 19, which will bring with it another free 10-tier Event Pass with even more customization content for you to earn.



Tenrai III will also see the release of a new Story Shard connected to this samurai-inspired take on the Halo universe, so stay tuned!



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



The time has now come Step onto the battlefield And fight with honor.

Tenrai II Event Launch

Community

Esports

Welcome to the latest Spartan Chatter!



In this episode, we were joined by the Halo Esports and Viewership lead, Tashi Hasandjekic himself! We chatted with him about the Ranked experience in Halo Infinite and answered some of your questions along the way. 



Some of the highlights include, but are not limited to: 



<ul><li>Ranked Doubles rotating into matchmaking July 18</li><li>Introduction of Ranked Tactical Slayer (Yes, it’s happening!)</li><li>Ranked playlist rotation philosophy</li><li> Catalyst will be returning to Ranked Arena with updated weapon layouts later this month </li><li>Arena vs HCS: Why do we have both? </li><li> Review of player feedback that’s on the active investigation checklist </li><li>What to expect from HCS Salt Lake City, hosted by Spacestation Gaming (Hint: A lot of fun!)</li></ul>



Be sure to tune in and catch the full episode!



<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: Ranked Matchmaking" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fQn8wuvz6P0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Spartan Chatter is an audio series, a podcast if you will, hosted on our <a href="https://discord.gg/Halo">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 href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SWLEPaTx4c&list=PLn5QvCoiY3w7t84T_MFkGl8qvYI_q148-">YouTube channel’s Podcasts page</a> and on our Discord server.



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DiscordRankedScreen-1024x576.jpg" alt="A Spartan with Halo Discord channel overlay over it" class="wp-image-73590" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DiscordRankedScreen-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DiscordRankedScreen-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DiscordRankedScreen-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DiscordRankedScreen-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DiscordRankedScreen-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DiscordRankedScreen.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Keep an eye on our <a href="https://twitter.com/Halo">Twitter</a> and our <a href="https://discord.gg/Halo">Discord server</a> to be the first to know about future Spartan Chatter installments so you can mark your calendars and join in when they happen!

snickerdoodle

Ranked Experience | Spartan Chatter

If you find Big Team Battle too chaotic at 12v12 but 4v4 is just not enough, then let us introduce you to the new Squad Battle playlist!



Resembling the BTB of old, Squad Battle pits 8v8 in a mix of Slayer and Objective modes on community made maps that lend themselves well to both infantry and vehicular combat. Some might even look a little familiar to Halo veterans…



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Maps</h3>



If you’ve played past titles, Halo 3 in particular, then this should be a walk down memory lane. If not, that’s okay! There’s no better time than now to jump in and experience the chaos.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4eb7a3ac-81f7-4faa-acd8-ce6bbba667af">Kusini Bay</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/players/Mr%20Kwatz">Mr Kwatz</a></h4>



Available modes:



<ul><li>One Flag CTF</li><li>Slayer</li><li>King of the Hill</li></ul>





<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4eb7a3ac-81f7-4faa-acd8-ce6bbba667af">Bookmark Link</a>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/79387d10-be2d-4beb-9099-9b112ca326ed">Vallaheim</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Rick_LopVeg">HaiseOz</a></h4>



Available modes:



<ul><li>CTF (3 captures)</li><li>Slayer</li><li>Total Control</li></ul>





<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/79387d10-be2d-4beb-9099-9b112ca326ed">Bookmark Link</a>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/6ba0d5f2-b330-47f3-ba62-265e46ec304e">Rat’s Nest</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Barnson_art">MastermetaleX</a></h4>



Available modes:



<ul><li>CTF (5 captures)</li><li>Slayer</li><li>King of the Hill</li></ul>





<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/6ba0d5f2-b330-47f3-ba62-265e46ec304e">Bookmark Link</a>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/18025a9e-3c9c-4d50-9bf9-8eb5def66688">Waterworks</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/WilliamBosleyDM">Greater Pain</a></h4>



Available modes:



<ul><li>CTF (3 captures)</li><li>Slayer</li><li>Total Control</li></ul>





<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/18025a9e-3c9c-4d50-9bf9-8eb5def66688">Bookmark Link</a>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/7df48409-8026-4820-bf37-da08ebe4fa0f">Exiled</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/_Epetr0">Epetro</a>, <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/players/SandoChoKUN">SandoChoKun</a></h4>



Available Modes:



<ul><li>CTF (3 captures)</li><li>Slayer</li><li>Total Control</li></ul>





<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/7df48409-8026-4820-bf37-da08ebe4fa0f">Bookmark Link</a>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



Grab your crew, squad up, and hit the battlefield for some carnage in this latest rotational playlist!

Squad Battle | Halo Infinite

Forge Features

Welcome back to a new edition of Forge Features! It’s been a little while since we last caught up, as the spotlight has very much been on Season 4: Infection’s arrival in Halo Infinite a few weeks ago, but as the dust settles the time has come to take a look at more community creations.



Let’s start things off with something that might just blow your mind…



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



THE MAW Credits: KingNothing2005 Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/d1c61577-8244-441c-a29c-b4eedaeaed51">The Maw map</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/93833a17-9e63-4f70-b49b-f4cdc9917985">Warthog Run mode</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/d1c61577-8244-441c-a29c-b4eedaeaed51"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a remake of The Maw from Halo: CE made in Forge" class="wp-image-70854" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



“Analyzing… We have six minutes before the fusion drives detonate. We need to evac, now! Activating final countdown timer. When it reaches zero, the engines will detonate. The explosion will generate a temperature of almost one-hundred-million degrees. Don’t be here when it blows.”



And yes, somehow—through the unholy alchemy of Forge and fan creativity—this is an exact recreation of the entire Warthog Run from Halo: CE.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



SMALLHALLA Credits: nkdape, Okom1, Micheal B 2K8, Mr Kwatz, Virus11010, Scrubulba, daedalus7932, MikRips, Cousin Tim Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/46a9df21-1b5e-447e-82be-b12c119781ac">Smallhalla</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/46a9df21-1b5e-447e-82be-b12c119781ac"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a smaller version of Valhalla from Halo 3 made in Forge" class="wp-image-70840" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Forge gives players the power to answer many creative questions. Smallhalla dares to ask one of the most game-changing of all… what if Valhalla was really small?



(And also, what if the crashed Pelican was actually a paper airplane?)



<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="Smallhalla Release Trailer | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ePl8xLwNIzI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



ABANDON Credits: bullet2thehead9, DISTORTED JACKAL, C0mmnder, TheChunx, xLoud Mary Jane Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/6ee344cb-b49e-4604-93f2-8e4e73ccadde">Abandon</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/6ee344cb-b49e-4604-93f2-8e4e73ccadde"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a remake of Halo 4's map Abandon made in Forge" class="wp-image-70798" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Take a trip back to the creepy alien jungles of Erebus VII. Mind the anglers!



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



LONE WOLF Credits: bullet2thehead9, Va1kyrie, Nomino33 Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/5291c5f5-032a-435e-a04a-b77dd2ac6198">Lone Wolf</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/5291c5f5-032a-435e-a04a-b77dd2ac6198"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a remake of the Lone Wolf mission from Halo: Reach in Forge" class="wp-image-70826" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Objective: survive.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COMMUNITY CREATIONS</h2>



Looking to find out what new objects came to Halo Infinite’s Forge in Season 4? Gravemind’s got you covered with this video overview—a most helpful and informative turn after giving up his ambitions of infecting the universe!



<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="Halo Infinite - New Season 4 Forge Items!" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h-86BgagxMU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



DEWtheMCCOY continues to showcase more of the incredible work we’ve been seeing from community cartographers, and in one of his latest videos he looks at some campaign levels which have been recreated in Forge. These include The Silent Cartographer from Halo: CE, Regret from Halo 2, and Mombasa Streets from Halo 3: ODST.



<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="Halo CE, 2 and ODST CAMPAIGN LEVELS - Remade in Halo Infinite Forge" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fnndJSr7ksM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



That closes us out for this issue of Forge Features. Go bookmark some new maps and modes, grab your friends, and get a custom games night going.



Whether you’re looking to escape the Pillar of Autumn, make a noble final stand, or you’re just looking to embrace the sheer chaos of Lightspeed Halo, the Custom Games Browser is just one click away!

Community Cartography 013

Forge Features: July 5, 2023

Canon Fodder

Issue 142

Canon Fodder: System Shocks

Suit up, Spartans. It’s time for some hazard pay!



Season 4: Infection released last week, which means it’s time to kick off its first event, which features a free Event Pass with 10 tiers of customization rewards for your HAZMAT armor.



Let’s get you a full debriefing…



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HAZMAT EVENT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2160" height="2160" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HAZMATRewards.jpg" alt="Image of the HAZMAT Event's Reward Track" class="wp-image-70444" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HAZMATRewards.jpg 2160w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HAZMATRewards-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HAZMATRewards-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HAZMATRewards-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HAZMATRewards-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HAZMATRewards-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HAZMATRewards-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HAZMATRewards-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2160px) 100vw, 2160px" /></figure>



From June 27-July 11, the HAZMAT event will be active. This is a free event that anybody can jump into, featuring a 10-tier Event Pass full of customization items to outfit your Spartan’s new HAZMAT armor.



 You know the drill: complete Event Challenges to earn tiers in your Event Pass and outfit your HAZMAT armor with your rewards!



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PLAYLISTS ‘N’ PLAZA</h2>



A new season means new content—new maps, modes, and more! You can jump right into the latest and greatest seasonal action with the New Arena Unlimited and New BTB Unlimited playlists. 



<ul><li>WEEK ONE – New Arena Unlimited: June 27-July 4 </li><li>WEEK TWO – New BTB Unlimited: July 4-11</li></ul>



<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="Solitude Map Preview | Season 4: Infection | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_7dgdhM7Eqk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



In addition to all the new Season 4 goodness included in the New Arena Unlimited playlist will be Solitude, our remake of the fan-favorite map Plaza from Halo 5: Guardians created in Halo Infinite’s Forge.



For a closer look at Solitude with some of our multiplayer designers, check out our Q&A blog below!



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/solitude-preview-season-4">SOLITUDE PREVIEW | SEASON 4</a>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HAZMAT ARMOR</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the HAZMAT Armor Core" class="wp-image-69912" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Built to stand against all manner of threats and dangerous conditions, designed to be used by both super-soldiers and unaugmented personnel, HAZMAT armor comes to Halo Infinite in Season 4.



OSTEO combat engineering suits incorporate an array of contingency systems focused on surviving extended operations in extraordinarily harsh working and combat environments. HAZMAT armor is for those who specialize in delving into the heart of dying Forerunner facilities, for hunters operating in blighted waters and poisoned winds, search teams exploring sites scarred by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons used in the Covenant War, and even more insidious threats the galaxy has to offer.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



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



SHOP: SECOND CHANCE BUNDLE



Available in the Shop this week is the Second Chance bundle, which features:



<ul><li>Second Chance chest attachment (HAZMAT)</li><li>FAM-90 Stabilizer shoulder pads (HAZMAT)</li><li>Can Do stance</li><li>Jacknife armor coating (for all Armor Cores)</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/2023/06/SecondChanceBundle.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the Second Chance bundle" class="wp-image-70458" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SecondChanceBundle.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SecondChanceBundle-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SecondChanceBundle-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SecondChanceBundle-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SecondChanceBundle-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SecondChanceBundle-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



ULTIMATE REWARD



Complete all your challenges for the week and you’ll unlock this week’s Ultimate Reward: the Solarian Legend weapon coating for your M41 SPNKr.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolarianLegendSPNKrUlt.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the Solarian Legend weapon coating for the M41 SPNKr" class="wp-image-70472" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolarianLegendSPNKrUlt.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolarianLegendSPNKrUlt-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolarianLegendSPNKrUlt-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolarianLegendSPNKrUlt-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolarianLegendSPNKrUlt-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolarianLegendSPNKrUlt-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



FREE GIFT!



Log in at any time during the HAZMAT Event and you’ll unlock the War Storage backdrop for your Spartan ID.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HI_S4_Hazmat_Gift_WarStorage_Social_16x9-1024x576.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the HAZMAT Event's free gift: the War Storage backdrop" class="wp-image-70548" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HI_S4_Hazmat_Gift_WarStorage_Social_16x9-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HI_S4_Hazmat_Gift_WarStorage_Social_16x9-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HI_S4_Hazmat_Gift_WarStorage_Social_16x9-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HI_S4_Hazmat_Gift_WarStorage_Social_16x9-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HI_S4_Hazmat_Gift_WarStorage_Social_16x9-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HI_S4_Hazmat_Gift_WarStorage_Social_16x9.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



The HAZMAT Event is now live! Jump into Halo Infinite and complete your challenges to progress that Event Pass and unlock free HAZMAT-themed rewards.



The Containment Event will arrive later in Season 4, starting on August 29, which will also run for two weeks (through September 12) and offers an additional 10 tiers of free HAZMAT-themed rewards.



See you out there, HAZMAT honchos!

HAZMAT Event Launch

Season 4: Infection was released just last week, bringing a plethora of new content to Halo Infinite, and we’ve got a little something extra to share with you all in the form of Solitude—a remake of Plaza from Halo 5: Guardians—which you’ll be able to jump into… tomorrow! 



To help celebrate the arrival of Solitude for tomorrow, we’ve sat down with multiplayer designers Cayle George (Lead Level Designer), Cliff Schuldt (Level Designer), and Ryan Bergstrom (Level Designer) to learn a little bit more about the creation of this new take on a fan-favorite map. 



<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="Solitude Map Preview | Season 4: Infection | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_7dgdhM7Eqk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



Let’s kick things off with some Plaza appreciation: what are some of the elements of this map that you think make it such a fan-favorite?



The first thing to say here is that Plaza really was one of the best Strongholds maps in Halo 5. Contesting and controlling zones on Plaza was incredibly fun, in no small part because traversal of the map was so interesting—there were lots of different flanking routes that always kept players on their toes while on the defense and open to a lot of engagement opportunities while on the offense. That made it work well for a bunch of different modes and gave it a lot of replayability.



Out of all of that, we really saw a lot of cool trick jumps emerge out of Halo 5’s movement on Plaza, which added a whole new layer of competitiveness that made it an instant favorite.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview1.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Solitude" class="wp-image-70515" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



In Halo 5, Plaza is a neon-lit city street. In Halo Infinite, we see that Solitude looks very different. What inspired this new visual direction?



From the outset, our philosophy with remakes is that we want to explore these familiar spaces with alternate themes.



Part of that is just because it’s fun and interesting from an artistic standpoint, especially when we’re working with the new assets and palettes of Halo Infinite’s Forge mode, but it also makes it easier for players to parse some of the adjustments and tweaks to sandbox, scale, and other factors that inevitably happen across games.



If you go into a remake of a map and it looks exactly the same but the game plays differently (which Halo Infinite does compared to Halo 5), your brain can run into some “uncanny valley” territory where it just doesn’t quite feel right.



As a result of all those things, we thought it would be interesting to explore what Plaza would look like in a more desolate, abandoned setting.



Visuals aside, are there any notable differences in geometry between Plaza and Solitude, or is this a 1:1 remake?



Solitude is very close to being a 1:1 remake in terms of spacing, but the height and overall verticality of the map has been adjusted. There are some pieces of gameplay that inevitably won’t translate between Halo 5 and Halo Infinite because they play quite differently, but this is a map that aims to be true to the original with lots of cool new gameplay opportunities afforded by Halo Infinite’s sandbox toys.



Like Empyrean (the remake of The Pit), Solitude was made using Halo Infinite’s Forge. What are some of the advantages we’ve found internally that come with using this tool to create new multiplayer maps?



Forge is a tremendously useful tool when it comes to playtesting maps and making quick adjustments, which has definitely been a great advantage to have. If something isn’t feeling quite right or we want to experiment with an idea, Forge can simply make that process of ideation and iteration happen with greater speed than you’d have with a more “traditional” dev-made map.



How have we been finding that Solitude plays with Halo Infinite’s sandbox? Any fun playtesting stories to share?



At the very beginning, we put the Stalker Rifle where the Lightrifle used to be in Halo 5. As it’s so open in that middle area, the Stalker Rifle actually ended up annihilating anyone and everyone who walked into that space—especially in-combination with the Sniper.



That’s all part of the fun when it comes to creating remakes in a new game with a new sandbox. The Stalker Rifle seemed like a reasonable weapon to put in the Lightrifle spot, only for us to end up discovering that we’d basically created a new power weapon.



We pivoted that to the M392 Bandit, which players got their hands on as a new sandbox toy in Season 3.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview2.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Solitude" class="wp-image-70529" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview2.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview2-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Which modes have we found are particularly fun to play on this map?



Just like Halo 5, we found that Strongholds is a really good time on Solitude. King of the Hill is a close second, and we hope players will find this map to overall be just as versatile and fun as its Halo 5 counterpart.



Are there any cool Easter eggs that fans should keep an eye out for on this map?



Yes? 😉



With Empyrean in last year’s Winter Update and now Solitude, can you share anything more about future Forge maps from the dev-side?



We are working on maps in the Forge tool to release to players. What that means is that we’re constantly playtesting and internally reviewing what maps we think will resonate with fans, and we’re also keeping our eyes on what the community is making in Forge to be featured in the Community Collection playlist.



We have to really weigh what the biggest bang for our buck is in terms of the value that we can add to the constantly growing content pool, and those are plate tectonics that are constantly shifting.



Thank you for joining us once again to tell us more about the process of creating these awesome maps. Do you have any parting words to share?



We hope you’ve all been enjoying Season 4 so far. It’s been great seeing people share their clips online of amazing plays in Infection or looking under the bridge on Forest (despite our warnings not to!)



Keep creating, keep sharing, and we hope you have a good time on Solitude.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



New Arena Unlimited will be arriving tomorrow as the featured playlist for the next week, featuring a range of modes that will be playable on Forest and Solitude, so you’ll have the opportunity to jump straight into this new map and start slaying.



Let’s see how well you remember this dance…