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Your Halo Story: Chapter 5

Games

Halo Infinite

Seconds into your first match of Firefight: Gauntlet, you’ll understand the name.



This deviously difficult PvE mode introduces upgradeable attributes, elimination objectives, and auto-scaled difficulty settings to a boss-filled Firefight experience designed to challenge even the toughest Spartans.



Bring your mightiest warriors, because each phase of the Gauntlet is harder than the last.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SLAY TO SURVIVE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/GauntletPressKit_02_1080_Watermarked.jpg" alt="A Spartan with a Rocket Launcher on its back fighting a giant Sentinel and Banished forces in the Gauntlet." class="wp-image-166413" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/GauntletPressKit_02_1080_Watermarked.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/GauntletPressKit_02_1080_Watermarked-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/GauntletPressKit_02_1080_Watermarked-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/GauntletPressKit_02_1080_Watermarked-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/GauntletPressKit_02_1080_Watermarked-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/GauntletPressKit_02_1080_Watermarked-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



As endless enemies rush from all sides, your team’s only hope is to eliminate the bosses in each arena to halt their reinforcements and progress to the next encounter.



Combat ranges through five maps connected by a supply area where you can gather ammo and equipment, roll for power weapons, or level up your personal buffs (Speed, Resistance, Regeneration, and Damage) for the onslaught ahead.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/platform_store_H6_W4_001.jpg" alt="The armor hall on a map for upgrades." class="wp-image-166427" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/platform_store_H6_W4_001.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/platform_store_H6_W4_001-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/platform_store_H6_W4_001-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/platform_store_H6_W4_001-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/platform_store_H6_W4_001-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/05/platform_store_H6_W4_001-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Between rounds, you’ll get a chance to upgrade your stats and kit out before the next attack—so make those choices count! Survive five rounds, and victory is yours.



Pro tip: If you can retrieve the Oddball from the Harbinger, bring it back to the supply zone to activate Skull modifiers and boost everyone’s Personal Score during the match.



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Gear up, load out, and hold on for dear life. Play Firefight: Gauntlet with up to four players in Halo Infinite’s Firefight playlist now.

Mutinous Core

Enter Firefight: Gauntlet

snickerdoodle

Anniversary Angle: Memorable Campaign Moments

Your Halo Story: Chapter 4

Forge Features

Forge Features: April 23, 2026

Beyond bridging the gap between the events of Halo 5: Guardians and Halo Infinite, Halo: Empty Throne reaches the far flung corners of the Haloverse, and introduces us to a nuanced ensemble of characters. Rather than following a single hero, this novel pulls the camera wide tracking UNSC leaders, Covenant loyalists, Banished power players, Spartans long thought lost, and new voices caught in the middle of a rapidly shifting galaxy.



Joined by Franchise Fixture Alex “Haruspis” Wakeford, we jumped into the middle of the game of thrones between the humans, Covenant, and the Banished to unpack some of the political machinations at play for each faction. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" style="text-transform:uppercase">Set on the Edge of Everything</h2>



One of the highlights of Halo: Empty Throne is the masterful way that author Jeremy Patenaude weaves and connects returning legends with deep-cut surprises and modern day players. Drawing inspiration from i love bees, Halo: The Fall of Reach, Shadow of Intent, and more, the cast of characters will be both familiar and new. 



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size" style="text-transform:capitalize">Full hearts, Empty Thrones</h2>



Halo: Empty Throne is a keystone novel that expands the consequences of Cortana’s reign far beyond a single ring while setting the stage for future conflicts across the galaxy. And, if none of that strikes your fancy, the epic space battles surely will. 



You can grab a <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Empty-Throne/Jeremy-Patenaude/Halo/9781668052129">copy of the book,</a> or <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Empty-Throne/Jeremy-Patenaude/Halo/9781797184883" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Empty-Throne/Jeremy-Patenaude/Halo/9781797184883">audiobook</a>, today!



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Spartan Chatter is an audio series, a podcast if you will, hosted on our <a href="https://wordpress.admin.halowaypoint.com/article/halo-outcasts-spartan-chatter/discord.gg/Halo">official Halo Discord</a> which brings members of the studio together to discuss all things Halo with a live audience.



You can find previous episodes of Spartan Chatter on our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SWLEPaTx4c&list=PLn5QvCoiY3w7t84T_MFkGl8qvYI_q148-">YouTube channel’s Podcasts page</a> and on our Discord server.

Halo: Empty Throne | Spartan Chatter

Halo: Campaign Evolved

Purchase any Fanta product in the special edition collection bearing the Xbox25 logo for a chance to win limited-edition customizations for Halo: Campaign Evolved and other participating Xbox titles.



Simply scan your Fanta, choose one of three Rewards Chest Challenges, and play to unlock the Fantastic Spartan Armor to redeem with the launch of Halo: Campaign Evolved.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fantastic Style</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-165625" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The Fantastic Spartan Armor puts the “art” in “Spartan.” Crash-land on Alpha Halo with a dauntless orange hue designed to quench the enemy’s fervor.



Equip the Fantastic Spartan Armor Style when Halo: Campaign Evolved releases in 2026.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to Redeem</h2>



After purchasing a participating Fanta product, scan the QR code on the can or bottle to set up your Coca-Cola account and tackle one of three Rewards Chest Challenges.



Follow the steps to show proof of purchase (if requested in your region), then choose the Fantastic Spartan Armor as your reward. Fanta will send you a unique unlock code via email to redeem on Halo Waypoint.



To input your redemption code on Halo Waypoint, simply head to <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com">halowaypoint.com</a>, click “sign in” on the upper right of the browser window, and log in to your Microsoft account that you will use to play your game.



Once logged in, click your user profile icon, and navigate to “Drops & Code Redemption.” (If you’re a new Halo player, you’ll need to create a Microsoft account to store your unlocks.)



The first time you play Halo: Campaign Evolved, you’ll be prompted to log into your Microsoft account to access your Fantastic Spartan Armor.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Anticipation Evolved</h2>



Thirsty for more info? Check out the <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/03/31/xbox-fanta-collaboration-prizes-rewards/">Xbox Wire Article</a> to learn more about the Fanta and Xbox collection and Rewards Program.

Halo and Fanta: Fantastic Spartan Rewards Chest Challenge

Esports

Halo Fest

Welcome back to another installment in our Halo Fest blog series where we provide updates on what you can get excited about at Halo Fest!



If you’re just joining us, you can hit the links below to catch up:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-fest-february">February Update</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-fest-january">January Update</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-fest-december">December Update</a></li>
</ul>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/MarkV-Spartan-Cosplay-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-165429" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/MarkV-Spartan-Cosplay-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/MarkV-Spartan-Cosplay-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/MarkV-Spartan-Cosplay-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/MarkV-Spartan-Cosplay-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/MarkV-Spartan-Cosplay-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/MarkV-Spartan-Cosplay.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



As usual we’ll kick things off with a brief ticketing update. Halo Fest Convention Tickets are now over 80% sold out. We are officially in the final stretch and are expecting to sell out very soon.



To lock in your spot at Halo’s 25th Anniversary bash head to <a href="https://halofest.com/tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">halofest.com/tickets</a>.





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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Master-Chief-in-Audience-69c6fde221136-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-165565" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Master-Chief-in-Audience-69c6fde221136-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Master-Chief-in-Audience-69c6fde221136-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Master-Chief-in-Audience-69c6fde221136-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Master-Chief-in-Audience-69c6fde221136-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Master-Chief-in-Audience-69c6fde221136-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Master-Chief-in-Audience-69c6fde221136.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



This month we’re diving into esports at Halo Fest! When we first announced Halo Fest at HaloWC, we also shared that an HCS Invitational would be part of the celebration. Today we’re sharing the initial details, with more to come later in the summer – let’s jump in!



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">HCS INVITATIONAL</h1>



The HCS Invitational is an invite-only tournament that is just one component of the esports/competitive experience at Halo Fest. The tournament will be played on Halo Infinite, leveraging of course, the latest HCS maps & modes. We’re excited to confirm that the prize pool for the tournament will be $150,000!



We also want to share a bit about the considerations we’re making for the invitation process. It’s not an exact science, and we won’t be using a points criteria. Our goal is to create a competitive spectacle that delivers epic entertainment for Halo fans both onsite and watching online.



Here are some of the factors we’ll be considering for invitations:



<ul>
<li>HCS partnered teams that are still actively involved in the community/ecosystem.</li>



<li>Top pros or teams competing consistently (and performing well).</li>



<li>Positive contributors to the Halo community and franchise.</li>
</ul>



Please note that the invites won’t be an even mixture of the above criteria. You can think of them as filters to help us make what will ultimately be a very hard decision. We’re expecting invites to go out late Summer / early Fall.



In terms of format, the tournament will field 8 teams in a mix of pool play and double elimination bracket. It’s important to keep in mind that the Halo Fest Convention is a two-day event, and while we haven’t finalized schedule yet, we’re expecting teams to be eliminated on the first day.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">OPEN COMPETITION</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Playing-Halo-CE-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-157252" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Playing-Halo-CE-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Playing-Halo-CE-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Playing-Halo-CE-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Playing-Halo-CE-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Playing-Halo-CE-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Playing-Halo-CE.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



In addition to the HCS Invitational, we’ll also have plenty of open competitions for attendees to participate in themselves. Our goal here is to offer something for everyone: various team sizes including solos, as well as various Halo games in celebration of 25 years of Halo. Some of final matches of the Open Competitions may also take place on the esports stage!



More details are to come, and today we’re excited to confirm that $50,000 in prizing will be awarded across the Open Competitions at Halo Fest.



Which tournament formats or games would you like to compete in? Be sure to drop me a line on Twitter <a href="https://x.com/Tashi343i" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE.</a>



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



The road to Halo Fest continues and each day that passes we are excited to put on a great event and great show for everyone in the Halo community. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone later in December!



Thanks,



Tashi