HUSKY RAID REFRESH MAPS

CYBER SHOWDOWN III PRESS KIT

Games

Halo Infinite

Embrace the viral machine. Cyber Showdown III has arrived!



A new 20-tier Operation Pass with free multi-use customization rewards, a brand-new map, a refresh to the Husky Raid playlist, and more awaits within…



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Cyber Showdown III Trailer | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eEQOo76I5iw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CYBER SHOWDOWN III OPERATION PASS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/CS3_Rewards.jpg" alt="Reward track image for Cyber Showdown III showing new multi-use CHIMERA armor on the wall" class="wp-image-97908" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/CS3_Rewards.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/CS3_Rewards-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/CS3_Rewards-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/CS3_Rewards-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/CS3_Rewards-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/CS3_Rewards-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



The Cyber Showdown III Operation Pass features 20 tiers of free customization rewards themed around the concept of the “viral machine,” which visually translates to a dark cyberpunk take on the aesthetics of the CHIMERA armor—a twisted fusion of organic elements in digital form.



You know the drill: play Halo Infinite, progress your Operation Pass with Match XP and Challenge completions, and you’ll unlock new armor, coatings, weapon charms, and emblems and nameplates to enhance your customization.



While Cyber Showdown III is themed around the CHIMERA armor core, the majority of the customization content is multi-use, meaning that you can equip helmets, visors, shoulders, and coatings across any armor core.



Additional premium options for the Operation Pass include:



<ul>
<li>500 credits will make the Operation Pass durable (it will not expire), offers bonus XP during the Operation’s live window, an extra Challenge slot while your pass is equipped, and comes with an exclusive customization item.</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>



The bonus item in the Premium Operation Pass for Cyber Showdown III is the Emberbreak armor coating.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NEW MAP: ELEVATION</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/Elevation_WM.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the multiplayer map Elevation" class="wp-image-97922" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/Elevation_WM.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/Elevation_WM-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/Elevation_WM-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/Elevation_WM-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/Elevation_WM-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/Elevation_WM-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Take combat to new heights with the latest map that has been added to Halo Infinite, named Elevation.



Taking place aboard a space elevator, a familiar sight from fans going all the way back to Halo 2, Elevation is a map created entirely in Halo Infinite‘s Forge.



On Elevation, indoor combat will keep your boots on the ground, but heading outside for a spacewalk in the middle of a firefight just might send you on a one-way journey to the planet below.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HUSKY RAID REFRESH</h2>





Husky Raid has gotten even huskier with the addition of six new maps.



For those of you who might need an introduction or refresher: Husky Raid is a game mode that originally debuted in Halo 4 as a chaotic twist on Capture The Flag, featuring Fiesta-style random weapon loadouts and equipment.



Husky Raid has been in Halo Infinite for a while now and the time has come to update this beloved mode with some new maps created in Forge by our amazing community cartographers. Alongside Cyber Showdown III are six new maps, including:



<ul>
<li>Formation</li>



<li>Merchant’s Square</li>



<li>Outlook</li>



<li>Pharaoh</li>



<li>Ruujaya</li>



<li>Urban Raid</li>
</ul>



For a more detailed look at each of these new maps, <a href="http://aka.ms/HuskyRaidRefresh">check out our Husky Raid blog</a>.



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/NetRiot.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the Net Riot bundle" class="wp-image-97936" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/NetRiot.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/NetRiot-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/NetRiot-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/NetRiot-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/NetRiot-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/NetRiot-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Head to the Shop in Halo Infinite this week and you’ll find the Net Riot bundle which contains:



<ul>
<li>Thresher helmet</li>



<li>Plasm Augmentor shoulders</li>



<li>Deviant Protocol chest attachment</li>



<li>Coil Growth Sample G kneepads</li>



<li>Myomer Canker hip gear</li>



<li>VDO Plugin wrist gear</li>



<li>Warbling Well visor</li>



<li>System Alert and Netwar Alert armor coatings</li>



<li>Access Denied death effect</li>



<li>Daemon Flare armor effect</li>



<li>Firecrash Protocol Mythic effect</li>



<li>Net Riot weapon coating</li>
</ul>



And complete all of your Challenges this week to unlock your Ultimate Reward: the Signal Source Emblem suite.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/SignalSource.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the Signal Source emblem" class="wp-image-97950" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/SignalSource.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/SignalSource-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/SignalSource-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/SignalSource-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/SignalSource-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/03/SignalSource-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Press Kit</h2>



<a href="https://aka.ms/CSIIIPressKit" data-type="link" data-id="https://aka.ms/CSIIIPressKit">Download the Cyber Showdown III Press Kit here! </a>



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That wraps us up for this Operation launch, which means it’s time to jump into the game and start working through that new Operation Pass!



With a brand-new map to check out and a refresh of the Husky Raid playlist, it’s the perfect time to dive into the action.



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Alex Wakeford

Cyber Showdown III Operation Launch

Ain’t no raid like a Huskier Raid! Yes, that’s right… <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/husky-raid-halo-infinite">Husky Raid</a> is getting even huskier with the addition of six new maps! 



The explosive, fan-favorite mode first introduced into matchmaking in Halo 4, is a chaotic twist on Capture the Flag. The game is played linearly with Fiesta style weapon loadouts, which means random weapons and random abilities. It’s running and gunning at its finest as everyone tries to push for the opposing flag. 



Community Forgers have, once again, pulled out all the stops and put together some absolutely beautiful, and some treacherous, maps for the playlist. What better way to kick off Cyber Showdown III than jumping in for some chaos?



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/b80c79c5-2746-4434-8b72-18f77baf861d">Formation</a></h2>



Author: H0LLYW00D II



That cave was not a natural formation, and neither is this Formation. You’ll feel like you’ve been dropped into the middle of a fierce campaign mission. There’s beautiful Forerunner caverns, a light bridge, and a busted Warthog in the way. Not to mention the battle amongst the AI themselves (requiring 1 script brain and 125 nodes, no biggie) happening in parallel. Just remember to watch your step! 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Formation_Waypoint.jpg" alt="Husky Raid map "Formation" created in Halo Infinite Forge." class="wp-image-96831" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Formation_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Formation_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Formation_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Formation_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Formation_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Formation_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/9496fbbd-3c70-4b29-b510-8885a119d20f">Merchant’s Square</a></h2>



Author: bullet2thehead9, MikRips



Walking through the merchant’s square, this map is definitely giving off medieval vibes. From the giant knights in the distance, to the pirate ship in the bay, and the fruit stand in the center,  you’ll feel like you’re taking a stroll through a quaint town. The map also features a two-level lane in the center so make sure you check both high and low along the way! 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Merchants_Square_Waypoint.jpg" alt="Husky Raid map "Merchant's Square" created in Halo Infinite Forge." class="wp-image-96845" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Merchants_Square_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Merchants_Square_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Merchants_Square_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Merchants_Square_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Merchants_Square_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Merchants_Square_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/b061b5b1-1dd4-4507-909f-6bb92f3af74f">Outlook</a></h2>



Author: PrivateKinetic 



Take in the general splendor. The view is absolutely stunning and you have quite the outlook over the vastness below you. The surroundings are dotted with many observatories while you also face down the enemy team across the bridge. Watch out for sneaky repulsor plays and don’t fall off! 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Outlook_Waypoint.jpg" alt="Husky Raid map "Outlook" created in Halo Infinite Forge." class="wp-image-96859" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Outlook_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Outlook_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Outlook_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Outlook_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Outlook_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Outlook_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/e405e19d-9ad4-4aeb-a15f-6fc8ddb8e47d">Pharaoh</a></h2>



Author: bullet2thehead9, MikRips 



As I walk through the valley of the kings I realize I’ve spawned with a Plasma Pistol and a Ravager and…oh, sorry. If you don’t like sand, this map is not for you since it’s sandy and carved directly into the cliffside ruins. Feels like you’re exploring and moving about an old tomb.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Pharaoh_Waypoint.jpg" alt="Husky Raid map "Pharaoh" created in Halo Infinite Forge." class="wp-image-96873" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Pharaoh_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Pharaoh_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Pharaoh_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Pharaoh_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Pharaoh_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Pharaoh_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/f0a73d4b-4c54-4cbf-b3b6-e92d210049a9">Urban Raid</a></h2>



Author: PrivateKinetic, Handsome Huber 



You’ll spawn in the back alley and have to cut through an urban neighborhood street to grab the opposing flag here. There’s propaganda plastered in the back and some fun traversal options to keep you on your toes. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Urban_Raid_Waypoint.jpg" alt="Husky Raid map "Urban Raid" created in Halo Infinite Forge." class="wp-image-96887" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Urban_Raid_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Urban_Raid_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Urban_Raid_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Urban_Raid_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Urban_Raid_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Urban_Raid_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a77888ce-6633-481c-b360-ee0742460722">Ruujaya</a>*</h2>



Author: Shreddermcgenty 



Legend has it, players are still fiercely battling it out here in this beautiful battleground. Offering a variety of traversal options, you’ll be tempted to check out the hieroglyphs on the wall but don’t let your guard down – they are coming for your flag!  



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Ruujaya_Waypoint.jpg" alt="Husky Raid map "Ruujaya" created in Halo Infinite Forge." class="wp-image-96901" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Ruujaya_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Ruujaya_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Ruujaya_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Ruujaya_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Ruujaya_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Ruujaya_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



*Ruujaya will be added to the Husky Raid playlist at a later date



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A huge thank you to the Forgers for working their magic and creating some incredible new maps for us.  



We’re always on the hunt for more extraordinary Forge content and sometimes, we’re looking for specific things. You can see what is being looked for by checking out the 343 specific tags. In this particular case, we’d love to see your content that fits these bills:



<ul>
<li>343asks-firefight</li>



<li>343asks-tenrai</li>



<li>343asks-pve</li>
</ul>



You can become the viral machine by progressing your free Cyber Showdown III Operation Pass as you jump into matchmaking to have a blast!

snickerdoodle

Husky Raid Refresh | Halo Infinite

NA Champions

NA Final Results

EU Champions

EU Final Results

MX Champions

MX Final Results

ANZ Champions

ANZ Final Results

Esports

The road to Arlington has concluded!



GGs to all competitors and congratulations to everyone who stamped their tickets to the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/optic2024">HCS Arlington Major</a>!



Miss out on the action? Check out final results for each region below!



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">North America</h1>



The #1 seed is locked.



Congratulations to your NA Arlington Qualifier Champions, <a href="http://twitter.com/fazeclan">FaZe Clan</a>!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Arlington Qualifier: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/fazeclan">FaZe Clan</a> – Frosty – Renegade – Royal 2 – SnakeBite</td><td>Open #3: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/spacestation">Spacestation</a> – Bound – Eco – Lqgend – Stellur</td><td>Open #2: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/fazeclan">FaZe Clan</a> – Frosty – Renegade – Royal 2 – SnakeBite</td><td>Open #1: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/spacestation">Spacestation</a> – Bound – Eco – Stellur – Monstcr</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Arlington Qualifier: Results <a href="https://www.faceit.com/en/championship/bf66da86-8951-4d05-9df9-3c2bf8db3fab/NA%20HCS%20Major%20Qualifier%20FEB%2024-25/standings/column" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo">LVT Halo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44TtxmldpdI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo (Day 1)</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKwgc1Fokt0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo (Day 2)</a></td><td>Open #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/os3-na">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo">LVT Halo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuqnSsUs-b8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo (Day 1)</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSDwv-gFBhc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo (Day 2)</a></td><td>Open #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/os2-na">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo">LVT Halo</a> – <a href="http://twitch.tv/videos/2057943841">LVTHalo (Day 1)</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2058768759">LVTHalo (Day 2)</a></td><td>Open #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/os1-na">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo">LVT Halo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1CdQ71HywI">LVTHalo (Day 1)</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DaMdd3q1Lk">LVTHalo (Day 2)</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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



Team Foe takes the top spot in Europe!



Congratulations to your EU Arlington Qualifier Champions!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Arlington Qualifier: Champions Team: Foe – Jimbo – Mighty – Tchik – Wutum</td><td>Open #3: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/quadrant">Quadrant</a> – Glory – Sica – SLG – Snipedrone</td><td>Open #2: Champions Team: Foe – Jimbo – Mighty – Snipedrone – Wutum</td><td>Open #1: Champions Team: Foe – Jimbo – Mighty – Snipedrone – Wutum</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Arlington Qualifier: Results <a href="https://www.faceit.com/en/championship/a9c00fe3-e68d-4d8e-8b80-1d66c708defd/EU%20HCS%20Major%20Qualifier%20FEB%2025/standings/column" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Open #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/os1-eu" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Open #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/os2-eu" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Open #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/os1-eu" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu">Full Bracket</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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



Mexico’s best are Texas bound!



Congratulations to your MX Arlington Open Championship Champions!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Arlington Open Championship Team: No Org – Acid – Drift – Noblc – Tapping Buttons</td><td>Open #3: Champions Team: No Org – Acid – Drift – Noblc – Tapping Buttons</td><td>Open #2: Champions Team: No Org – Acid – Drift – Noblc – Tapping Buttons</td><td>Open #1: Champions Team: No Org – Acid – Drift – Noblc – Tapping Buttons</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Arlington Open Championship: Results <a href="https://www.faceit.com/en/championship/e0b2a0bf-665b-4476-be34-ec416369ca1e/MX%20HCS%20Open%20Championship%20FEB%2025/standings/column" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Open #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/os2-mx">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Open #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/os2-mx">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Open #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/os1-mx">Full Bracket</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Australia / New Zealand</h1>



Team T1 stamp their tickets to Texas!



Congratulations to your ANZ Arlington Open Championship Champions!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Arlington Open Championship Team: T1 – Noobles – Plasma – Rated – Wryce</td><td>Open #3: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/mindfreak">MindFreak</a> – Benjy – Scoobmeistr – Slayz – Swayz</td><td>Open #2: Champions Team: T1 – Noobles – Plasma – Rated – Wryce</td><td>Open #1: Champions Team: Swole – Barcode – Scoobmeistr – Slayz – Swayz</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Arlington Open Championship: Results <a href="https://www.faceit.com/en/championship/ad32de1d-75a8-40e3-825d-f9f770e6d926/ANZ%20HCS%20Open%20Championship%20FEB%2025/standings/column" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Open #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/os3-anz" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Open #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/os2-anz" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Open #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/os1-anz">Full Bracket</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

HCS Open Series: Road to Arlington

Community

Community Update

Fiction

343 INDUSTRIES

Women’s History Month 2024

Debrief 019

Silver Debrief: Aleria

Debrief 018

Silver Debrief: Reach

Sundered Star

Canon Fodder

Issue 150

Canon Fodder: If They Want Lore, We’ll Give ‘Em Lore

Waypoint Chronicles

343 Industries

Halo: Fireside

The <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/firefight-king-of-the-hill-preview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Firefight: King of the Hill</a> experience is expanding today to include five new maps! Ranging in size, the new maps will spice up the encounters, bring variety to the playlist, and ultimately keep your foot firmly on that Warthog accelerator pedal.



Let’s see where you’ll be battling the Banished next!



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/81274d6f-6a94-425a-a16e-3bdb1e2eea9d">Cliffhanger</a></h2>



Cliffhanger is a bit on the smaller side, but don’t let yourself get complacent—you’ll still have to stay on your toes and guard your hill.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Cliffhanger-1.jpg" alt="Cliffhanger for Firefight: King of the Hill in Halo Infinite" class="wp-image-96134" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Cliffhanger-1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Cliffhanger-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Cliffhanger-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Cliffhanger-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Cliffhanger-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Cliffhanger-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/e6cbfe01-665b-4a8c-bf3a-d63a65a7c890">Breaker</a></h2>



Watch out for the giant laser beam as you maneuver from side to side in your Warthogs, patrolling for Banished.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Breaker-1.jpg" alt="Breaker for Firefight: King of the Hill in Halo Infinite" class="wp-image-96120" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Breaker-1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Breaker-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Breaker-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Breaker-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Breaker-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Breaker-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4f196016-0101-4844-8358-2504f7c44656">Fragmentation</a></h2>



For any BTB aficionados, this map will be familiar and you’ll know the routes like the back of your hand.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Fragmentation-1.jpg" alt="Fragmentation for Firefight: King of the Hill in Halo Infinite" class="wp-image-96106" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Fragmentation-1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Fragmentation-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Fragmentation-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Fragmentation-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Fragmentation-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Fragmentation-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/c494ef7c-d203-42a9-9c0f-b3f576334501">Highpower</a></h2>



Another map ripe for vehicular carnage. Load up with your squad and go on the offensive against Banished forces.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Highpower-1.jpg" alt="Highpower for Firefight: King of the Hill in Halo Infinite" class="wp-image-96092" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Highpower-1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Highpower-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Highpower-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Highpower-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Highpower-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Highpower-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/247637f8-1ed2-47de-8ff0-fd4b68f50888">Scarr</a></h2>



The Banished will feel right at home here since this map is set on their mining facility, so let’s do something about that. Watch for pitfalls and keep the enemy at bay!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Scarr.jpg" alt="Scarr for Firefight: King of the Hill in Halo Infinite" class="wp-image-96005" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Scarr.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Scarr-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Scarr-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Scarr-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Scarr-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/02/Scarr-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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You know the music… time to drop feet first into some Firefight: KOTH and check out the new maps in-game right now!

Firefight: King of the Hill Refresh | Halo Infinite

Book Preview

The story of the Didact is one of deep tragedy, spanning countless millennia in the Halo universe—from the apex of the Forerunners’ civilization where he served as its protector, to his descent into madness as the Flood’s ancient game of vengeance culminated in the firing of Halo.



Following his defeat by the Master Chief, the Didact’s physical form was burned away by the Composer, casting his consciousness into a vast desert. It is here that Kelly Gay’s latest novel, Halo: Epitaph, begins—and in this preview, we will see the beginning of his great journey…



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Stripped of armor, might, and memory, the Forerunner warrior known as the Didact was torn from the physical world following his destructive confrontation with the Master Chief and sent reeling into the mysterious depths of a seemingly endless desert wasteland. This once powerful and terrifying figure is now a shadow of his former self—gaunt, broken, desiccated, and alone. But this wasteland is not as barren as it seems. A blue light glints from a thin spire in the far distance…



Thus begins the Didact’s great journey—the final fate of one of the galaxy’s most enigmatic and pivotal figures.



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Halo: Epitaph releases on February 27 and is available in <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Epitaph/Kelly-Gay/Halo/9781668017531">trade paperback</a>, <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Epitaph/Kelly-Gay/Halo/9781668017548">ebook</a>, and <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Epitaph/Kelly-Gay/Halo/9781797160436">unabridged audiobook</a> formats.



And you’re definitely going to want that audiobook, as the entirety of Halo: Epitaph is narrated by Keith Szarabajka—the voice and motion capture actor for the Didact himself!



Looking to catch up on the story thus far for the Didact? We’ve got you covered with a recap of this character’s journey through the Halo universe in <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/the-story-so-far-the-didact">The Story So Far: The Didact</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo: Epitaph | Audiobook Preview - The Didact Returns" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fdwbyb3TE8o?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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Whether the warrior succeeds or fails, chooses rightly or wrongly, at least he dared act at all.



—The Mantle, Eleventh Permutation of the Didact’s Number



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He was rage and fire. Cinder and storm. Burning remnants and echoes tearing madly over a barren landscape.



Star by star, world by world Never peace, never solace, never rest



Disjointed, wailing voices darted and dove, amplified in the vast desert echo chamber of dust and sand. Embers and fragments churned and seethed, united into a molten core by a thousand centuries of wrath and resentment.



A deep shadow has fallen The light shuns us Stop this! Stop the pain!



Unable to contain the sweltering maelstrom, the molten core bloated and suddenly burst, flinging heat and light outward into the shape of a fiery figure.



The heat dissipated. Black smoke replaced flame, floating and curling and swaying around the figure’s outline, gradually settling like a living cloak over the wide shoulders of a tall, gaunt form, a few stubborn embers still clinging to life at its tattered edges.



His rage spent for now, the figure rolled his shoulders, straightened his spine, and then tipped his head from side to side, feeling the pull of thick neck muscles and the satisfying snap of tendons. Pressure in his legs and joints manifested as his weight eased down into his body.



No—not quite a body. . .



The remnant of one, perhaps. A shade. A memory. A poor imitation.



One with enough composition, however, to cause his bare feet to sink into the sand and anchor him to whatever reality this was.



Weariness came with the physical weight, burrowing deeply into sinew and bone and wasted muscle. With effort, he lifted an arm, the cloak sliding back to reveal shriveled skin and a large,



almost skeletal hand tipped with brittle, sallow claws.



Denial and disgust rose with a sharp bite, some vague recollection telling him the view should be much different. He turned his hand and arm, seeing in his mind’s eye a more powerful and muscular physique, healthier gray skin endowed with fleshy-pink variation. . . .



Despite his initial reaction, the withered skin and desiccated muscle did not trouble him much. In fact, it felt . . . familiar, as though he had experienced the similarity before and all that was required to remedy the situation was to initiate—



Initiate . . . what?



Aya. He knew it. Could almost reach it . . .



The lost knowledge seemed to teeter on the precipice of revelation before it evaporated, leaving him unsteady, as if the sandy ground weakened beneath him. He rubbed at the vague ache in his right eye, a faint tease of identity skipping through his mind, but that too faded.



Try as he might, he could not mentally grasp a single important thing. Who he was, what he was, or how he came to be here, all seemed equally out of reach.



His cloak flapped as a line of tepid wind blew over his position, drawing attention to the dust and sand caught up in the current. As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but low sand dunes watched over by a dirty dull-blue sky and the bright flare of a sun hidden behind muddled clouds.



An arrogant snort flared softly through his nostrils, indicating a strong, ingrained confidence, one that told him not all was lost. Memory might escape him, but instinct and basic knowledge did not. His senses were intact, and his traits and emotions felt strong within him, some still gnawing and churning in his gut—indignation, contempt, bitterness, fury, obsession. But these he left alone for the time being.



No need to stir the serpent’s nest just yet . . .



He stared across the desolate landscape, contemplating his current situation. Had he been brought here? Forced here? Or had he fled here? Was his presence by chance or deliberate?



When weighed against the consuming rage he’d experienced earlier, one surety stood out above all others. It was certainly not by choice.



With nothing in any direction but the endless waste, his options were decidedly simplistic. Stay put or move on.



Without hesitation, he chose the latter, the sand folding over his feet as he started off in no particular direction.



The going was tedious and slow, his corporeal form stiff and uncooperative, though his bare skin on earth and the tiny grains pushing between his toes were oddly satisfying, the basic physical connection to the environment feeling very much like a novelty.



After trekking across several dunes, he paused to rest at a high point, revising his previous opinion. The sand was far from satisfying. His soles and toes were now raw, his body ached all over, and his mouth felt like tinder picked from the loose bark of the rataa trees that had once lined his family estate on Nomdagro.



The clarity of the vision struck harsh and quick. The force of it had him by the throat, stealing his breath.



Tree line. Children picking bark. A fire already smoking in the clearing by the white, chalky banks of the River Dweha . . .



The entire moment lay suspended.



His legs trembled and he dropped to one knee, gasping, struggling to keep hold of the vision, to place it in the context of his life, but it dodged just out of reach.



Disappeared. Gone. As though it had never existed.



Defeated, he collapsed with an angry growl, sitting in the sand and shaking his head, appalled at his own wretched incompetence. Heat crept up the back of his neck. Absently he rubbed the warm skin as his brow drew into a deep frown. His inability to capture the memory was discouraging, but there was also hope. It meant that his past was not completely lost. It was still there, under the surface.



More will come, he told himself, eyeing the next sand dune in his path—the tallest yet.



While exhaustion threatened to immobilize him, he was apparently nothing if not stubborn. Rousing his dwindling reserves, he got up and let gravity carry him in big strides down the dune’s long slope.



Once he made it to the next pile of sand, his head tipped back at its height. Such a menial, unnecessary, and time-consuming task when he could simply . . .



What? Wish himself to the top?



He braced against the now endless aches and pains plaguing his frail body, and with no small amount of grumbling began yet another climb—one sore foot in front of the other—until he finally reached the summit, out of breath, but rewarded for his efforts. A dark and dirty horizon stretched in the far distance, and within it or perhaps preceding it—it was too far to tell—a mote of blue glowed.



Finally, something out there in the sea of sand. Relief flooded him and he slumped to the ground.



Once down, he did not attempt to get back up. No matter what might lie beckoning ahead, it felt too good to stop and rest. Something told him that this too felt like a novelty. He pulled a foot closer to his body to knead the aching heel and arch, then cleared the sand between his toes. As he tended to the other foot, small dark specks appeared in the sky.



Instantly, there it was again, the precipice of knowledge. Along with an urge to assess the threat, to meet it with swift and decisive action. All he had to do was—



And . . . it was gone. Again.



“Aya,” he grunted in frustration as the specks drew close enough to see in detail. There were five creatures of flight with crested heads and long, imposing beaks. They were larger than him in both body and wingspan, and their dirty-brown color blended in well with the desert landscape. Double sets of large leathery wings protruded from each narrow torso and flapped rather slowly. As they glided overhead, the length of their tails was displayed and the—



Rangmejo



The word whispered with sudden clarity. He turned and watched their diminishing passage. Just as they faded from view, they suddenly dispersed into dust. Like a mirage. A dream.



He closed his eyes tightly, giving his head a hard shake, before looking again. But the avian creatures were indeed gone.



An unsettling sensation bloomed in the pit of his stomach. While he did not want to admit it, he knew. He’d known all along.



Wherever this was could not be based in the physical world. The landscape was not quite right, and neither was he—formed as he’d been from embers and emotion. His arms were wizened and old. His garb was wholly unfamiliar. Even his face, which he mapped with his fingers, felt bony and unrecognizable. He pinched his sallow cheeks and tugged at the tuft of hair on his head. The pain was real, at least. He studied his hands. All six fingers accounted for . . .



It was right, and yet not right. He felt solid, and yet . . . he was not whole.



Questions assailed him. None of which he could definitively answer. He must have had a past life, but there was nothing to prove his brief recollections were real or that they even belonged to him.



The mote of blue lingering far on the horizon was the only point of significance so far. If he had indeed been brought here, sent here, forced here—whatever the case might be—there must be a reason.



He stayed on the dune for a time, mildly contemplating his predicament while tending to his other aching foot. After his fingers grew tired, he lay back and put a hand behind his head, wondering if there had ever existed such a lackluster, dirty blue sky before.



Aya. But it was quiet here. Perhaps he should simply accept his fate, enjoy the peace, and wait for something to happen. Amusement tugged a corner of his mouth. If he did have a past life, he was certain such an inane and useless thought had never crossed his mind.



Gradually, his mind drifted. As sleep took over, he wondered in what reality he might awaken.



*



He dreamed of fire.



From flesh to bone, it ate away at him, ripping him apart one layer at a time, tearing and burning.



Stripped, pulled asunder, until even his consciousness peeled free, and he was nothing but writhing, screaming embers.

The Didact Returns | Halo: Epitaph Preview