Games

Halo Infinite

When the Winter Update arrives on November 8, Halo Infinite’s Battle Pass progression system will be overhauled thanks to the launch of the Match XP Beta.



The Winter Update brings a free 30-tier Battle Pass, and with the introduction of the Match XP Beta, Challenges and Ultimate Rewards will also receive a significant rework to improve your progression and customization journey—for this Battle Pass, for players who haven’t yet completed Season 1 and 2, and for all future Battle Passes as well.



Let’s dive into the specifics of what’s coming…



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MATCH XP BETA</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-1.jpg" alt="In-game screenshot of a Spartan wielding a shock rifle standing on a Spartan-piloted Wasp" class="wp-image-48425" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



We are excited to be taking the first major step towards evolving Halo Infinite’s player progression experience by directly acting on player feedback to evolve XP and progression in Halo Infinite.



With Match XP, players will be rewarded for playing whatever mode they want, and your performance in those matches will tie into those rewards. As such, when the Winter Update launches, the majority of XP that you will earn will come from Match XP.



Match XP consists of:



<ul><li>XP for completing matches</li><li>Additional XP for your performance in the match (this accounts for things like being on the winning team, your end-of-match placement, and more)</li></ul>



Take a look at how it appears in-game…



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-Progression-Blog-Header.jpg" alt="A screenshot of the post-game Match XP menu" class="wp-image-48411" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-Progression-Blog-Header.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-Progression-Blog-Header-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-Progression-Blog-Header-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-Progression-Blog-Header-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-Progression-Blog-Header-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Halo-Infinite-Progression-Blog-Header-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



The reason we are calling this the Match XP “Beta” is because we are going to be monitoring the values for each reward category, adjusting them as we move forwards with this new model. This means that the values when the Winter Update launches will not be final, and you can expect to see them tuned up or down to provide an enhanced earn rate.



We look forward to getting your feedback on the rate of progression in the free Winter Update Battle Pass!



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CHALLENGES & ULTIMATE REWARDS</h2>



Up to this point, completing Challenges has been the main progression driver through the Battle Pass—Challenges grant XP which levels you up each reward tier. With the Winter Update, we are looking to evolve this system as we pursue the goal of helping players progress their Battle Pass at a faster rate in response to community feedback. This means that the system will transition to be Match XP-focused with Challenges providing a bonus boost.



We still believe that Challenges can help spark players’ interest in the game and provides some good direction for short-term goals, which has previously been part of the multiplayer experience in Halo: Reach and Halo 4, but the purpose of Challenges will be “redirected.”



Completion of Challenges will still provide some XP, but they will now primarily serve as the path towards earning customization items each week through the Ultimate Reward.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-4.jpg" alt="In-game screenshot of a Spartan wielding an assault rifle" class="wp-image-48919" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-4.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-4-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-4-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-4-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-4-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-4-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



This system is getting an overhaul of its own based on player feedback, which can be summarized in three main points:



<ul><li>We are reducing the number of Challenges required to hit the Ultimate Challenge from 20 to 10</li><li>All Challenges in regular weekly decks can be completed in any playlist</li><li>Challenges are more “general” overall</li></ul>



Since launch, a common point of feedback we’ve received from the community was that players didn’t enjoy queuing for playlists they wouldn’t otherwise play, simply to complete a Challenge and move their Battle Pass progression forward. Mode-specific Challenges were found to be prohibitive to playing with friends, and players shouldn’t have to choose between progress or playing together.



The Winter Update will mark the beginning of shifting all challenges to be playlist agnostic. For the time being, Event Challenges will remain in their current form, tied to their respective Event Playlists, but players can expect to see this change in the future as well.



These overhauls to progression also mean that a Fireteam of friends can stick together and move through their Weekly Challenges and Battle Passes without needing to worry about each player’s individual challenges.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-2.jpg" alt="In-game screenshot of a Spartan wielding a sniper rifle" class="wp-image-48453" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-2.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-2-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



As we’re looking to address a lot of the community feedback we’ve received around Challenges and we’re shifting the philosophy, the Winter Update’s Ultimate Rewards will feature the most popular Ultimate Rewards from Seasons 1 and 2 to help players get another chance to earn them in case they missed them last time.



We hope you all enjoy the opportunity to earn these on the new and improved system during the Winter Update.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CAREER PROGRESSION</h2>



In addition to these improvements for Match XP, Challenges, Ultimate Rewards, and your Battle Pass progression, the team is also continuing to work on an overarching Career Progression system.



We’ll have more to share on that in the future, but it is important to plant a stake in the ground at this point and make clear that what’s coming in the Winter Update is just the beginning of broader changes to come.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-3.jpg" alt="In-game screenshot of a Spartan on Breaker" class="wp-image-48467" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-3.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/Progression-Blog-3-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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To our players, thank you for your feedback around Challenges and progression since launch. We’re excited for you all to get hands-on with these changes and continue to evolve the experience to be more rewarding.



Please continue to share your feedback with us online and <a href="https://forums.halowaypoint.com/">here on our forums</a>!

Alex Wakeford

Match XP Beta & Progression | Winter Update

Variety is the spice of life—and of Halo matchmaking.



Since launch, the Halo Infinite team has been slowly adding rotational playlists based on community feedback. As playlists come in though, it’s clear that some were popular and should stick around while others didn’t quite resonate with players in the same way. To help make sure we keep a quality experience in each playlist, we’ll be updating our approach to a more rotational strategy.



This new permanent and rotational approach will help keep the offerings fresh week-to-week and should feel similar to the playlist schedule established in Halo: The Master Chief Collection & Halo 5: Guardians.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Playlist Structure</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_043.jpg" alt="Two Spartans running alongside each other on Aquarius." class="wp-image-48821" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_043.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_043-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_043-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_043-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_043-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_043-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



As we touched on in our <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/august-matchmaking-updates" target="_blank">August</a> & <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-infinite-september-playlist-update" target="_blank">September Playlist Update</a> blogs, there are some playlists that have performed well and others that didn’t. The ones that have continued to perform well will be sticking around as more established fixtures in our matchmaking offering. The goal is to keep these healthy playlists (ones with good search times, lower latency, and balanced matches) in as permanent offerings, while others rotate through to provide fresh experiences.



Halo Infinite’s playlist offerings will continue to evolve and shift in response to player behavior in-game (where players spend their time) and community feedback. With that in mind, here’s a look at the playlist plan that’ll be landing with the Winter Update on November 8:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Permanent Playlists</h3>



<ul><li>Quick Play</li><li>Big Team Battle</li><li>Ranked Arena</li><li>Fiesta</li><li>Tactical Slayer</li><li>Team Slayer</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/2022/11/October2022_056.jpg" alt="Spartan running with a Ravager in their hands." class="wp-image-48849" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_056.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_056-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_056-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_056-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_056-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_056-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rotational Playlists</h3>



<ul><li>Rotational Core Slot: A playlist that is typically close to the core Halo gameplay experience, similar to Quick Play (e.g., Team Snipers, Team Doubles, etc.)<ul><li>Winter Update’s first core rotational will be Covert One Flag, our new mode, on various maps</li></ul></li><li>Rotational Social Slot: A playlist that is usually closer to the fun, social, and whacky side of Halo (e.g., Social Slayer, Big Team Social, Rumble Pit, etc.)<ul><li> Winter Update’s first social rotational playlist will be Social Slayer, which includes fun-filled modes like Kong Slayer, Purple Reign, and Rock ‘n’ Repulsors</li></ul></li></ul>



Our goal is to have the rotational core and rotational social slots update every two weeks on alternating weeks, meaning a new experience will roll into matchmaking every week. This is very similar to the setup that Halo 5 used post-launch to rotate through multiple playlists as well. The plan is to hit this increased cadence, but playlist management will need to adapt and remain fluid based on community input and production realities.



Additionally, once a playlist rotates out, we’d like to refresh its contents with different map and mode combinations before it returns. Whether that means new maps or modes (or simply changing the map/mode combos), we want each playlist to have something different about it when it comes back.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_Ranked.jpg" alt="Spartan with flaming shoulders holding a red BR75." class="wp-image-48835" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_Ranked.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_Ranked-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_Ranked-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_Ranked-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_Ranked-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_Ranked-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<ul><li>Rotational Ranked Slot: A playlist that fosters a competitive experience (e.g., Ranked Doubles, Ranked FFA, etc.)<ul><li>Winter Update’s first Ranked rotational playlist will be Ranked Survivors, consisting of Ranked variants of the Attrition and Elimination modes.</li></ul></li></ul>



Right now, our plan is for Ranked rotationals to be live for two weeks before the slot shifts to another Ranked offering. The two-week cadence was chosen based on data from Ranked FFA and Ranked Doubles’ performance, which both saw their engagement decline after their first two weeks. Ranks will not reset when a playlist rotates out, so you’ll be able to continue your progress the next time it comes back. Since we’ll keep a predictable cadence, there will be multiple opportunities to jump into your favorite Ranked experiences.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_036-636161dd8228c.jpg" alt="Spartan clambering over cover while holding a Gravity Hammer." class="wp-image-48863" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_036-636161dd8228c.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_036-636161dd8228c-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_036-636161dd8228c-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_036-636161dd8228c-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_036-636161dd8228c-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/October2022_036-636161dd8228c-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Event Playlists</h3>



<ul><li>Event Playlist Slot: A slot that will be used when Events roll into the game (e.g., Cyber Showdown, The Yappening, etc.)</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Playlist Schedule</h2>



Now, let’s ask (and answer) the most important question about—how does this come together and what does it look like to me as a player?



Below is an example of what it could look like as a calendar view. The playlists that rotate in and out are always subject to change based on the live nature of the game, but this should provide a good idea of how the rotational schedule will function.



Here’s what it could look like when the Winter Update kicks off!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2113" height="1211" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/November-Resized.jpg" alt="November Playlist Calendar" class="wp-image-48877" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/November-Resized.jpg 2113w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/November-Resized-300x172.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/November-Resized-1024x587.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/November-Resized-768x440.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/November-Resized-1536x880.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/November-Resized-2048x1174.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/November-Resized-1568x899.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2113px) 100vw, 2113px" /><figcaption>November Playlist Calendar </figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2113" height="1211" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/December-Resized.jpg" alt="December Playlist Calendar " class="wp-image-48884" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/December-Resized.jpg 2113w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/December-Resized-300x172.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/December-Resized-1024x587.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/December-Resized-768x440.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/December-Resized-1536x880.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/December-Resized-2048x1174.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/December-Resized-1568x899.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2113px) 100vw, 2113px" /><figcaption>December Playlist Calendar</figcaption></figure>



Please note: These dates and playlists are subject to change.



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



Thanks for your continued input on Halo Infinite’s playlists and offerings. We’re doing our best to make sure we ensure a quality matchmaking experience while the team continues to work on an improved method that provides players with even more autonomy over what they want to play. Additionally, when the Custom Game Browser lands in Season 3, it should be even easier to find or create the exact experience you want to play.



Thank you again, and we’ll see you on the battlefield!

Unyshek

Playlist Schedule | Winter Update

The Winter Update is Halo Infinite’s largest feature update yet and arrives on November 8, bringing highly anticipated experiences and content across the entire game. Amongst many new additions (including Campaign Network Co-Op, the Forge Beta, and a free 30-tier Battle Pass) are two new maps and a new mode, which we’re going to delve into more detail on today.



MAP | ARGYLE



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Argyle.jpg" alt="Screenshot of Argyle in Halo Infinite" class="wp-image-48291" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Argyle.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Argyle-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Argyle-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Argyle-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Argyle-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Argyle-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Set within the narrow corridors of a UNSC vessel, Argyle comes to Halo Infinite as one of the first multiplayer maps to be built entirely within Forge.



This tight, indoor, symmetrical map makes for a competitive arena environment that showcases merely a fraction of what the Forge tool is capable of.



MAP | DETACHMENT



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Detachment.jpg" alt="Screenshot of Halo Infinite map Detachment" class="wp-image-48305" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Detachment.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Detachment-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Detachment-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Detachment-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Detachment-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HI-Detachment-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Also built entirely within Forge, Detachment comes to Halo Infinite as an all-new symmetrical arena map.



Set atop a rocky outcropping, this once-abandoned UNSC research facility is composed of indoor and outdoor environments, providing opportunities for dynamic combat that suits a variety of game modes and play styles.



MODE | COVERT ONE FLAG



Covert One Flag joins Halo Infinite as a unique variant of One Flag CTF. In this round-based mode, attackers and defenders swap sides as they battle for control of a single flag.



Asymmetric team loadouts equip attackers with Active Camo to help sneak their way past enemy defense while defenders possess Threat Sensors to help spot the intruders. The team who wins the majority of rounds wins the match.



With that context established, let’s explore these three new additions in our Map & Mode Preview video!



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/BC0wfvHyqo8
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Halo Infinite | Winter Update Maps & Mode Preview

343 INDUSTRIES

Fracture: Entrenched Event (Updated)

Entrenched

Story Shard: The Last Sky Marshal

Esports

HaloWC

OPTIC GAMING ARE YOUR 2022 HALO WORLD CHAMPIONS!

Last week, in honor of World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10), we
announced a special collaboration with Rakeem Miles, creator of Action Figure
Miles (AFM), a clothing brand with a mission to shine a light on mental health.
The AFM x Halo collection is a creative mash-up of two heroes, the Master Chief
and Action Figure Miles, featured in unique and colorful designs that share
uplifting messages of strength, perseverance, and heroism. Soon you can join the
mission to spread this message of self-care, love, and mental health awareness
with this comfortable and cool collection.



We’re excited to drop the first four pieces of the collection in
the <a href="https://gear.xbox.com/pages/halo">Halo Gear Shop</a> tomorrow,
October 21st! Treat yourself and snag the Self Care Tee, Master Your
Mental Health Tee, Evolution Hoodie, or the AFM x Halo Sweatpants. And, if
you’re attending the Halo World Championship in Seattle, head to the Halo Gear
Shop and be the first to get your hands on the AFM x Halo gear! 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/AFMxHalo1-1024x576.jpg" alt="Group photo of Rakeem Miles Partnership apparel" class="wp-image-48193" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/AFMxHalo1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/AFMxHalo1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/AFMxHalo1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/AFMxHalo1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/AFMxHalo1-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/AFMxHalo1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



But that is not all! On October 27th, the full AFM X Halo
collection will be available in <a href="https://www.pacsun.com/action-figure-miles/">PacSun</a> stores
across the US and online. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="650" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/AFMxHalo2-1024x650.jpg" alt="Group photo of Rakeem Miles Partnership apparel" class="wp-image-48207" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/AFMxHalo2-1024x650.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/AFMxHalo2-300x190.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/AFMxHalo2-768x488.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/AFMxHalo2-1536x975.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/AFMxHalo2-1568x996.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/AFMxHalo2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Now, join us for a quick chat with the creator himself, Rakeem
Miles.  



Hi Rakeem, thanks for joining us! First, please introduce yourself
and share a bit about some of the awesome things you produce.  



My name is Rakeem Miles, I’m a musician, designer,
and writer from Baltimore, Maryland. I started my clothing brand Action Figure
Miles around 2015, and it’s now a full on fashion brand with retail
opportunities such as PacSun and Urban Outfitters. 



I have also had the opportunity to do some work with
Adult Swim/Cartoon network for a few projects Adult Swim produced. As far as
music, I’ve been working on a new album currently with members of the band
Gorillaz, Mike Larson (Pharrell Williams engineer), and many others. Hoping to
release the project in 2023.



What is your history with the Halo franchise? Can you recall the
first time you played? 



My
history with Halo starts all the way back to 2007. I started playing Halo
consistently during the Halo 3 days. I started out joining clans, and other
gaming groups, playing customs etc., and it led to me discovering the
competitive world in 2008. 



I
discovered MLG at that time and became super interested in playing
competitively. I primarily played the MLG playlist on Halo, achieved my first
50 in MLG, then started playing local LAN tournaments.



You have said the Master Chief is a character you look up to, why
is that?  



The Master Chief has always been a heroic character,
someone who you can learn from, who is a leader, and who doesn’t have any fear.
Master Chief, pushes through boundaries with the world on his shoulders. I see
that in myself, and my brand AFM. The Action Figure Miles character that I have
developed and built my brand around is also a hero.



Who is Action Figure Miles? And, what led you to build it into a
brand?



Action
Figure Miles is an artistic representation of myself and the hero I wish I had
as a kid. His blue skin represents the depression that I dealt with from a
young age, while the superhero aesthetic shows his strength in the face of
adversity. His blue painted skin and costume are a disguise that he has built
to protect himself from the trauma he has gone through. He puts them on in an
effort to be his own hero, constantly fighting and pushing forward so that he
can become his true heroic self, inside and out.



What
led me to creating this brand is knowing I could use the clothing to express
myself in other ways, and uplift people through clothing. Clothing is like a
walking billboard, someone can be walking right next to me or someone who’s a
fan of AFM who’s wearing the clothing and see the positive message and it could
change their whole outlook just from seeing that message. 



Do you have a favorite piece from the collection? 



Yes, I like the Self Care shirt the most! It’s my
favorite, but I also like the sweatpants. 



Thank you to Rakeem for giving us more insight into
his work and brand, Action Figure Miles. If you’re attending the Halo World
Championship in Seattle be on the lookout for Rakeem and the AFM x Halo
collection in the Halo Gear Shop on-site. For those not in attendance, head to
the <a href="https://gear.xbox.com/pages/halo">Halo Gear Shop</a>
and <a href="https://www.pacsun.com/action-figure-miles/">PacSun</a>
stores to get your favorite piece from the AFM x Halo collection.

Action Figure Miles x Halo

The Winter Update for Halo Infinite is just a few short weeks away, bringing with it a plethora of new content.



Campaign Network Co-Op will allow you and up to three of your friends to experience the Master Chief’s journey in Halo Infinite’s Campaign together—from the Warship Gbraakon to the Silent Auditorium, and the vast shattered landscapes of Zeta Halo itself. This will further be supported with the addition of Mission Replay, allowing you to hop between completed missions as you wish, and gives you a further 24 Achievements to unlock.



The Forge Beta will also arrive in the Winter Update. With thousands of new objects and countless new additions and improvements, many of which we explored in our <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-infinite-forge-fundamentals">Forge Fundamentals</a> video series, the time has come for you to unleash your creativity as we put the most powerful tools of Halo’s map and mode creation in your hands at last.



And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With a new 30-tier Battle Pass, new events, new modes, new maps, and more, our latest Overview showcases all the exciting new additions coming your way when the Winter Update launches on November 8.



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo Infinite | Winter Update Overview" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IooofLOzwxQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Halo Infinite | Winter Update Overview

The first time I looked at Forge in Halo Infinite, I was like “Oh hey, cool that’s… oh, holy– you guys did what?!”



With November already on the horizon, in just a few short months the Forge Beta will be in your hands to unleash your creativity with, dare we say, infinite possibilities.



In this four-part video series, we’re going to explore the foundational elements of Forge to get you acquainted with its tools, showcase brand new features and improvements from previous games, and provide some direct developer insight into what’s coming.



Here are the topics we’ll be covering in each video of this series:



<ul><li><a href="#building">Part 1: Building</a> – what can I make and how do I make it?</li><li><a href="#scripting">Part 2: Scripting & Bots</a> – what is scripting, how can I use it, and how can I test my map with bots?</li><li><a href="#lighting-audio">Part 3: Lighting & Audio</a> – what lighting, art, and audio tools can make my maps look and sound great?</li><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-infinite-forge-fundamentals#file-sharing-canvases">Part 4: File Sharing & Canvases</a> – where can I build my maps and how can people discover them?</li></ul>



But first, of course, for those of you who may just be joining us on this great journey, or may need a refresher, let us take a moment to look back on what Forge represents as a pillar for Halo…



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT IS FORGE?</h2>



Once upon a time, matches on Halo 2’s Colossus would begin with a frenetic rush to collect the various plasma pistols and battle rifles strewn across its lower end, and we would have to impose honor rules.



In those days, the placement of weapons, objectives, spawns, and other details of Halo’s multiplayer spaces were largely fixed—rooted in place, until they were picked up and spent, after which an invisible countdown would bring them back to be fought over once again.



But then, Halo 3 brought with it an exciting new feature. Forge began as an object layout editor, enabling players to rework weapons, vehicles, scenery, and spawns—and you could invite your friends to hop in and test out these changes live, or spend an hour trying to drop tanks on each other.



As with all creative tools, when put in the hands of the community, impossible things happened. You built Scarabs and Pelicans out of crates and scenery items. You used teleporter nodes to keep objects floating in the air. You discovered techniques that allowed blocks to intersect with each other and the environment, creating all-new maps on empty canvases.



From that point, Forge ceased to be a simple layout editor. It became a map maker, and a community of creative cartographers arose from its foundations.



Since then, Forge has been continually upgraded in successive Halo titles with new tools and capabilities to give Forgers more agency and options in what they seek to create. More objects, bigger budgets, new terrain pieces, color editing, magnets, baked lighting, scripting… Forge is your playground, and in Halo Infinite we’re giving you more toys to play with than ever before.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="building">PART 1 – BUILDING</h2>



In our first video, we focus on some of the core features that have been added or improved in Halo Infinite’s version of Forge.



Join Michael Schorr, Forge Lead Designer, and Cliff Schuldt, Multiplayer Level Designer, as they walk through object palettes, new features (such as the much-anticipated undo/redo buttons and object scaling), and much more that will empower you to build and create.



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo Infinite | Forge Fundamentals – Building" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SAwEbD5qNG8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



We look forward to seeing what you all can build when the Forge Beta lands later this year. Until then, be sure to subscribe to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/Halo" target="_blank">our YouTube channel</a> to see even more Forge videos in the coming weeks.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="scripting">PART 2 – SCRIPTING & BOTS</h2>



In our second video, we’re exploring new and improved features around scripting, node graphs, and Bot support on Forge maps.



Michael Schorr, Forge Lead Designer, and Connor Kennelly, Technical Designer, dive into the fundamentals of scripting: what is it, how can I use it, what sort of things does it enable me to do with my maps, and how has it been made more accessible from how it’s previously appeared in Halo 2: Anniversary and Halo 5? And, most importantly: how do I use scripting to make my assault rifle shoot rockets?



Of course, as you’re building things, you’re going to want to try them out as well. Michael and Connor detail how you can test your scripts in the newly added Test Mode, and how you can also get a good feel for how your map plays with the addition of Bots—as well as the “nav mesh” which directs how Bots can move around your custom maps.



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo Infinite | Forge Fundamentals – Scripting & Bots" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sgIxew1x12s?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



These features are just another aspect of how Forge in Halo Infinite is levelling up to empower you with more options to create maps with more agency than ever before.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="lighting-audio">PART 3 – LIGHTING & AUDIO</h2>



For our third Forge video, we’re looking at how you can leverage new lighting and audio tools in the creation of your maps.



Michael Schorr, Forge Lead Designer, and Tyler Feddeler, Lighting Artist, showcase a series of new lighting and audio options that can be used to create more immersive and detailed maps than ever before.



Adjust your map’s time of day and even change the color of the sun and sky to get the exact atmosphere you want, whether that’s a pitch-black night-time environment with volumetric fog and curated shadows, a neon pink sun blazing down upon the battlefield, or anything equally wild your imagination comes up with. The sky(box) truly is the limit!



Then bring your maps to life with a suite of ambient audio options with primary and secondary sounds, reverb, effects, and even scripting audio. Looking to make an underwater or outer space map? It’s not just the sights, but the sounds that are now an integral part of your Forge arsenal.



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo Infinite | Forge Fundamentals – Lighting & Audio" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uyKLrBs6GDM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="lighting-audio">PART 4 – FILE SHARING & CANVASES</h2>



Our fourth and final Forge video details the canvases you’ll be building your maps on and the key to sharing your creations with your friends and other players. 



The Halo Infinite Forge Beta will launch with six canvas maps, providing a range of environments—from arid desert to lush grasslands and marshes, to outer space and the underwater sea floor, and even a blank void—which are about double the size of Halo 5’s canvases. 



Add collaborators to your map, giving your selected friends a range of options to co-Forge alongside you and list them in its credits; look at your map’s “version history” and track the major additions or changes you’ve made to then seamlessly jump between past and present versions of your maps; and head into the main menu’s Community tab to browse published maps, modes, and prefabs from other players. 



Join John Junyszek, Senior Community Manager, and Michael Schorr, Forge Lord (that is, Forge Lead Designer!), one last time as they get you acquainted with the powerful options and tools at your disposal when Forge arrives with the Winter Update on November 8.



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
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Halo Infinite – Forge Fundamentals

Since Halo Infinite’s launch nearly 1 year ago the community has been contributing crowdfunded dollars to the Halo esports ecosystem. Up to this point, nearly $500,000 has already gone directly towards boosting prize pools of official HCS events – and that doesn’t include funds that have gone directly to partnered teams from the sale of cosmetics in their store. This is remarkable. Thank you to everyone who has contributed up to this point. Partway through the season, based on the community feedback, we realized there was an opportunity to use the crowdfunding to have a greater impact on the ecosystem at large, rather than just a few select tournaments. This led us to begin working with partnered teams to see where we could support and the result was boosting the FaZe prize pool to $75,000 back in April, as well as working with eUnited to fund the Grunt Classic tournament that just took place last month. Supporting partnered teams in this way has proven to be a powerful route to take as we can elevate the work that they’re doing, and even fill in gaps in the roadmap with all new tournaments.   



Going forward, we’re going to continue this new philosophy in an effort to bolster the roadmap and add new events all together, rather than boosting what are already very large prize pools. Overall, we believe this holistic approach will result in more opportunities for players, as well as more content and entertainment for fans to watch. Ultimately, we feel this will drive a larger impact across the entire ecosystem, rather than putting so many eggs in one basket. And on top of all this, we’re going to be increasing the HaloWC FFA Prize Pool from $5,000 to $25,000. Finally, with all that said we’re excited to offer our biggest prize pool of the year at HaloWC with $1,000,000 on the line, of which $400,000 goes to first place alone.  







<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HaloWC-FFA-Trophy-6349f04493c1a-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-48096" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HaloWC-FFA-Trophy-6349f04493c1a-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HaloWC-FFA-Trophy-6349f04493c1a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HaloWC-FFA-Trophy-6349f04493c1a-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HaloWC-FFA-Trophy-6349f04493c1a-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HaloWC-FFA-Trophy-6349f04493c1a-1568x1045.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/10/HaloWC-FFA-Trophy-6349f04493c1a.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>FFA World Championship Trophy awaits its victor</figcaption></figure>



So, what’s next? We’ve already begun working with the partnered teams to add more events to the roadmap and we’ll be sharing more details live at the Halo World Championship, along with initial roadmap details for Year 2 of the Halo Championship Series. Like with Year 1, our aim is to publicly announce the entire Year 2 roadmap before all of the Official HCS competition begins, and we’ll be releasing more info following the Halo World Championship this year.  



Once again, we want to say thank you to everyone in the community that has supported HCS. From the fans, to the players, the teams, and all of our partners – thank you.   



The Halo World Championship begins October 20 with the Play-In Stage of the tournament with the Main Event taking place October 21-23 live from the Seattle Convention Center. We hope you all enjoy the show and for those attending the event, we’ll see you there! To see all the latest HaloWC info including schedule and the full FAQ head to the event page on <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc2022">Halo.gg</a>.