Esports

Games

Tashi

Ranked / Competitive Reveal

Andy Salisbury

Unleash Your Inner Warrior: MCC Season 8, Mythic

With the arrival of Halo Waypoint vNext, a brand-new digital home for your Spartan is about to be minted. With the planned launch just around the corner on November 1, you’re going to have access to a litany of new features including:



<ul><li>Access to Waypoint’s news feed, to ensure you’re up to date with the latest intel</li><li>The ability to personalize your Spartan in Halo Infinite using all the customization options you’ve unlocked</li><li>The chance to check out your service record in Halo Infinite, MCC, and Halo 5</li><li>Graphs and stats to keep track of your carnage</li><li>The ability to keep track of your Battle Pass progress</li><li>Reviewing your current ongoing Challenges in Halo Infinite</li><li>A unified experience across mobile apps and web</li><li>And much more!</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/WaypointvNextFAQBlog/halo-waypoint-showcase-1120-aa6b7fca8be943f6aa1eadb05d35d0bf.png" alt="Halo Waypoint includes the mobile App (left) and the website for your computer (center, right) or mobile web browser."/></figure>



Halo Waypoint includes the mobile App (left) and the website for your computer (center, right) or mobile web browser. [<a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/InsideInfinite-June2021/halo-waypoint-showcase-cb60f943ac2b4dbe9fd4433f218fcb47.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to download the full-size image</a>.]



To those of you that joined us in our recent Multiplayer Tech Preview, you may have also jumped in to get an early look at our <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://t.co/bdz2zJiPLc?amp=1" target="_blank">Android</a> and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://t.co/XFvOTJaftl?amp=1" target="_blank">iOS</a> apps! Notably, these are still in a ‘soft launch’ state, so expect more features to be added in the future as we get closer to the December 8 launch of Halo Infinite. (So, do pardon some of our dust in the meantime.) And of course, if you want a full rundown from the team that’s been hard at work building this new experience from the ground-up, be sure to check out the June 2021 Edition of Inside Infinite.



Today, we’re sitting back down with one of the members of the Waypoint Team we chatted with previously, Kevin “KP” Paul. With updates of this size there’s always a lot of moving pieces and features to consider. Notably, Halo Waypoint vNext is an ongoing effort that spans across web and mobile – so, there will be iterative updates in the future, but we wanted to ensure that you knew just what to expect when the site launches.



Alright, it’s official – Waypoint vNext is arriving on November 1! For the uninitiated, what does that mean? KP: The Waypoint that you know and love will be getting a complete overhaul, rebuilt from the ground up to support the growing needs of the Halo franchise. At the surface level you’ll notice a new look and feel throughout the web, with many returning features and a few new ones sprinkled in. Behind the scenes, this shift makes us better able to focus development efforts across the website, Android, and iOS apps.



Back during the Multiplayer Tech Preview, players had a chance to dive in early to take a look at the Waypoint vNext experience. But, even with that sneak peek, is there anything they should keep an eye out for at launch? KP: Players who participated in the previews should expect a continued focus on their investments in our games. For Halo Infinite this means further investment in Customization and Progression. Additionally, MCC players can expect more connectivity with seasonal content and their progression. Even at the profile level on Halo Waypoint, we are rolling out Service Awards as way to show off your Halo career highlights.



This time around Halo Waypoint will exist as an app as well. What are some of the coolest features coming with its arrival? KP: The design team spoke eloquently to this vision and their design intent back in our Inside Infinite article and it is worth a read. At a high level you can expect a lot of shared features between the web and app because we’re committed to reaching our players no matter where they are. You can expect the usual conveniences from an app, including (but not limited to) regular updates and push notifications for content that’s important to you.  



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/WaypointvNextFAQBlog/customization-1120-9da57e0d8d864370bb1b7596b463cb1a.png" alt="Halo Infinite Customization shown on App (Left), Game (Center), and Web (Right)"/></figure>



Halo Infinite Customization shown on App (Left), Game (Center), and Web (Right). [<a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/InsideInfinite-June2021/customization-709bc8f270a546d0afd4cc7a2d556ccd.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to download the full-size image</a>.]



For those that don’t know, the Halo Waypoint app is already available on Android and iOS – but, the website still looks the same. How come? KP: In this case, we released the app earlier than the new website because it was our best chance to reach players diving into the Multiplayer Tech Preview! Ultimately, this does mean that we have some updates still to make throughout the entire experience. We’re hard at work preparing for launch, but if you do see any bugs be sure to file a ticket with Halo Support!



With an update of this size there’s always a lot to consider. Among all the features that are coming forward to Waypoint vNext, are there any that won’t be there at launch? KP: Whoa, comin’ at me like a grappling BXB’er straight outta the Multiplayer Tech Preview! For context, today’s current iteration of Waypoint is the result of 8-years of continued investment into a single website, while vNext has only been cooking for a few years and spans web, iOS, and Android.



While we were able to bring forward many of our most used features by players, we haven’t been able to rebuild everything. The features that will not join the transition to vNext will be: Halo 5 Spartan Companies, browsing the Halo 5 User-Generated Content (UGC) features, the Halo Wars 2 Service Record, the Universe section, and some older News articles.



For Halo 5, what’s happening specifically with Spartan Companies and User Generated Content (UGC)? KP: Spartan Companies will still appear in Halo 5 but without our interface you will no longer be able to edit your Company info or roster. (So, if you have any planned updates, we recommend you do them now.) Your Company’s Service Record and Commendations will not be visible, but they will continue to tick behind the scenes and rewards (including Achilles) will continue to be granted. Your roster will be locked with no way to add, remove, promote, or demote members. Spartan Company forums will no longer be available.



Halo 5 UGC will be unaffected in-game, to be clear, but the Waypoint interface to browse your Halo 5 game variants, map variants, and Forge object groups will no longer be available. 



For Halo Wars 2, what will happen with the Service Record? KP: As we weigh all of the potential website features against every active Halo title, we often have to make difficult trade-offs to prioritize areas that directly benefit the largest audiences in our community. As we focus on robust support for Halo Infinite, this unfortunately means that we won’t be able to maintain Halo Wars 2 service records on the new website. The good news is that the Halo Wars 2 public API and third-party services remain unaffected and that data will continue to flow.



But, if you want to archive your Halo Wars 2 Service Record, please do so soon.



Will there be any other notable parts of Waypoint that will change? KP: The Universe section is something of a relic of a prior age of Waypoint, standing now only as a monument to <a href="https://twitter.com/GrimBrotherOne" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grim</a>’s sins. Less dramatically, this content was central to previous video efforts and we have not maintained it as stand-alone web content. We also know the community has stepped in to fill this role, in greater detail and with more freedom for intrigue. Check out our friends at <a href="https://www.halopedia.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Halopedia</a>, for example.



Lastly, only select News articles will be brought forward to vNext as only some will maintain relevance.



Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today, KP!



KP: Not so fast, Andy. I’ve exited the block quote to explain that we care deeply about these decisions and the users they impact. We will continue to flight regularly and review feedback to better understand what is important to you. With Infinite looming, our focus will be there for the time being, but we may yet revisit some of these features.



Ultimately, with Halo Infinite having such a long future ahead of it, we knew we’d be kicking off a brand-new chapter of Waypoint. So, this is just where this version of Waypoint begins – we won’t just be launching this then walking away. There’s more to come.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/WaypointvNextFAQBlog/progression-1120-b34afe202edd4c96b7d6e0feb7d37ebd.png" alt="Halo Infinite Progression shown on Game (left) and App (right)"/></figure>



Halo Infinite Progression shown on Game (left) and App (right). [<a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/InsideInfinite-June2021/progression-57c2e94e4e5949c88789c8c7fa79bc10.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to download the full-size image</a>.]



At times like this, I fully endorse the dropping of decorum and hanging out here in the body text. KP, thank you and the Waypoint Team for your continued hard work in building our Spartans’ digital homes – and, for taking the time to share this information with us today!



As a reminder, with these updates arriving alongside Waypoint vNext we highly recommend taking the time to tend to your Halo 5 Spartan Companies, review your Halo Wars 2 stats in all their glory, and bookmark even more fan-favorite maps and modes in Halo 5 before November 1.



As always, if you have any feedback, thoughts, or comments – let us know on <a href="https://twitter.com/Halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/halo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>.

Waypoint vNext: FAQ

Canon Fodder

Community

Welcome back! I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty excited about the particular moment in time we find ourselves. American football has kicked back off, playoff baseball is nigh, the leaves are changing, the weather is cooling, and there’s some sort of new sci-fi video game coming out soon as well. Spacehoop Eternal I think it’s called? As many of you are already well aware, we’re in the midst of a double-header weekend of flighting for Halo Infinite multiplayer, which means that more and more people are able to get their hands on more and more of the game as we hurtle towards the ever-impending December 8 launch date. With that all in mind, we thought we’d take a few moments (if you have them to spare, that is) to catch you up on some recent and/or upcoming elements you’ll be interacting with during your flight time. Unfortunately, none of them will be a “Wet Floor” sign.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TECHNICALLY SPEAKING</h2>



One of Halo’s greatest qualities is the underlying sense of “belonging” even the smallest object can seem to possess. Whether it’s hopping in a vehicle, picking up a new weapon or piece of equipment, or even just taking a good long look at some well-designed space crates, the universe always seems to try and help you feel at home in it—even if that also involves running for your life from encroaching aliens or enemy fireteams. The latest Halo Infinite multiplayer flights have added a few new sandbox items to encounter, both from last weekend’s Arena focus to the upcoming Big Team Battle bonanza. Let’s take a look at some of their underlying lore!



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">SCORPION</h4>



M808 Main Battle Tank



Widely considered the apex of UNSC tank design, the M808 is effectively a massive mobile battle platform armed with an M512 smoothbore heavy cannon and supplementary machine gun for ancillary engagements.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/1120x630_haloinfinite_scorpion_watermarked_v2-06a33caefe3541c58c03ae29d4f9583b.png" alt="Image of the M808 Main Battle Tank"/></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">SHOCK RIFLE</h4>



Sicatt Workshop Volt Piercer



Charged and maintained at local armory outposts, the Shock Rifle is a long-range Banished electrolaser, the latest in a long line of experimental voltaic appli­cation devices that represent some of the only remaining vestiges of the Jiralhanae’s own great technological age.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/1120x630_haloinfinite_banished_shockrifle_01_darkbg-97b4b94cff77400aa729d156c2b032aa.png" alt="Sicatt Workshop Volt Piercer"/></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">HEATWAVE</h4>



Once employed by Forerunner Warrior-Servants, the Heatwave is a robust hard light projector that fires multiple energized shards which can effectively slice through living creatures while bouncing off dense terrain or architecture. Equipped with alternate firing modes that allow its wielder to tune the weapon’s variable impact geometry on demand.  



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/1120x630_haloinfinite_heatwave_watermarked-6cf04e56393c43fc81129c929c63c7b2.png" alt="Once employed by Forerunner Warrior-Servants, the Heatwave is a robust hard light projector that fires multiple energized shards which can effectively slice through living creatures while bouncing off dense terrain or architecture. Equipped with alternate firing modes that allow its wielder to tune the weapon’s variable impact geometry on demand. "/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PLAY PLACES</h2>



One of the best things about multiplayer maps is that they provide an opportunity to explore different locations or scenarios that you might not necessarily see otherwise. Two of the maps encountered in the current flight do just that, giving their own unique glimpses of Installation 07, inspiring players to ponder the form and function laid out before them.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">FRAGMENTATION</h4>



Set within one of Zeta Halo’s myriad canyons, Fragmentation is rife with enigmatic elements to take in and mull over. From ancient artifacts and nebulous nodes to networked beacons channeling untold energies, this map is one to add plenty of wonder to the wander.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/1120x630_haloinfinite_fragmentation_02_watermarked-3bacdec859bd4d4587c3aa3f2f196443.png" alt="Halo Infinite Map of Fragmentation"/></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">BEHEMOTH</h4>



Amidst the backdrop of a vast desert landscape, Behemoth offers a glimpse at one of Zeta Halo’s tectonic fabrication seams—architectural features built to serve a multitude of parallel purposes, from remediation to transportation.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/1120x630_haloinfinite_behemoth_01_watermarked-b23ee4a4cce44d47aeac035bcbfc546c.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite map of Behemoth"/></figure>



And speaking of Behemoth, content creator <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJvPBZ8sacy_saMv3An3EIA">Sierra I07</a> put together a really awesome ambient edit of the map featuring some perfectly-fitting Halo Infinite music. Definitely check it out for the full vibe.



<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="𝐁𝐄𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐇 - ʜᴀʟᴏ ɪɴꜰɪɴɪᴛᴇ ᴛᴇᴄʜɴɪᴄᴀʟ ᴘʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BE7SsdtyU4c?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FROM ART TO FINISH</h2>



In case you missed it, last week we released a hefty collection of concept art from The Art of Halo Infinite book, showcasing a host of early explorations into the game’s development. There’s nothing specifically story-spoilery in there, but it does give further insight into the intention and “feel” of Halo Infinite and its particular pocket in the universe. If nothing else, there is some primo desktop wallpaper material in here, that’s for sure.



Check out some of the available pieces below, and if it strikes your fancy, you can download the collection here: <a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/HaloInfinite/artofhaloinfinite4k-d01181a15fa24d0a9dca4824f3db7003.zip">4K Zip File</a> | <a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/HaloInfinite/artofhaloinfinitehd-83543864d57b4722b7844b920a805cfe.zip">HD Zip File</a>



And of course, you can preorder a copy of the upcoming art book yourself <a href="https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3005-865/The-Art-of-Halo-Infinite-HC">right here</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/hd_haloinfinite_conceptart_046-959f3b5b79274f378d2b7c5b805466a6.jpg" alt="Concept art from The Art of Halo Infinite book"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/hd_haloinfinite_conceptart_028-00b23daa874547e8bc1a9ebfd8e42ebc.jpg" alt="Concept art from The Art of Halo Infinite book"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/hd_haloinfinite_conceptart_025-c9794675d0f04914a72b696a51e790cb.jpg" alt="Concept art from The Art of Halo Infinite book"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">RESOURCE INTENSIVE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_previouslybannercrop-1f642246ea864f3ab265a54e49cfcfcc.jpg" alt="Catch up on the complete story of Halo through previouslyonhalo.com"/></figure>



Recently, community story stalwart <a href="https://twitter.com/haruspis">Alex “Haruspis” Wakeford</a> put together a monumental resource that helps summarize and catch folks up on basically every piece of Halo media available. It’s a brilliant exploration for fans both new and old, and it’s a great way to pass the time as you await the arrival of Halo Infinite’s campaign experience this December. If you haven’t checked it out yet, make sure you go do so on <a href="https://previouslyonhalo.com/">previouslyonhalo.com</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CANON, CURATION, AND CURIOSITY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_issueone_banner-7c35cee599aa48a6aefc4c43f771b1e6.jpg" alt="Timestamp of Grimbrother One's first issue of Canon Fodder"/></figure>



Today’s edition is a bit of a special milestone I must say. Last week happened to mark the seventh anniversary(!) of the Canon Fodder blog series, which saw its first issue drop on Sept 24, 2014, during the lead-up to Halo: The Master Chief Collection. It’s been an epic adventure so far, and I certainly hope it will be around for many more issues and anniversaries to come. In thinking back on its run thus far, it’s only fitting that we now find ourselves in the midst of another runway to launch—this time for an adventure taking us to, fittingly enough, Installation 07. With Halo Infinite primed to introduce fans to a host of new moments, memories, and mysteries, and across more platforms and places to play than ever, it’s expected that we likely have plenty of new readers coming on board—both in recent months and still to come. With that in mind I thought it might be a good time to offer a bit of a refresher on not just the feature itself and its purview, but also on the nature of Halo’s lore and universe all up.



Long-time readers of this feature will no doubt have a good idea of what to expect from these particular pages (and this particular penman, for that matter). Canon Fodder was an idea that was built from the very beginning to look at the Halo franchise specifically through the lens of its lore, making fiction the foundational focus no matter what subject we tackled. Sometimes it was diving deep into hard core canon and continuity questions or looking closer at a particular event or element to offer new insight into its story significance. We’ve offered both elucidations and revelations alike, but we’ve also taken the opportunity to put a fiction-focused spin on other aspects of the brand. We interviewed real-life star-searching scientists to get their thoughts on the relationship between science and science fiction. We asked Halo pro players what their favorite campaign and story-related aspects of Halo were to celebrate the Season 1 Finals of the then-fledgling <a href="http://www.halo.gg/">Halo Championship Series</a>. And of course we’ve covered cross-over adventures with the likes of Killer Instinct, Gears of War, Rocket League, and more. Over the years, this feature has also become a go-to outlet for announcements and reveals of new story-related products, from new novels and comics to guidebooks and gear. Canon Fodder is a celebration of all things Halo, as viewed from a tailored perspective specifically aimed at fiction-focused fans.



Let’s talk about Halo fiction for a moment though. For newcomers, it might be daunting to dwell on the prospect of a universe with so much “established” detail and history. It can definitely seem like a lot. Fortunately, you have official outlets like this one alongside scores of others across the incredible Halo “lore” community all eager to welcome folks in to discuss and learn, from blogs and forums to YouTube channels and podcasts. And if you’re unsure what we mean by “canon,” it’s essentially the curated collection of “official” fiction and story elements, which includes a mix of games, novels, reference books, and comics, as well as various “linear media” elements like animated features, live action mini-series, and even certain marketing trailers and content. Part of what makes the Halo universe so enthralling is that very history. The depth that seems to always give you more to look for, to discuss and discover. Of course, even for old veterans there’s always more to learn. Sometimes it’s easy to make assumptions or jump to certain conclusions, but it’s always good to remember that world-building and storytelling in a universe as vast as Halo is an incredibly complex endeavor, and that surprises can be around any corner—no matter how long you’ve been exploring that universe.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf119_module-fc7957141bca4b72a4e78164a88c8889.jpg" alt="Concept art from The Art of Halo Infinite book"/></figure>



And with that, we draw today’s edition to a close. Thanks for spending the last seven years reading these crazy love-letters to lore, and here’s to at least another seven more! So don’t think we’re going anywhere. We have a lot to discuss in the coming age—new moments, new memories, new mysteries. Actually that also reminds me, we have another book coming up soon so we should talk about that a bit more in the nearish future, shouldn’t we?



In the meantime, go read the latest Inside Infinite article and also check out the most recent Technical Preview Overview to get updated on all the current flighting information. And when you’re ready, grab a fireteam, check your schedules, and go put your new Mjolnir to the test!



Until next time… Live well, play Halo, and always be ready to learn new things.



<a href="https://twitter.com/grimbrotherone"><3 Grim</a>

GrimBrother One

Issue 119

Preview Purview

Official HCS

HCS Kickoff Major Raleigh 2021

In February 2020, the Halo community joined us at DreamHack Anaheim for what would be the last Halo esports event for nearly two years. A lot has transpired since then as we’ve all been impacted by the global pandemic in some way. When Halo Infinite was originally set to release in 2020, the HCS roadmap we were building at the time was almost completely online with no LAN events in sight. With Halo Infinite’s release moving to 2021, the proliferation of vaccines around the world, as well as regulations and health policy changes, we knew it was time for us to bring the Halo community back together again.



As originally stated, one of our goals is to release the entire first year roadmap for Halo Infinite esports before competition begins. This is still the case, and we are on track to deliver that to everyone in the ecosystem and all of that will be arriving in the coming months. However, because the first event is just around the corner, we wanted to ensure we released that information first so that fans and players were able to prepare in time.



Today, we’re excited to announce the HCS Kickoff Major taking place in Raleigh, North Carolina on December 17-19, 2021 with a starting prize pool of $250,000. Once again, the Halo community will be united under one roof, and this time with an entirely new Halo game to play and watch. In tried-and-true Halo esports fashion, the HCS Kickoff Major will feature an open bracket, seating for spectators, as well as full main stage and featured stations for pool play and the championship bracket. To ensure a world class experience onsite and for viewers at home, we have enlisted none other than Esports Engine to operate the event with us.



<a href="https://hcskickoffmajor.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spectator and VIP tickets</a> for the big event go on sale tomorrow, September 29 at 10am PT.



There are going to be some important differences in how this event will be operated as the health and safety of all players, fans, and staff is of the utmost importance. Please continue reading for more details.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COVID PROTOCOL</h2>



It’s important to remember that all around the globe we are all in some shape or form living with the realities of a world where COVID-19 and the numerous new variants still exist. We have been working closely with Esports Engine, the Microsoft Security and Events teams, as well as the venue and local government in Raleigh, but we need the help and cooperation of the entire Halo community. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">ENTRANCE:</h3>



<ul><li>To enter the venue all attendees and staff must complete and attest to their health status, each day, in the Microsoft Health Check App. Entrance into the venue will not be allowed without completion each day, and no exceptions will be made.</li><li>All attendees must also present proof of vaccination as well as a photo ID each time they enter the venue.</li><li>For those not vaccinated, you must provide proof of NEGATIVE COVID-19 test results, from within at least the prior 72hrs each day along with a photo ID each time they enter the venue.</li><li>Per state law, masks will be required to enter the venue.</li></ul>



As per usual, security will be onsite conducting bag checks  and all attendees will be required to pass through metal detectors each time they enter the venue.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">IN VENUE:</h3>



<ul><li>Per state law, masks must remain on all attendees including players and staff, at all times without exception.</li></ul>



It’s also critical to note that the COVID-19 landscape is ever changing, and we will do our best to keep you posted on the very latest event updates right here in this blog, as well as on <a href="https://twitter.com/hcs">@HCS</a> on Twitter. We are always going to prioritize the health and safety of all attendees and staff and will do our best to take necessary measures within our power.



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="229" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/DesigningTheHaloEsportsEcosystem_HCS_In_Article_p1_6.30.2021_1120x250-1024x229.png" alt="Image of the HCS Logo illuminated on at an event." class="wp-image-7156" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/DesigningTheHaloEsportsEcosystem_HCS_In_Article_p1_6.30.2021_1120x250-1024x229.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/DesigningTheHaloEsportsEcosystem_HCS_In_Article_p1_6.30.2021_1120x250-300x67.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/DesigningTheHaloEsportsEcosystem_HCS_In_Article_p1_6.30.2021_1120x250-768x171.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/DesigningTheHaloEsportsEcosystem_HCS_In_Article_p1_6.30.2021_1120x250.png 1120w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Before we jump into the details about format, we want to acknowledge that the news today for competitors will likely spark many questions including ones about qualifiers, how teams get into pool play, points and stakes, how it fits into the overall roadmap, and much more. Today’s blog is meant to set the table, share the details about location and dates so the community can plan to attend, and we’ll have much more information to share in the future including answers to those questions and more. All of this will be shared alongside the entire season roadmap so that you can see how everything fits together and is interconnected. 



So let’s jump into what we can share today. Just below is the standard HCS Major format that will be used in upcoming season, and below that is the slightly modified version of the format that will be used at the HCS Kickoff Major Raleigh 2021.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">STANDARD HCS MAJOR FORMAT</h3>



<ul><li>Open Bracket: Big open brackets where any team can sign up and compete in the tournament are part of Halo’s esports DNA and we hope to see more teams competing this season than ever before. This will be a double elimination bracket where the top 8 teams will move on to the next stage in the tournament. The top 4 from the winner’s bracket moving forward into pool play, and the top 4 from the elimination bracket (or lower bracket) moving on to the championship bracket (starting in the elimination bracket portion). The HCS Majors are global events and will be open to players from around the world.</li><li>Pool Play: We will be providing accommodation and travel stipends for 16 qualified teams made up of teams from North America, Latin America, Europe, and Australia / New Zealand. Teams will be  drawn into 4 pools of 4 where they will be joined with the top 4 teams from the Open Bracket to play in a single round robin format. The Top 2 teams from each pool will go into the winner’s portion of the championship bracket. The 3rd place team will go into round 3 of the elimination portion of the championship bracket. The 4th place team will go into round 2 of the elimination portion of the championship bracket. And finally, the 5th place team in each pool will go into the 1st round of the elimination portion of the championship bracket where they will start in the first round and will face off against teams coming from the elimination portion of the open bracket.</li><li>Championship Bracket: Ultimately, a 24 team double elimination championship bracket-style will determine the tournament winner. This is the culmination of the both the open bracket and pool play, the winner will take home the lion’s share of the $250,000 starting prize pool. Think you’ve got what it takes to make the championship bracket?</li><li>Free-For-All: Once the open bracket has concluded, we will be hosting a Free-For-All tournament with a $5,000 prize pool open to all of those in attendance. More format info will be provided at a later date. </li></ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">HCS KICKOFF MAJOR MODIFIED FORMAT</h3>



Because of (a) the limited window between game release and Raleigh; and (b) the inclusive spirit of the HCS, we have a modified format for Raleigh that expands the Championship Bracket from 24 teams to 32 teams. 



For the Open Bracket: The top 16 teams from the Open Bracket will be entered into the Championship Bracket, with 8 from the Open Bracket winners added to Championship winners, and top 8 from the elimination portion of the Open Bracket added to the elimination portion of the Championship Bracket.



For the Pool Play: We will be providing accommodation and travel stipends for 16 qualified teams made up of teams from North America, Latin America, Europe, and Australia / New Zealand. Teams will be drawn into 4 pools of 4 where they will play in a single round robin format. The Top 2 teams from each pool receive a bye and are added to the 2nd round of the winner’s portion of the Championship Bracket. The bottom 2 teams from each pool are added to the 1st round of the winner’s portion of the Championship Bracket where they will compete with the top 8 from the open bracket.



Championship Bracket: In the end, a 32 team double elimination-style championship bracket will determine the tournament winner. This is the culmination of both the open bracket and pool play, the winner will take home the lion’s share of the $250,000 starting prize pool.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">VENUE, TICKETS, TEAM PASSES, AND REFUND POLICY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/hcs/body/sponsors-banner-2-66dd25d510b4477da96d63a22e9adad7.jpg" alt="Spartan helmet with 343 Industries and Halo banners"/></figure>



Venue: Raleigh Convention Center



Address: 500 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601, HALL B



Starting tomorrow on September 29 at 10am PT, spectator tickets will be available for purchase. We are offering a few different packages and promotions, so let’s jump right into the details.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://hcskickoffmajor.eventbrite.com/%20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GENERAL ADMISSION 3-DAY TICKETS</a></h4>



<ul><li>Entrance into event for the entirety of the tournament.</li><li>Access to compete in the Free-For-All tournamnt at no extra charge.</li><li>Price: $50</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://hcskickoffmajor.eventbrite.com/%20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VIP 3-DAY TICKETS (VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY)</a></h4>



<ul><li>Early Entry to the Venue</li><li>Dedicated Entry Line at Check-In</li><li>Access to the VIP Lounge</li><li>Limited Edition VIP Credential</li><li>Early access to the Free-for-All Competition Registration (30 minutes before general admission)</li><li>Exclusive Production Tour including photo op on main stage</li><li>A chance at being one of two VIP ticket holders to play in a special show match on Saturday night December 18.</li><li> Price: $100 </li></ul>



Partnered Team Codes: As announced last month, we have 9 partnered Teams that will be competing in the HCS at launch. In order to provide extra value to fans and also allow fans to support their favorite teams directly, you can use any of the below codes at check out to receive a 10% discount on your tickets. When you save 10%, the Teams receive 10%. 



<ul><li>FAZE</li><li>ENVY</li><li>SPACESTATION</li><li>EUNITED</li><li>NAVI</li><li>G2</li><li>CLOUD9</li><li>SENTINELS</li><li>FNATIC</li></ul>



Support your favorite team, and get a discount on spectator tickets. It’s a win-win! If you use a team’s code, be sure to share on Twitter and tag the teams so they know you’ve supported them!



Team Passes: Team passes will  go on sale November 17. We’ll have more details on price, where to purchase, how to register your team, and more at that time. We want to note that all teams will be required to purchase a team pass, including those starting in pool play. Once those teams qualify for pool play ahead of the event, we will provide a refund.



Refund Policy: As mentioned above, circumstances during the pandemic are  ever changing e. For the HCS Kickoff Major, we will have a full refund in the case of the event being canceled or if spectators will no longer be allowed. For any questions regarding the refunds you can email HCSeventsNA@ee.gg.



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



It’s been a long time coming but Halo Infinite and the first event are just a few months away. Soon we’ll all be playing some Halo on LAN, watching the best players in the world duke it out for the first time, and of course creating unforgettable moments together as a community. We hope you’ll (safely) join us in North Carolina later this year!

Kickoff Major Raleigh 2021

Hi Everyone,



In <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqQMLD3Pn3Q">yesterday’s live stream</a> we mentioned that there was an issue that might delay our Multiplayer Tech Preview. Well, the issue was this: we unintentionally included a group of concept art files in the Tech Preview build.



To be clear: none of these images spoil the Halo Infinite Campaign that you’ll get to play on December 8th. Indeed, we’ve already shown some of these images in previous blog posts.



This art represents a wide range of ideas that we explored early in pre-production and that we planned to share at a later date, as part of Infinite’s pre-launch promotion and other initiatives such as the upcoming “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1506720080/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_KKY80G3BCND0QQAQB7WT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1">The Art of Halo Infinite</a>” from our partners at Dark Horse (check out some sample excerpts below). For a time, we used these images as loading screens for internal studio builds—and that’s how they accidentally ended up in the Tech Preview build.



Rather than delay the flight, we’ve decided to share all the files with you now. Call it an unplanned “Happy Tech Preview Day!” gift. So, please enjoy this collection of beautiful art from 343 Industries’ incredibly talented concept art team. Download the collection here: <a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/HaloInfinite/artofhaloinfinite4k-d01181a15fa24d0a9dca4824f3db7003.zip">4K Zip File</a> | <a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/HaloInfinite/artofhaloinfinitehd-83543864d57b4722b7844b920a805cfe.zip">HD Zip File</a>



These images have inspired us—filled our minds with wonder and possibilities—and we hope they do the same for you.



Joseph Staten



Head of Creative, Halo Infinite



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/HaloInfinite/dh_artbook_126-1e9e1fb92b94404cbc00fbff5da41e56.jpg" alt="Concept art of Halo ring with damage"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/HaloInfinite/dh_artbook_38-39-cae3ca811922467cab51c4457c68518a.jpg" alt="Concept art of UNSC Pelican dropping off a vehicle"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/HaloInfinite/dh_artbook_31-d6eabeb8f55d406abaf75d65c834dcd4.jpg" alt="The art of Halo Infinite by David Heidhoff"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/HaloInfinite/dh_artbook_113-9a9d8a8a82854ef5ba91c66a03df7b4e.jpg" alt="Concept artwork of an UNSC hangar and cargo area on a ship"/></figure>

Ranked / Competitive Reveal

Unleash Your Inner Warrior: MCC Season 8, Mythic

Waypoint vNext: FAQ

Preview Purview

HCS Kickoff Major Raleigh 2021

Kickoff Major Raleigh 2021

The Art of Halo Infinite

Multiplayer Technical Preview Overview

Inside Infinite – September 2021

MCC Development Update – September 2021