Halo art by Entransing

Halo: Reach art by Entransing

Halo ships by Entransing

Community

Community Spotlight

The Community Corner returns for another monthly issue where we spotlight and interview individuals about their amazing contributions to the Halo community—art, cosplay, animation, streaming, Forge, and so on.



Last time, we were joined by artist Will Clements to learn more about how Halo has inspired him as an artist.



Today, we’re joined by Samantha (“Entransing”) to learn about her journey with Halo and the stunning artwork she has produced of its characters, worlds, ships, and more!



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Welcome, Samantha! Thank you for joining us for this month’s issue of the Community Corner. Tell us a bit about yourself—who are you, what do you do as part of the Halo community, and where can we find you?



Hello! I’m Samantha and I’m a Sydney-based freelance artist specializing in traditionally drawn art. I’ve done hundreds of Halo artworks over the past few years in a variety of mediums—from ballpoint pen to oil paints.



You can find my work <a href="https://www.instagram.com/entransing_/">on Instagram at @entransing_</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/entransing">on Twitter at @entransing</a>, where I’m always updating it and creating new works!





What’s your Halo origin story?



At the start of 2013, my parents gave me the choice between an iPad or an Xbox 360 as a high school starting gift. The choice was obvious for me, and I soon had an Xbox along with some great titles—Skyrim, GTA IV, and of course Halo 4, which I was immediately drawn to.



From there, I basically played the game nonstop, starting with the campaign, then jumping into multiplayer, before going back and playing all the previous titles. From this journey, I made great friends, great memories, and a love for Halo that’s stuck ever since.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://twitter.com/entransing/status/1659305034604224513?s=20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1440" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing35.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77049" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing35.jpg 1440w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing35-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing35-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing35-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></a></figure>



Are there any particular areas of the series that you find yourself gravitating towards—are you drawn towards campaign, multiplayer, Forge, expanded universe stuff, or a mix of various things?



Over the years, I’ve been drawn to different aspects of Halo. In the beginning, multiplayer was my main interest, as I could spend hours having fun with friends in matchmaking and custom playlists. Ranked playlists and playing in tournaments was also an interest of mine, so a lot of my time went into the multiplayer aspect of Halo.



However as of recently, time has become scarcer, so I’ve dedicated less time to multiplayer, instead opting to go co-op through the Halo campaigns, introducing the series to friends and making more memories along the way.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://twitter.com/entransing/status/1377027448949284868?s=20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1440" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing34.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77035" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing34.jpg 1440w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing34-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing34-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing34-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing34-768x768.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></a></figure>



What are some of your favorite pieces of Halo media and why?



My favorite Halo media pieces that I’m currently collecting are any kind of Halo book, whether it be the novels or the art books and visual guides. These are a major source of inspiration for me, and I love discovering little bits of lore here and there that I wouldn’t have learnt from the games alone.



Do you have a favorite Halo character—both in general, and a favorite character to draw?



I’m going to have to cheat a little and say my favorite Halo characters are the six members of Noble Team.



Halo: Reach is my favorite title of the whole series and drawing them always brings back memories of first playing through the campaign, discovering their fates and the fate of Reach. But… if I had to pick one member from the team, it would be Kat-B320.





Tell us your origin story as an artist—how did you discover your love for it and what are some of your major inspirations?



Art has always been a major part of my life; I’ve been drawing ever since I could hold a pencil.



However, video games really opened my eyes to a whole new means of artistic expression and a way of discovering new and creative ideas and worlds.



Destiny was one of my first major artistic inspirations, where I picked up my first game art book: The Art of Destiny. From there, I discovered my love for science fiction art, where I analyzed and drew virtually every page from the book. If you scroll down far enough on my Instagram, you’ll find my very first pen illustrations, which is where it all began!



As I’ve considered pursuing art, other inspirations have arisen to help me develop my own style. I’ve recently fallen in love with the Berserk manga and take a lot of inspiration from Kentaro Miura’s linework. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many artists at conventions as well, whose own art and stories also inspire me further.



Where do you start from when you begin working on a new piece of artwork and how does your process go from there?



To even begin to put pencil on paper, I need ideas, which can come at any time of the day. Whether it’s through suggestions from others or my own inspiration, I have a folder of thousands of reference pictures ready to go when an idea comes my way.



I keep my sketches pretty rough most of the time, making sure to just get the key details and proportions in. The next steps change according to how I’m lining or shading the piece. It could be in ballpoint pen, fine liner, brush pen or watercolor.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://twitter.com/entransing/status/1688666468144369665?s=20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2048" height="1536" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing32.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77007" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing32.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing32-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing32-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing32-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing32-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entransing32-1568x1176.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /></a></figure>



You’ve done some absolutely incredible illustrations of various Halo characters, and I see you’ve recently been doing some ships—the Pillar of Autumn, Spirit of Fire, Infinity, etc—and landscapes as well. Do you vary your approach based on the subject?



My recent UNSC ship series has been so much fun to work on as yes, it required a different process to my usual routine.



Given the highly detailed nature and blueprint look of these drawings, I had to take a much more careful and precise approach towards the work. I had to break out the ruler, do measurements and line each stroke up to make the work as precise as possible.



However, with my oil painted landscapes, the process behind these was on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Painting these landscapes is always such a therapeutic and calming process for me, as I can let loose, focus on brushwork and blending, rather than precision.



It’s really these differences in my practice that allow me to continuously stay inspired, even if I’m drawing the same subject over and over. There’s just so many different ways I can approach the same landscape or same character. I can never get bored of it!





Do you listen to music when you go into artist mode? What Halo tracks are on the drawing playlist for inspiration?



Music is a must for me, and I love to match what I’m drawing with its respective Halo soundtrack. My favorite soundtrack has to be that of Halo: Reach, but some of my favorite individual tracks are The Rookie, A Spartan Rises, and Ghosts and Glass.



How would you describe your style of art? Do you have a favorite medium to work with?



I would describe my art as my approach towards realism, with a touch of comic-book style linework and shading in my pen pieces.



I’m strict on my palette being mainly black-and-white with a dash of color for emphasis. However, since I do cover a lot of mediums in my art—pen, graphite pencil, oil paint, watercolors—my art style is also very dynamic. My favorite medium of all has got to be the standard Bic ballpoint pen, as it really tests my skills as an artist and is so fun to use!



How do you think your art has evolved over time? And how would you like to see it develop further?



I often look back at the artwork I’ve made over the past few years, and with each new piece I create, the evolution of my art only becomes more and more apparent.



My technical skills are always changing and developing as I learn from past mistakes or change directions in my art style. I am blessed to have so many opportunities to explore new ideas in my art, and I would love to continue with more creative and more ambitious pieces of work that test my skills further.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://twitter.com/entransing/status/1646272455315697664?s=20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2048" height="2048" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing13.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76741" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing13.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing13-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing13-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing13-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing13-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing13-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing13-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /></a></figure>



Do you have any wisdom to share with other artists out there who might just be getting started?



Art is all about consistency—put in the hours and you’ll see results!



Don’t be afraid to share your art with others, whether it be friends or fellow artists. You can learn a lot about where you can improve, and where your strengths are as well.



And most importantly, enjoy the process. Your best art is made when it comes from a place of love and passion!



What’s your favorite piece of Halo artwork?



It’s really hard for me to choose a single favorite piece, but I really love the cover art of the Halo novels, as well as Halo’s environmental concept art.



I really love the cover art of <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Shadows-of-Reach/Troy-Denning/Halo/9781982143619">Halo: Shadows of Reach</a> and <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Outcasts/Troy-Denning/Halo/9781668003282">Halo: Outcasts</a>.



What’s are some of your favorite pieces of artwork that you’ve done? And is there something Halo-related you might be excited to draw in the future?



I’m always super proud of the Halo oil paintings I do, and they always receive a lot of love as well. This piece (the top of the one pictured below), based off an artwork for Halo: CE, is one of my favorites and was quick to find a home with a fellow fan.



I also love the Noble Team series I did for a friend of mine, all in ballpoint pen with a touch of watercolor.



While I’m mixing things up a bit more in terms of my art, I always have Halo artwork ideas on the backburner. My next plan is to do an epic Blue Team piece, so stay tuned for that!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://twitter.com/entransing/status/1627214469624651777?s=20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1536" height="2048" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing17.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76797" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing17.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing17-225x300.jpg 225w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing17-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/entrasing17-1152x1536.jpg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px" /></a></figure>



Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.



Whilst I’m mainly an artist by trade, I’m also a graphic designer, designing and illustrating for books and websites.



Thank you so much again for joining us, Samantha! Do you have any parting words to share?



It’s a dream come true to be featured here and to be able to express my love for Halo with thousands of fellow fans! I want to say a big thank you for having me, and great work with keeping Halo’s spark alive!



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Don’t forget to go and follow Entransing on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/entransing_/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/entransing">Twitter</a> to keep up with all her latest and greatest art pieces!

Alex Wakeford

Issue 009

Community Corner: Entransing

Forge Features

It’s that time again for a new issue of Forge Features.



We’ve got a new opportunity for you to get your maps into matchmaking and a round-up of some of the latest and greatest 343 Recommended maps. Let’s get right into it!



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">343 REQUESTS: YOUR TIME TO SHINE</h2>



We want to get your maps into matchmaking!



There are times where we will be looking to vet a variety of community-made maps for specific purposes and playlists, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/forge-features-012" target="_blank">such as when we provided some templates for Husky Raid maps</a> back in our twelfth Forge Features issue.



We are looking for Forgers to submit maps themed around the seasons—Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.



Maybe you’ve got a Halloween-themed map in-mind for some horrifying haunted house hostilities, or perhaps a snowy wonderland where grenades may be exchanged for some explosive Holiday cheer…



HOW DO I GET MY MAP NOTICED?



Once your map is in a state you’re happy with, you need to publish it and tag it with the relevant “343ask” tag, which are:



<ul><li>343ask-Autumn</li><li>343ask-Winter</li><li>343ask-Summer</li><li>343ask-Spring</li></ul>



If your map is one we’d like to move forwards with, we will reach out to the gamertag listed as the author of the map and continue further dialogue on Discord.



We can’t wait to see you flex those creative muscles and show us what you’ve been cooking!



Speaking of which, let’s take a look at some new map recommendations…



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UNEEQ | LONGSHORE Credits: UneeQ TV, Mr Greencastle, WookieCookies1, MikRips, Artifice7285 Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/e66bb6d6-8f0b-4b3b-8f76-c8563e73e250" target="_blank">UneeQ | Longshore</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/e66bb6d6-8f0b-4b3b-8f76-c8563e73e250"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Longshore.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Longshore remade in Forge" class="wp-image-76258" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Longshore.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Longshore-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Longshore-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Longshore-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Longshore-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Longshore-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



It’s Halo 3’s Longshore as you remember it, but with some multi-layered expansion as there are now a couple of ships docked around the borders of the map which provide additional space for you to move around.



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THE CAGE Credits: vPrimeval Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/dd7a7846-561d-4fa8-9fb9-413448667ef6" target="_blank">The Cage</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/dd7a7846-561d-4fa8-9fb9-413448667ef6"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/TheCage.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of The Cage remade in Forge" class="wp-image-76272" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/TheCage.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/TheCage-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/TheCage-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/TheCage-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/TheCage-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/TheCage-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



The Cage from Halo: Reach, now with less grey!



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THRONE Credits: DarkMaiming Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/8bfbb219-668a-49ec-823b-ed7c0013afc4" target="_blank">Throne</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/8bfbb219-668a-49ec-823b-ed7c0013afc4"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Throne.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Throne made in Forge" class="wp-image-76286" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Throne.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Throne-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Throne-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Throne-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Throne-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Throne-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



A battlefield whereupon you shall ponder the orb…



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KINGPIN Credits: inpachie, N3RDCHAOTIC, Amadeus615 Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4ae36318-6f33-4078-978f-cd299392b081" target="_blank">Kingpin</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4ae36318-6f33-4078-978f-cd299392b081"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Kingpin.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Kingpin made in Forge" class="wp-image-76244" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Kingpin.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Kingpin-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Kingpin-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Kingpin-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Kingpin-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Kingpin-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Tight corridors in a dark and moody indoor environment will lead to lots of jump-scare moments as you see an enemy pop out from around an unexpected corner. Bring spare pants.



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INFINITY Credits: KondouVT Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/cd87b6a4-3283-4187-a5b3-b3d4cd8446d6" target="_blank">Infinity</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/cd87b6a4-3283-4187-a5b3-b3d4cd8446d6"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Infinity.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Infinity remade in Forge" class="wp-image-76230" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Infinity.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Infinity-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Infinity-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Infinity-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Infinity-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/08/Infinity-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Infinity from Halo: CE, lovingly recreated with Halo Infinite’s Forerunner palette. Try not to fall.



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That plays us out for this issue of Forge Features. Bookmark some cool new maps, get a customs night set up with your friends (or just hop into the Custom Games Browser), and see what cool season-themed maps you can build that just might find their way into matchmaking in the future!



We’ll catch you classy cartographers next time.

Community Cartography 015

Forge Features: August 4, 2023

Canon Fodder

Issue 143

Canon Fodder: Digsite Dissection

Digsite Screenshots

Community Update

Outcast Outings

Petals and Power Armor

Cultured Cosplay

Framed Figures

Chibi Champions

Tenrai Triumphs

Spotlight: July 25, 2023

Welcome to the latest in Community Cartography! Forgers continue to forge ahead and turn out incredible creations, and they’re only getting even more ambitious. Let’s check out some blasts from the past and something else that will surely blast your socks off!



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THE SILENT CARTOGRAPHER Credits: Nilphz, Rafita Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/503004d3-8f71-4481-8d64-bc61923f0c68">The Silent Cartographer</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/503004d3-8f71-4481-8d64-bc61923f0c68"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/TheSilentCartographer.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of The Silent Cartographer recreated in Forge" class="wp-image-74333" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/TheSilentCartographer.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/TheSilentCartographer-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/TheSilentCartographer-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/TheSilentCartographer-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/TheSilentCartographer-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/TheSilentCartographer-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Did someone call for a throwback? Head back to Halo’s roots and explore The Silent Cartographer again. Do you remember your way to the map room?



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DEATH ISLAND EVOLVED Credits: D0ctorSmurf, Virus11010, Its L0L0, Mr Kwatz, Okom1, Mr IncrediJON, Darth Draius, xXLethalAntXx, ShadowPandah Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/f6964687-52ea-4269-b34e-445c2446b3e2">Death Island Evolved</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/f6964687-52ea-4269-b34e-445c2446b3e2"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DeathIslandEvolved.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Death Island Evolved remade in Forge" class="wp-image-74277" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DeathIslandEvolved.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DeathIslandEvolved-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DeathIslandEvolved-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DeathIslandEvolved-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DeathIslandEvolved-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DeathIslandEvolved-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Same song, slightly different verse. If you have a slight sense of déjà vu here, that’s because Death Island is another throwback to Halo: CE (for PC) that’s got roots in Silent Cartographer. Keep your wits about you, you never know where the enemy will be.



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FORMIDABLE Credits: Aw Lost Soldier Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/3deef5b7-ce41-4a75-a851-8804a403d021">Formidable</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/3deef5b7-ce41-4a75-a851-8804a403d021"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/Formidable.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Formidable artistic map made in Forge" class="wp-image-74305" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/Formidable.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/Formidable-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/Formidable-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/Formidable-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/Formidable-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/Formidable-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



If you didn’t know just how formidable the power of Halo Infinite’s Forge is, this will give you just a glimpse of what’s possible. Jump in and be blinded by its majesty as you gaze upon this demo from your front row seat.



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LOAF’S SCROLLING ROCKETS Credits: Paul Wall Babyy Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/12b74b2b-c44b-4139-9cdf-51b477117636">Loaf’s Scrolling Rockets</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/e0439294-c919-4a62-9e6f-e5ef980881b4">Gamemode</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/12b74b2b-c44b-4139-9cdf-51b477117636"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/ScrollingRockets.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Loaf's Scrolling Rockets made in Forge" class="wp-image-74319" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/ScrollingRockets.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/ScrollingRockets-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/ScrollingRockets-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/ScrollingRockets-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/ScrollingRockets-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/ScrollingRockets-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



This map/mode answers everyone’s age old question… What if Halo were an explosive side<ins>–</ins>scroller? Grab your friends and get ready to have a rockin’ good time!



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">COMMUNITY CREATIONS</h3>



Forge is a very powerful too<ins>l,</ins> but it can also definitely be a bit overwhelming for those just looking to dip their toes in. (I am one of those that feels out of my depth with Forge!) If you want to learn the basics of scripting for Forge, let <a href="https://twitter.com/VidGamesPete">VidGamesPete</a> give you a hand.



<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="Forge Scripting Basics - Lists" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dIP7LyBT1AE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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That wraps up this edition of Forge Features. Whether you decide to take a walk down memory lane, have a good ol’ customs night with your friends, or give scripting a whirl, there’s plenty to check out.



We’ll see you next time!

snickerdoodle

Community Cartography 014

Forge Features: July 21, 2023

Esports

Games

Welcome to the latest Spartan Chatter!



In this episode, we were joined by the Halo Esports and Viewership lead, Tashi Hasandjekic himself! We chatted with him about the Ranked experience in Halo Infinite and answered some of your questions along the way. 



Some of the highlights include, but are not limited to: 



<ul><li>Ranked Doubles rotating into matchmaking July 18</li><li>Introduction of Ranked Tactical Slayer (Yes, it’s happening!)</li><li>Ranked playlist rotation philosophy</li><li> Catalyst will be returning to Ranked Arena with updated weapon layouts later this month </li><li>Arena vs HCS: Why do we have both? </li><li> Review of player feedback that’s on the active investigation checklist </li><li>What to expect from HCS Salt Lake City, hosted by Spacestation Gaming (Hint: A lot of fun!)</li></ul>



Be sure to tune in and catch the full episode!



<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="Spartan Chatter: Ranked Matchmaking" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fQn8wuvz6P0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Spartan Chatter is an audio series, a podcast if you will, hosted on our <a href="https://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.



Episode 1: Forge & Multiplayer with Michael Schorr <a href="https://youtu.be/7QNHxDg0c9A">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/471730128335142912/1104135351133552664">Discord</a>



Episode 2: Infection, Season 4, & Career Rank with Sean Baron <a href="https://youtu.be/4SWLEPaTx4c">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/471730128335142912/1109279140449894501">Discord</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DiscordRankedScreen-1024x576.jpg" alt="A Spartan with Halo Discord channel overlay over it" class="wp-image-73590" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DiscordRankedScreen-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DiscordRankedScreen-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DiscordRankedScreen-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DiscordRankedScreen-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DiscordRankedScreen-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/DiscordRankedScreen.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Keep an eye on our <a href="https://twitter.com/Halo">Twitter</a> and our <a href="https://discord.gg/Halo">Discord server</a> to be the first to know about future Spartan Chatter installments so you can mark your calendars and join in when they happen!

Ranked Experience | Spartan Chatter

Cutting Room Galore

Digsite Deliveries | Halo: MCC

Welcome back to a new edition of Forge Features! It’s been a little while since we last caught up, as the spotlight has very much been on Season 4: Infection’s arrival in Halo Infinite a few weeks ago, but as the dust settles the time has come to take a look at more community creations.



Let’s start things off with something that might just blow your mind…



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THE MAW Credits: KingNothing2005 Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/d1c61577-8244-441c-a29c-b4eedaeaed51">The Maw map</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/93833a17-9e63-4f70-b49b-f4cdc9917985">Warthog Run mode</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/d1c61577-8244-441c-a29c-b4eedaeaed51"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a remake of The Maw from Halo: CE made in Forge" class="wp-image-70854" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



“Analyzing… We have six minutes before the fusion drives detonate. We need to evac, now! Activating final countdown timer. When it reaches zero, the engines will detonate. The explosion will generate a temperature of almost one-hundred-million degrees. Don’t be here when it blows.”



And yes, somehow—through the unholy alchemy of Forge and fan creativity—this is an exact recreation of the entire Warthog Run from Halo: CE.



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SMALLHALLA Credits: nkdape, Okom1, Micheal B 2K8, Mr Kwatz, Virus11010, Scrubulba, daedalus7932, MikRips, Cousin Tim Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/46a9df21-1b5e-447e-82be-b12c119781ac">Smallhalla</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/46a9df21-1b5e-447e-82be-b12c119781ac"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a smaller version of Valhalla from Halo 3 made in Forge" class="wp-image-70840" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Forge gives players the power to answer many creative questions. Smallhalla dares to ask one of the most game-changing of all… what if Valhalla was really small?



(And also, what if the crashed Pelican was actually a paper airplane?)



<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="Smallhalla Release Trailer | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ePl8xLwNIzI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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ABANDON Credits: bullet2thehead9, DISTORTED JACKAL, C0mmnder, TheChunx, xLoud Mary Jane Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/6ee344cb-b49e-4604-93f2-8e4e73ccadde">Abandon</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/6ee344cb-b49e-4604-93f2-8e4e73ccadde"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a remake of Halo 4's map Abandon made in Forge" class="wp-image-70798" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Take a trip back to the creepy alien jungles of Erebus VII. Mind the anglers!



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LONE WOLF Credits: bullet2thehead9, Va1kyrie, Nomino33 Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/5291c5f5-032a-435e-a04a-b77dd2ac6198">Lone Wolf</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/5291c5f5-032a-435e-a04a-b77dd2ac6198"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a remake of the Lone Wolf mission from Halo: Reach in Forge" class="wp-image-70826" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Objective: survive.



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



Looking to find out what new objects came to Halo Infinite’s Forge in Season 4? Gravemind’s got you covered with this video overview—a most helpful and informative turn after giving up his ambitions of infecting the universe!



<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 - New Season 4 Forge Items!" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h-86BgagxMU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



DEWtheMCCOY continues to showcase more of the incredible work we’ve been seeing from community cartographers, and in one of his latest videos he looks at some campaign levels which have been recreated in Forge. These include The Silent Cartographer from Halo: CE, Regret from Halo 2, and Mombasa Streets from Halo 3: ODST.



<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 CE, 2 and ODST CAMPAIGN LEVELS - Remade in Halo Infinite Forge" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fnndJSr7ksM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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That closes us out for this issue of Forge Features. Go bookmark some new maps and modes, grab your friends, and get a custom games night going.



Whether you’re looking to escape the Pillar of Autumn, make a noble final stand, or you’re just looking to embrace the sheer chaos of Lightspeed Halo, the Custom Games Browser is just one click away!

Community Cartography 013

Forge Features: July 5, 2023

Issue 142

Canon Fodder: System Shocks