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Spotlight: HELLDIVERS 2 x ODST Edition

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Fiction


<p>“<em>Just because the Covenant War is over doesn’t mean there aren’t battles to be fought.”</em></p>



<p><em>Halo: New Blood</em> follows the personal journey of Edward Buck, a seasoned ODST who is offered the chance to become a Spartan-IV. Told as a reflective memoir, the novella explores Buck’s early days in the UNSC to his leadership of Alpha-Nine, and touches on the emotional weight of leaving behind his old identity to embrace a new role. </p>



<p>We suited up for another Spartan Chatter episode of our ongoing <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/audiobook-club">Audiobook Club in partnership with Simon & Schuster</a>, this time featuring <em>Halo: New Blood</em> by Matt Forbeck. Joined by Franchise Writer Alex “Haruspis” Wakeford, we followed the personal journey of Edward Buck through his journey from an ODST in the squad Alpha-Nine to Spartan-IV.  From the gritty streets of Draco III to the halls of Spartan Command, <em>New Blood</em> offers a grounded, character-driven look at what it means to evolve in a galaxy still healing from conflict.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Spartan Chatter: New Blood" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Knxs7NDk6ME?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Halo: New Blood Spartan Chatter Episode</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you want to take a peek behind Buck’s visor, you can <a href="https://bit.ly/44NldoH">grab a copy of the Audiobook</a> and listen in today!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Community Highlights</strong></h2>



<p>Catch up on the community audiobook club with great shouts from folks in our <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo">official Discord server</a>!</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Merty: </strong>Easily one of my favorites, and it’s very rich in lore for those who want to learn more about the Spartan-IVs. Highly recommended.</li>



<li><strong>Kot_Box:</strong> I just finished reading it a couple weeks ago and LOVED it! So much so that I just ordered a copy of <em>Halo: Bad Blood</em>. I’m always happy to see more Buck.</li>



<li><strong>MOK: </strong>I love this month’s pick!</li>



<li><strong>AshamanND: </strong>I just recently finished this! Great story.</li>



<li><strong>VysorinIV</strong><strong>:</strong><strong> </strong>First Halo book I ever read—it got me hooked on the fandom!</li>



<li><strong>Briarfox13:</strong> Oh, this is one of my favorites! Thoroughly enjoyed reading <em>New Blood</em>.</li>



<li><strong>Aaron: </strong>I’ve loved the new artwork they’ve been releasing with these previews!</li>



<li><strong>DDog Dazamaan: </strong>Just wanted to chime in to say I’m really enjoying this one, too! Pretty fun having it all from a character’s recollection of events.</li>
</ul>


snickerdoodle

Halo: New Blood | Spartan Chatter


<p><em>As part of our <a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubGiveaway">audiobook giveaway series</a> with Simon & Schuster, we’re inviting Halo fans to join a community book club in our <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo">official Discord server</a>, where we’ll focus on a new novel from the Halo canon every month until October. Join the <strong>#audio-book-club</strong> channel to listen along!</em></p>



<p>This month’s book club title is <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em>, a riveting story that sees Blue Team return to the decimated surface of Reach on a mission to infiltrate ONI’s CASTLE base and recover assets that may prove vital to challenging Cortana’s undisputed rule.</p>



<p><em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> is written by Troy Denning, a <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author and a true heavyweight in Halo’s literary universe. The audiobook edition is narrated by award-winning audiobook narrator and broadcaster Sean Patrick Hopkins. Listen to an exclusive excerpt from <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> below:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Shadows of Reach | Audiobook Preview | Available Now from Simon & Schuster" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/17WzdN-y5L4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p><a href="https://bit.ly/41kPh90">Purchase your copy of <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> from Simon & Schuster.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PLOT PREVIEW</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="2560" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-scaled.jpg" alt="Shadows of Reach audiobook cover. Text: "The New York Times Bestselling Series. Halo: Shadows of Reach. A Master Chief story. Read by Sean Patrick Hopkins. TROY DENNING. New York Times bestselling author."" class="wp-image-147650" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<p>2559. Cortana has subjugated worlds across the galaxy and imposed martial law under the rule of her Created. Beyond from her watchful gaze, the <em>UNSC Infinity</em> makes its way to Reach to dispatch the Master Chief and Blue Team on a secret mission.</p>



<p>Their orders? Infiltrate the ruins of ONI’s CASTLE Base and recover the one weapon that could turn the tide. It would be a cakewalk for a team of seasoned SPARTAN-IIs, if not for the Banished army searching the ruined planet.</p>



<p>Among the roving clans dividing Reach in thirds is Castor, a Jiralhanae chieftain still loyal to the old faith of the Covenant, who means to follow the humans in his quest to unearth the fabled Portal under the Mountain—a gateway that leads to the Ark.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CHARACTER GUIDE</strong></h2>



<p>Learn more about the events of <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> with these brief character bios.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/John117.jpg" alt="Master Chief John-117" class="wp-image-147622" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/John117.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/John117-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/John117-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/John117-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>JOHN-117</strong></h3>



<p>Master Chief Petty Officer. A man of few words. In his latest mission, the Master Chief leads the Spartan-IIs of Blue Team to the surface of Reach to recover key assets from Dr. Halsey’s laboratory in CASTLE base.</p>



<p>Along the way, the Chief forms an uneasy alliance with a militia group to liberate the ruined city of New Mohács, punch through the Banished occupation, and ultimately obtain something that could be used to topple Cortana.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/BlueTeam.jpg" alt="The Spartans of Blue Team. Fred-104, Kelly-087, and Linda-058," class="wp-image-147552" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/BlueTeam.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/BlueTeam-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/BlueTeam-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/BlueTeam-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FRED-104</strong></h3>



<p>Perceptive, steadfast, and a natural leader. This combination makes him a formidable warrior at close quarters. In recent years, Fred has served as Blue Team’s commander, but he still often defers to the judgment of his former team leader, John-117. Beneath the Menachite Mountain, Fred unexpectedly encounters an old acquaintance with a critical message.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>KELLY-087</strong></h3>



<p>The fastest Spartan. When not embedded in combat, Kelly enjoys listening to classic Earth “rock” music (whatever that is) as a meditative way to distract the thoughts that trouble a seasoned soldier’s mind. Her footspeed is unmatched among Spartans, rivaled only by her hair-trigger reflexes in a firefight.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>LINDA-058</strong></h3>



<p>Renowned sniper. Linda’s resolve has been put to the test many times, and this mission is no different. After separating from the rest of Blue Team during a tense firefight, Linda resorts to the lone-wolf tactics that have typified her career as a Spartan ranger. Count on Linda to survive, no matter the odds.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Halsey.jpg" alt="Dr. Catherine Halsey" class="wp-image-147608" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Halsey.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Halsey-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Halsey-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Halsey-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>DR. CATHERINE HALSEY</strong></h3>



<p>Possibly the Office of Naval Intelligence’s most prolific scientific advisor. Dr. Halsey is the progenitor of the SPARTAN program, a key architect of Project MJOLNIR, and the creator of Cortana. Working once more with the UNSC, Dr. Halsey has deployed Blue Team on a critical mission to recover assets from her lab within CASTLE Base that just might bring an end to her renegade progeny.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Castor.jpg" alt="Castor" class="wp-image-147566" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Castor.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Castor-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Castor-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Castor-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CASTOR</strong></h3>



<p>Castor is said to be the last <em>dokab</em>, a Jiralhanae religious elder, still faithful to the ways of the Covenant. Following the Created uprising, Castor pledged his cult, the Keepers of the One Freedom, to the Banished. Though his motives are held in suspicion by the movement’s upper echelon, Castor carefully maneuvers through the politics of rival clans to realize his true goal: travelling to the Ark and activating the Halo Array.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Escharum.jpg" alt="War Chief Escharum" class="wp-image-147580" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Escharum.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Escharum-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Escharum-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Escharum-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ESCHARUM</strong></h3>



<p>As Atriox’s former mentor, War Chief Escharum was the only Jiralhanae trustworthy enough to hold the reins of the Banished in his stead. He last spoke to Castor three months ago, when he ordered the dokab to seek the hidden Portal under the Mountain. Infighting has spread in his absence, as the Banished commanders on Reach become discouraged that they should ever find the fabled site.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Gadogai.jpg" alt="Inslaan 'Gadogai" class="wp-image-147594" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Gadogai.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Gadogai-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Gadogai-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Gadogai-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>INSLAAN ‘GADOGAI</strong></h3>



<p>A Sangheili blademaster in the service of the Banished. ‘Gadogai is quick to take offense, and equally quick to seek retribution. Though formerly an assassin in the Covenant’s Silent Shadow unit, he has strayed from the Covenant faith. His role within the Keepers of the One Freedom is to represent Escharum—and watch Castor for any sign of duplicity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BELLA DISTZL</strong></h3>



<p>A Reach native and a survivor of its fall. Bella has distinguished herself as a five-time victor of the Tantalus 10,000, a five-day, cross-continent, open-buggy endurance race. She’s the last person you’d expect to meet hiding in a foxhole on a planet crawling with the Banished, but the first person you’d put behind the wheel of a Warthog.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>LIEUTENANT MAKS CHAPOV</strong></h3>



<p>First copilot of <em>Special Delivery</em>, the Owl infiltration craft escorting Blue Team to the surface of Reach. What he lacks in experience, Chapov makes up for in arrogance, headstrong reckoning, and a certain endearing determination. It’s clear that the young lieutenant idolizes the Master Chief, and his ace pilot skills eventually manage to impress even the war-weary Spartan.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>GAME CONNECTIONS</strong></h2>



<p><em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> occurs between the events of <em>Halo Wars 2</em> and <em>Halo Infinite</em>. This novel tells a harrowing story from humanity’s desperate last stand against Pax Cortana (the UNSC’s designation for the transformed nemesis of <em>Halo 5: Guardians</em>).</p>



<p>Using the <em>UNSC Infinity</em> as a secret base of operations, Blue Team infiltrates Reach to recover assets that will prove indispensable to the creation of “The Weapon,” the Master Chief’s ally and partner in <em>Halo Infinite</em> and the forthcoming novel <em><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-edge-of-dawn-cover-reveal">Halo: Edge of Dawn</a></em>.</p>



<p>Among the “rehab pioneers” of the Viery Militia, we meet descendants of the industrial titans who established Reach as a thriving, wealthy colony in its heyday—a halcyon era that ended with the devastating fall of Reach, leaving only remnants of its culture behind.</p>



<p>Along the way, we encounter familiar characters from <em>Halo 4</em> such as Dr. Catherine Halsey, Captain Thomas Lasky, and Spartan Commander Sarah Palmer (whom you might also recognize from <a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubAugust">last month’s Audiobook Club</a>).</p>



<p><em>To learn more about the Halo novels, visit our <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/official-halo-book-guide">Official Halo Book Guide</a>.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</strong></h2>



<p><strong>Troy Denning</strong> is the <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author of more than forty novels, including <em>Halo: Divine Wind</em>, <em>Halo: Oblivion</em>, <em>Halo: Silent Storm</em>, <em>Halo: Retribution</em>, <em>Halo: Last Light</em>, a dozen Star Wars novels, the Dark Sun: Prism Pentad series, and many bestselling Forgotten Realms novels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ABOUT THE READER</strong></h2>



<p>A student of neuroscience and speech pathology, <strong>Sean Patrick Hopkins</strong> has translated his understanding of human behavior & vocal performance into a career in storytelling. He has over 500 titles to his credit, and has been honored with Audie, Earphones, Odyssey, and SOVAS awards for his audiobook narrations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>AUDIOBOOK GIVEAWAY</strong></h2>



<p>Enter to win an audiobook copy of a new book-club title this month and next! To participate, react to the <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> post in the <strong>#giveaways</strong> channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo">official Halo Discord server</a> before September 8.</p>



<p>Stay tuned to <a href="https://www.x.com/halo">@Halo on X</a> later this month for more ways to win, and watch for a new Audiobook Club entry in October. <a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubGiveaway">See full contest rules and entry directions.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>JOIN THE BOOK CLUB</strong></h2>



<p>Listen to <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> in our Discord book club! To participate, simply join the <strong>#audio-book-club</strong> channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo">official Halo Discord server</a>, where we’ll discuss the book, share favorite moments, and select a new title from the Halo universe to discuss in October.</p>



<p>Drop a comment in the discussion thread for a chance to find your words featured in an upcoming Halo Waypoint post! At the end of the month, we’ll host a special <strong>Spartan Chatter</strong> episode on Discord to discuss the audiobook and answer questions from the Halo community.</p>



<p><a href="https://bit.ly/41kPh90">Purchase your copy of <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> from Simon & Schuster.</a></p>


Audiobook Club: Shadows of Reach

Click here to purchase tickets to the Halo World Championship 2025

Click here to see more details for the Halo World Championship 2025

Esports

HaloWC


<p>Welcome back!  </p>



<p>The Halo World Championship is just two months away and we’ve still got even more things to reveal that we think you’ll love! But first, here are links to the other blogs if you’re looking to catch up: </p>



<ul>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-july">July 2025</a></strong></li>



<li><strong><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-june" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 2025</a></strong></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-may" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>May 2025</strong></a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-april"><strong>April </strong></a><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-april" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>2025</strong></a></li>
</ul>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>TICKETING UPDATE</strong></h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/HaloWC25-May-Featured-1024x576.png" alt="Halo fans enjoying free-play at the Halo World Championship" class="wp-image-138536" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/HaloWC25-May-Featured-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/HaloWC25-May-Featured-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/HaloWC25-May-Featured-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/HaloWC25-May-Featured-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/HaloWC25-May-Featured-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/HaloWC25-May-Featured.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>At this point, HaloWC is now over 95% sold out and we are expecting a packed house like HaloWC’s never had before. </p>



<p>If you haven’t picked up your ticket yet, at this rate you’ve only got a few more days before they’re gone.  </p>



<p>Also, we’ve seen some conversations around the idea of extra VIP tickets being put on sale which I’d like to address so there’s an official source of info. We will NOT be opening up additional VIP tickets for sale. While they sold out almost instantly and there’s definitely appetite for more – it’s important to us that we deliver a great experience for our existing group of VIP ticket holders before we expand it further.</p>







<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>HALO COMMUNITY STAGE</strong></h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HALOWC-George-1024x576.png" alt="Halo: Reach, George" class="wp-image-148134" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HALOWC-George-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HALOWC-George-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HALOWC-George-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HALOWC-George-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HALOWC-George-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HALOWC-George.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The Halo Community Stage is almost locked, but we’ve still got a gem for you all. Halo 5: Guardians is not the only game with an important anniversary taking place this year – we’re also going to be <strong>celebrating 15 years since Halo: Reach</strong> was released. A landmark game in the franchise, Reach introduced us to the amazing cast of characters that make up Noble Team and made us feel their sacrifice for the costly war against the Covenant.  </p>



<p>To relive the memories and hear untold development stories our very own <strong><a href="https://x.com/ske7ch">Ske7ch</a></strong> will be kicking it back with some of his old Bungie pals. </p>



<p>Reach is near and dear to all of our hearts and really holds a special place in the Halo franchise so we’re all very excited for this panel. If you’ve got any questions – feel free to drop <a href="https://x.com/ske7ch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ske7ch</a> a line on X! </p>



<p>In next month’s blog (which will be the last of the series) we’ll be sharing the full schedule for the Halo Community Stage so you’ll know when each panel will be going down! </p>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>TEAM BOOTHS</strong></h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Booth-Experience-1024x576.png" alt="Partner Booths at the Halo World Championship" class="wp-image-141796" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Booth-Experience-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Booth-Experience-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Booth-Experience-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Booth-Experience-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Booth-Experience-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Booth-Experience.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>At this point we’ve confirmed that <strong><a href="https://x.com/shopifyrebels">Shopify</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://x.com/spacestation">Spacestation</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="https://x.com/cloud9">Cloud9</a></strong> will have booths at HaloWC – and today we’re excited to confirm that <strong><a href="https://x.com/tsm">TSM</a></strong> will also be joining us onsite here in Seattle! </p>



<p>In their booth you’ll be able to meet the players to get autographs and photos, and take part in giveaways going on throughout the weekend.</p>



<p>A big thank you to all of our partners for helping make this year’s HaloWC so special!</p>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>MAKER’S AND COSPLAY CONTESTS</strong></h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HaloWC-Cosplay-1024x576.png" alt="Halo cosplayers on the main stage at the Halo World Championship" class="wp-image-148176" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HaloWC-Cosplay-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HaloWC-Cosplay-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HaloWC-Cosplay-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HaloWC-Cosplay-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HaloWC-Cosplay-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/HaloWC-Cosplay.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Today we’re also excited to open submissions and registration for the Halo Maker’s and Cosplay Contests at HaloWC.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CONTEST ENTRY</strong></h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://aka.ms/HaloWC-Cosplay-Contest" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>aka.ms/HaloWC-Cosplay-Contest</strong></a></li>



<li><a href="https://aka.ms/HaloWC-Makers-Contest" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>aka.ms/HaloWC-Makers-Contest</strong></a></li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CONTEST RULES</strong></h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://aka.ms/HaloWC-CosplayRules" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>aka.ms/HaloWC-CosplayRules</strong></a></li>



<li><a href="https://aka.ms/HaloWC-MakersRules" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>aka.ms/HaloWC-MakersRules</strong></a></li>
</ul>



<p>If you’ve got any questions – don’t hesitate to reach out and ask!</p>



<p>Also for the maker’s contest explicitly, we’ve enlisted the help of <strong><a href="https://x.com/nobleofdeath16">Jonah (NobleofDeath16)</a></strong>, one of the 405<sup>th</sup>’s fearless leaders to ensure this is a smoothly run competition. If you’ve got any specific questions for Jonah, you can feel free to reach out to him.</p>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>COMMUNITY MEETUPS</strong></h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-141768" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Spartans-Crowd.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Like last year, the Community team will be hosting daily community meetups at the Halo World Championship! All fans in attendance are welcome to hang out with fellow Halo fans, show off their cosplay, play some games, be a part of group photos, and meet some folks at Halo Studios as well.  </p>



<p>The meet up schedule will be posted on the <strong><a href="https://x.com/halo">Halo</a></strong> social channels during the event itself so keep an eye out, and if you miss the announcements then be sure to visit the Info desk onsite for those details.  </p>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CONCLUSION</strong></h1>



<p>We’re nearly at the finish line for the season as well as Halo Infinite for official HCS competition and we want to make sure that the HaloWC is as great of an event as fans expect it to be. The studio, alongside our partners, are working hard to deliver just that! Remember, we’re just a few more days away from selling this event out – thank you to everyone who’s purchased a ticket and we’ll see you all there! </p>



<p>Thanks, </p>



<p>Tashi </p>


Tashi

Road to HaloWC 2025: August

Games


<p>As <em>HELLDIVERS 2</em> arrives on Xbox Series X|S, we’ve partnered with Arrowhead Studios to commemorate the occasion with a new, ODST-inspired Warbond.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Helldivers 2 x Halo: ODST Legendary Warbond | PS5 & PC Games" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2O_9hwQ8jLw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>Starting today, <em>HELLDIVERS 2</em> players on all platforms can purchase the <strong>HELLDIVERS 2 x Halo: ODST</strong> Legendary Warbond, containing two ODST armor sets, UNSC-themed capes, “green and mean” vehicle patterns, and weapons inspired by the iconic armaments of <em>Halo 3: ODST</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WHAT THE “HELL?”</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-scaled.jpg" alt="Two Helldivers clasp hands in a ruined city. They wear the A-35 Recon and A-9 Helljumper ODST armor sets." class="wp-image-147537" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<p>By an absurd twist of fate, the similarly named Obedient Democracy Support Troopers (also known in their universe as “Helljumpers”) are the stars of a beloved animated series on one of Super Earth’s most popular state-sanctioned broadcasts.</p>



<p>This Legendary Warbond gives Helldivers the chance to live out the cartoon heroes’ most patriotic exploits! <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/08/19/helldivers-2-halo-odst-crossover-warbond-xbox-launch/">Read more at Xbox Wire.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>INTO THE UNJUST</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Helldivers 2 - Into the Unjust Deep Dive" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dJi8VsvnkoE?start=298&feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>Check out this video from Arrowhead Studios for a closer look at the Legendary Warbond and all the Halo-inspired weaponry arriving in the <em>HELLDIVERS 2 </em>Into the Unjust update.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ABOUT THE COLLAB</strong></h2>



<p>Ready to dive feet-first into game dev? Watch the latest <a href="https://www.youtu.be/CxUOcdLBl9g">Official Xbox Podcast</a> video to hear Halo Studios and Arrowhead Studios developers explain the story behind this orbital hot-drop.</p>


Available now on all platforms.

HELLDIVERS 2 x Halo: ODST Warbond

Click here for more details on the HCS Open Series

Click here to register for the next HCS tournament in your region.


<p>Hey everyone, earlier this month we announced changes to the HCS map pool, and we’d like to go into a bit more detail on the thought process for those changes along with providing an update on Neutral Bomb in Ranked/HCS.</p>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Map Pool</strong></h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Lattice_Watermarked-1024x576.png" alt="Lattice map. A green crystal emanates light from a pedestal in an industrial research laboratory. Electricity links two severed halves of the large, green shard." class="wp-image-146036" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Lattice_Watermarked-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Lattice_Watermarked-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Lattice_Watermarked-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Lattice_Watermarked-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Lattice_Watermarked-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Lattice_Watermarked.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>While adding Lattice KotH, Oddball and Strongholds, we removed Solitude KotH and Streets Oddball. Over time, the map pool has increased and increased without much removal. Players have long been asking for a new asymmetrical competitive map. We’re excited for Lattice to freshen up the meta and strengthen the quality of our asymmetrical objective suite as well – something that we feel has plateaued. And with the addition of a new map, we knew that some shuffling was needed. The quantity was already higher than desired by both players and HCS alike so to keep the balance per mode reasonable, we felt it was best to remove 1 KotH and 1 Oddball. When surveying Ranked players, Live Fire and Recharge both score better as competitive maps than Solitude and Streets, so while it wasn’t an easy decision, we felt removing those kept the map pool its strongest. </p>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Assault Update</strong></h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Aquarius-Assault-1024x576.png" alt="Aquarius Neutral Assault returns" class="wp-image-147935" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Aquarius-Assault-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Aquarius-Assault-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Aquarius-Assault-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Aquarius-Assault-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Aquarius-Assault-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Aquarius-Assault.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Regarding Assault, as shared earlier Neutral Bomb had a bug resulting in the mode being removed from HCS and Arena temporarily. This bug has been fixed, and you will see Neutral Bomb return to Ranked today. Since the temporary removal, we’ve seen the negative response to Fortress Bomb and while there are still some that enjoy it, we will be removing it from both Ranked Arena and HCS. Aquarius Bomb will be returning to Ranked today and HCS play beginning this weekend. Thanks everyone for continuing to voice that feedback! </p>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Moving Forward</strong></h1>



<p>The gametypes that you will see in the <strong><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/open-series" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HCS Open Series</a></strong> this weekend will also be the gametypes played through the <strong><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/faze-major" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HCS Charlotte Major</a></strong> and the <strong><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/esports/halowc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Halo World Championship</a></strong> in October. </p>



<p>We’ll see you there!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-Dates-1024x576.png" alt="HCS Open Series: Road to Charlotte - Compete Now!" class="wp-image-147921" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-Dates-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-Dates-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-Dates-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-Dates-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-Dates-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-Dates.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>






Official HCS

Ranked and HCS Map Pool Update

Click here to purchase tickets to the HCS Charlotte Major

Click here to purchase a Team Pass for the HCS Charlotte Major

Click here to see more details for the HCS Charlotte Major 2025

Click here to register for the HCS Open Series

Click here to see more details for the HCS Open Series.

Click here to view the Open Bracket results from the HCS Salt Lake City Major 2025

HCS SLC 2025 - Halo Infinite FFA

Shopify Rebellion are your HCS SLC 2025 Champions!


<p><em>“You are what you dare.”</em></p>



<p>As part of the ongoing <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/audiobook-club">Audiobook Club in partnership with Simon & Schuster</a>, we joined up with Franchise writer Alex ‘Haruspis’ Wakeford and special guest Chloe Bear to reflect on the late Greg Bear’s novel, <em>Halo: Cryptum</em>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Spartan Chatter: Cryptum" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YvkBkzx0BGc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>If you want to explore the Forerunner origins, learn more about Bornstellar, Chakas, and discover the Didact, <a href="https://bit.ly/3FMiJND">grab your own copy of the audiobook today</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Looking Ahead</h2>



<p>Next up is Matt Forbeck’s novella, <em>Halo: New Blood</em>.</p>



<p><em>While Spartans get all the glory, no soldier―not even the legendary Master Chief―wins a war on his own. Gunnery Sergeant Edward Buck and his team of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers (ODSTs) played a major role in saving Earth from all-out invasion at the end of the Covenant War―acts of bravery and ingenuity that did not go unnoticed by the United Nations Space Command.</em></p>



<p><em>Now, after many Spartans have been killed in battle and the Master Chief is listed as MIA, the UNSC decides to create a new generation of Spartans to defend humanity from threats both outside―and within. When they come to Buck with an extraordinary proposition, he is forced to make a life-altering decision. With the Covenant War finally over, is it time for him to retire to the sidelines for a life he could only dream about…or is he prepared to step up and become part of the military’s new blood?</em></p>



<p>We’ll see you at the end of the month for the next episode of Spartan Chatter!</p>



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



<p>Catch up on the community book club with great shouts from folks in our <a href="https://discord.gg/halo">official Discord server</a>!</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Gamehero24: </strong>Excited to join! I’m going to go back to June to catch up so I can dive in on this next!</li>



<li><strong>Attorney: </strong>Personally, Forerunners are the most fascinating aspect of Halo. Gives me vibes of how the European generations that grew up after the fall of the Western Roman Empire marveled at these structures and technologies that were far beyond their own capabilities and wondered about this advanced civilization which came before and built them.</li>



<li><strong>Cydon505: </strong>This book, and entire trilogy by extension, are the best stories in the entire Halo franchise, hands down. I love the cosmic horror elements of this book and the inevitable tragedy of the Forerunners’ fate as the overwhelming forces of the Flood close in. I reread this trilogy probably about once a year it’s just so good.</li>



<li><strong>DDog Dazamaan: </strong>Definitely found this book hard to get through on my first read; I wasn’t much of a reader, and generally had a difficult time wrapping my head around the concept of greater tech 100,000 years ago while the humans are almost cavemen-like. I’m enjoying it much more on this rereading, especially Riser!</li>



<li><strong>Almond: </strong>I get so much more from the book now that time has passed to make more connections.</li>



<li><strong>pins before posting: </strong>There is something so different about these books, a type of different alien wonder.</li>



<li><strong>Aaron: </strong>I think this book improves on repeat reading. The first time I read it I found it quite challenging as it’s essentially a whole new universe to learn and doesn’t have the familiar qualities of previous Halo books. However, as I’ve become more familiar with the characters, species, and politics of that era, I’ve enjoyed revisiting this book. Also, I love the new artwork that’s been made for this month and last month’s audiobook previews! Definitely looking forward to more of them with the next book clubs.</li>



<li><strong>Austin @ JumperScape: </strong>So glad we’re going over Cryptum. The Forerunner trilogy of books from Greg Bear are some of my favorite reads in the whole book series.</li>



<li><strong>JimFrigginLahey: </strong>Honestly that was such a great read. I immediately picked up Primordium after I closed the last page of Cryptum. I’ve only read the first chapter but I’m excited to catch back up with Bornstellar…</li>



<li><strong>GuyverTron: </strong>I love these Forerunner books so much. They have been called the “Dune of the Halo universe” for a reason. Every time I read them I pick up a detail I missed on previous reads. For instance, the end of chapter describes the remnants of where the Star Roads connected to the surface of this world.</li>



<li><strong>faded_scope: </strong>Just finished this one and definitely going to need another few listens to fully comprehend it all! Really enjoyed the perspective shifts and felt it worked really well, given it was “two characters” built into the same perspective at certain points.</li>
</ul>



<p>We’ll see you at the end of the month to discuss <em>Halo: New Blood</em>!</p>
