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Forge Features

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Halo Infinite

Forge has evolved.



With the arrival of Season 5 of Halo
Infinite, players have now got their hands on the Forge AI Toolkit which
has well and truly changed the game, as you can now add AI units to the maps
you create.



Already, we have seen PvPvE experiences
populate the Custom Game Browser, along with recreations of classic campaign
missions and even brand-new ones. As we hit our twentieth issue of Forge
Features, that seems like a nice round number to start showcasing some of these
incredible new experiences that you can jump in and play right now.



For a more comprehensive breakdown of the additions made to Forge in Season 5, <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/forge-overview-season-5">check out our Forge Overview blog</a>.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FIREFIGHT CUSTOM GAME MODE</h2>



<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/FF20-FF.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of (from left-to-right) a Brute, Hunter, and Jackal on a dark map" class="wp-image-84630" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-FF-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



When setting up a custom game for
Firefight, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve got the right mode set up to
have the optimal experience. Sometimes you can use one that’s more “general,”
but sometimes there will be maps that use their own specific mode variant(s).
Some even come with difficulty levels.



For a good general Firefight mode where
the player simply needs to survive ten rounds, be sure to bookmark the
following:



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/0c02c58e-dea7-4e73-82c5-4a244602209b">FIREFIGHT
– WoodComet673577</a>



For others which are more map-specific,
you will find these included below.



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



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/feab8eb6-c485-42ba-84dd-d754fdcd63cb">INCLEMENCY</a> Credits: MadmanEpic Mode: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/4b2708ac-e929-479e-9667-8516a8a396bc">Inclemency Campaign</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/feab8eb6-c485-42ba-84dd-d754fdcd63cb"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-0.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Inclemency Forge map" class="wp-image-84546" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-0.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-0-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-0-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-0-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-0-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-0-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



An early example of what a “custom
campaign mission”-type experience using Forge AI looks like, where you’ll be
fighting Banished in the snow.



There’s a vehicular section as you
navigate through several Banished checkpoints; there are some narrow bridges
and walkways; you’ll storm a Banished facility and fight a hammer-wielding Chieftain
in close-quarters, before heading to the extraction point and fighting off
several waves of tough enemies.



Either jump in solo or grab a couple of
friends and try it out!



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



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/f36bfa5c-6654-4a4d-b9c2-7fc88c7ff587">FIREFIGHT HALO REVAMPED</a> Credits: JAYZEN0009, ghostlyswat12



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/f36bfa5c-6654-4a4d-b9c2-7fc88c7ff587"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-1.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Firefight Halo Revamped Forge map" class="wp-image-84560" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Battlecruisers and corvettes are inbound
with enemy troops! Survive five rounds against an onslaught of enemies and hold
the line to claim victory.



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



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/59476aa0-1a37-4f20-bb94-fe3d3870e52d">H2 OUTSKIRTS FIREFIGHT</a> Credits: Ju Jitsu X, Squishiop9, tttwyson Mode: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/2a3f2858-6713-4d9c-8dac-fc831bfae9d8">Easy</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/9aaccaf7-df6f-4bcc-b611-500b6b64ff84">Normal</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/3d3d4314-f6c1-4efe-a435-b8895a5f4709">Heroic</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/b141e55e-8e0f-433e-9644-4e0c5802e536">Legendary</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/59476aa0-1a37-4f20-bb94-fe3d3870e52d"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-3.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Jackals, Skirmishers, and Elites in the Halo 2 Outskirts courtyard created in Forge" class="wp-image-84588" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-3.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-3-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



“We’ve got Jackals in the courtyard!”



It’s the holdout section from Halo 2’s
Outskirts mission, featuring some adjustments to the overall layout. You can
bookmark different modes which scale the AI difficulty, so maybe you’re looking
for an easy time ploughing through enemy waves, or perhaps you’ve gathered a
group of friends and you’re looking for a challenge to test your mettle on
Legendary.



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



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/85a81bf5-4b11-402d-b952-b08f4ba9274c">INFINITE FIREFIGHT REFUGE</a> Credits: Cousin Tim, InfiniteForges, Michael B 2K8, NightAvenger01, I Crush All, CertifiedChamp, ItzSkittz3964



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/85a81bf5-4b11-402d-b952-b08f4ba9274c"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-2.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a Phantom on the Infinite Firefight Refuge Forge map" class="wp-image-84574" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-2.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-2-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Just when you thought you couldn’t be
more in awe of the maps this crew puts together, they deliver this…



Abandoned and overgrown, Halo 2’s
Headlong has become a battleground for the Banished.



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



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/6ad1375f-b425-4b73-ae26-ef5a9efd6fd0">INSTALLATION 07 FIREFIGHT</a> Credits: TJtheForger



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/6ad1375f-b425-4b73-ae26-ef5a9efd6fd0"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-4.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the Installation 07 Firefight map created in Forge" class="wp-image-84602" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-4.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-4-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-4-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-4-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-4-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-4-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



One of the encounters that Firefight
naturally ended up evolving out of were the holdout sections in Halo: CE’s
second mission, where the Master Chief must seek out and protect Marine
survivors from several waves of Covenant dropships while exploring the
Forerunner structures and beam towers that almost serve as “lighthouses” for
these encounters.



It is only natural, then, that this experience
has been recreated with Forge AI in Halo Infinite.



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



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/07ab2435-ba9f-42f3-8374-f6bfc1cab5e3">PVPVE BLOODGULCH</a> Credits: ghostlyswat12, DaringMacil, AlphaEpsilon



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/07ab2435-ba9f-42f3-8374-f6bfc1cab5e3"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-5.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of the PvPvE Bloodgulch map created in Forge" class="wp-image-84616" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-5.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-5-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-5-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-5-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/FF20-5-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Many years ago, I remember one of the
first videos of Halo modding that I ever saw was of a big AI battle on
Blood Gulch where Hunters were sat on Scorpion tanks and all manner of
explosive green chaos ensued.



That was well over fifteen years ago, and
now you can actually create this experience for yourself in Halo Infinite.



This PvPvE experience offers 12v12 for players
and 16v16 AI—with some being aligned to your team, and others on the enemy’s.
It is, perhaps, one of the purest possible expressions of Halo
imaginable.



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



Interested in making maps that utilize the Forge AI Toolkit for yourself? Well, there’s a variety of video guides you can watch to get a greater understanding of the systems and options that are at your disposal.



<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/6NLZw-BL8hg?si=z1kpOaYZ8ozvUPBK&t=4720">FORGE
FUNDAMENTALS: SEASON 5 & AI TOOLKIT</a>



First up, we did our own showcase of the Forge AI Toolkit during a Community Stage panel at the 2023 Halo World Championship.



<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="HaloWC 2023 Community Stage – Day 1 (Forge, Steve Downes, Jen Taylor, Keith David, Lore, Digsite +)" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6NLZw-BL8hg?start=4720&feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Join 343 staff John Junyszek (Sr.
Community Manager), Michael Schorr (Forge Lord), and Connor Kennelly (Forge
Technical Designer) as they dive into the details of what’s new to Forge in
Season 5 and how you can use it.



<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K29fMJodXP0">HOW TO SPAWN AI IN FORGE |
BEGINNER TUTORIAL</a>



Ducain23 has been putting together a series of tutorials on the Forge AI Toolkit, and this is a great place to start—how to spawn AI on your map and make them move around.



<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="How To Spawn AI In Forge | Beginner Halo Infinite AI Tutorial" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K29fMJodXP0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



This video will give you a good
understanding of things like nav mesh and move zones (how AI movement on the
map works), the various methods of spawning (like whether they arrive by drop
pod, Phantom dropship, or fade in), and how to put these things to the test.



<a href="https://youtu.be/mDdTG9z1ic4?si=j7Kkm5T0jAo5ar98">HALO INFINITE FORGE PVE
CAMPAIGN SCRIPTING GUIDE</a>



For something a little more advanced and
long-form, check out MadmanEpic’s video on how he put together the scripting
for his Inclemency campaign-style mission experience.



<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="A Rambling Halo Infinite Forge PvE Campaign Scripting Guide (Inclemency)" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mDdTG9z1ic4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



As MadmanEpic puts it himself, the
Inclemency map isn’t copy protected and he encourages players to jump into
Forge to fiddle around with the map and see how he put it all together.



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



That rounds us out for this issue of
Forge Features, which has now become even more exciting with the new kinds of
maps and experiences that players are able to create using these new tools.



It’s not even been two weeks since Season 5 launched and we’re already seeing some incredible creations from the community—we can’t even begin to imagine just how much farther there is to push the envelope, which just means that we’re every bit as excited as you are.



Now, if you’ll excuse me, the next wave’s
droppin’ in and it’s about to get hot!

Alex Wakeford

Community Cartography 020

Forge Features: October 27, 2023

Community Spotlight

Welcome back to our latest issue of the Community Corner, where we spotlight and interview individuals about what they get up to in the Halo community—art, cosplay, animation, streaming, Forge, and beyond.



Last time, <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/community-corner-entransing">we were joined by Entransing</a> to learn about her journey with Halo as a long-time fan and as an artist.



For this issue, we’re joined by Aimee Saturne, who dabbles in cosplay, streaming, performance, and more!



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



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



Thank you so much for having me—it’s truly an honor! My name is Aimee Saturne, and within the Halo community, I’m a very, very long-time fan of the games and all that they encompass.



I stream Halo Infinite on Twitch, and I also cosplay as our beloved Cortana! <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/aimeesaturne">You can find me on Twitch</a> (and pretty much every other social media platform) <a href="https://twitter.com/AimeeSaturne">@AimeeSaturne</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="2160" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84487" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee3.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee3-267x300.jpg 267w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee3-910x1024.jpg 910w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee3-768x864.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee3-1365x1536.jpg 1365w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee3-1820x2048.jpg 1820w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee3-1568x1764.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



What’s your origin story with Halo? How did this great journey begin for you?



Oh yes, the Spartan origin story… It happened long ago one fine evening. My friends and I were bored out of our minds and one of them suggested we play Halo: CE. I was about 8 years old and had no idea what that was. When we finally got to play it, I was horrific at it, but it was the most fun I’d had in a long time.



What piqued my interest too was that it was not only amazing sonically and visually, but the storyline captivated me all at once. The Halo games quickly became my favorite, and that carried on with me through the years. It didn’t matter who I hung out with or what anyone usually played, Halo was always the game everyone could agree on and have a great time with.



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



It’s definitely a mix of things! I am typically a campaign girl through and through, but more recently, especially with streaming, multiplayer has garnered a special place in my heart too. It’s such a fun, competitive area to be a part of, and getting those medals when you make a great play is such a rush.



Generally, though, getting wrapped up in the lore of Halo is so intriguing and I’m always champing at the bit to learn more. The universe is so extensive between the games and novels, and now with the TV series as well we get a look into the characters we know and love in a different light, which I happen to appreciate! While I’d always been obsessed with the games, HaloWC ‘22 is really what set off my desire to fall into my obsession and do all I could to share my love of Halo with the world, from streaming to cosplaying as Cortana.



<figure class="wp-block-embed-twitter wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">tell me you’re a <a href="https://twitter.com/Halo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Halo</a> fan without telling me you’re a Halo fan. 😂🦾💫 <a href="https://t.co/KDqMCefVWI">pic.twitter.com/KDqMCefVWI</a>— 𝓐𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒆 🪐 𝓢𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆 (@AimeeSaturne) <a href="https://twitter.com/AimeeSaturne/status/1698799175775994008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2023</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Who are some of your favorite Halo characters (and why)?



I’m sure most can agree when I say Chief, Cortana, and the Weapon are my absolute favorites. It’s so hard to pick just a handful of these complex characters when there are so many to choose from across the entirety of Halo, but I also love Kelly-087, Avery Johnson, Dr. Halsey, Exuberant Witness, and Kai-125 from the television series. I think they all bring something different to the table when it comes to the storylines they’re a part of.



The novels really bring out deeper aspects of some of the aforementioned characters that we don’t get to see as much in the games, and you really get to learn a lot about the method behind their madness—especially Dr. Halsey. It’s just fun to follow them and to learn about the person behind the Mjolnir or uniform.



And Exuberant Witness is adorable, I just love her voice and personality!



Tell us a bit about how you got into streaming and what you’ve been up to on that front!



I have to thank HaloWC ‘22 for my journey in streaming! Before I attended the event, I had only ever streamed about twice in my life and both times were the Halo Infinite campaign. When I attended Worlds, I sat in on some of the panels, the “Women in Streaming” one in particular, and was immediately inspired to really start streaming Halo and sharing my love of the game with others who felt the same.



I didn’t realize what a large community Halo had, especially online! So, when it was all said and done, I got my set-up together the best I could and started grinding Infinite’s multiplayer. I played bots for the longest time because I was so horrible at it, I didn’t want my teammates to hate me!



Eventually, I felt confident to move on to playing actual humans, and the rest is history. In March 2023, I became a Twitch Affiliate streaming Halo and that was pretty huge for me because I never expected nor intended to get there. I still stream all the time and I’ve gathered such a fun little community that I could not be more grateful for. My viewers really make my world go round, and I’ve made such good friends who actually understand the obsession!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://youtu.be/FOh5qIKt8eQ?si=3kts-3SOeIpmMNuh&t=24022"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2558" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84515" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee5.jpg 2558w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee5-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee5-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee5-1536x865.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee5-2048x1153.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee5-1568x883.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2558px) 100vw, 2558px" /></a></figure>



After your marvelous performance as the Arbiter in our HaloWC 2022 Scene Reading panel, I wanted to ask whether there are things like voice acting or singing that you do?



Being the ‘22 Arbiter was the best role of my life! I am a singer and actress/voice actress—really just an all-around creative as I wear a bunch of hats in different mediums. I’ve been singing and acting since I was a kid though, and actually have music out now on all the usual streaming platforms. I’d always wanted to voice an AI or a big bad in Halo, though… so thank you for having me on-stage to do just that!



Do you have a favorite Halo soundtrack? What aspects of music resonate with and inspire you most?



Trying to pick a favorite soundtrack is so complicated! There are beautiful pieces within all of them, and of course I own them all as well. Halo 4 and Halo 2 are ones that I’m consistently turning back to.



I love when a song creates a feeling and atmosphere, and that carries into video game scores as well. Rather than just being background noise to a cutscene or a fight, all of the tracks heighten each moment sonically. I haven’t heard a Halo soundtrack I haven’t liked, and I can confidently say they each evoke emotion of some kind. And then of course you have bangers too, like Impend (Halo 2) or Covenant Dance (Halo: CE).



Speaking of HaloWC, we just had the 2023 event a few short weeks ago! Which team were you rooting for?



I was rooting for OpTic Gaming and feel so lucky to have seen them compete again this year! Lucid is my favorite player, though they’re all amazing. I could not even begin to imagine being so good at Halo.



We got iced pretty bad by FaZe Clan in the end, but I know we’ll come back strong!



Did you have any other memorable moments and highlights throughout HaloWC 2023?



Oh, plenty! Speaking of Lucid, I got a fist bump from him when the team was making their way onto the stage for the final tournament—that was huge for me.



I also got to see Steve Downes and Jen Taylor again, and meet Keith David for the first time, too! It’s still so crazy to hear and see your childhood right in front of you.



Meeting up with fans and friends was also a major highlight for me. It’s such a warm and fuzzy feeling to have such a welcoming and awesome community, and the Halo World Championship always brings that.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1210" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84459" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee1-300x189.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee1-1024x645.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee1-768x484.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee1-1536x968.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee1-1568x988.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Tell us a bit about cosplay. Do you have a favorite character to cosplay, and are there others you want to do in the future? What is it that draws you to those characters?



My favorite character to cosplay is Cortana, but I’ve dabbled in other franchises before (like Harley Quinn) without realizing I was cosplaying. I wish I had a cooler story, but I’ve just always been into escapism, and I’ve always wanted to be Cortana, crazy as that sounds. The storyline between her and the Master Chief really captivated me and tugged at my heartstrings, especially once we got around to Halo 4 and realized just how deep their companionship ran.



After watching the HaloWC ‘22 cosplay contest, I realized that I kind of could be her! It didn’t take long before I was gathering all the elements I needed to do so, and figuring out how to edit photos to feature my cosplay in some iconic stills from the game itself.



Down the line, I would really love to cosplay the different variations of Cortana as well—like Halo 5’s version, the Weapon, and even Dr. Halsey, considering she was the model for Cortana to begin with.



What’s your favorite Halo game (or, if it’s too hard to pick one, I suppose we can let you have two!) and why?



The ultimate question! My favorite is Halo 4, but it is very hard to choose just one, and so I’ll have to pick Halo Infinite as well—both for different reasons.



Halo 4 was just so deliciously Halo in my opinion, and it focused so much on the bond between our favorite Spartan and his AI, which had always fascinated me to begin with. Seeing Cortana fall to rampancy and the Chief so desperate to help her, all while fighting the ultimate battle against the Didact? I loved every second of it.



As for Halo Infinite, I loved the storyline as well, the kind of sadness that the storyline held from the aftermath of Halo 4 and Halo 5, and going through it with the Weapon, who begins trying to find herself as well. However, Infinite’s multiplayer was huge for me, and it brought me my streaming journey, as well as so many amazing friends and opportunities. It’s given me some of the best moments of my life so far to date, so I love Infinite on a more personal level.



What are some of your biggest inspirations in life?



The desire for something more; to do what I love and do it unabashedly. I do still have specific inspirations such as certain people, places, or the dreams and aspirations I have, but generally, my drive to make the most of my life is what keeps me going and always chasing the next thing and looking for the next opportunity.



I’m a big advocate of doing all the things you love to do, because life is short and you never want to regret not doing something. If it doesn’t work out the way you want to, at least you tried. That’s further than some people get at all!



<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/Aimee2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84473" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee2.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/Aimee2-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



What does being part of the Halo community personally mean to you?



Being part of the Halo community means family—connection. We all have this immense love of a video game that is far more than just a video game to us when it comes down to it. I have never felt more connected with a certain group of people, or more welcomed, especially when I first dipped my toes into the water that is this community. Near or far, we can all get together and play this game and have a good time (or tilt!) and it reminds me of the days when we only had LAN parties and couch co-op.



Having a sense of community around something that I had never realized I could before is enlightening, and I feel proud to be part of such a wide variety of gamers who know exactly how I feel about the series without even having to explain it. We Halo fans go hard!



Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.



I’m actually a marine corps brat, born and raised in Japan. I always say USNC is just in my blood! It’s just too bad Dr. Halsey didn’t turn me into a Spartan. ONI here I come…



There was some heated debate about this between Steve Downes and Jen Taylor on-stage at HaloWC this year, so I thought I would put it out there to folks in the community: Pineapple on pizza—yay or nay? And how about anchovies?



I remember that! Don’t judge me (or do), but absolute yay. Pineapple is actually my favorite! I love a good Hawaiian pizza, and now I feel like I’m probably going to order one tonight. I’m not sure I’ve ever had anchovies on it…but it doesn’t particularly sound like something I’d want to try, either.



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



Thank you so much for having me! This was so fun and really such a dream. Halo is forever, and I would just love to thank everyone involved in making it exactly what it is today, from Combat Evolved to Infinite.



I’ve already mentioned it’s become much more than just a video game, and it’s got such a special place in my heart—and in many others. I can’t wait to attend more events and continue to dive deeper into all that the wonderful universe of Halo offers.



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



You can follow Aimee Saturne on <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/aimeesaturne">Twitch</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/AimeeSaturne/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/AimeeSaturne">Twitter</a> to keep up with her streaming and cosplay!

Issue 010

Community Corner: Aimee Saturne

Canon Fodder

Fiction

Issue 146

Canon Fodder: Championship Chronicles

Waypoint Chronicles

Experience the legendary moment from HaloWC 2023 where Steve Downes, Jen Taylor, and Keith David performed a brand new scene together as the Master Chief, Dr. Halsey, and the Arbiter.



Read it here on Halo Waypoint, <a href="https://aka.ms/SunriseOnSangheliosPDF">download a free PDF version</a>, or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heeAkDRuf5g&ab_channel=HALO">watch it performed by Steve, Jen, and Keith on YouTube</a>!



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo: Sunrise on Sanghelios | HaloWC 2023 Community Stage" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/heeAkDRuf5g?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"/>



HISTORIAN’S NOTE



Sunrise on Sanghelios takes place in the immediate aftermath of Halo 5:
Guardians and concurrently with moments depicted in the novel Halo: Bad
Blood.



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



SANGHELIOS OCTOBER 28, 2558 (UNSC Military Calendar)



The Pelican landed in
the Swords of Sanghelios camp, lit only by the fire of two braziers. A moment
later, several Sangheili warriors clad in copper-crimson armor emerged from the
main tent, and alongside them, Spartan Commander Sarah Palmer, Dr. Catherine
Halsey, and Arbiter Thel ‘Vadam himself.



Gathering at the
landing site, they watched with anticipation as the rear ramp of the Pelican’s
troop bay descended. The unusual welcome committee quickly lowered their
weapons as they saw who was disembarking alongside Spartan Jameson Locke.



Dr. Halsey approached,
her expression a mix of so many conflicting emotions all at once—pride, relief,
horror, guilt . . . but she held these feelings back as she approached the Master
Chief, and simply said:



“It took you long
enough.”



As the moment passed, Palmer snapped into action and ordered the Pelican’s lights to be shut down, as the rest of Blue Team and Fireteam Osiris exited the Pelican.



“Welcome,” the Arbiter
addressed the gathering. “You have my thanks for all you have done. The
Sangheili people owe you a great debt. Although none of us is in a position to
repay it, we will do what we can. You must all be hungry and exhausted. I
insist you join us for a meal and a rest before you depart.” 



“We’re not leaving
tonight,” Dr. Halsey interjected, ignoring the Arbiter tightening his mandibles.
“I didn’t think we’d be able to make this work, but with your Pelican, it’s
possible. I’ve already received a message from Infinity. They’re going
to appear off the far side of Suban—this planet’s nearest moon—tomorrow at
eighteen hundred hours military standard, noon local time.”



Dr. Halsey stepped
away to coordinate further with Palmer and Locke, eventually agreeing on a plan
for the rendezvous.



“We’re here for the
night. We’ll fly out first thing tomorrow,” said the Master Chief. 



“We have butchered and
roasted a number of colo and kuscatu to celebrate our victory over the last of
the Covenant and the end of our civil war.” The Arbiter turned to face the
Master Chief directly. “We would be honored by your presence.”



As the night went on, the
Arbiter took the Master Chief aside while the allied humans and Sangheili
toasted to the victory they had shared against the Covenant.



“I was relieved when I
heard that you had returned, Spartan. Even when our ship was severed in half as
we escaped the great foundry of the Forerunners all those years ago, I had
faith that you were not lost. I have heard many stories, but I would like to
hear the tale from you.”



“Cortana and I were
adrift in space for over four years. We ended up at a shield world called
Requiem where we were led to awaken the Didact.”



The Arbiter’s eyes widened.
“A Forerunner survived?”



“We fought. He
lost,” said the Master Chief. “But now the galaxy is overrun with his
Prometheans, and our victory came at a price . . .”



“Your companion—the
AI. I remember you trusted her with the fate of all when last we fought
together.”



“She . . . changed. I
don’t know exactly what happened, I just know I failed her.”



In his mind, the
Master Chief could still recall Cortana’s parting words to him after they
defeated the Didact together.



“I’m not coming with
you this time . . . Welcome home, John.”



But then, inexplicably,
he had found her again—but not as she once was. Cortana had claimed that
accessing an ancient quantum network known as the Domain had cured her
rampancy, but she had somehow become driven by the same misguided logic that
the Didact himself had sought to impose upon the galaxy.



“Our strength shall
serve as a luminous sun toward which all intelligence may blossom. And the
impervious shelter beneath which you will prosper. However, for those who refuse
our offer and cling to their old ways . . . for you, there will be great wrath.
It will burn hot and consume you, and when you are gone, we will take that
which remains, and we will remake it in our own image.”



There was much he had
to process, but the Master Chief was brought back to the present as the Arbiter
spoke once more, his voice carrying hard-won wisdom.



“We all fail, Spartan.
We all make mistakes.”



The Arbiter paused for
a moment, a silent war raging inside him as to whether he should continue.



“I served the Covenant
as a destroyer of your kind. I have killed more than can possibly be counted,
and though I now fight for peace and unity among our peoples, I know that there
shall come a day where I must count the lives that have been lost because of my
actions. You helped to turn me from that path. Perhaps there is still yet a
chance you can do the same for your companion.”



The Master Chief
recalled the first thing the Arbiter had said to him when they met on Earth,
still uncertain about the nature of their alliance—still seeing this Sangheili,
who had destroyed his home and that of countless others—as an enemy.



“Were it so easy.”



They continued their
discussion long into the night, as the Arbiter recalled to the Master Chief all
that had transpired over the years from his perspective—songs of loss and
sacrifice, but also of victory and unity.



He concluded his tales
with the hope he felt for the future, a grand project that would lift the
species of the galaxy from their conflicts and bring about a prosperous new era.



“An alliance of
species built upon a foundation of strength and unity that comes from honor and
acceptance, mutual trust, respect. A Concert of Worlds in an age of peace.”



The Arbiter slumped
slightly, knowing that an age of peace was a long way off. There were many
factions and threats still out there, Cortana and her Created were just one of
many. Were it so easy, indeed.



An hour before
sunrise, preparations were made for departure aboard the Pelican as the UNSC Infinity
arrived out of slipspace to make a quick pick-up.



“Farewell, Spartan.
When we first met, we were enemies fighting to end each other. Now, as allies,
I am confident we can face this new threat together once more.”



Dr. Halsey passed them
and the Arbiter gave her a pointed glance, to which she returned a haughty
sniff.



The Spartan and the
Sangheili reached out to clasp forearms.



“Thank you.”



Though the Master
Chief was never one for words, he found some resolve and semblance of hope in parting
ways like this, and not through an act of sacrifice or betrayal.



The Pelican lifted off
the ground and blazed through the atmosphere of Sanghelios at incredible speed
as the light of Urs shone over the horizon, leaving the world to face an
uncertain, perilous new dawn.

343 INDUSTRIES

Halo: Sunrise on Sanghelios

Season 5: Reckoning Launch

Customization Overview | Season 5

Esports

<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="Bandit EVO STARTS! - HCS Season 5 | Ranked Update" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J1zWGCLXXco?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



For nearly two years we’ve watched the greatest Halo players on Earth wield their Battle Rifles to duke it out at over a dozen global events for millions of dollars in the HCS, as well as each of you inside the various ranked playlists inside the game. This has been some of the most amazing Halo we’ve watched—thank you.



And now, nearly two years later, Season 5 for Halo Infinite launches on October 17 and with it brings big changes to ranked—and we couldn’t be more excited for you to play and compete.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BANDIT EVO</h2>



<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/S5_PK_Bandit_EVO_02.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-83122" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Bandit_EVO_02.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Bandit_EVO_02-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Bandit_EVO_02-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Bandit_EVO_02-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Bandit_EVO_02-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Bandit_EVO_02-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



When the M392 Bandit was introduced in Season 3, we knew it had the potential to capture the hearts of the competitive community. Sure enough, it did. And we heard loud and clear from you that competitive Halo needed a single-shot fire starting gun, something that made you giddy when you got a Perfect kill, something that made you jump out of your chair when you turned around and outgunned someone who had the drop on you, something that rewarded your individual skill more.



That something is
the Bandit Evo.



The M392 Bandit that shipped with Season 3 was designed to be an on-map pickup weapon in the “Assault Rifle” class, and we felt it fit that role just right. However, if we wanted to adapt the Bandit to be the starting gun, it needed a complete overhaul as it was going to fill the utility role.



Competitive Halo requires a utility starting weapon, it is the cornerstone of the entire experience. You need to be able to fight off your spawn even when your opponent has all the power on the map. This meant it needed range so we gave the new Bandit Evo a 1.6x sight so now you can knock that sniper out of scope. It also needed to be reliable in its firing mechanics so we’ve drastically reduced the bloom and recoil. It also needed to fit in a similar time-to-kill to that of the BR so that players always have a chance to come back in a fight and so we’ve decreased the rate of fire a bit. At the same time, it’s important that weapons are balanced against the Bandit Evo, so of course it has descope.



<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/HI_S5_BanditEVO_Watermarked_1920x1080-6527116fd9dc8.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a Spartan aiming the Bandit Evo" class="wp-image-83206" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HI_S5_BanditEVO_Watermarked_1920x1080-6527116fd9dc8.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HI_S5_BanditEVO_Watermarked_1920x1080-6527116fd9dc8-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HI_S5_BanditEVO_Watermarked_1920x1080-6527116fd9dc8-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HI_S5_BanditEVO_Watermarked_1920x1080-6527116fd9dc8-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HI_S5_BanditEVO_Watermarked_1920x1080-6527116fd9dc8-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HI_S5_BanditEVO_Watermarked_1920x1080-6527116fd9dc8-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Here’s the full list of changes from the M392 Bandit to the new Bandit Evo:



<ul><li>Rate of fire: 3.0 -> 2.9. (rounds per second)</li><li>Rounds total initial: 45 -> 60</li><li>Rounds total maximum: 60 -> 75</li><li>Eliminated progressive recoil</li><li>Reduced bloom/error angles</li><li> Zoom magnification 1.4x Iron Sight -> 1.6x Holopoint Sight</li><li>Added descope</li><li>Reticle rework</li></ul>



Additionally, the red reticle range has been increased for both Bandit Evo and M932 Bandit.



When you combine all of these elements together, you get the new starting weapon for Ranked Playlists as well as the Halo Championship Series in Year 3.



<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/S5_PK_BP_13.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-83136" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_BP_13.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_BP_13-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_BP_13-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_BP_13-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_BP_13-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_BP_13-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Now, some of you might be thinking, “Well, I liked the original Bandit, what does this mean for that gun?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. The original M392 Bandit with the normal tuning will still be available in the game and across the various social playlists it’s featured in.



Additionally, all of your Bandit customization will work for the M392 Bandit and the Bandit Evo—you just need to customize it once and the game will automatically apply the changes to both Bandits for you when you load into with a Bandit Evo and pick up an M392 Bandit.



With a new
starting weapon in ranked, this is a great opportunity to jump back in and
prove yourself in time for the Year 3 of HCS kicking off in 2024.



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



<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/S5_PK_Extraction_01.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a Spartan holding an Extraction Device" class="wp-image-83150" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Extraction_01.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Extraction_01-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Extraction_01-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Extraction_01-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Extraction_01-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Extraction_01-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Halo 4’s mode, Extraction, returns to the franchise for the first time in Halo Infinite. Extraction is a tried-and-true, battle-tested game mode that went through the rigors of many tournaments from 2012-2014 and we’re excited to bring it forward to Halo Infinite.



How does it work? In Extraction, teams must enter a zone and plant the Extraction device. Once planted, the device will take 60 seconds to extract and the planting team must defend it while their opponents need to convert the device to Extract for themselves and reset the 60 second timer. Once a team successfully extracts the device, they will score 1 point and the zone will then move to a new pre-determined location. The team that scores 4 points, wins.



Extraction will be played on the following maps in the Ranked Arena playlist when Season 5 launches:



<ol><li>Live Fire</li><li>Recharge</li><li>Streets</li></ol>



Extraction will be
a totally new dynamic to the ranked and HCS rotation and we can’t wait to see
all of the strategies start to form when it releases on October 17.



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



<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/S5_PK_Map_Forbidden_04_1.jpg" alt="Forbidden is one of the new maps coming to Season 5 in Halo Infinite." class="wp-image-83017" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Map_Forbidden_04_1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Map_Forbidden_04_1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Map_Forbidden_04_1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Map_Forbidden_04_1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Map_Forbidden_04_1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Map_Forbidden_04_1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Introducing Forbidden, a brand-new Halo Infinite 4v4 map built for ranked play. Forbidden is not a remake, but rather a totally new design that harkens back to classic Halo with not only its map layout but also its artistic approach. Forbidden is a symmetrical map and will be featured in the Ranked Arena playlist with Capture the Flag (3 Captures to Win).



In terms of power weapons and power ups on the map, each team receives access to a S7 Sniper which is well suited for the map with its longer sightlines but distinct cover and routes to traverse through the map. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Map_Forbidden_05_1-1024x576.jpg" alt="Forbidden is one of the new maps coming to Season 5 in Halo Infinite." class="wp-image-83031" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Map_Forbidden_05_1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Map_Forbidden_05_1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Map_Forbidden_05_1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Map_Forbidden_05_1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Map_Forbidden_05_1-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_PK_Map_Forbidden_05_1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Forbidden will indeed be going into the HCS rotation for Year 3, and we’ll announce the final rotation in January before the competitions kick off. There will be some map and mode combinations rotated out in order to make room for Extraction and Forbidden.



Forbidden will be making its way into the Ranked Playlist in the coming weeks after Season 5. We are still fine-tuning weapon layout, equipment, and spawning and want to ensure it’s a great experience that the competitive audience enjoys instead of releasing it in ranked before it’s ready.



Please note that the list of map and mode combinations in Ranked Arena for Season 5 will not be indicative of the final list for when the HCS Year 3 season begins. We will be keeping a close eye on the performance of all the map and mode combinations in the playlist and then making the final decisions in January 2024.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HCS Year 3</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HCS_Year_3-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-83828" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HCS_Year_3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HCS_Year_3-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HCS_Year_3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HCS_Year_3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HCS_Year_3-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HCS_Year_3.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



As announced at the Halo World Championship, we’re excited to confirm that a Year 3 of HCS will be taking place starting in 2024 which leads up to yet another $1 million HaloWC. Until then, we’ll be hosting some open tournaments on FACEIT to give players something to compete for fun in – and they begin later this fall. Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/HCS/">@HCS on Twitter</a> to see the latest.



Thank you once again to everyone who’s supported Ranked Halo Infinite and HCS, and thank you for making this yet another incredible year for competitive Halo.



Season 5 drops on October 17—we’ll see you online!

Official HCS

Ranked Update | Season 5

AI Spawners

AI Nodegraph Scripting

Unyshek

Forge Overview | Season 5

Forbidden & Prism Fan Kit 

Coming with Season 5 of Halo Infinite are two new maps: Forbidden and Prism.



Forbidden takes place within a vast complex of ancient stone ruins on Zeta Halo, and Prism delves into the crystalline caves of Suban—the so-called blood-moon of Sanghelios—as a battle in the sky rages between the Arbiter’s Swords of Sanghelios and Atriox’s Banished forces.



<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="Prism and Forbidden Map Preview | Season 5: Reckoning | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N_wdsnNon8s?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Both maps will be arriving with Season 5 on October 17, so let’s get you acquainted with them by chatting with multiplayer designer Cliff Schuldt.



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Season 5 brings two awesome new maps into Halo Infinite’s rotation. How would you summarize Forbidden and Prism?



Forbidden is a map that is visually defined by the ancient stone ruins that strongly evoke the aesthetic of Delta Halo, similar to Forest in Season 4. It’s a symmetrical arena map with snipers on either side, long sightlines, and Power Equipment in the middle—so it’s a map that we think will play really well with competitive, but it’s also a space that you’re just going to want to wander around and explore in a custom game.



Prism is an asymmetrical arena map set on Suban, one of the moons of Sanghelios. It’s where the blamite crystals are mined to be used as ammunition for needle-based weaponry, so it boasts an incredibly unique aesthetic that we’ve not really seen in Halo before.



Last season, we had Forest and Scarr, and we’re leaning even more deeply into some of those unique alien aesthetic elements in Season 5 with these two maps. What can you tell us about the aesthetic design of Forbidden and Prism?



We’re always keen to find subtle ways to communicate to the player where they are on the map, and Forbidden does that in a really cool way. On one side, the map is dried up and dead, while the other side is lush and green, featuring ancient aqueducts that are channeling water around this massive stone complex.



Prism is a mix of a lot of exciting visual elements. It’s set on Suban, so there’s that aspect of Sangheili design; but it’s also a cave system filled with these blamite crystals, so there’s a certain alien-ness to it as a natural formation as well. And there’s a Banished presence here, so their rough industrial equipment adds another visual layer to the map.



<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/S5_AST_Map_Forbidden_Watermarked_1920x1080.jpg" alt="Forbidden is one of the new arena maps coming to Halo Infinite in Season 5." class="wp-image-82947" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_AST_Map_Forbidden_Watermarked_1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_AST_Map_Forbidden_Watermarked_1920x1080-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_AST_Map_Forbidden_Watermarked_1920x1080-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_AST_Map_Forbidden_Watermarked_1920x1080-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_AST_Map_Forbidden_Watermarked_1920x1080-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_AST_Map_Forbidden_Watermarked_1920x1080-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



What are some of the unique features that Forbidden and Prism have as Arena maps?



On Prism, one of the power weapons is actually the special Pinpoint Needler variant from Halo Infinite’s campaign, which boasts an increased magazine and much stronger tracking abilities. Because of the theme we were going for with this map, having the Needler front-and-center here—an iconic Halo weapon going back to 2001—just felt right for this map to give it a unique edge.



Oh, and there are some unharvested blamite crystal clusters that players can shoot, making them explode which sends crystal shards flying off. That’s a cool environmental hazard which adds another fun and unique layer to the map.



For Forbidden, ample routes around the space make Capture the Flag matches even more tense—whether you’re attacking, defending, chasing the flag carrier, or trying to navigate your way back to capture the flag. There are a lot of options for the player to utilize in any of these situations which can feel incredibly rewarding. Long sightlines will put your sniping skills to the test, and there are some skill jumps that players can utilize to really level up their play. It’s a map we wanted to be easy for players to grok, but it has additional layers of depth that you can master.



One of the coolest things about Halo maps from the very beginning is that they tell a story, and I think we really lean into that in Prism. What can you tell us about some of those elements?



When we begin designing a map, we don’t like to design a blockout without knowing what kind of aesthetic we’re going for because those details lend so much unique flavor to these maps.



For Prism, we’re leaning into visualizing an area of the lore that you may have read about but certainly haven’t seen before. The mines on Suban are where blamite crystals (used for weapons like the Needler) come from and the Banished have come to claim it for themselves. This tells a story that you’ll see not just in the playable space but also in the battle that is taking place in the skybox where Banished ships are duking it out with the Arbiter’s Swords of Sanghelios.



Similarly with Forbidden, the design of those Delta Halo-inspired stone ruins is so unique—that ancient and elegant chonkiness is an aesthetic that evokes such a sense of mystery and allows us to lean into subtle storytelling elements that make these places feel alive.



Which modes are some of your favorites to play on these maps?



Prism feels great for zone control modes like King of the Hill and Extraction, but also—as mentioned earlier—plays really well with fast-paced One Flag CTF matches.



We had a great time testing CTF, Strongholds, and Oddball on Forbidden as well. The map lends itself to some incredible set-up scenarios and really unique moments!



Both of these maps also have their own unique Infection variants, with new areas to explore while certain paths are cut off.



<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/S5_AST_Map_Prism_Watermarked_1920x1080.jpg" alt="Prism is one of the new maps coming to Halo Infinite in Season 5." class="wp-image-82933" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_AST_Map_Prism_Watermarked_1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_AST_Map_Prism_Watermarked_1920x1080-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_AST_Map_Prism_Watermarked_1920x1080-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_AST_Map_Prism_Watermarked_1920x1080-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_AST_Map_Prism_Watermarked_1920x1080-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/S5_AST_Map_Prism_Watermarked_1920x1080-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Do you have any fun stories from playtests on these maps?



We had so many good times with these maps, it’s hard to narrow it down to any one moment or thing that happened.



Having unique Infection map variants means it’s always fun when players are looking around to find the best hiding spots, thinking they’ve found the perfect place, and then the “Oh no…” moment when they’re the last survivor and everyone starts charging their position.



We’ve also been blowing each other up with blamite on Prism, and had some really, really close matches of Multi Flag on Forbidden. There have been some jaw-dropping “all or nothing” plays to prevent flag captures that have given me a new appreciation for the sniper rifle and those who are skilled at wielding it!



And aside from the gameplay, it’s been wonderful to just wander around these maps and admire the incredible job that the team did at making them feel like living spaces in the Halo universe. That’s what I used to do when I was young, wondering about what stories could happen in these locations, and hopefully players will get a sense of that on Prism and Forbidden as well.



Are there any hints towards Easter eggs or secrets for players to keep their eyes open for?



A hidden secret lies within stone ruins… maybe it’s a sandwich lol.



Thank you for joining us once again to help us explore the making of these new maps! Do you have any parting words to share?



As ever, please send us your clips of the awesome moments you have playing Season 5. Show us the secrets you find. Everybody poured their love into these maps and we hope you have as much of a good time playing on them as we did making them!





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For more on Season 5 of Halo Infinite, check out our other blogs:



<ul><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/battle-pass-operations-season-5">OPERATIONS & BATTLE PASS OVERVIEW</a> – Everything you need to know about how Halo Infinite’s Events are evolving into Operations and the Season 5 Battle Pass.</li><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-gear-rewards-season-5">HALO GEAR REWARDS</a> – Learn more about the Halo Gear Rewards program for Season 5.</li><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/extraction-overview-season-5">MODE OVERVIEW</a> – Learn more about the return and revamp of Halo 4‘s Extraction mode.</li><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/forge-overview-season-5">FORGE OVERVIEW</a> – Find out about the AI toolkit for PvE, along with new objects, palettes, options, and more coming to Forge </li><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/ranked-update-season-5-2">RANKED OVERVIEW</a> – All you need to know about Ranked, sandbox, and balancing updates and changes in Season 5.</li><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/customization-overview-season-5">CUSTOMIZATION OVERVIEW </a>– A complete breakdown of new customization content coming in Season 5, the Battle Pass, Shop changes, and more.</li></ul>

Maps Overview | Season 5

Extraction comes to Halo Infinite in Season 5!



Let’s get you reacquainted with the asset retrieval game mode, the rules of engagement that’ll carry your team to victory, and the different mode variants you’ll be playing.



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<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="Extraction Game Mode Preview | Season 5: Reckoning | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GmrcrYvMPTI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">EXTRACTION</h2>



<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/MCC_H4_Extraction.jpg" alt="A multiplayer Spartan defends the Extraction site in Halo 4. " class="wp-image-83164" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/MCC_H4_Extraction.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/MCC_H4_Extraction-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/MCC_H4_Extraction-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/MCC_H4_Extraction-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/MCC_H4_Extraction-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/MCC_H4_Extraction-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Extraction is an objective-based game mode that was introduced to Halo over a decade ago in Halo 4, where Spartan teams were tasked with an asset retrieval mission. In Halo 4, players used a quantum marker tool to designate slipspace crates for extraction. In Halo Infinite, this beloved mode has a new coat of paint with the latest UNSC and Personal AI tech.



The mode goes as follows:



<ul><li>A neutral Extraction Site appears on the map, where players must enter the site and plant their Extraction Device (all players have one) within its radius to begin the process of Extraction.</li><li>Once an Extraction Device is planted, it is owned by that player and their team, and a timer will begin counting down to Extraction.</li><li>Enemy players can interrupt the Extraction process, and even convert it to their team by interacting with the Extraction Device.</li><li>If the opposing team successfully converts the Extraction Device, then the countdown timer will reset and the battle for that Site will continue until there is a successful Extraction.</li><li>Whichever team successfully completes the Extraction process earns a point, after which a new neutral Extraction Site will appear elsewhere on the map.</li></ul>



Simply put: players must deploy and protect Extraction Sites at different locations on the map to score points, the team with the most points wins.



<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/HI_S5_Extraction_01_Watermarked_1920x1080.jpg" alt="A multiplayer spartan plays Extraction in Halo Infinite. " class="wp-image-83075" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HI_S5_Extraction_01_Watermarked_1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HI_S5_Extraction_01_Watermarked_1920x1080-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HI_S5_Extraction_01_Watermarked_1920x1080-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HI_S5_Extraction_01_Watermarked_1920x1080-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HI_S5_Extraction_01_Watermarked_1920x1080-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/10/HI_S5_Extraction_01_Watermarked_1920x1080-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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



In Season 5, players will be able to experience a couple of variations of the Extraction experience (and will also be able to customize various settings for Custom Games as well).



<ul><li>ARENA: EXTRACTION</li></ul>



The core Extraction experience with one neutral Extraction Site appearing at a time until one team scores enough points to win.



<ul><li>RANKED: EXTRACTION</li></ul>



A variation in Ranked Arena at launch where players spawn with one Frag Grenade instead of two, motion-tracker is disabled, and friendly fire is enabled.



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We’ve got plenty more Season 5: Reckoning previews to come, so stay tuned for a detailed look at the following:



<ul><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/battle-pass-operations-season-5">OPERATIONS & BATTLE PASS OVERVIEW</a> – Everything you need to know about how Halo Infinite’s Events are evolving into Operations and the Season 5 Battle Pass.</li><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-gear-rewards-season-5">HALO GEAR REWARDS</a> – Learn more about the Halo Gear Rewards program for Season 5.</li><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/maps-overview-season-5">MAPS OVERVIEW</a> – Take a guided tour of Forbidden and Prism with our multiplayer designers.</li><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/forge-overview-season-5">FORGE OVERVIEW</a> – Find out about the AI toolkit for PvE, along with new objects, palettes, options, and more coming to Forge </li><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/ranked-update-season-5-2">RANKED OVERVIEW</a> – All you need to know about Ranked, sandbox, and balancing updates and changes in Season 5.</li><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/customization-overview-season-5">CUSTOMIZATION OVERVIEW</a> – A complete breakdown of new customization content coming in Season 5, the Battle Pass, Shop changes, and more.</li></ul>

Extraction Overview | Season 5