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Halo: Battle for the Academy – Part 2

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

Click here to create an account on FACEIT.

Click here for the full HCS Points Leaderboards.

Click here for more details on the HCS Open at DreamHack Dallas

Click here to see the HCS 2025 Code of Conduct

Esports

The race to the HCS Salt Lake City Major has begun.



The HCS Open Series returns as players in all regions battle it out in weekly tournaments for their chance to compete live in Salt Lake City on August 1-3.



Have what it takes to claim glory?



<ul>
<li>Register for free & Compete for Cash!</li>



<li>Climb the HCS Leaderboards!</li>



<li>Qualify for LAN!</li>
</ul>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">CONTENTS</h1>



<ul>
<li><a href="#dates">Tournament Dates</a></li>



<li><a href="#compete">How to Compete</a></li>
</ul>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="dates">Road to SLC – Tournament Dates</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/SLC25-Open-Series-VISID-1024x576.png" alt="HCS Open Series: Road to Salt Lake City. Compete for cash. Climb the leaderboards. Qualify for LAN." class="wp-image-139373" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SLC25-Open-Series-VISID-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SLC25-Open-Series-VISID-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SLC25-Open-Series-VISID-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SLC25-Open-Series-VISID-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SLC25-Open-Series-VISID-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SLC25-Open-Series-VISID.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>North America Starts @ 12p ET June 7-8: Open #1 June 21-22: Open #2 June 28-29: Open #3 July 12-13: Pool Play Qualifier</td><td>Europe Starts @ 12p BST June 8: Open #1 June 22: Open #2 June 29: Open #3 July 13: Pool Play Qualifier</td><td>Mexico Starts @ 12p CT June 8: Open #1 June 22: Open #2 June 29: Open #3 July 13: Open Bracket Qualifier</td><td>Australia / New Zealand Starts @ 12p AEST June 8: Open #1 June 22: Open #2 June 29: Open #3 July 13: Open Bracket Qualifier</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SLC Major Qualifiers</h2>



Following the HCS Open Series, teams from all regions will battle it out in their respective SLC Major Qualifiers for Pool Play seeds and/or Travel Coverage to compete in the Open Bracket!



<ul>
<li>Free to Enter</li>



<li>Double Elimination</li>



<li>NA/EU Prize: Pool Play Seeds, HCS Points, & Travel Coverage</li>



<li>MX/ANZ Prize: HCS Points & Travel Coverage</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">POOL PLAY QUALIFICATION</h3>



<ul>
<li>NA SLC Qualifier: Top 4</li>



<li>NA HCS Point Totals: Top 2 (After Qualifier)</li>



<li>EU SLC Qualifier: Top 1</li>



<li>EU HCS Point Totals: Top 1 (After Qualifier)</li>
</ul>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<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/SLC25-OS-OpTic-Renegade-Popoff-1024x576.png" alt="OpTic Gaming's Renegade, celebrating after a map win." class="wp-image-139415" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SLC25-OS-OpTic-Renegade-Popoff-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SLC25-OS-OpTic-Renegade-Popoff-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SLC25-OS-OpTic-Renegade-Popoff-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SLC25-OS-OpTic-Renegade-Popoff-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SLC25-OS-OpTic-Renegade-Popoff-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SLC25-OS-OpTic-Renegade-Popoff.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="compete">HOW TO COMPETE</h1>



Want to see how you stack up against players in your region? Follow the steps below and prove you have what it takes to claim glory!



STEP 1: Create FACEIT Account Official HCS tournaments take place over at FACEIT. You will need to create an account and link it with your Halo Gamertag.





STEP 2: Sign up for the next tournament. Assemble your squad and register for FREE in your region. Your teammates will also need FACEIT accounts to join your team!





STEP 3: Climb the HCS Points Leaderboard. Compete for Cash Prizes as you climb the HCS Points Leaderboards ahead of the LAN Qualifiers.





STEP 4: Qualify for LAN. Place well in the LAN Qualifiers or stack up enough HCS Points and secure Travel Coverage to compete live at the HCS Salt Lake City Major!





<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="handbook">Player Handbook & Code of Conduct</h2>

Official HCS

HCS Open Series: Road to Salt Lake City (Compete Now!)

Community

Forge Features

Welcome to another edition of Forge Features! This series highlights notable maps, modes, and other creations from our talented Forge community. Bookmark your favorites using the links below for your next custom game.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



With ancient trees, alien motherships, and hogs from heck, this month’s Forge Feature brings together a fabled selection of otherworldly arenas, PvE modes, and minigames fit for a ludic escape. Read on to explore our latest bookmarkable builds!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SUPERB SLAYERS</h2>



Exciting arenas for free-for-all and Team Slayer matches. Use the links to add them to your Halo Infinite bookmarks.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">YGGDRASIL’S JUDGMENT</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2.png" alt="In an overgrown temple, a multi-leveled walkway climbs toward a sunlit aperture in the ceiling." class="wp-image-138852" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/299be314-3856-4746-96ab-b6ac066e36a9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark this map.</a>



Forged by: Zlitchufdux



In this overgrown temple, play centers around a vertical chamber of layered walkways. Teleport pads will take you to the upper reaches, but first you’ll have to determine which one goes where. Portals can be found on the map’s outer wings near equipment drops—but you might find yourself gunned down beneath the gaze of the mighty World Tree.



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED.png" alt="A human mining colony at the verge of a mineral deposit bears the pestilential signs of a Flood infestation." class="wp-image-138726" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/1a034966-2e35-43d7-9204-912df7ec9c6d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark this map.</a>



Forged by: hotozi, Void Wars, Ieed5, ATAT505, OrcusGhxxlz, D3M0NSLAY3R7770



A human mining colony learns firsthand not to disturb the Flood. This map expertly combines urban angles, mineral mounds, and Flood-infested biomass into a cohesive arena for small-scale deathmatches. Check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of7rAoe230o" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hotozi’s video walkthrough</a> for a closer look.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">MINI MOTHERSHIP</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED.png" alt="The smoke-strewn engine room of an alien mothership. Porthole-shaped doorways line the rounded walls, as thick cables snake the ceiling." class="wp-image-138824" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a3c32eb8-91b4-400f-a14e-e0872b53b9eb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark this map.</a>



Forged by: LegendDingle, LegendChar94, LegendCamikaze, LegendBrauntley, LegendLoraxe, LegendJonezy



In this symmetrical Slayer set aboard a damaged Covenant vessel, combat flows around a multi-level chamber featuring loads of alien eye candy. With low-slung cables for catwalks, floor-mounted escape hatches, and rounded kill-zones pearling the outer rim, there are plenty of places to take them to your leader.



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED.png" alt="An industrial arena filled with crates and loading bays. A crane looms overhead." class="wp-image-138754" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/0dd44301-7eb2-4732-bb97-dc421431b6b3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark this map.</a>



Forged by: Igrizhar, Cobra J24, JoValiant, Scrubulba, Mr IncrediJON, timmyforges



Movement is the name of the game in this industrial shoot-em-up. Set on a frontier between the forest and the desert, this map offers plenty of obstacles, walkways, and overhangs for both cover and clambering. Get vertical and think quickly—because someone can always find a shortcut faster than you can!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">POTENT PvE</h2>



Looking for Banished showdowns, Firefight maps, or a new narrative game mode? Check out these picks from popular PvE experiences.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">THE FAILED SWORD</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED.png" alt="A Spartan warrior faces off with two Elites in a courtyard decorated with a giant, stone Energy Sword." class="wp-image-138768" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/aebed4ac-c029-4957-a6cd-77257399708d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark map.</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/52bd31e1-fe71-4a22-99aa-2c2a34dcd0a7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark mode.</a>



Forged by: TostEZ28



This lengthy mission invites you and your squad to raid a fortress alongside the Swords of Sanghelios. After clearing the fortified landing zone, you’ll navigate through a vent maze, experience Sangheili Speed, and puzzle your way out of a duel with an angry Blademaster.



To rejoin your Elite allies, you’ll have to escort Grunt VIPs, topple minibosses, choose your ending, and platform your way to the ramparts to sabotage a massive sentinel beam. If you manage to survive all that, there’s still a ropes course between you and a final showdown.



<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ0yeavv9N8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watch TostEZ28’s full video walkthrough.</a>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">CORBULO ACADEMY</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED.png" alt="The Corbulo Academy of Military Science. A Covenant ship opens fire on the courtyard." class="wp-image-138740" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/225b150f-a3ed-4f09-8e01-aa6acfa4505f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark this map.</a>



Forged by: SilvervioletX98, Unusual Hiccup



Axios! This stunning tribute to the Corbulo Academy from Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn boasts a nice open courtyard for Linear KOTH Firefight, plus plenty of Easter eggs for fans of the web series turned film. If you find time to catch your breath between waves, try finding the cadets’ mess hall and the dead Elite from that scene in the locker room.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">GOLDEN GATE</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED.png" alt="The Golden Gate bridge stands broken in the rain during a full moon. A Covenant ship looms overhead." class="wp-image-138782" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/61191d2d-2a58-4597-a112-e45d961e9e74" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark this map.</a>



Forged by: RYL X RAiD3D, GlazedJJ, AndrewOGee, HachuThunder, Boss Bannon, OGSGTJohnson, Elite30 sw, zCobrvz, AGR DA XXXX, Ez eggs4181, Endingbassoon71, BIGP0RKBELLY



The human settlement of San Francisco is under siege by the Banished! Fight your way across the gridlocked topside, through dripping maintenance tunnels, and down the twirling access stairs to the bridge’s pylon. Filled with ample power weapons and equipment, this oversized map is perfect for squadding up in Firefight Classic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MADCAP MINIGAMES</h2>



All war and no play makes dull Spartans. Bookmark these minigames for a few laughs!



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">HOGS FROM HECK</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED.png" alt="A colosseum built over a volcanic inferno. A nearby ramp appears to be the best way to launch at a viewing platform standing amidst the flames." class="wp-image-138796" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/15842fab-e01a-443e-a22a-c494a1172dd4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark map.</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/15842fab-e01a-443e-a22a-c494a1172dd4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark mode.</a>



Forged by: LudoHT, Scrubulba, Mr IncrediJON, Handsome Huber, DISTORTED JAKAL



A fan-favorite minigame redesigned with a repulsive twist. One team stands (well, quivers, really) on a platform surrounded by boiling lava, while their enemies launch Razorbacks at them from all directions. Thankfully, this updated mode equips Survivors with Repulsors, so they can rebuff the advances of those hellish ‘hogs (and probably launch an ally or two in the process). Mind those elbows, would you?



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">SLOW-MOTION SLAYER</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED.png" alt="A Spartan warrior dives through the air, shooting at an unseen foe." class="wp-image-138838" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/c2b34407-aa15-4dfb-b6cd-fc7e9aa5da74" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark mode.</a>



Forged by: Disco_Lizard69



John Halo teams up with John Wu. This action-packed Slayer variant features no jumping, extra long slides, slow-mo dives, and do-or-die descents. Kills don’t count unless you’re sliding or diving like a hardboiled detective. You’ll regain shields with every shot landed while diving, and experience “Max” stopping power during slides. This time, it’s personal.



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Stay tuned for another Forge Feature coming soon! To share your creations with the Halo Infinite community team, be sure to drop a link in the <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/1231006442656628758" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#forge-show-and-tell</a> channel of our <a href="https://discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Discord</a> or post to <a href="https://reddit.com/r/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">r/Halo</a> using the Forge tag.

Mutinous Core

Forge Features: June 4, 2025

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://discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Discord server</a>, where we’ll focus on a new novel from Halo’s expansive canon each month. Join the #audio-book-club channel to listen along!



This month’s book club title is Halo: Contact Harvest, written by Halo chronicler Joseph Staten and covering humanity’s first tragic contact with the Covenant. The audiobook is narrated by Holter Graham and Jen Taylor. Listen to an exclusive excerpt from the audiobook edition below:



<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="Contact Harvest | Audiobook Preview | Available Now from Simon & Schuster" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1C_xMw8V9qg?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>



<a href="https://bit.ly/4kme4B4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purchase your copy of Contact Harvest from Simon & Schuster.</a>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Contact-Harvest/Joseph-Staten/HALO/9781508284543?utm_source=halo_waypoint&utm_medium=audio_author_outlet&utm_content=audio_buy_link&utm_campaign=halocontactharvest#buy-from"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="2560" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-scaled.jpg" alt="The New York Times bestselling series. Halo: Contact Harvest. New York Times bestselling author Joseph Staten. Read by Holter Graham and Jen Taylor." class="wp-image-138880" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a></figure>



In the year 2524, the colony world of Harvest prospers at the edge of human-controlled space. Elsewhere in the galaxy, the United Nations Space Command contends with a bitter civil war against the Insurrection, a colonial rebellion resistant to UNSC authority.



The agrarian society of Harvest has been untouched by war—until now. 



Humanity has unknowingly trespassed on holy ground sought by a theocratic alien empire. When a Covenant vessel captures a freighter bound from Harvest, a squad of war-weary UNSC marines must rally the colonists to take arms against a new and deadly foe. 



Follow Staff Sergeant Avery Johnson as he finds himself thrust into a fight for humanity’s survival.



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="450" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact_Harvest_Chaper_16_Still.png" alt="San'Shyuum Prophets meet the AI Construct Mendicant Bias. The illuminated face of the AI Construct looks down on the Prophet of Truth, who raises his hands in holy ecstasy." class="wp-image-138708" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact_Harvest_Chaper_16_Still.png 800w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact_Harvest_Chaper_16_Still-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact_Harvest_Chaper_16_Still-768x432.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



If you enjoyed the chapter excerpt embedded above, check out these brief intros to prominent characters to learn more about the events of Halo: Contact Harvest.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Avery Johnson</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Johnson.jpg" alt="Halo Encyclopedia 2022 art of Avery Johnson" class="wp-image-139500" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Johnson.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Johnson-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Johnson-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Johnson-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



Wearied from years fighting Insurrectionist cells across human-occupied space, Avery Johnson returns to Earth for a much-needed furlough. But when he discovers that his last family relation has died alone and uncelebrated, he succumbs to his grief and falls afoul of local law enforcement. 



A last-minute transfer to Harvest saves him from disgrace—but who authorized it? 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nolan Byrne</h3>



Johnson’s comrade in arms during Operation: TREBUCHET, a covert strike against Insurrectionist munitions factories, and his unwitting partner in a new mission on Harvest. After a moment of hesitation resulted in tragedy, Byrne has lost the respect he once had for Johnson. Who knows how the coming conflict might change his mind?



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jilan al-Cygni</h3>



A decorated officer of the Office of Naval Intelligence and a clandestine operative of its Section Three subdivision. Though she arrived in the sector under other pretenses, Lieutenant Commander al-Cygni has secretly bootstrapped Byrne and Johnson into a covert mission against Insurrectionists operating near Harvest.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Maccabeus and Tartarus</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MaccabeusAndTartarus.jpg" alt="Halo Mythos art of Maccabeus and Tartarus" class="wp-image-139514" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MaccabeusAndTartarus.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MaccabeusAndTartarus-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MaccabeusAndTartarus-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MaccabeusAndTartarus-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



Chieftain of the Jiralhanae and shipmaster of the Covenant vessel Rapid Conversion. Esteemed as much for his naval and martial prowess as his religious zeal, Maccabeus takes a personal interest in the reports of Forerunner relics on Harvest and the possibility of encountering a sacred oracle—even against the orders of the Covenant high command. He is accompanied by his young nephew, the ruthlessly ambitious Tartarus.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dadab and Lighter Than Some</h3>



An Unggoy deacon assigned to Minor Transgression, the Covenant missionary vessel that first encounters humanity. When a raid on a human freighter goes wrong, Dadab escapes with his Huragok companion, Lighter Than Some, to the cruiser Rapid Conversion, where he preaches the divine word of the Covenant—and finds ways to excuse his friend’s insatiable desire for tinkering.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sif and Mack</h3>



An artificial intelligence aboard Harvest’s orbital station, the Tiara, and tasked with freight logistics for its shipyards. After encountering a distress beacon from the human freighter Horn of Plenty, Sif coordinates with fellow AI Mack—responsible for Harvest’s agricultural operations and heavy machinery—to evacuate the colony during the ensuing invasion.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Minister of Fortitude</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Fortitude.jpg" alt="Halo 2: Anniversary screenshot crop of the Prophet of Truth" class="wp-image-139486" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Fortitude.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Fortitude-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Fortitude-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Fortitude-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



A San’Shyuum minister holding court on the Covenant’s holy city of High Charity. When a Forerunner oracle reveals the truth about the supposed “relics” discovered on Harvest, Fortitude’s schemes lead him and his co-conspirators to the coveted rank of hierarch.



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



Halo: Contact Harvest introduces us to Sergeant Johnson as a young man, 28 years before the events of Halo: Combat Evolved. Over the course of the novel, Johnson takes part in the earliest events of the Human-Covenant War and becomes the hardened warfighter who eventually helps the Master Chief finish the fight.



The Minister of Fortitude is perhaps better known as the Prophet of Truth, a major antagonist in both Halo 2 and Halo 3. Chieftain Maccabeus is the uncle of Tartarus, who appears in both Halo 2 and as a minor character in Contact Harvest. (No spoilers! You’ll have to read the novel to learn what part he plays in its exciting events.)



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



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



Joseph Staten was the writer and creative lead for Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and Halo: Reach, and the Head of Creative for Halo Infinite. He is the New York Times bestselling author of Halo: Contact Harvest and the novella Halo: Shadow of Intent.



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



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Holter Graham </h3>



Holter Graham is a stage, film, and television actor based in New York. He has also narrated over 200 audiobooks, including works by Stephen King, Nicholas Sparks, and prolific Halo writer Greg Bear, as well as several other works in the Halo series.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jen Taylor </h3>



Jen Taylor is the voice of Cortana, Dr. Catherine Halsey, and The Weapon in the Halo series, as well as numerous other recognizable video game characters. Beyond her voice acting career, Jen has performed in theatrical productions, appeared in television series, and narrated over 30 audiobooks, including Halo: Contact Harvest and Halo: Evolutions.



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



Enter to win an audiobook copy of a new book-club title each month now through October! To participate, react to the Contact Harvest post in the #giveaways channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Halo Discord server</a> before June 6.



Stay tuned to <a href="https://https/www.x.com/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Halo on X</a> later this month for more ways to win! <a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubGiveaway" data-type="link" data-id="https://halowaypoint.com/news/audiobook-club">See full contest rules and entry directions.</a>



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



Listen to a new Halo title every month with the Halo community in our Discord book club! To participate, simply join the #audio-book-club channel of the <a href="https://discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Halo Discord server,</a> where we’ll select a new title from the Halo universe to discuss each month through October.



Share your favorite moments and engage in discussion topics for a chance to find your words featured in an upcoming Halo Waypoint post! At the end of every month, we’ll host a special Spartan Chatter episode on Discord to discuss the audiobook and answer questions from the Halo community.



<a href="https://bit.ly/4kme4B4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purchase your copy of Contact Harvest from Simon & Schuster.</a>

Audiobook Club: Contact Harvest

Halo’s lore is as expansive as the universe in which it takes place. To celebrate the many novels that have helped deepen our understanding of the UNSC, the Forerunners, and the many alien factions that occupy our Milky Way, we’ve partnered with Simon & Schuster to showcase a selection of audiobooks from the Halo canon in a community book club and an ongoing giveaway series.



Read on for details on joining the book club and all the ways you can enter to win Halo audiobooks this month!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Community Book Club</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="2560" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-scaled.jpg" alt="The New York Times bestselling series. Halo: Contact Harvest. New York Times bestselling author Joseph Staten. Read by Holter Graham and Jen Taylor." class="wp-image-138880" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



Starting this month, we’ll be listening to the fan-favorite novel Halo: Contact Harvest in our community book club. To listen along, <a href="https://bit.ly/4kme4B4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pick up a copy from Simon & Schuster</a> and join the #audio-book-club channel of our <a href="https://discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Discord server</a>, where you can share your favorite moments and engage in discussion topics for a chance to find your words featured in an upcoming Halo Waypoint post!



At the end of every month now through October, we’ll also be hosting a special Spartan Chatter episode on Discord to discuss the audiobook and answer questions from the Halo community. Head to the Discord Stage voice channel to listen in.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Audiobook Giveaways</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover.png" alt="Halo: Contact Harvest book cover. Sergeant Avery Johnson, a man in army fatigues and sunglasses, turns away from a burning grain field and raises his rifle. A cigar dangles from his lips. Marines rush toward the flames ahead of Johnson." class="wp-image-138579" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Enter to win an audiobook copy of a new book club title each month now through October! To participate, watch the #giveaways channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Halo Discord server</a> and stay tuned to <a href="https://https/www.x.com/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Halo on X</a> later this month.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Discord Entry</h3>



Now through October, we’ll give away five (5) audiobook editions of our selected book club title on Discord every month! To enter to win Halo audiobooks, simply join the <a href="https://discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Halo Discord server</a> and react to our new giveaway post in the #giveaways channel during the first week of each month.



The Halo: Contact Harvest giveaway post will appear in the #giveaways channel today, June 2. React to the post by Friday, June 6 for a chance to win!



Winners will be randomly selected later this month. Winners will be notified and tagged in a follow-up post by the GiveawayBot in the #giveaways channel of the Halo Discord server.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Social Entry</h3>



Follow <a href="https://x.com/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Halo on X</a> and comment on our monthly giveaway posts for a chance to win one of five (5) Halo audiobooks every month. Look out for our first giveaway post on June 16, where five lucky Spartans will win the audiobook edition of Halo: Contact Harvest!



Entry period lasts until 8:00 a.m. (PT) on June 18. Winners will be contacted via direct message on the X platform.

Audiobook Club & Giveaway Series

Canon Fodder

Alex Wakeford

Issue 163

Canon Fodder: Anthology Assemble

Click here to read the Road to HaloWC: April blog

Welcome back!



In this blog series we’re talking about all things HaloWC 2025, and we’ve got some exciting announcement to make today . Don’t forget that the Halo World Championship is coming to you on October 24-26 live from the Seattle Convention Center – we’ve got just under 5 months to go!



First, some housekeeping. If you missed last month’s blog you can find it here:





In April we covered some of the fundamentals of the event and today we’re talking tickets, some of the first Community Stage details, and answering some questions you all sent me last month. Let’s get stuck in! (That one was for the British Halo fans)



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">TICKETS, TICKETS, TICKETS!</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1-1024x576.png" alt="Crowd cheering in front of the Halo World Championship main stage." class="wp-image-107276" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



We’re excited to announce that tickets will be on sale starting Monday, June 2 at 10:00 AM/PT.



As usual we’ll have 2 ticketing tiers:



<ul>
<li>$75: 3-Day GA (not that GA, this one stands for General Admission)</li>



<li>$250: VIP</li>
</ul>



General Admission will get you access to all 3 days, from when the doors open on Friday to when the confetti is falling down on all of us on Sunday night. You get to watch all the HCS you want, you get to hang out at the Community Stage with fellow Halo lovers like yourself, check out all the partner booths, compete in the side events at no extra charge, all of it.



Like years prior this will be $75, and the fees are in the ticket price so we’re not charging you extra for that. New for this year however is the EARLY BIRD SPECIAL. For the entire month of June, GA tickets will be 20% off with an additional 10% off when you use an HCS Partnered Team code! Don’t wait to get your tickets booked!



VIP is for the super fans looking for a little extra. And I know there are a ton of you that fit into that category but this year we’re once again limiting the quantity to 200 people. As mentioned in last month’s blog, we want to make sure we’re delivering a great experience for those 200 people and that’s been the sweet spot for us in terms of quantity. The price is also remaining the same at $250.



Here’s what you get in VIP:



<ul>
<li>Access to the event before General Admission ticketholders</li>



<li>Venue Tour with opportunity to take a photo with the HaloWC Trophy on the newly revamped mainstage</li>



<li>Goodie bag chock full of awesome Halo stuff</li>



<li>Exclusive VIP seating with a bar just for VIP ticketholders</li>



<li>Access to Side Tournament registration before GA</li>



<li>Access to the event merch before GA</li>



<li>10% off merch and apparel at the Xbox Gear Store</li>



<li>Wait in shorter VIP lines for Free Play and other activities.</li>



<li>Chance to win exclusive VIP giveaways</li>



<li>Chance to win a tour of Halo Studios</li>
</ul>



Finally, all attendees will receive the HaloWC 2025 Event Poster and Halo Waypoint Drops token at the registration desk that instantly unlocks all in-game items provided as Twitch Drops over the event weekend.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">“Ok sounds sweet, where can I buy these tickets?!”</h2>



As always, tickets will be available on Eventbrite and we’ll share out a link on June 2  – be sure to follow <a href="https://x.com/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Halo</a> and <a href="https://x.com/hcs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@HCS</a> on socials to be notified!



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-1024x576.png" alt="Fans competing on the Halo Community Stage" class="wp-image-136238" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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



Today, we’re also talking more about the Community Stage which is the place for non-esports entertainment at the event. Over the years the Community Stage has really carved out its own vibe and energy, and we love that! From the cosplay contest, to the dev panels, to the play dates and more, Community Stage has become a very special part of the event and we thank you for being part of it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HALO 5: GUARDIANS – 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PANEL</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H5-Earth-Guardian-1024x576.jpg" alt="Cortana's Guardian preparing to unleash an attenuation pulse over Earth at the end of Halo 5: Guardians" class="wp-image-54858" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H5-Earth-Guardian-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H5-Earth-Guardian-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H5-Earth-Guardian-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H5-Earth-Guardian-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H5-Earth-Guardian-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H5-Earth-Guardian.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



In October, Halo 5 is turning 10 years old. Can you believe it?! To celebrate this momentous occasion, we’re bringing back some of the folks that worked on the game to share stories you’ve never heard before and relive memories from the development.



You’ll hear from:



<ul>
<li>Josh Holmes: Josh was the studio head of internal development during Halo 5’s development at 343 Industries and oversaw the entire game from start to finish.</li>



<li>Tim Longo: Tim was the Creative Director for Halo 5 overseeing all creative elements of the game including design, narrative, missions, and everything in between.</li>



<li>Nicholas “Sparth” Bouvier: Sparth was the Art Director on Halo 5 and lead the team in bringing this vision to our screens in the beautiful way that it did.</li>
</ul>



I’ll be hosting this panel myself so be sure to let me know what you’d like to hear us talk about. Do you have any specific questions for any of the guests? Are there things you’ve always wanted to know about Halo 5? Now’s your chance, tweet at me!





<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Canon Fodder: LIVE!</h2>



Fear not, lore loving loyalists! HaloWC will once again be welcoming you this year to join us at the Community Stage, where you can expect Franchise Writer Alex Wakeford and Senior Franchise Story Lead Jeff Easterling to host one hell of a panel with Canon Fodder: LIVE. As always, this annual event is slated to feature community guests, detailed discussions, and lore-laden levity amidst a fiction-focused foray into the latest Halo adventures. Over the coming months we’ll reveal more and more panels and experiences coming to the Community Stage – we’ve got some good stuff cookin’!



Side note: Jeff helped me with all those alliterations!



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">YOUR QUESTIONS</h1>



There is much talk, and I have listened – through rock, and metal, and Twitter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="http://x.com/arturbloodshot">@ArturBloodshot</a>: How about a LAN speedrun Forge Contest? 👀</h2>



Artur! We’ve actually wanted to do this for the last couple of years but we felt like there we weren’t in a position to do it right. The right format, the right time allotted, the right meaning behind it all. Let’s talk about it, maybe there’s a way we can make this work this year. Even if it’s something super small.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="http://x.com/creedxdesign">@CreedxDesign</a>: Will there be potential of something similar to an Artist Alley for community artists to sell prints, stickers, etc.?</h2>



This is another thing we’ve been talking about and want to experiment with. Any thoughts on how we should approach this? How should we select which artists to get to sell their work? There are so many amazing artists, but to start we’re probably only allow a small group. Keep the conversation going, we want to explore this!



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1-1024x576.png" alt="Halo World Championship 2025. October 24-26. Seattle Convention Center." class="wp-image-129060" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Alright, that’s it for this month. Monday June 2 at 10:00 AM/PT, don’t miss it  – Be sure to follow <a href="https://x.com/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Halo</a> and <a href="https://x.com/hcs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@HCS</a> on socials for all the latest. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say this will be the best Halo World Championship that we have ever hosted. I don’t normally say stuff like this because there’s some risk – but I’m saying it this time. Do not miss out on this event!



As always, let me know what you want to know about for next month!



Thanks,



Tashi



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Tashi

Road to HaloWC 2025: May

Click here to view the Open Bracket results from the HCS Dallas Open at DreamHack 2025