Esports

HCS Off-Season 2023

Happy new year! Just in time for Year 3 of HCS, we’ve made a
significant number of updates to the maps in Ranked Arena in an effort to
foster a stronger competitive balance, address player feedback, and breathe
some life into these maps many of which have had the same layout and stale meta
since the game’s launch. These changes are NOW LIVE in Ranked Arena and Custom
Games.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">All Maps:</h2>



<ul><li>Deleted many scenic dynamic objects: Many maps use small set pieces of scenery to immerse the player. These objects, however, have caused network-related instabilities that impact player movement on the map. (This excludes Forbidden which did not have scenic dynamic objects.)</li><li>“Red racked” equipment: Before today’s update, when a piece of equipment was picked up, a new one started spawning immediately. With this update, the equipment must be depleted of its charges or despawn in order for a new one to start spawning. This will reduce potential for imbalanced scenarios where equipment is stacked on an individual player or a team. At the same time, this will add an additional layer of strategy with players have more control over when the new equipment will spawn.</li><li>Custom Games: The ranked version of the maps now have their own file names in Custom Games with the naming convention of, “[MAP NAME] Ranked”. For example, “Live Fire Ranked”.</li></ul>



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



Aquarius was one of the maps we felt needed the biggest changes. There were items that were super valuable, and also items that were not valuable. Additionally, many CTF matches are ending on time instead of score, and we wanted to bring that in line with the other modes.



<ul><li>Weapon/Equipment Layout<ul><li>Swap BR and Commando placement.</li><li>Remove Thrusts from each courtyard, add one Thrust Top Middle (3 Charges)</li><li>Remove Sidekicks</li><li>Move Heatwave to Bottom Mid  </li><li>Remove Quantum Translocator </li><li>Overshield added to front P1  </li><li>Needler replaced with Plasma Pistol  </li><li>Dynamo Grenades replaced with Plasma Grenades  </li></ul></li></ul>



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



For Argyle, we needed to find ways to promote flag scoring so that games end on score vs time more often, as well as address some feedback around weapons on map.



<ul><li>Weapon/Equipment Layout<ul><li>S7 Sniper Rifle respawn timer increased from 2:00 to 2:30.</li><li>Removed Sniper-side window Bandit Evo</li><li>Remove Disruptor in PC / Screens area</li><li>Swap Sidekicks to Disruptor  </li></ul></li><li>Objective:  <ul><li>Flag Plate moved off base platform and towards front of the base</li></ul></li></ul>



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



We felt very few changes were needed to promote games ending on score instead of time for CTF, and to address some player feedback.



<ul><li>Weapon/Equipment Layout<ul><li>Removed Drop Wall </li><li>Removed Needlers </li><li>Swap Heatwave to Bulldog  </li></ul></li><li>Map<ul><li>Crates inside Flag area have been moved to the Plat wall to allow for additional viable flag routes.</li></ul></li></ul>



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



As a new map we only wanted to make sure the equipment charges were consistent across the whole ranked experience.



<ul><li>Weapon/Equipment Layout:<ul><li>Threat Seeker charged reduced from 2 to 1</li></ul></li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Live Fire</h2>



This was another map we felt needed the most amount of work in order to address feedback, improve the overall balance (including King of the Hill), and provide new gameplay challenges for players and teams to learn and solve.



<ul><li>Weapon/Map Layout:<ul><li>Quantum Translocator added Back Green  </li><li>Plasma Grenades Front Green where Repulsor spawned originally</li><li>Spike Grenades moved to Cuts  </li><li>Removed Needler </li><li>Removed Shroud Screen</li><li>Overshield replaced with Active Camo (2:30 respawn time)</li><li>Repulsor moved to Bottom Mid </li><li>Removed Heatwave </li></ul></li><li>King of the Hill:<ul><li>Removed hill surrounding Overshield (now Camo) </li><li>Added a new hill Bottom Bridge near Mud area </li><li>Moved hill in House area slightly towards Scoreboard area </li></ul></li></ul>



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



Much like Live Fire, Recharge was in need a larger overhaul to address balance issues and provide a fresh experience for players, particularly with King of the Hill.  



<ul><li>Weapon/Equipment Layout:<ul><li>Repulsor removed </li><li>Shroud added in Blue Pipes area </li><li>Moved Frag Grenades from Red Pipes to Turbine area </li><li>Removed Needler </li><li>Sidekick swapped with Battle Rifle</li><li>Disruptor swapped with Battle Rifle</li></ul></li><li>King of the Hill<ul><li>Removed hill in Elevator area </li><li>Add new hill in Batteries area  </li><li>Created new hill rotation order :<ul><li>Batteries</li></ul><ul><li>Blue Pipes</li></ul><ul><li>Turbine</li></ul><ul><li>C Platform</li></ul><ul><li>Bottom Middle</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Spawns<ul><li>Deleted Respawn Point on Grappleshot Ledge  </li></ul></li></ul>



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



For Streets, most of the feedback stemmed from the feeling of there being too much power on the map in the form of strong weapons in more ideal to use locations. We wanted to address that feedback while also again providing new ways for players and teams to play on the map.



<ul><li>Weapon/Equipment Layout<ul><li>Rocket Launcher swapped with Camo (spawns 30 seconds into match)</li><li>Bandit EVO removed from B-Stairs</li><li>Stalker Rifle moved to Red Room</li><li>Removed Threat Seeker</li><li>Shroud Screen moved to back A in original Threat Seeker location</li><li>Repulsor added to Driveway area in original Shroud Screen location</li><li>Threat Seeker swapped to Shroud Screen</li><li>Commando Rifle in Top A replaced by Battle Rifle</li><li>Bandit EVO in Café replaced by Commando Rifle</li></ul></li></ul>



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



The main objective with Solitude was to update King of the Hill to address balance and player feedback particularly around the “snow ball” effect on the map. 



<ul><li>Weapon/Equipment Layout<ul><li>S7 Sniper Rifle swapped Shock Rifle  </li></ul></li><li>King of the Hill <ul><li>Removed Top Middle hill   </li><li>Removed Bottom Dip hill </li><li>Added a new hill Bottom Middle</li><li>Added a new hill in Yard </li><li>Created new KOTH rotation order:<ul><li>Bottom Middle</li></ul><ul><li>Yard</li></ul><ul><li>Café Ramp</li></ul><ul><li>Driveway</li></ul><ul><li>Nest</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>



We hope these changes not only provide a fun new experience for all players in Ranked Arena to enjoy, but also a more competitive experience for HCS Year 3. For all things Halo Esports and Competitive Halo, be sure to follow <a href="https://twitter.com/HCS/">@HCS</a> on Twitter.

Official HCS

January 9 Ranked Arena Updates

F-23 FALCATA V/STOL HEAVY FIGHTER

Spartan Ops: Lancer

Canon Fodder

Fiction

Alex Wakeford

Issue 148

Canon Fodder: Fiction Festivities

WINTER CONTINGENCY III PRESS KIT

Games

Halo Infinite

Rockin’ around Zeta Halo At the all-night customs hop, Rockets spawn where you can see, Every teammate tries to stop!



The Winter Contingency III Operation is here! From December 19 through January 30, you can deck your Spartan and arsenal out with 20 tiers of free Holiday-themed customization rewards and bring some festive cheer to the battlefield!



<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="Winter Contingency III Trailer | Season 5: Reckoning | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_eq7qBHE3dg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WINTER CONTINGENCY III OPERATION PASS</h2>



Hark! The herald angels sing: The Winter Contingency III Operation Pass features 20 tiers of free customization rewards, including new armor pieces (like the Santa-inspired Winterknight helmet), new coatings, and new nameplates and emblems.



Take a look!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2160" height="2160" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_OperationPassRewards.jpg" alt="Image showing the Winter Contingency III key art along with the free reward track featuring 22 items" class="wp-image-89088" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_OperationPassRewards.jpg 2160w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_OperationPassRewards-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_OperationPassRewards-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_OperationPassRewards-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_OperationPassRewards-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_OperationPassRewards-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_OperationPassRewards-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_OperationPassRewards-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2160px) 100vw, 2160px" /></figure>



Like with our debut Operation, Combined Arms, the Operation Pass for Winter Contingency III comes with premium upgrade options:



<ul><li>500 credits instantly unlocks an exclusive bonus customization item, makes the Operation Pass durable (it will not expire), and—when equipped—offers bonus XP and an extra Challenge slot during the Operation’s live window.</li><li>2,000 credits instantly unlocks all 20 tiers of the Operation Pass at purchase and includes the exclusive bonus customization item.</li></ul>



Purchase either of the options above and you will additionally unlock the exclusive Ice Fissure armor coating.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SplashScreen.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the switcher showing the 500 credit premium pass (featuring the exclusive Ice Fissure armor coating and the 2000 credit premium pass" class="wp-image-89551" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SplashScreen.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SplashScreen-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SplashScreen-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SplashScreen-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SplashScreen-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SplashScreen-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption> Winter Contingency Premium Pass Screen</figcaption></figure>



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



Deck the halls with Spartan Santas! The Santa’s Little Helper bundle is available in Halo Infinite’s Shop, featuring the following items:



<ul><li>Stocking Stuffer MK50 Sidekick, Slay Bells BR75, & Holiday Cheer M41 SPNKr weapon models</li><li>Santa’s Little Helper, Good Morning, Payment Due, & Krampus Coat weapon coatings</li><li>Yule Kick, Blood Jumper, & Hearth Fire armor coatings</li><li>Gifted Step mythic armor effect set</li><li>Winter Step & Winter Lights armor effects</li><li>Chill Out kill effect</li><li>Snowballer weapon charm</li><li>Kaleidobolt, Kaleidoshot, and Kaleidochip nameplate & emblems</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/2023/12/WCIII_SantasLittleHelper.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the Santa's Little Helper bundle" class="wp-image-89046" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SantasLittleHelper.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SantasLittleHelper-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SantasLittleHelper-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SantasLittleHelper-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SantasLittleHelper-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_SantasLittleHelper-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



And be sure to complete all of your Challenges this week to unlock the latest Ultimate Reward: the Sui Generis Snowflake weapon charm.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_UltimateReward_SuiGeneris.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the Sui Generis weapon charm" class="wp-image-89060" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_UltimateReward_SuiGeneris.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_UltimateReward_SuiGeneris-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_UltimateReward_SuiGeneris-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_UltimateReward_SuiGeneris-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_UltimateReward_SuiGeneris-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WCIII_UltimateReward_SuiGeneris-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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



We’ve got some great options for those looking to kick back and have a Halo-day party of their own. Be sure to check both experiences, live now!



FIREFIGHT: KOTH (LEGENDARY)



There won’t be any Holidays if we don’t stop the Banished.



Firefight: Legendary King of the Hill has arrived! You know the drill: you’ll be battling waves of Banished enemies across a variety of maps, including the House of Reckoning from Halo Infinite‘s campaign, but those looking to test their mettle can jump into the action on Legendary for a limited time.



Fight hard. Die well.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Legendary.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite playlist image for Firefight: King of the Hill on Legendary difficulty depicting Spartans fighting Banished on the House of Reckoning map" class="wp-image-89102" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Legendary.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Legendary-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Legendary-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Legendary-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Legendary-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/FFKOTH_Legendary-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



MATCH XP, CAREER RANK, & CHALLENGES



We’re improving the experience for folks who are loving Firefight and want to spend their time fighting the Banished. First, Match XP (Battle Pass) payouts for some hill completions in Heroic and Legendary will be incrementally higher to reward the level of challenge. And secondly, both Heroic and Legendary will also have slightly increased Career Rank payouts thanks to an Applied Score modifier to ensure they align more closely with other playlists.



Last, but certainly not least, the Challenges offered each week will be adjusted to better serve the PvE experience. Since we are leveraging existing Challenges, that will means folks may see similar Challenges in their given deck for the foreseeable future.



SQUAD BATTLE IN THE COMBAT WORKSHOP



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/winter_pk_208.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a Spartan holding a plasma pistol standing in front of a snowman made in Forge" class="wp-image-89116" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/winter_pk_208.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/winter_pk_208-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/winter_pk_208-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/winter_pk_208-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/winter_pk_208-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/winter_pk_208-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Try out our updated networking model in Squad Battle through the Combat Workshop playlist!



The Squad Battle experience you know and love has been updated to run on our new networking model for a limited time. Enjoy a mix of Slayer and objective modes on fan-favorite maps while we gather feedback and data about the online experience.



The Combat Workshop is your one-shop stop to check out work-in-progress maps, modes, and other new experiences. If you’ve already jumped in to play in the Workshop: Squad Battle Networking playlist, <a href="https://aka.ms/SquadBattleNetSurveyWaypoint">we want your feedback!</a>



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That’s a wrap for us today, which means it’s now time for you to unwrap the gifts of Winter Contingency III.



Maybe you can’t get enough of Firefight: King of the Hill, or the incredible community-made PvE creations in the Customs Browser; perhaps you’re still riding on that Mountain Dew high and it’s time to jump back into the Halo 3 Refueled playlist; or you crave the chaotic carnage of Husky Raid and Squad Battle…



Whatever way you choose to play, you’ll earn Match XP to progress that Operation Pass!



And so, we bid our farewell to 2023. The Holidays await, and we here at 343 Industries hope you all simply have a wonderful time—warm and safe with full bellies, surrounded by good company, and ready to jump into “just one more game…”



Oh the weather outside is frightful, but Season 5 is so delightful—and since we’ve no place to go… Play Halo! Play Halo! Play Halo!



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PRESS KIT</h2>



<a href="https://aka.ms/WCIIIPressKit">Download the official Winter Contingency III Press Kit here!</a>

Winter Contingency III Operation Launch

Community

Community Update

Welcome to our final Community Update for 2023!



What a year it’s been, eh? From the close of last year’s Winter Update which saw the debut of Halo Infinite’s Forge, to the delivery of multiple seasonal launches that brought new maps and modes, new armor and events, new features—and more.



And that’s just on the game front. The Digsite crew dropped their first release out of slipspace with some of the classic Halo content they’ve been restoring from the deepest reaches of the cutting room floor. We saw the return of the Arbiter and Spartan Vale in Halo: Outcasts, along with five new Waypoint Chronicles—one of which saw Steve Downes, Jen Taylor, and Keith David on-stage together at the climactic Halo World Championship to perform a whole new scene.



We’ve had exciting new partnerships with the likes of Mountain Dew (welcome back, citrus cherry!), Brawlhalla, Sea of Thieves, Dr. Squatch, Honda, Oreo, Calm…



And the Community Update has been here to keep you up to date throughout it all. So, once more unto the breach before we sign off for the year—let’s go!



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HALO INFINITE</h2>



WINTER CONTINGENCY III



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/OperationWinterContingency.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite key art for the Winter Contingency III Operation, showcasing four Spartans in the snow with the central one clad in Santa-inspired armor holding a green sack over their back" class="wp-image-82729" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/OperationWinterContingency.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/OperationWinterContingency-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/OperationWinterContingency-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/OperationWinterContingency-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/OperationWinterContingency-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/OperationWinterContingency-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



As the Combined Arms Operation comes to a close, it will be succeeded next week by the arrival of Winter Contingency III.



Running from December 19 through January 30, you’ll have a new 20-tier Operation Pass full of Holiday-themed customization rewards to deck the (armory) halls with!



We’ll have a full blog with all the information you need to know about Winter Contingency III dropping when the Operation goes live on December 19—stay tuned.



DECEMBER MID-SEASON UPDATE



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FFKOTHNormal.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite playlist image for Firefight: King of the Hill on Normal difficulty depicting Spartans fighting Banished on the House of Reckoning map" class="wp-image-87190" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FFKOTHNormal.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FFKOTHNormal-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FFKOTHNormal-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FFKOTHNormal-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FFKOTHNormal-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/11/FFKOTHNormal-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



You may or may not be aware that Halo Infinite got a little mid-season update the other week…



Amongst other things, this update brought:



<ul><li>FIREFIGHT: KING OF THE HILL – The latest incarnation of the beloved mode has arrived with nine maps, including the new House of Reckoning map from Halo Infinite’s campaign. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/firefight-king-of-the-hill-preview" target="_blank">Check out our Firefight: KOTH blog for a deep dive into this new mode,</a> and give our latest Spartan Chatter episode a watch as we sit down with Michael “Forge Lord” Schorr and Technical Designer Connor Kennelly to discuss all things Firefight.</li></ul>



<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: Firefight: King of the Hill" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TcFPhwKyhfs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<ul><li>REPAIR FIELD – A new addition to Halo Infinite’s Equipment, the Repair Field can heal (and revive) allies, vehicles… and enemies. Be wary of those who enter its lovely green field!</li><li>FORGE UPDATES – High Value Targets and bosses from Halo Infinite’s campaign have come to the Forge AI Toolkit, along with the addition of Skull modifiers to node graphs, quality-of-life updates, and more.</li><li>RANKED IMPROVEMENTS – UI and audio elements for Ranked Extraction have been implemented to enhance the ranked experience, and CSR penalties for matches where players quit have been improved.</li><li>CUSTOM GAME BROWSER – As long as enough slots are open, the Fireteam leader can bring their entire party into a CGB session.</li><li>STABILITY & NETWORKING – A new networking system has been implemented into Halo Infinite that will be tested in the Firefight: King of the Hill playlist and is also being tested further in the Combat Workshop.</li></ul>



For a full breakdown of all the new additions and improvements in the December Update, you can <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/december-update-halo-infinite" target="_blank">check out our December Update preview blog</a> or head over to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://aka.ms/HaloSupport" target="_blank">read the Patch Notes on Halo Support</a>.



TRIAL OF RECKONING



Following the debut of Firefight: KOTH, we have a new tie-in Waypoint Chronicle set within the House of Reckoning itself.



Trial of Reckoning is available <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-trial-of-reckoning" target="_blank">here on Halo Waypoint</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://aka.ms/REckoningPDF" target="_blank">as a free PDF</a>, and in <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://aka.ms/ReckoningAudio" target="_blank">audiobook format on YouTube</a>.



<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: Trial of Reckoning | Audiobook" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RE9f-zRLy_o?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



“February 2560. The wreckage of the UNSC Mortal Reverie served as a central rally point and home to human survivors on Zeta Halo, but it was only a matter of time before it was also overrun by the Banished.



A handful of survivors from the battle have been brought to the iron halls of the House of Reckoning where they are forced to take part in a twisted new war game…”



INTEL



Our third piece of Intel for Season 5 has gone live, providing some additional information on Gunnery Sergeant Elena Bobrov—the protagonist of Trial of Reckoning.



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/reckoning-intel#S5Intel3" target="_blank">INTEL #3 – MISSING IN ACTION</a>



FORGE AHEAD



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/09/HaloInfiniteForge.jpg" alt="Header image for the Halo Infinite Forge series showing a Monitor" class="wp-image-45890" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/09/HaloInfiniteForge.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/09/HaloInfiniteForge-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/09/HaloInfiniteForge-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/09/HaloInfiniteForge-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/09/HaloInfiniteForge-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/09/HaloInfiniteForge-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Forge in Halo Infinite has crossed the threshold of being a year old—and what a year it has been!



In no time at all, the cartographers in the community set about creating all sorts of maps and experiences with more powerful and versatile tools than ever before. And over the course of this year, we have continued to build on those capabilities with new canvases, new objects and palettes, various improvements and fixes… and, of course, the AI Toolkit, which has well and truly changed the game for Forge.



We’ve seen recreations of previous campaign missions and entirely new ones built from scratch; tower defense modes with extensive upgrade systems; zombie modes and the old Custom Games you remember from the old days (you can’t beat a bit of Lightspeed Halo!); classic map remakes from across the series, and so much more.



2.3 million unique maps have been created in Forge since its launch last year.



3.2 million hours (approximately 7.2 million matches!) have been spent playing Custom Games on Forge maps since the mode launched.



From February 2023, there have been 44 community maps brought into our official matchmaking playlists—from Quick Play to Super Fiesta, Husky Raid, Squad Battle, Doubles, Halo 3 Refueled, Firefight: KOTH, and beyond.



And we’re not done yet. Forge will continue to be supported in 2024, and we’ll have more to share with you on that front in the new year.



Until then, keep on Forgin’! We see new creations to fall in love with every single day, and the holidays are the perfect time to lose oneself in the Customs Browser!



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HALO TV SERIES</h2>



Earlier this month, Paramount+ released the first teaser for Season Two of the Halo television series.



Due to release on February 8, 2024, the teaser that premiered at CCXP 2023 promises eight new episodes filled with intense action to come as the Covenant threat to humanity escalates.



For a full breakdown, be sure to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/silver-debrief-season-2-reveal" target="_blank">check out our latest Silver Debrief issue</a>.



<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 The Series | Season 2 First Look Trailer | Paramount+" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pfiTJ2JNDco?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HALO GEAR</h2>



Happy Halodays! As you continue to enjoy Season 5, we wanted to share the final design of the exclusive <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://aka.ms/halogearrewards_s5backpack" target="_blank">Halo Gear Rewards Season 5 Tactical Carrier Backpack</a>. The UNSC-style backpack is designed with utility in mind and loaded with design features and Easter eggs to give you that Halo universe look and feel. Check out the new images below!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="http://aka.ms/halogearrewards_s5backpack"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2400" height="1350" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack.jpg" alt="Image of the Halo Tactical Backpack and optional Season 5 patches" class="wp-image-89003" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack.jpg 2400w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px" /></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="http://aka.ms/halogearrewards_s5backpack"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2400" height="1350" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack1.jpg" alt="Image of details and decals on the Halo Tactical Backpack" class="wp-image-89017" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack1.jpg 2400w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HaloGear_TacticalBackpack1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px" /></a></figure>



There’s still time to earn access to the exclusive Halo Gear Rewards Season 5 Tactical Carrier Backpack and Reckoning Insignia patch. Just complete the full 50-tier Premium Battle Pass and you’ll receive a code in your Waypoint notifications.



After receiving your code, head to the Halo Gear shop to complete your purchase ($140 backpack). Players will also have the option to add-on the Operation: Combined Arms Patch and the Operation: Winter Contingency III Patch for an additional $10 per patch.



The last day to purchase the Tactical Carrier Backpack will be January 29, 2024.



<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/TwXOuHfAyvc?si=Yr81vm24Y4z03MIS">For a closer look at some of the amazing Halo gifts that are perfect to stuff your stockings with, check out our end-of-year community playdate livestream!</a>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">RADAR BLIPS</h2>



<ul><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://aka.ms/ForgeFeatures023" target="_blank">FORGE FEATURES 023</a> – In our final issue of Forge Features for 2023, we take a look at some of the latest and greatest creations from the community.</li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://aka.ms/S5CommunityMontage" target="_blank">COMMUNITY MONTAGE</a> – Send us your showstopping captures from Season 5: Reckoning for a chance to be featured in our Community Montage! Submission ends January 12 at 11:59pm PT.</li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/spotlight-december-2023" target="_blank">END-OF-YEAR SPOTLIGHT</a> – Our final Community Spotlight for 2023 has gone live! Check out our collection of the latest and greatest community creations.</li><li>CANON FODDER: Coming on December 18, our final issue of Canon Fodder will see us out for the year.</li></ul>



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



Aaaaand that’s a wrap for 2023!



Thank you all for joining us on this Great Journey, whether you’ve just (re)joined us recently or been here from the beginning. We here at 343 Industries wish you all a safe and happy holidays.



See you in 2024.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HappyHalodays2023Card.jpg" alt="2023 Holiday Card from 343 depicting Spartan Santa riding a sleigh pulled by Unggoy with text that reads "Happy Halo-days! From 343 Industries"" class="wp-image-88989" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HappyHalodays2023Card.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HappyHalodays2023Card-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HappyHalodays2023Card-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HappyHalodays2023Card-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HappyHalodays2023Card-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/HappyHalodays2023Card-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>

Wintertime Wonders

Forge Features

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… time to spend the holidays exploring the wonders of the Custom Game Browser!



If you’re looking for a place to start, I got you—let’s check some out together.



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/0b647a3e-a5ac-4f12-8222-566409c18430">WAKA WAKA</a> <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/3b794534-6c89-4226-9760-feb5018bf3e2">Mode Download</a> Author: McElgun



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/0b647a3e-a5ac-4f12-8222-566409c18430"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Waka Waka map made in Forge" class="wp-image-88929" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/WakaWaka-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



This infection map/mode combo is just the right amount of neon RGB for all gamers. There are cubbies with weapons for survivors and lots of twists and turns for zombies to hide. Keep your wits about you as you skulk around in the dark!



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



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/755ad181-e505-4023-b470-5d41f7d49832">DUCK HUNT MINECRAFT</a> <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/20e85e97-1067-410a-a202-81575483a686">Mode Download</a> Author: Kirby Oofss



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/755ad181-e505-4023-b470-5d41f7d49832"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Minecraft-themed Duck Hunt map made in Forge" class="wp-image-88887" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/DuckHunt-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



It’s the classic “get-from-point-A-to-point-B-while-not-being-sniped” mode with a blocky twist. Each level brings a new challenge in this cat-and-mouse game of sliding, running, jumping, and dodging to get to the end for a brief moment of respite before continuing through the maze. Good luck!



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/53aa6c36-22c3-47a1-ade0-76ec3232ec46">GOOSE HALO</a> <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/14ce711b-2bb9-4673-a2cb-c16b2bbb64d4">Mode Download</a> Authors: ArturBloodshot, Hitbox Unknown



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/53aa6c36-22c3-47a1-ade0-76ec3232ec46"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Goose Halo map made in Forge" class="wp-image-88901" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/GooseHalo-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



The classic “Halo on Halo” returns in Halo Infinite. (Does that make it “Halo on Halo on Halo”? Say that three times fast.) You, a Mongoose, and your driving skills vs the eagle-eyed sharpshooter above.



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



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a12d6d0f-2ff1-4927-b85c-b37b43dbdd07">ARCTIC POINT | FIREFIGHT OPS</a> Mode: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/ce3ae052-8806-48d4-9f7e-f5d46dc84a4d">Easy</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/583a02e4-5073-48c9-a83b-b591ff75860a">Medium</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/ca723f5b-2513-4d05-b170-f2d7ee46a686">Hard</a> Authors: UneeQ TV, Mr Greencastle, Azwilko1997, Artifice7285



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a12d6d0f-2ff1-4927-b85c-b37b43dbdd07"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Arctic Point map made in Forge" class="wp-image-88873" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/ArcticPoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Jump into Arctic Point and take on the enemy as you progress through this community-created campaign mission. How long can you survive the onslaught? If it’s too easy, try ramping up the difficulty!



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<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/3dca1327-2b01-4203-aa64-fa690f7e6b46">CAMPAIGN OP: SNOW SPEAR</a> Mode: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/c22d0ffe-6130-49c7-a6de-6aabbb7330d5">Heroic</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/34cb31b0-5fdb-4fae-90fc-12f2fcf36907">Mythic</a> Author: seanonix



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/3dca1327-2b01-4203-aa64-fa690f7e6b46"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Snow Spear map made in Forge" class="wp-image-88915" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/SnowSpear-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Squad up and take on the enemy in this custom campaign level! Battle Bassus, juke with Jega (and more!) as you try to survive and make it to the end.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TUTORIAL TRAINING</h2>



‘Tis the season, and you can just call Ducain23 “Santa Forge” because he’s back with yet another tutorial for us!



If you want to properly winter-ize your maps but aren’t sure how to go about it, he’s got you covered and you’ll be decking the halls in no time.



<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="Christmas Themed Perfection! (Snow Ground)" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddr4aV3fkSg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



SEND NODES



/u/Bricklemore says “no one asked for this,” but after checking it out <a href="https://old.reddit.com/r/halo/comments/18dghfe/forge_infographics_the_anatomy_of_a_node_my_last/">Node Anatomy 101</a> is something I think a lot of aspiring Forgers will certainly appreciate. Nodes can be confusing and this helpful diagram breaks it down into smaller, more manageable chunks.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://old.reddit.com/r/halo/comments/18dghfe/forge_infographics_the_anatomy_of_a_node_my_last/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1888" height="1345" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph.jpg" alt="Community-made infographic containing details about node graphs" class="wp-image-88943" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph.jpg 1888w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph-300x214.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph-1024x729.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph-768x547.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph-1536x1094.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/12/NodeGraph-1568x1117.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1888px) 100vw, 1888px" /></a></figure>



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That’s a wrap on Forge Features for the year! We’ll be back with more next year—in the meantime, play hard, win well.



Happy Halodays!

snickerdoodle

Community Cartography 023

Forge Features: December 15, 2023

With the launch of the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/december-update-halo-infinite" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">December Mid-Season Update</a>, we included the latest updates to our networking model in the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/firefight-king-of-the-hill-preview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Firefight: King of the Hill (opens in a new tab)">Firefight: King of the Hill</a> mode. 



We wanted to roll it out in this PvE experience first to have a safe testbed to see how it behaves at scale before enabling it in a PvP mode. However, after listening to player feedback and getting many requests to try this in multiplayer, we decided to expand the experiment to the Squad Battle playlist. 



That’s right, the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/squad-battle" target="_blank">Squad Battle</a> experience you know and love has been updated to run on our updated networking model for a limited time in the Combat Workshop. The Combat Workshop is your one-shop stop to check out work-in-progress maps, modes, and other new experiences. In this playlist you’ll be able to enjoy a mix of Slayer and objective modes on fan-favorite maps while we gather feedback and data about the online experience.



If you’ve already jumped in to play in the Workshop: Squad Battle Networking playlist, we want your feedback!







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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://aka.ms/SquadBattleNetSurveyWaypoint" target="_blank">-> START THE SURVEY <-</a></h2>



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And, if you experience any technical issues, please be sure to report them to us by using the Halo Support site at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://aka.ms/HaloSupport" target="_blank">aka.ms/HaloSupport</a>.



Thank you for your continued feedback, and we’ll see you online in Squad Battle!

Unyshek

Combat Workshop: Squad Battle Networking

Community Spotlight

Spotlight: December 14, 2023

The long-awaited PvE Firefight experience has arrived to Halo Infinite.



<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: Firefight: King of the Hill" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TcFPhwKyhfs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Michael “Forge Lord” Schorr and Technical Designer Connor Kennelly joined us to talk about the mode and the evolution of Firefight from the survival round-based nature in Halo 3: ODST to the King of the Hill version in Halo Infinite. If you missed it, you can catch up on the chatter below. 



Some key highlights include:  



<ul><li>Design philosophy behind Firefight: KOTH </li><li>Addition of High Value Targets from campaign </li><li>Match XP and Career Rank improvements on the way</li><li>Exploring the addition of FF Challenges </li><li>…and more! </li></ul>



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/firefight-king-of-the-hill-preview" target="_blank">You can read more about Firefight: King of the Hill in our deep dive here.</a> 



— 



Spartan Chatter is an audio series, a podcast if you will, hosted on our <a href="http://discord.gg/Halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SWLEPaTx4c&list=PLn5QvCoiY3w7t84T_MFkGl8qvYI_q148-" target="_blank">YouTube channel’s Podcasts page</a> and on our Discord server.



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



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



Episode 3: Ranked Matchmaking with Tashi Hasandjekic  <a href="https://youtu.be/fQn8wuvz6P0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/471730128335142912/1129534622267613216" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discord</a> 



Episode 4: Halo: Outcasts with Jeff Easterling and Alex Wakeford  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tL2mK1cZhi8&list=PLn5QvCoiY3w7t84T_MFkGl8qvYI_q148-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/471730128335142912/1139676521884286986" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discord</a>

Firefight: King of the Hill | Spartan Chatter

Waypoint Chronicles

“February 2560. The wreckage of the UNSC Mortal Reverie served as a central rally point and home to human survivors on Zeta Halo, but it was only a matter of time before it was also overrun by the Banished.



A handful of survivors from the battle have been brought to the iron halls of the House of Reckoning where they are forced to take part in a twisted new war game…”



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Halo: Trial of Reckoning is available here on Halo Waypoint, <a href="http://aka.ms/REckoningPDF">as a free PDF</a>, and in <a href="http://aka.ms/ReckoningAudio">audiobook format on YouTube</a>.



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HISTORIAN’S NOTE



Trial of Reckoning takes place in February 2560, immediately following the Banished assault on the crashed UNSC Mortal Reverie which served as a central command post for UNSC survivors on Zeta Halo.



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“Awaken, valiant warriors!”



Gunnery Sergeant Elena Bobrov winced as she slowly regained consciousness. Everything had happened so fast since the Banished had descended upon them—the attack on the UNSC Mortal Reverie had spanned two harrowing days of almost ceaseless combat. Even though they had known the battle was coming, they’d had only hours to prepare.



The Reverie had been downed during the initial Banished naval assault, but the Mulsanne-class frigate’s surviving wreckage had become a fortified rally point for the UNSC personnel stranded on this local fragment of Zeta Halo. The installation itself had been violently fractured as a result of the escalating conflict on its surface and the accompanying emergency slipspace jump to who-knows-where. Under an unfamiliar field of stars, the Reverie had quickly become the only thing that resembled a “home.”



And in the blink of an eye, the Banished had taken that too.



Bobrov had been in the thick of the fighting when a group of Brute Berserkers were set upon her squad, tearing into them with mindless abandon—driven by a violence-fueled disregard for anything but their next target. She recalled hearing the dire sound of bones snapping, feeling the spray of Ensign Daniels’s blood across her face, and the next thing Bobrov knew she was drifting in and out of consciousness, recalling only fleeting impressions of being dragged across the verdant terrain of Zeta Halo before being loaded onto a skiff and taken to… wherever the hell this place was.



“Hey,” a man’s voice cut through her musings. “Gunny’s waking up, Doc.”



A medical scanner passed over her a moment later, followed by a small shot of fast-acting morphine which quickly and mercifully diminished the throbbing in her head.



“Can’t see.” Blinking rapidly, she tried to quell the rising panic in her chest.



“Be calm, your eyes will quickly adjust,” a deep voice soothed. “I suspect the lights will soon come on.”



Squinting through the darkness, unable to see much further than three meters ahead or so, Bobrov relied on her other senses. Beneath her hands she felt the roughness of dirt-covered ground, but the sound of movement around her echoed in ways more indicative of being inside a large building. A hangar, perhaps? That didn’t make any sense.



But then again, nothing did anymore.



As her vision continued to adjust, Bobrov was able to finally make out the one who had been seeing to her injuries.



Being tended to by a Sangheili was certainly one of the stranger wake-up scenarios she had ever experienced. Clad in simple armor, its saurian face barely seemed to register her as he decided he was satisfied that his patient’s wits and faculties had returned.



“Roll call,” Bobrov said through a strained grimace as she shifted herself into a sitting position. “Who have we got here and what the hell is going on?”



“Lance Corporal Singh,” came the voice that had first announced her awakening. “And we’re, uh, pretty much screwed, ma’am.”



“Spartan Hedge, Fireteam Lancer,” came another, causing Bobrov to swell with a momentary flutter of hope. On any other day, she’d have passed it off as an involuntary reaction, but she knew more directly of Spartan Hedge, as the two of them had fought on Requiem.



Bobrov had served two tours of the Forerunner shield world, having been aboard the UNSC Infinity when it was first pulled into the hollow sphere back in ‘57.



Terry Hedge had joined the UNSC Infinity crew as a Spartan recruit soon after the New Phoenix incident. Bobrov had read some of the mission debriefs on Fireteam Lancer’s activities, where they had been led by Hedge and taken part in some of the thickest fighting against Promethean and Covenant remnant forces.



“And our medic?” Bobrov asked, turning to the Sangheili. “You’re a warrior, right?”



The Sangheili appraised her and closed his first aid kit with a crisp snap, the case comically small in the alien’s large hands.



“No.”



Firm. Definite.



“No?” Bobrov repeated, her brow furrowing.



“I am a healer of wounds, not a deliverer of them. Not anymore.”



“You got a name?”



“Yes.”



When he did not continue, Singh interjected. “We just call him Doc. He seems alright with that.”



At that moment, the lights lining the ceiling above flickered on and the truth of their situation was laid acutely bare.



They were indeed inside a room as large as a hangar bay, but there were no vessels docked here. Instead, the area was akin to a UNSC field base—a flat prefabricated structure covered in sand and dirt, a couple of large rocks on the outer edges where groupings of sandbags were haphazardly laid out.



A small building nearby housed a handful of ammunition and weapons crates, prompting Bobrov to grab an assault rifle, sidekick pistol, and a couple of grenades. As she had been the last to awaken, the choices were slim, but the familiar weight of the rifle in her hand returned some semblance of comfort to her.



Beyond the base structure, a series of doors covered the boundaries of the room—two at each edge. They at least knew where their enemy would come from… but with only three fighters among them, and limited ammunition and cover, things certainly weren’t looking good.



“Ah, there you are.”



The booming, sonorous voice that had originally awakened her now returned, this time accompanied by a hologram at the far edge of the room, resolving into the blood-red image of an aged Jiralhanae. His right eye was milky and clouded, but the other—even in holographic form—glinted with malice as his mouth curled into a sharp-toothed smile. A grey beard covered his chin, and his forehead was branded with a symbol of his kind.



“I am Escharum, War Chief of the Banished. I welcome you to the House of Reckoning.”



“Ugly bastard,” Singh spat on the ground, tightening his grip on his battle rifle to mask a fearful tremor.



“Within these iron halls, through the Trials of Atriox, all shall know what it is to be Banished—our living history, how we once served the Covenant. All shall know what it is to be meat.”



Wasting no time, Spartan Hedge sprang into action, signaling Doc to assist in fortifying their position with sandbags and anything else they could grab with what little time and resources they had at their disposal. It wasn’t going to be much protection, but under the circumstances it was the best they could get.



“The trial is King of the Hill. One side holds the advantage of territory and must hold it while forty Banished brothers are sent to stake their claim. Survive, and you shall be granted a boon. You have played your little war games long enough. Now, you will play mine.”



With a final sinister grin, Escharum crossed his arms over his chest and the hologram faded.



Spartan Hedge motioned for Bobrov and the others to join him. “No retreat, no surrender, and no quarter. That’s what’s on the menu for us today, and it’s our job to damn well make sure it’s the same for them.”



“Four of us against forty of them,” Singh interjected and made an exaggerated show of counting on his fingers. “We’re outnumbered ten-to-one, man.”



Bobrov considered what she had read on military maneuvers back in basic training. As the ancient military strategist Sun Tzu had roughly put it: when surrounding an enemy, leave a way of escape. A retreating enemy is one that isn’t putting everything they’ve got into retaliation, but an enemy that knows they’ve been forced into a position to make a final stand is going to fight with every ounce of strength they have to the bitter end.



Either Escharum hadn’t figured that out, or—more likely—the Banished war chief was perfectly aware and that was exactly what he wanted from his captives.



“Let’s be real,” Bobrov interjected. “It’s entirely likely that none of us are making it through this. So you’d better make peace with the prospect of an unceremonious death right now, because if you freeze up and fail to make your shot count, you might as well be on their damn side.”



Doc fidgeted with his medical vambraces, his mandibles tightly formed together, giving way to a sigh. “I shall ensure that you are each stocked with ammunition, and provide you with the enemy’s weaponry when yours runs out. There is no honor in allowing one’s allies to perish for the sake of vanity.”



Bobrov couldn’t help but wonder what this guy’s story was. She could read the subtext as well as anyone and it seemed that even now, even when facing such crushing odds, the good doctor was firmly set against doing harm. 



In her experience, the Sangheili held martial prowess and their concept of “honor” as a matter of life and death. Decades of fighting against them had taught her that. Her more recent years, doing training drills with some of the Swords of Sanghelios personnel, had just confirmed that knowledge. Perhaps Doc had been amongst that cohort aboard the UNSC Infinity? Bobrov drew a sharp breath at the thought.



Infinity.



The name alone conjured an unexpected stab of nostalgia.



How she missed that ship.



UNSC vessels of all kinds throughout the Covenant War had been hell to live on—strictly utilitarian in design to serve as cold metal coffins ferrying troops from one battlefield to the next, never knowing how far you were going to make it. But the quiet hum of the Infinity’s engines, the beauty of the atrium park while cruising through vibrant nebulae in deep space that formed the “night sky” through the transparent observation dome, the chili cook-off that she and Lieutenant Gomez had attained a respectable fourth place in…



That had been the first ship she had ever been able to call home.



She thought back to the first hard touchdown on Requiem. The Covenant faction they’d fought there had thrown themselves at defensive lines they had no tactical chance of overcoming, driven by a zealous fervor that came from the belief that they were literally serving one of their gods in the flesh. She’d been the designated driver for the six-wheeled death machine that was an M510 Mammoth, which had been deployed to destroy a network of particle cannons, ferrying the then-Commander Lasky and the Master Chief himself towards a gravity well that was keeping them grounded.



It had seemed like a lifetime ago… and nobody knew what had happened to either of them. As far as Bobrov knew, no word from Captain Lasky had reached the Mortal Reverie, and the Chief had been missing-in-action since the ambush on Infinity.



All she could do—all she knew how to do—was keep fighting. Whatever hopes there had been for an age of peace after the fall of the Covenant had been shattered, and between remnant factions and rebel groups, ancient Forerunner constructs, renegade artificial intelligences, and now the Banished… “king of the hill” seemed a remarkably apt summary for the state of things, jockeying for power over the biggest and baddest guns in the galaxy. And to what end?



“Hey, ugly,” Lance Corporal Singh called out into the emptiness, knowing Escharum was still watching. “You said we get a boon if we win.”



Escharum did not reappear, but his voice snaked its way across the walls of the House of Reckoning—lowered, as if to confide a secret. “It is the same prize that Atriox received for surviving the countless battles that claimed his brothers.”



“And what’s that?”



“A new day shall dawn over the House of Reckoning. You shall be fed and watered, and tomorrow… you will fight again.”



“You bastard.”



“Take heart, human. With every moment you stand and fight, you shall know Atriox. You shall know the Banished. You shall know the Jiralhanae way of immolation.”



As the war chief’s words faded, the doors around the edges of the room slid open.



Bobrov tensed, fearing that they were about to get instantaneously swarmed from all sides… but the passages remained clear.



Then they heard it.



Like the thunderous start of an engine in the depths of an ancient machine—a dreadful, clanking heartbeat from what must have been a dozen or more gravity hammer pommels striking the ground in unison.



They began slowly, Bobrov counted the seconds between beats…



One, two, three, four—clang! One, two, three, four—clang!



The sound filled the air around them, rolled through the space with the insistence of a rising tide.



Powerful. Unstoppable.



It was not long before four seconds became three.



One, two, three – clang! One, two, three – clang!



Bobrov felt the tension twist in her gut, felt the hair on the back of her neck stand-up as the three beside her shifted, bracing for the inevitable.



Three seconds became two.



One, two – clang! One, two – clang!



Their enemy would be upon them soon.



She knew it.



And yet, in this whisper of time, Bobrov found reality crystallized with a sudden serene clarity, even as she knew this invocation was soon to culminate in a furious release of barbarism. As a Marine who had fought through the Covenant War and had known only a fleeting glimpse of peace before she had been called upon to serve once more, she greeted this moment as a friend.



The choice was simple. The priorities were clear.



Adapt. Survive. And…



She exhaled, glanced at her fireteam, and saw her own grim resolve mirrored in their expressions.



Accept whatever may come.



The pounding reached fever pitch, the hammers clanging repeatedly as the sound drew closer, grew louder, reaching its crescendo.



One second.



One. Final. Exhale.



Then came the stampeding feet. Bloodthirsty roars. The sudden sharp crack of firepower as Bobrov and her team made their stand.



Escharum’s voice echoed above it all.



“Fight hard. Die well.”

343 INDUSTRIES

Halo: Trial of Reckoning