Canon Fodder

Fiction

Alex Wakeford

Issue 153

Canon Fodder: In-Zane in the Membrane

Community

Community Spotlight

Spotlight: May 13, 2024

Waypoint Chronicles

343 Industries

Halo: The Third Life

Games

Halo Infinite

Updated 5/7/2024



Back in February, the Big Team Battle playlist was refreshed with some amazing new community maps. After that update, many asked to see those maps expand to other BTB offerings and I’m pleased to tell you that the next time you see BTB Heavies (aka today!), the map pool will have increased as we’re adding all the BTB refresh maps! You’ll be able to experience:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/63924f96-8c74-49a5-874d-b67d7160f56d">Fortitude</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4c9f266f-e1e0-4428-bd54-9ba4f378106e">Insolence</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/208d3ac6-45c4-41ee-a3f5-3c9176cc2142">Obituary</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a9fef2f4-0758-43c5-bb62-c91651cbb80c">Refuge</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/baaa4323-5e4d-403c-acf8-eb1765141ca8">Thunderhead</a></li>
</ul>



Expect  more chaos thanks to increased vehicular carnage and heavy weaponry spawns.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/BTBHeavies_Refresh_MOTD.jpg" alt="Big Team Battle heavies in Halo Infinite" class="wp-image-105397" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/BTBHeavies_Refresh_MOTD.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/BTBHeavies_Refresh_MOTD-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/BTBHeavies_Refresh_MOTD-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/BTBHeavies_Refresh_MOTD-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/BTBHeavies_Refresh_MOTD-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/BTBHeavies_Refresh_MOTD-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Additionally, the fan-favorite One Flag CTF mode has been added to Heavies so you’ll be able to play tug of war while you try to capture the flag.



The fun is here so get those reflexes primed and ready to jump into the fray!



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<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2037400043?t=00h40m52s">We talked about it during the January livestream</a> and it’s finally here… the eagerly anticipated Big Team Battle (BTB) refresh has arrived!



The biggest playlist gets even better with the addition of FIVE new community maps, nearly doubling the total map pool! You’ll be able to engage in vehicular combat with heavy vehicles, but for those of you that prefer to hoof it (like me!) there’s plenty of room for ground-based combat. As an added bonus, some of the maps might look a bit familiar…



<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="BIG TEAM BATTLE New Map Previews | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pGSd1JOxdO0?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>



But that’s enough rambling, let’s take a look!



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/63924f96-8c74-49a5-874d-b67d7160f56d">Fortitude</a></h2>



Author: DarkSkull, CertifiedChamp



At first blush, this map looks pretty straightforward but, as we all know, looks can be deceiving. There are a lot of layers to the center which means there’s ample opportunity for sneaky plays. But if you prefer to run ‘n’ gun, you can do that too!



Modes:



<ul>
<li>Capture the Flag (CTF)</li>



<li>Slayer</li>



<li>Stockpile</li>



<li>Total Control</li>
</ul>





<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/63924f96-8c74-49a5-874d-b67d7160f56d">Download Link</a>



P.S. – Don’t run straight over top middle. Or do. I can’t stop you but at least I can say I warned you.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4c9f266f-e1e0-4428-bd54-9ba4f378106e">Insolence</a></h2>



Author: xDTx Kaos, W0lfR3ign



If you like big booms and you cannot lie, this is the map for you. Heavy weaponry plus heavy vehicles automatically increase the possibility of explosions. Fairly symmetrical in nature, the CTF battles here are going to be epic.



Modes:



<ul>
<li>CTF</li>



<li>Slayer</li>



<li>Stockpile</li>



<li>Total Control</li>
</ul>





<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4c9f266f-e1e0-4428-bd54-9ba4f378106e">Download Link</a>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/208d3ac6-45c4-41ee-a3f5-3c9176cc2142">Obituary</a></h2>



Author: xDTx Kaos



This map gives me some strong Halo 2 Containment vibes and I can hardly contain my excitement!



Dual Wraiths, tons of other vehicle options, and lots of traversal opportunities by foot as well. No matter how you prefer to play, you have choices here.



Modes:



<ul>
<li>CTF</li>



<li>Slayer</li>



<li>Stockpile</li>



<li>Total Control</li>
</ul>





<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/208d3ac6-45c4-41ee-a3f5-3c9176cc2142">Download Link</a>



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a9fef2f4-0758-43c5-bb62-c91651cbb80c">Refuge</a></h2>



Author: Cousin Tim, InfiniteForges, NightAvenger01, Micheal B 2K8



Refuge is what happens when Headlong has been left alone long enough for nature to heal. The overgrowth makes it hauntingly beautiful, but beauty can’t stop the imminent carnage that comes with this classic map.



Additionally, you may notice the qualification on the CTF mode below…yes, a one-sided objective mode has arrived! Shoutout to I Crush All for creating the mode.



Modes:



<ul>
<li>One Flag CTF</li>



<li>Slayer</li>



<li>Total Control</li>
</ul>





<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a9fef2f4-0758-43c5-bb62-c91651cbb80c">Download Link</a>



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/baaa4323-5e4d-403c-acf8-eb1765141ca8">Thunderhead</a></h2>



Author: DarkMaiming



Putting the emphasis on big, Thunderhead has a huge area of engagement for you to explore. If you happen to get the sneaky, up high, Banshee spawns you’ll have a bird’s eye view over the plain below you and you’ll be able to see who called for aerial artillery.



Modes:



<ul>
<li>CTF</li>



<li>Slayer</li>



<li>Stockpile</li>



<li>Total Control</li>
</ul>





<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/baaa4323-5e4d-403c-acf8-eb1765141ca8">Download Link</a>



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



Huge shoutout to the Forgers who are continuously creating these beautiful maps and great experiences to help keep things fresh and exciting. Grab your battle buddy and jump in and check out the refresh today.



More maps. More battles. More better!

snickerdoodle

Big Team Battle

Multiplayer

Playlists

BTB Refresh | Halo Infinite

Community Update

Jilted Jiralhanae

Banished Honor Launch | Halo Infinite CU32

Operation: Banished Honor arrives on April 30 and you’re gonna want to look the part! After all, the Banished welcome all who pledge their service to Atriox, and your new allegiance and mindset demands a new outfit, so let’s find out more about the customization that awaits you…



<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="Banished Honor Trailer | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BcdZLmdUb_4?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>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BANISHED HONOR OPERATION PASS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BanishedHonor_PremiumPassALL.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the Banished Honor Premium Pass" class="wp-image-103764" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BanishedHonor_PremiumPassALL.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BanishedHonor_PremiumPassALL-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BanishedHonor_PremiumPassALL-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BanishedHonor_PremiumPassALL-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BanishedHonor_PremiumPassALL-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BanishedHonor_PremiumPassALL-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Spartans have often been thought of as incorruptible symbols of virtue, but that’s just the official story. Some names are known as historic examples of Spartans having gone rogue, pledging themselves to a variety of causes or simply trying to leave the UNSC behind to start a new life—Randall-037, Soren-066, Michael Crespo, Vladimir Scruggs, Ilsa Zane…



The Banished are united not by species or faith, but bonds of brotherhood and allegiance to Warmaster Atriox. Cast off the ties to your previous life and give yourself to the pursuit of glory and spoils as you work your way through the Operation Pass, which contains the pieces you will need to assemble your new Champion armor.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BH_01_1920x1080.jpg" alt="A spartan wearing elements of the Banished Honor operation reward track. " class="wp-image-104232" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BH_01_1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BH_01_1920x1080-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BH_01_1920x1080-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BH_01_1920x1080-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BH_01_1920x1080-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BH_01_1920x1080-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Progress your Operation Pass with Match XP and Challenge completions, and unlock new armor, a new visor and emblem, and Spartan Points to spend in the Exchange.



Additional premium options for the Operation Pass include:



<ul>
<li>500 credits will make the Operation Pass durable (it will not expire), offers bonus XP during the Operation’s live window, an extra Challenge slot while your pass is equipped, and comes with an exclusive customization item.</li>



<li>2,000 credits instantly unlocks all 20 tiers of the Operation Pass at purchase and includes the exclusive bonus customization item.</li>
</ul>



Upgrade to the Premium Pass to obtain the Fuego Flame armor coating and strike fear into the hearts of all who would oppose you.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BanishedHonor_EssenceDecompilation.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the Essence Decompilation visor from the Banished Honor Operation Pass" class="wp-image-104204" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BanishedHonor_EssenceDecompilation.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BanishedHonor_EssenceDecompilation-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BanishedHonor_EssenceDecompilation-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BanishedHonor_EssenceDecompilation-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BanishedHonor_EssenceDecompilation-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BanishedHonor_EssenceDecompilation-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



*NOTE: The Banished Honor trailer and promotional images depict the Datacore Administrator visor as a reward in this Operation Pass. The Datacore Administrator visor is part of the Facing Firewall bundle while the free Banished Honor Operation Pass includes the Essence Decompilation visor.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COATINGS ‘N’ KITS</h2>



Sometimes it’s fun to just jump into the Armor Hall and try out a bunch of different looks—seeing what elements can make each core and kit just the right kind of unique.



Coatings are obviously a key element of customizing your Spartan, and when Operation: Banished Honor launches we have 54 existing coatings that have been updated to work with some additional Armor Cores and Kits that were previously unsupported. 



For the full list, <a href="http://aka.ms/HaloInfiniteUpdate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">be sure to check out the patch notes when the update goes live tomorrow!</a>



(UPDATE 4/30: This section has been updated to be more clear about the coatings changes relative to the final details available in the patch notes. The original copy was unintentionally vague and did not accurately reflect the nature of the changes made.)



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/HI_TheExchange.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of The Exchange" class="wp-image-103848" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/HI_TheExchange.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/HI_TheExchange-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/HI_TheExchange-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/HI_TheExchange-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/HI_TheExchange-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/HI_TheExchange-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Missed out on previous customization rewards? Enter The Exchange.



The Exchange is a brand-new shop rotating each Operation that contains both items from the past and never-before seen customization content. Items are purchased with Spartan Points—a free currency that is earned through three primary ways:



<ul>
<li>Completing your first Daily Challenge will award 250 SP (rather than XP).</li>



<li>Completing the weekly Ultimate Reward will award 1,000 SP (instead of a misc. customization item).</li>



<li>Operations Reward tracks will offer up to 15,000 SP (replacing misc. other rewards).</li>
</ul>



When The Exchange refreshes, items will not be “going away,” removing the chance to get them—they will still be available to purchase with Spartan Points through the customization menus (much like bundles once they have rotated out of the Shop).



For an in-depth breakdown, <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/welcome-to-the-exchange">head over to our Exchange blog</a>.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">UPCOMING OPERATIONS</h2>



Banished Honor is just the beginning, as it will be followed by two further Operations still to come…



TENRAI IV JUNE 4-JULY 2



Tenrai will return with new customization rewards in a free Operation Pass, a Tenrai-themed refresh of the Exchange, and new Shop bundles.



SPARTAN SURPLUS JULY 2-30



New Mark IV-themed armor pieces are accompanied by an Exchange refresh full of tactical gear from the past and more!



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Shop_PathsToDominance.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the Paths to Dominance bundle" class="wp-image-104175" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Shop_PathsToDominance.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Shop_PathsToDominance-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Shop_PathsToDominance-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Shop_PathsToDominance-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Shop_PathsToDominance-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Shop_PathsToDominance-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Head to the Shop when Banished Honor launches and you will find the Path to Dominance bundle, which contains the following items:



<ul>
<li>Tormenter helmet </li>



<li>Tormenter’s Kneepads </li>



<li>Tormenter’s Mantle shoulders </li>



<li>Victory Crest chest attachment </li>



<li>Crimson Compliment wrist attachment </li>



<li>Fearless Glyphs armor coating </li>



<li>Agitator helmet </li>



<li>Shock-Treated visor </li>



<li>Segmented Pauldron shoulders </li>



<li>Agitator Heartplate chest attachment </li>



<li>Agitator Belt hip gear </li>



<li>Sharp Bracer wrist attachment </li>



<li>Kneecapper kneepads </li>



<li>Carrion River armor coating </li>



<li>Merciless Cutthroat M293 Bandit weapon model </li>



<li>Cruel Treatment weapon coating </li>



<li>Paths to Dominance Mythic Effects set </li>
</ul>



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That concludes our look at the customization elements coming with Operation: Banished Honor. For more on this upcoming content update, be sure to check out these other blogs:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/community-livestream-banished-honor">UPDATE OVERVIEW:</a> Catch up on our latest community livestream for an overview of what’s coming when Operation: Banished Honor arrives.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/welcome-to-the-exchange">THE EXCHANGE:</a> Take a deep dive into the new shop where customization items from the past return and can be purchased with free Spartan Points.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/banished-honor-sandbox">SANDBOX OVERVIEW:</a> Get the full debrief on the latest sandbox balance changes and mode updates coming in Operation: Banished Honor.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/banished-honor-forge">FORGE OVERVIEW:</a> Explore the new Flood and Alien World-themed object palettes coming to Forge, alongside additional updates.</li>
</ul>

Customization Overview | Halo Infinite CU32

Forge is getting some new additions with the arrival of Halo Infinite’s next content update. Let’s take a closer look at what new toys you’ll be able to play with when Banished Honor releases on April 30.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NEW FORGE PALETTE: FLOOD</h2>



“Blightlands are the result of uncontained Flood expansion: areas around established hives filled with growths and spore bodies, which harvest the vitality of the soil, soak up solar energy, and consume all native life within its boundaries.” ~ Halo Encyclopedia (2022)





When Season 5 launched, we brought Flood infection to Spartan customization. Now, with the latest update, the parasite has come to Forge!



The Flood palette contains over 100 new objects that will help Forgers to transform their maps into festering hives, enabling players to recreate places from the past (this’ll pair quite nicely with the Covenant object palette for, say, a Flood-infested High Charity) or wholly new locations that have become twisted blightlands.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NEW FORGE PALETTE: ALIEN WORLD</h2>





The galaxy is a vast place filled with worlds of alien wonder and beauty.



With the Alien World object palette, composed of over 150 new objects, players can enhance the visual diversity of their maps’ environments with distinctly alien-themed plants, trees, flowers, and even ancient stone structures.



For more on these, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/855373FStY8?si=DjvB--CDkDHyH7Sv&t=1260">you can check out the Banished Honor Community Livestream</a> where we took a closer look at what the Alien World and Flood palettes look like in-game.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NEW SCRIPTING</h2>



Alongside these new palettes, Forge has also received some additional updates to enhance scripting and object options.



Many of these nodes and objects have come directly from community feedback we have received and will enable Forgers to have even more granularity of control over what they want to make. As ever, we remain in a perpetual state of awe over the awesome creative things that folks in the community have been sharing—we can’t wait to see more of that to come!



SCRIPTING



New nodes will be added for Extraction and Last Spartan Standing modes, along with additional options:



Clone Object:



<ul>
<li>Allows players to duplicate gameplay objects that are on the map.</li>
</ul>



Object Filters:



<ul>
<li>Does Player Pass Object Filter</li>



<li>Remove All Filters on Object</li>



<li>Set Player Filter on Object</li>



<li>Set Team Filter on Object</li>
</ul>



MODE CREATOR



New mode variants have been added:



<ul>
<li>Firefight: King of the Hill</li>



<li>Last Spartan Standing</li>



<li>All Ranked modes</li>
</ul>



NEW OBJECTIVE OBJECTS



Several new objects will be added, including:



<ul>
<li>Generic Deliver Point</li>



<li>Generic Flag Spawn</li>



<li>Generic Power Seed</li>



<li>Generic Shrinking Zone</li>
</ul>



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That concludes our look at what’s coming to Forge when Halo Infinite’s next content update lands on April 30. To learn more about what’s coming in this update, be sure to check out these other blogs.



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/community-livestream-banished-honor">UPDATE OVERVIEW:</a> Catch up on our latest community livestream for an overview of what’s coming when Operation: Banished Honor arrives.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/welcome-to-the-exchange">THE EXCHANGE:</a> Take a deep dive into the new shop where customization items from the past return and can be purchased with free Spartan Points.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/banished-honor-sandbox">SANDBOX OVERVIEW:</a> Get the full debrief on the latest sandbox balance changes and mode updates coming in Operation: Banished Honor.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/customization-overview-halo-infinite-cu32">CUSTOMIZATION:</a> Feast your eyes on the Banished-themed armor coming with a free new Operation Pass and further customization updates.</li>
</ul>

Forge Overview | Halo Infinite CU32

Our preview of Halo Infinite’s next content update continues with a closer look at the sandbox tunings, mode and playlist updates, and additional gameplay improvements ahead of Operation: Banished Honor’s arrival on April 30.



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



Halo Infinite’s sandbox is getting some tuning updates based on community feedback and overall player usage, so let’s kick things off with some exciting news that’ll make your Plasma Pistol hum!



PLASMA PISTOL



The return of the king! We’ve heard your feedback, desiring the Plasma Pistol’s ability to temporarily EMP (“Oh, you mean an emp!”) vehicles with its overcharged bolt, and we are giving you just that.



<ul>
<li>Restored EMP functionality on vehicles.</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-26.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a Spartan after firing an overcharged Plasma Pistol" class="wp-image-103666" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-26.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-26-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-26-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-26-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-26-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-26-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



MK50 SIDEKICK



We know the rapid-fire functionality feels great and is core to the identity of the weapon, but we wanted to address player feedback on the time-to-kill when on the receiving end of a Sidekick encounter.



<ul>
<li>Rounds per second decreased 6.6 >> 5.6</li>
</ul>



S7 SNIPER



A common theme in feedback from the community has been that the sniper’s ready-up time after being picked up felt a tad too lengthy. To help the sniper feel snappier, we wanted to address this by decreasing its ready-up time. We hope this will allow for more sniper highlights that we can’t wait to watch.



<ul>
<li>Ready initial playback speed scale 1 >> 1.2 (shorter ready-up time).</li>
</ul>



CINDERSHOT



The Cindershot is a fun and powerful weapon to use, but we acknowledge it can be frustrating to be redirected by the impulse of the explosion. To eliminate that frustration and address player feedback, we eliminated the gravity effect that would pull players around and slightly reduced the rate of fire. We hope this will improve both sides of the combat experience while still maintaining the Cindershot’s effectiveness as a power weapon.



<ul>
<li>Remove inverted impulse effect.</li>



<li>Rounds per second decreased 1.33 >> 1.1</li>
</ul>



GRAVITY HAMMER



We felt the range in which the Gravity Hammer can fully eliminate an enemy was too far, so we wanted to address this in the slightest of ways.



<ul>
<li>Slight decrease of elimination range.</li>



<li>Radius low 1.25 >> 1.75</li>



<li>Radius high 2 >> 2.5</li>
</ul>



SPIKE GRENADE



Spike Grenades have been underperforming in the core gameplay loop, and we felt a change in detonation behavior may improve its viability. The first step we took was to ensure the Spike Grenade reached its intended target by preventing its detonation midair. Additionally, once the Spike Grenade does reach its intended target it will detonate more quickly—similar to other grenades in the sandbox.



<ul>
<li>Detonation timer starts changed from immediately >> when at rest.</li>



<li>Timer decreased (low & high) 1.8 >> 1.2 seconds.</li>
</ul>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-1.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a Spartan in Banished-themed armor using the grappleshot" class="wp-image-103596" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



In addition to the above, further adjustments have been made to Firefight, Ranked, Custom Games, and more.



FIREFIGHT



Folks have been loving Firefight: King of the Hill and we have been looking to identify places to continue improving that experience as we review player feedback. A particular area we focused on for this update centers around Personal Score—if you’re driving a Warthog while your gunner mows down enemies, or you’ve been putting in the work to bring down an enemy’s health bar but don’t necessarily get the final shot, your contributions should be honored.



As a result, we have made the following additions to Personal Score and Medals:



<ul>
<li>Regular assists on all AI units = 5 points.</li>



<li>Driver assists on AI units = 10 points.</li>



<li>Adding higher priority to Land Stand announcer voice over lines to make the feedback more reliable.</li>



<li>More Medal support when playing against AI Units.</li>
</ul>



Added medals include: Blind Fire, Bomber, Boxer, Breacher, Grenadier, Gunner, Gunslinger, Heavy, Marksman, Mounted and Loaded, Pilot, Rifleman, Scattergun, Sharpshooter, Tanker, Wheelman.



RANKED



Along with the launch of Banished Honor, Ranks will be reset as we enter a new ranked season.



Additionally, with this update, we’ll be implementing a new feature to improve the Ranked experience. Starting on April 30, if you load into a match and the server detects that there are uneven teams at the start of the match, the game will automatically end and send everybody straight back into matchmaking so players can get a back into a quality match.



Neither team is rewarded nor punished for matches that automatically end as a result of this, your CSR will remain the same—you will jump straight into the matchmaking menu so you can queue for a new, fair match and keep the good times rolling!



CUSTOM GAMES



Match Score Override is a new feature where, in the event of a game crash or disconnect during—for example—a tournament event, the match can be restarted and its previous state recreated with a set score and timer.



Also, if you’re jumping into some customs and want to give your friends an advantage, you can simply give them whatever number of points you want rather than having to suffer the timely indignity of having to find each other on the map to get killed multiple times over.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-40.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a Spartan in Banished-themed armor" class="wp-image-103708" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-40.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-40-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-40-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-40-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-40-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/Banished_pk-40-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



RESPAWN CAMERAS



After our latest update to respawn cameras, we saw feedback around how we could improve them even more. Now, when you swap between your teammates while waiting to respawn, the camera will always start pointed at where they are looking. When you fall in battle after the update, you will also be able to rotate around your own body. Additionally, the speed that you can rotate your camera has also been increased to help provide even more control over what you’re able to see as well.



WEAPON DRILLS



Added the Bandit EVO to the standard Bandit weapon drills, which should help players who want to warm up using the weapon.



DEADLOCK PELICAN DROPS



Players gave us feedback that the Pelican vehicle drops on Deadlock did not feel good when dropping off Scorpions and Wraiths. We liked the focus on tanks, but agreed that the power of the Scorpion was too much and noticed it could dominate matches. To help address this, we’ve updated to vehicle drops on Deadlock to only bring in Wraiths, while the rest of the vehicle pads still spawn in their normal vehicles.



BUG FIXES



The following bugs across networks, modes, and Forge have been addressed in this update:



<ul>
<li>Weapon Dropping is faster than swapping to secondary weapon.</li>



<li>Skewer should feel more responsive during online gameplay.</li>



<li>Vehicles are able to play ‘Doom State’ audio without being in ‘Doom State.’</li>
</ul>



You’ll be able to check out the full list of bug fixes and updates when the patch notes drop alongside the Operation launch.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BTB HEAVIES REFRESH</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BTB_Heavies.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of BTB Heavies showing a Scorpion and Wraith firing" class="wp-image-103792" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BTB_Heavies.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BTB_Heavies-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BTB_Heavies-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BTB_Heavies-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BTB_Heavies-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/BTB_Heavies-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Back in February, the <a href="https://aka.ms/BTBRefresh">Big Team Battle playlist was refreshed</a> with some amazing new community maps. After that update, many asked to see those maps expand to other BTB offerings, and we’re pleased to confirm that the next time you see BTB Heavies (later this Operation), the map pool will have increased as we’re adding all the BTB refresh maps! You’ll be able to experience:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/63924f96-8c74-49a5-874d-b67d7160f56d">Fortitude</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4c9f266f-e1e0-4428-bd54-9ba4f378106e">Insolence</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/208d3ac6-45c4-41ee-a3f5-3c9176cc2142">Obituary</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a9fef2f4-0758-43c5-bb62-c91651cbb80c">Refuge</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/baaa4323-5e4d-403c-acf8-eb1765141ca8">Thunderhead</a></li>
</ul>



Expect more chaos thanks to increased vehicular carnage and heavy weapon spawns.



Additionally, the fan-favorite One Flag CTF mode has been added to Heavies so you’ll be able to play tug of war while you try to capture the flag.



The fun will arrive during Operation: Banished Honor so get those reflexes primed and ready to jump into the fray!



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That wraps up our look at the gameplay sandbox, playlists, bug fixes, and additions coming with the arrival of Operation: Banished Honor on April 30!



To learn more about what’s coming in this update, be sure to check out these other blogs:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/community-livestream-banished-honor">UPDATE OVERVIEW:</a> Catch up on our latest community livestream for an overview of what’s coming when Operation: Banished Honor arrives.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/welcome-to-the-exchange">THE EXCHANGE:</a> Take a deep dive into the new shop where customization items from the past return and can be purchased with free Spartan Points.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/banished-honor-forge">FORGE OVERVIEW:</a> Explore the new Flood and Alien World-themed object palettes coming to Forge, alongside additional updates.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/customization-overview-halo-infinite-cu32">CUSTOMIZATION:</a> Feast your eyes on the Banished-themed armor coming with a free new Operation Pass and further customization updates.</li>
</ul>

Sandbox Overview | Halo Infinite CU32

Customizing your personal Spartan has long been a core component of Halo Infinite, and as we look ahead to our next update, we’re excited to share details of a brand-new system that will give players more agency over earned customization content.



Over the years since launch, we’ve heard feedback around wanting additional avenues to earn customization content and a desire for ways to acquire older content that is no longer actively available in the game. With next week’s update, Halo Infinite will be adding two new features to directly address this player feedback: “Spartan Points” and “The Exchange.” Players of Halo: The Master Chief Collection probably recognize both of these terms for good reason—they are both based on what’s currently available in MCC today. “The Exchange” is a new feature that you’ll find within Halo Infinite’s Shop that offers customization content in exchange for “Spartan Points.”



The primary focus of The Exchange is offering access to previously released free content that players may have originally missed out on. For example, rewards that were originally tied to Halo Infinite’s free Event tracks or a special limited time login bonus, or even a past Twitch drop or partner promotional item are all fair game for The Exchange.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="980" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/HI_The_Exchange.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of The Exchange" class="wp-image-104036" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/HI_The_Exchange.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/HI_The_Exchange-300x153.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/HI_The_Exchange-1024x523.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/HI_The_Exchange-768x392.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/HI_The_Exchange-1536x784.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/HI_The_Exchange-1568x800.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



However, it’s not all legacy favorites as some never-before-released items will also join the mix. Premium content—such as items sold in the Shop or included in a premium Battle Pass reward track—will not be offered in The Exchange. The available inventory of items in the Exchange is expected to rotate approximately every 4-to-6 weeks (generally timed to Halo Infinite’s Operation cadence).



When The Exchange refreshes, items will not be “going away,” removing the chance to get them—they will still be available to purchase with Spartan Points through the customization menus (much like bundles once they have rotated out of the Shop).



Here’s a quick summary of what will initially be available in the Exchange when it launches next week (item name, type, and origin):



<ul>
<li>“Xandadu Falu” – Armor Coating – NEW</li>



<li>“Needle Minder” – Helmet Attachment – NEW</li>



<li>“Crowd Pleaser” – Hip Gear – NEW</li>



<li>“Yap Pack” – Emblem – NEW</li>



<li>“Yap Splat” – Emblem – NEW</li>



<li>“Platinum Anniversary” – Vehicle Coating – 20th Anniversary</li>



<li>“Platinum Anniversary” – Weapon Coating – 20th Anniversary</li>



<li>“Platinum Anniversary” – Armor Coating – 20th Anniversary</li>



<li>“Blue Team” – Weapon Charm – 20th Anniversary</li>



<li>“I Love Bees” – Emblem – 20th Anniversary</li>



<li>“Margaret’s Honey” – Backdrop – 20th Anniversary</li>



<li>“Fire in Your Heart” – Emblem – 20th Anniversary</li>



<li>“Assembled” – Emblem – 20th Anniversary</li>



<li>“Citron White” – Armor Coating – Yappening</li>



<li>“Platinum Marigold” – Weapon Coating – Yappening</li>



<li>“The Entropy of Spring” – Death FX – Yappening</li>



<li>“A Banana” – Weapon Charm – Yappening</li>



<li>“Free Hugs” – Visor – Yappening</li>



<li>“Erde Tyrene” – AI Color – Yappening</li>



<li>“Slippery When Wet” – Backdrop – Yappening</li>



<li>“Tac/Holodyne Mispec” – Wrist Gear – Ultimate Reward</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1008" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/ULT_Spartan_Points.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Challenge deck showing Spartan Points as the Ultimate Reward" class="wp-image-104050" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/ULT_Spartan_Points.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/ULT_Spartan_Points-300x158.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/ULT_Spartan_Points-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/ULT_Spartan_Points-768x403.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/ULT_Spartan_Points-1536x806.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/04/ULT_Spartan_Points-1568x823.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Spartan Points (or “SP” for short) is the “currency” players will earn and redeem in The Exchange for a desired customization item. With this update, several existing progression systems will be evolving in order to directly support the addition of Spartan Points. There will be three primary ways to earn SP in Halo Infinite when the “Banished Honor” Operation and “CU32” arrives next week:



<ul>
<li>Completing your first Daily Challenge will award 250 SP (rather than XP).</li>



<li>Completing the weekly Ultimate Reward will award 1,000 SP (instead of a misc. customization item).</li>



<li>Operations Reward tracks will offer up to 15,000 SP (replacing misc. other rewards).</li>
</ul>



We’re eager to get this new feature into your hands and offer another path for players to access content to customize their Spartan and identity in Halo Infinite. We’ll be keeping a close eye on community feedback and in-game metrics so please share your thoughts once you have a chance to try out the Exchange!



For more on Halo Infinite’s upcoming update, check out our other blogs:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/community-livestream-banished-honor">UPDATE OVERVIEW:</a> Catch up on our latest community livestream for an overview of what’s coming when Operation: Banished Honor arrives.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/banished-honor-sandbox">SANDBOX OVERVIEW:</a> Get the full debrief on the latest sandbox balance changes and mode updates coming in Operation: Banished Honor.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/banished-honor-forge">FORGE OVERVIEW:</a> Explore the new Flood and Alien World-themed object palettes coming to Forge, alongside additional updates.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/customization-overview-halo-infinite-cu32">CUSTOMIZATION:</a> Feast your eyes on the Banished-themed armor coming with a free new Operation Pass and further customization updates.</li>
</ul>

Brian "ske7ch" Jarrard

The Exchange | Halo Infinite CU32