Esports

Halo Infinite Season 3 is upon us, and the HCS action continues!



The community is clamoring for more competition following a thrilling kickoff at the Charlotte Major. Luckily enough, there’s no shortage of online tournaments to get involved in on the road to our next LAN event – DreamHack Dallas June 2-4.



Check out the details below for all the intel on upcoming Official HCS Tournaments!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/HCS-2023-Roadmap-1024x576.png" alt="HCS 2023 Roadmap" class="wp-image-56089" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/HCS-2023-Roadmap-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/HCS-2023-Roadmap-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/HCS-2023-Roadmap-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/HCS-2023-Roadmap-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/HCS-2023-Roadmap-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/HCS-2023-Roadmap.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Spring 2023</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class=""><tbody><tr><td>NORTH AMERICA Mar 12: HCS 2K #1 Day 1 Mar 16: HCS 2K #1 Day 2 (Top 8) Mar 19: HCS 2K #2 Day 1 Mar 23: HCS 2K #2 Day 2 (Top 8) Mar 26: HCS 4K #1 Qualifier Apr 1-2: HCS 4K #1 Apr 16: HCS 4K #2 Qualifier Apr 22-23: HCS 4K #2 Apr 30: HCS 2K #3 Day 1 May 4: HCS 2K #3 Day 2 May 7: HCS 4K #3 Qualifier May 12-13: HCS 4K #3 (DreamHack Dallas Qualifier – Hosted by FaZe Clan)</td><td>EUROPE Mar 12: HCS 2K #1 Mar 19: HCS 2K #2 Mar 26: HCS 4K #1 Qualifier Apr 2: HCS 4K #1 Apr 16: HCS 4K #2 Qualifier Apr 23: HCS 4K #2 (Hosted by Quadrant) Apr 30: HCS 2K #3 May 7: HCS 4K #3 Qualifier May 13: HCS 4K #3 (DreamHack Dallas Qualifier)</td><td>MEXICO Mar 12: HCS 2K #1 Mar 19: HCS 2K #2 Mar 26: HCS 4K #1 Qualifier Apr 2: HCS 4K #1 Apr 16: HCS 4K #2 Qualifier Apr 23: HCS 4K #2 Apr 30: HCS 2K #3 May 7: HCS 4K #3 Qualifier May 13: HCS 4K #3 (DreamHack Dallas Qualifier)</td><td>AUSTRALIA / NZ Mar 12: HCS 2K #1 Mar 19: HCS 2K #2 Mar 26: HCS 4K #1 Qualifier Apr 2: HCS 4K #1 Apr 16: HCS 4K #2 Qualifier Apr 23: HCS 4K #2 Apr 30: HCS 2K #3 May 7: HCS 4K #3 Qualifier May 13: HCS 4K #3 (DreamHack Dallas Qualifier) </td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Important Links:



<ul><li><a href="http://aka.ms/2023HandBook">2023 Player Handbook</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faceit.com/en/organizers/c96b93cb-c3cc-4956-8394-9ca9b4604e4b/HCS">FACEIT: Tournament Registration</a></li><li><a href="https://hcs.ee.gg/">HCS Leaderboards</a></li><li><a href="https://discord.com/invite/9cexpAgmWB">Player Discord</a></li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HCS Open Series</h2>



The HCS Open Series will feature weekly tournaments in all regions where competitors can sharpen their skills by competing for cash prizes and HCS points.



Registration is always free. Grab your squad and sign up in your region over at <a href="https://www.faceit.com/en/organizers/c96b93cb-c3cc-4956-8394-9ca9b4604e4b/HCS">FACEIT</a>.



For weekly results and standings on the HCS Open Series, head to <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/hcsopenseries">THIS PAGE</a>.



IMPORTANT NOTE:



<ul><li>In Year 1, our philosophy was that HCS Points meant very little in comparison, not only to LAN placements, but also to placement at specific tournaments. We think that, in retrospect, the pendulum swung a bit too far away from points. This year, we’re going to have a more balanced approach where you’ll see that points, and thus consistency for players and teams across the season, have more weight than they did in Year 1. This means that it will be crucial for competitors to throw down in the HCS Open Series so they can stack up HCS Points and ultimately qualify to make it to the upcoming HCS LAN tournaments.</li></ul>



There are 2 types of HCS Open Series tournaments – the HCS 2K and the HCS 4K.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class=""><tbody><tr><td>HCS 2Ks Weekly – Open to all players (in their region) Format: – HCS 4v4 – Seeded via HCS Points – Double Elim Bracket – NA tournaments will take place over 2 days (Start Sun, End Thurs) Prizing: (<a href="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/HCS_2023_Program_Handbook_v1.0-1.pdf">Full Breakdown</a>) – HCS Points – Cash</td><td>HCS 4Ks Players will need to Qualify to compete. Format: – HCS 4v4 – Seeded via HCS Points 4K Qualifier – Double Elim Bracket – NA: The Top 12 teams that register with the most HCS Points will automatically advance to Pool Play – EU / MX / ANZ: The Top 6 teams that register with the most HCS Points will automatically advance to Pool Play – NA: Top 4 teams from the Qualifier advance to Pool Play – EU / MX / ANZ: Top 2 teams from the Qualifier advance to Pool Play 4K Tournament – NA: 16-Team Pool Play into 12-Team Champ Bracket – EU / MX / ANZ: 8-Team Pool Play into 6-Team Champ Bracket – 4th place teams in each Pool will get eliminated. Prizing: (<a href="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/HCS_2023_Program_Handbook_v1.0-1.pdf">Full Breakdown</a>) – Elevated HCS Points (Qualifier and Tournament are one continuous point distribution) – Cash</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="615" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/FaZe-Halo-Sword-1024x615.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-55899" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/FaZe-Halo-Sword-1024x615.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/FaZe-Halo-Sword-300x180.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/FaZe-Halo-Sword-768x461.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/FaZe-Halo-Sword-1536x922.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/FaZe-Halo-Sword-1568x941.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/FaZe-Halo-Sword.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Partnered Team Tournaments</h2>



The team partnership program is continuing to expand to bring more and more opportunities to teams in effort to help them grow their business while providing great content for fans. Some of these will be smaller online tournaments where teams are broadcasting, others will be large in person tournaments like with the HCS Major and Global Invitational with OpTic and Spacestation respectively.



This Spring, we have <a href="http://twitter.com/quadrant">Quadrant</a> hosting a tournament for the EU region, and<a href="http://twitter.com/fazeclan"> FaZe Clan</a> hosting a tournament for the NA region.



<ul><li>Every other region will compete in an HCS 4K while the each region’s Partnered Team Tournament is taking place.</li><li>Just like the HCS 4Ks, the Partnered Team tournaments will have Qualifiers.</li></ul>



Quadrant Online 4K



<ul><li>Eligibility: EU region only</li><li>Qualifier Date: April 16</li><li>Tournament Date: April 22-23</li></ul>



FaZe Clan Online 4K



<ul><li>Eligibility: NA region only</li><li>Qualifier Date: May 7</li><li>Tournament Date: May 12-13</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HCS Global Invitational at DreamHack Dallas</h2>



Our next LAN stop takes us to Texas for the HCS Global Invitational at DreamHack Dallas on June 2-4!



This year, we’re introducing a brand-new event type and format which will be used for 2 events on the roadmap – one at DreamHack Dallas, and one in Salt Lake City with our partners at <a href="http://twitter.com/spacestation">Spacestation Gaming</a>. For these events, we’re bringing 16 of the world’s best teams to the stage to play for their share of $125,000! In terms of competitiveness, we’re expecting these to be as exciting as Majors and a great way to see which teams are the best in the world in that moment.



<ul><li>DreamHack Dallas (June 2-4) <a href="http://aka.ms/dhdal23-tix">Spectator Tickets are AVAILABLE NOW</a>! </li></ul>



DreamHack Dallas Qualifiers take place in all regions on May 13th! (NA Starts on May 12th with the FaZe 4K!)



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/04/DHDallas23-How-To-Qualify.psd-1024x576.png" alt="How to qualify for the HCS Global Invitational at DreamHack Dallas" class="wp-image-65678" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/04/DHDallas23-How-To-Qualify.psd-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/04/DHDallas23-How-To-Qualify.psd-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/04/DHDallas23-How-To-Qualify.psd-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/04/DHDallas23-How-To-Qualify.psd-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/04/DHDallas23-How-To-Qualify.psd-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/04/DHDallas23-How-To-Qualify.psd.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The top teams from each region’s Qualifier will earn an invite to DreamHack Dallas.



<ul><li>NA: Top 2 teams</li><li>EU: Top 1 team</li><li>MX: Top 1 team</li><li>ANZ: Top 1 team</li></ul>



Following the Qualifiers, the remaining top teams with the most HCS Points will earn the remaining spots.



<ul><li>NA: Top 8 teams</li><li>EU: Top 3 teams </li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">GLHF!</h2>



Stay up to date with everything HCS – follow our channels below!



<ul><li><a href="http://twitter.com/hcs">HCS Twitter</a></li><li><a href="http://instagram.com/hcs">HCS Instagram</a></li><li><a href="http://youtube.com/haloesportshcs">HCS YouTube</a></li></ul>

HCS 2023 Spring Tournaments – Compete Now!

Games

Halo Infinite

Season 3 of Halo Infinite is here, and the narrative-focused Mindfall event has begun!



Running from March 7-21, the Mindfall Event delivers a free 10-tier Event Pass containing a variety of cosmetics to outfit your new MIRAGE IIC Armor Core, along with new cinematics.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Mindfall-Rewards-4K.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Mindfall-Rewards.jpg" alt="Reward track image for the Mindfall event in Halo Infinite Season 3: Echoes Within" class="wp-image-59235" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Mindfall-Rewards.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Mindfall-Rewards-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Mindfall-Rewards-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Mindfall-Rewards-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Mindfall-Rewards-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Mindfall-Rewards-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



For those who need a recap on what happened in Season 2: Lone Wolves…



At the beginning of Season 2 of Halo Infinite, the Academy received some unexpected guests. Spartan Sigrid Eklund emerged from a commandeered Phantom with an unconscious Spartan Hieu Dinh, whose life was jeopardized by the malevolent Banished AI known as Iratus who resides within his neural interface.



Season 3: Echoes Within picks up from here, kicking off with the Mindfall event which explores a pivotal moment from Spartan Dinh’s past as Iratus plunders his mind.



Mindfall is the first of two narrative-focused events, as Site Unseen will conclude the story of Season 3 from May 2-16 (bringing with it another free 10-tier Event Pass with new MIRAGE IIC cosmetics and additional cinematics).



For additional story elements, stay tuned for Intel drops throughout Season 3 (landing here on Halo Waypoint and in-game), Fracture: FIREWALL’s upcoming Story Shards, and your regularly scheduled monthly issues of Canon Fodder.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HOW TO VIEW CINEMATICS</h2>



After launching Halo Infinite, you will see the cinematic recapping the events of the last two seasons, followed by the Echoes Within opening cinematic that follows Spartan Dinh and Iratus.



Upon finishing the Mindfall Event, you can view the event’s closing cinematic by pressing Y from the main menu to open up the screen that shows your Battle Pass, Story Event, and Challenges.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-scaled.jpg" alt="Screenshot of Halo Infinite Seasonal screen" class="wp-image-61820" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a></figure>



From there, hit X (you’ll see it listed as “Season Intro”) which will take you to this screen.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-A.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-A-scaled.jpg" alt="Screenshot of Halo Infinite Season 3: Echoes Within Cinematic screen for the Recap and Intro" class="wp-image-61834" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-A-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-A-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-A-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-A-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-A-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-A-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-A-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a></figure>



And then hit Y for additional cinematics. Here is where you will see Enemy Mind listed—the closing cinematic of the Mindfall event.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-B.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-B-scaled.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of additional cinematic screen showing the Enemy Mind cinematic" class="wp-image-61848" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-B-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-B-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-B-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-B-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-B-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-B-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Cin-B-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a></figure>



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HALO GEAR REWARDS – PIN PROGRAM</h2>



Halo Gear Rewards are back for Season 3: Echoes Within!



Halo Gear Rewards are exclusive limited-edition products in the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://gear.xbox.com/pages/halo" target="_blank">Halo Gear Shop</a> that players can earn access to purchase after completing specific in-game accomplishments. The first reward was introduced in Season 2: Lone Wolves with the amazing <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/introducing-halo-gear-rewards" target="_blank">Fracture: Entrenched Tanker Jacket.</a>



In Season 3: Echoes Within, we are introducing a new earnable reward—official Halo Infinite Pins!



Players will have the opportunity to earn access to four collectible pins, each tied to a specific event in Season 3. The pins will feature unique designs inspired by their respective events. These pins will also be part of a larger Xbox Pin Trading program, with a special stamp on the back, but more on that soon.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/S3-HaloGearRewards.jpg" alt="Image of the pins available as Halo Gear Rewards in Season 3" class="wp-image-58867" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/S3-HaloGearRewards.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/S3-HaloGearRewards-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/S3-HaloGearRewards-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/S3-HaloGearRewards-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/S3-HaloGearRewards-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/S3-HaloGearRewards-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



So, what are the pins and how can I earn access to them?



<ul><li>Uncover your enemy and earn access to the <a href="https://gear.xbox.com/products/halo-gear-rewards-exclusive-shroud-screen-pin">Shroud Screen Pin</a> by completing the Season 3 Mindfall Event Pass. Complete this event and make your purchase by April 18 to secure this reward.</li><li>Put a new weapon to good use and complete the Season 3 Site Unseen Event Pass to unlock access to the Bandit Pin. Complete this event and make your purchase by June 17 to secure this reward.</li><li>Blend mind and machine to complete the Season 3 Fractures: Firewall Event Pass and earn access to the Firewall Logo Pin. Complete this event and make your purchase by July 4 to secure this reward.</li><li>You can earn access to the Season 3 Insignia LE Pin & Matching In-Game Emblem by defying Iratus and completing the Season 3: Echoes Within Battle Pass. Complete the battle pass and make your purchase by July 4 to secure this reward.</li></ul>



How does it work?



Upon completion of each qualifying event the player will receive a reward code via their Halo Waypoint Profile.



<ul><li>When you complete each event, simply visit Halo Waypoint online or via mobile and sign into your account to trigger your reward. The reward code will be delivered to you via Waypoint notifications.  </li><li>Please note that it may take up to 24-hours for the code to be delivered after completion of an event.</li></ul>



Once you receive the reward code, visit the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://gear.xbox.com/pages/halo" target="_blank">Halo Gear Shop</a> and hop to the respective Pin product page to proceed with your purchase. The price will look REALLY high, but don’t worry!



<ul><li>Add the pin to your cart and proceed to checkout.</li><li>In checkout you will enter the code in the “Gift card or discount code” field. Click apply.</li><li>The cost will update to the pin’s actual retail price.</li><li>Finish your transaction by entering your shipping and billing details and selected your shipping option.</li><li>This is a pre-order item that will ship in Q3/Q4 2023.</li><li>The Halo Gear Rewards items are available for purchase until the dates specified.</li></ul>



Note: This is not the real price of the collectible pin. This is a Halo Gear Rewards item, exclusively for Halo Infinite players that have completed one of the qualifying Season 3 events; Site Unseen Event Pass, Mindfall Event Pass, Fractures: Firewall Event Pass, S3: Echoes Within Battle Pass. Qualifying players will receive a code to reduce the price to the intended retail cost.

Alex Wakeford

Mindfall Event Launch

Designed to support the community directly, HCS Grassroots helps content creators and community tournament organizers continue to do what they love – while introducing new and exciting opportunities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Partnered Content Creators</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="436" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/New-Creators-Jan2023-63cb2403c180b.png" alt="New Wave of Partnered Creators - Alyek, Ynot, Extreme Breaker, and LVT" class="wp-image-55203" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/New-Creators-Jan2023-63cb2403c180b.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/New-Creators-Jan2023-63cb2403c180b-300x128.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/New-Creators-Jan2023-63cb2403c180b-768x327.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



As we kick off another year of Halo, we’re taking this opportunity to welcome the 6th wave of Partnered Content Creators!



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class=""><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/alyek">Alyek</a> Alyek has that warm community focused energy that you love to see. She lifts people up in her streams and is always thinking about providing unique events and experiences for her viewers. We can’t wait to see what you do on stream and at our events! </td><td><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/ynot_b_casting">YNOT</a> Tony brings high energy casting, insightful YouTube content, and ties that all up as one of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet in this community!</td><td><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/extremebreaker1">ExtremeBreaker</a> Rodolfo is our first LATAM Grassroots member! If you haven’t tuned in, it’s an insanely fun time! He bridges the gap between the NA HCS scene and the amateur Spanish-speaking community that is sorely needed. In addition to explaining why the HCS events and outcomes matter to his viewers, he has also done excellent work to stand up LATAM playdates with our English-speaking members. </td><td><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/LVTHalo">LVT</a> Brandon (LVT) is a builder and seems to always be thinking about shining a spotlight on the amateur and pro scene with high quality interviews, content, events, and broadcasts. Out of his own volition, passion, and love for game, Brandon and team have been a big part of the Halo scene. </td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Want to join the Grassroots program? You’re in luck. Content Creator Applications are OPEN!



Fill out the application and tell us why you think you’d be a good fit. We’ll evaluate all submissions and announce a new wave of Partnered Content Creators later this Spring. Good luck!



<ul><li><a href="https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7186310/HCS-Grassroots-Content-Creator-Application-Form">Content Creator Application</a></li></ul>



As usual, be sure to follow <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/hcs" target="_blank">@HCS</a> on Twitter to be notified of all Grassroots events, playdates, and content!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">By the community, for the community.</h2>



We’re glad to support Halo communities all over the globe that foster positive and fun competition. See how you stack up against the community in tournaments of all sizes and skill ranges – registration is always free!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="436" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/CTO-Module-2023-63cb23f313ca3.png" alt="HCS Grassroots Partnered Community Tournament Organizers - Europa Halo, GTHalo, SWAT Nation, and Halo Australia." class="wp-image-55175" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/CTO-Module-2023-63cb23f313ca3.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/CTO-Module-2023-63cb23f313ca3-300x128.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/CTO-Module-2023-63cb23f313ca3-768x327.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Follow our partnered Community Tournament Organizers below to stay up-to-date on all future tournaments!



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class=""><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://twitter.com/europahalo">Europa Halo</a> Follow EuropaHalo for Tournaments and Live Broadcasts in the Europe region! </td><td><a href="https://twitter.com/gthalo">GTHalo</a> Follow GTHalo for all the latest events in the Greater Toronto area! </td><td><a href="https://twitter.com/haloswatnation">SWAT Nation</a> Follow SWATNation for SWAT focused Halo Tournamens!</td><td><a href="https://twitter.com/auhalo">Halo Australia</a> Follow Halo Australia for Tournaments and Events in the land down under!</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Community Tournament Organizer applications are OPEN. Head to the link below to apply!



<ul><li><a href="https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6513893/HCS-Grassroots-Application-Form">Grassroots CTO Application</a></li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Grassroots Partnered Content Creators</h2>



No matter what type of content you’re in to, our partnered creators have something for you. Check them out below!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Grassroots-Creators-ALL-2023-1-1024x576.png" alt="HCS Grassroots Partnered Creators 2023" class="wp-image-55189" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Grassroots-Creators-ALL-2023-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Grassroots-Creators-ALL-2023-1-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Grassroots-Creators-ALL-2023-1-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Grassroots-Creators-ALL-2023-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Grassroots-Creators-ALL-2023-1-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Grassroots-Creators-ALL-2023-1.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class=""><tbody><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Alyek Hangout in game or Twitch chat with me for some fun customs, ranked, and complete new events & battle pass challenges together. Meet a friendly community to play games with! <a href="https://twitter.com/alyekly">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/alyek">Twitch</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/alyek">YouTube</a></td><td>Echidna Great in-game knowledge, LAN experience, chill vibes and hilarious smack talk. <a href="https://twitter.com/lady_echidna">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/echidna">Twitch</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@EchidnaJH">YouTube</a></td><td>Elamite On my channel, we focus on top level Ranked game play, halo news and rumors, but especially on Halo tournaments. <a href="https://twitter.com/elamite">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/elamite">Twitch</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Elamite">YouTube</a></td><td>Eli X High octane gameplay mixed with solid chat interaction. Viewer/community games often and lots of multi-kills! <a href="https://twitter.com/eeli_x">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/eli_x">Twitch</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/EliXHalo">YouTube</a></td></tr><tr><td>Extreme Breaker Come for the gameplay, Stay for the vibes. <a href="https://twitter.com/Extremebreaker1">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/extremebreaker1">Twitch</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@EXTREMEBREAKER1">YouTube</a></td><td>Lucid I am a professional Halo player for <a href="https://twitter.com/optic">OpTic Gaming</a>. I’m always trying my best to provide some quality gameplay and answer any questions you guys have. So enjoy the stream and be sure to say hello 🙂 <a href="https://twitter.com/Lucid_TW">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/luciid_tw">Twitch</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@LucidTWW">YouTube</a></td><td>LVT Halo Our channel is second only to Halo itself. You will catch community favorites passionately storytelling the gameplay of the top 1% of Halo competitors, all while embracing Halo’s richest Twitch culture and community. <a href="https://twitter.com/LVTHalo">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/lvthalo">Twitch</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@LVTHalo">YouTube</a></td><td>Mint Blitz You’re going to see a lot of Killionaires. <a href="https://twitter.com/MintBlitz">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://twitch.tv/MintBlitz">Twitch</a> | <a href="https://youtube.com/MintBlitz">YouTube</a></td></tr><tr><td>Monza A mix of both competitive & casual gameplay, the vibes are always chill. (: <a href="https://twitter.com/monza">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://Twitch.tv/monzz">Twitch</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@monzaroo">Youtube</a></td><td>Oath I’m primarily a Halo streamer but I also cover certain new releases. If you enjoy fun gaming content and banter and want to always be in the loop for HCS play dates, watch parties and activations, this is the place to be! <a href="https://twitter.com/OathxX024">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://Twitch.tv/oathxx">Twitch</a> | <a href="https://m.youtube.com/@oathxx024">YouTube</a></td><td>Real Life Spartan High energy and entertainment value at 117% with full-blown Halo immersion and an amazing community (Spartan Army) to enjoy it with. <a href="https://twitter.com/RealLifeSpartan">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/reallifespartan">Twitch</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/reallifespartan">YouTube</a></td><td>Reclaimer Anything and everything competitive Halo and HCS. Ranked gameplay, highlights, reaction content, watch parties and more with an emphasis on positivity, inclusiveness and humor. <a href="https://twitter.com/ReclaimerCR">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/reclximer">Twitch</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMYH-lk8VQrXkINwalqi8Tw">YouTube</a></td></tr><tr><td>Stress Great clips and chill vibes. <a href="http://twitter.com/stresss">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/stresss">Twitch</a> | <a href="http://youtube.com/jeremystress">YouTube</a></td><td>Taquin Freak of nature fast-paced Halo gameplay in multiplayer and custom games paired with constant high octane chat interaction. <a href="https://twitter.com/taquin">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/taquin">Twitch</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thereachway">YouTube</a></td><td>UberNick A welcoming community who all love Halo, Think of it as a group of friends hanging out while playing their favorite game! <a href="https://twitter.com/UberNick">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/ubernick">Twitch</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UberNick">YouTube</a></td><td>YNOT My content is all about talking Halo esports (drama, roster changes, etc,) and playing low Onyx (or high Diamond depending if I can shoot that day lol) while interacting with chat. My community I are always have fun. I always interact with chat and fail a lot… don’t worry I’m not afraid to make fun of myself! <a href="https://twitter.com/YNOT_B_RECKLESS">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/ynot_b_casting">Twitch</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/YNOT_B_CASTING">YouTube</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Official HCS

HCS Grassroots

Season 3: Echoes Within Launch

Congratulations OpTic Gaming, your HCS Charlotte Champions!

WATCHDOG NEO

CADET & SCARLET COATINGS

Customization Preview | Season 3

Community

Over the years, the ways and places which players engage with each other and with development studios has continued to evolve. Nowadays, there are more platforms and opportunities than ever to participate in communities of all shapes and sizes.



For years, these Waypoint forums have served as a communal hangout where we’ve shared our passions for Halo, relayed feedback, engaged in lively debates, helped each other with issues, and fostered friendships. Thank you to everyone who has contributed along the way and been a part of the Waypoint community. 



At 343 Industries, our commitment to the Halo community is unchanged – we will still be listening, engaging, gathering your feedback, giving you updates, and helping you with support matters.



Halo Waypoint and our Halo social channels will continue to act as a source of official news for Halo. Player feedback and overall conversations with the development team and community will live on. And for feedback in particular, we’ll continue to utilize the Halo Insider Program for periodic surveys along with the ongoing outreach our partners in Xbox User Research conduct. And of course, we continue to monitor social media channels and some other forums, even if we can’t always respond.



Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing and speaking with you across our other Halo channels.



Where to find Halo:



<ul><li>Halo on Twitter – <a href="https://twitter.com/Halo">https://twitter.com/Halo</a></li><li>Halo on Discord – <a href="https://discord.gg/Halo">https://discord.gg/Halo</a></li><li>Halo on Instagram – <a href="https://instagram.com/Halo">https://instagram.com/Halo</a></li><li>Halo on Facebook – <a href="https://facebook.com/Halo">https://facebook.com/Halo</a></li><li>Halo on TikTok – <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@halo">https://www.tiktok.com/@Halo</a></li><li>Halo on Twitch – <a href="https://twitch.tv/Halo">https://twitch.tv/Halo</a></li><li>Halo on YouTube – <a href="https://youtube.com/Halo">https://youtube.com/Halo</a></li><li>Halo Insider Program – <a href="https://aka.ms/HaloInsider">https://aka.ms/HaloInsider</a></li></ul>



Where to find Halo Support:



<ul><li>Halo Support on Twitter – <a href="https://twitter.com/HaloSupport">https://twitter.com/HaloSupport</a></li><li>Halo Support Site – <a href="https://aka.ms/HaloSupport">https://aka.ms/HaloSupport</a></li><li>Halo Insider Support Site – <a href="https://aka.ms/HaloInsiderSupport">https://aka.ms/HaloInsiderSupport</a></li></ul>

Forum Farewell

Season 3: Echoes Within is fast approaching, and it’s bringing two brand-new items into the sandbox. The M392 Bandit weapon and the Shroud Screen equipment are sure to add fun and skillful new ways to approach each engagement. There will also be a few tuning updates and bug fixes for networking (“desync”) and existing sandbox items, all of which should help improve your gameplay experience.



If you want to get extra ready for Season 3, be sure to read up on our other blogs here on Waypoint: 



<ul><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/echoes-within-maps-modes-preview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maps & Mode Preview</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/playlists-ranked-matchmaking-season-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Playlists & Ranked Matchmaking</a> </li></ul>



Also, in case you missed, a small update in February brought a few Sandbox adjustments, such as improved accuracy when no-scoping with the S7 Sniper, reduced Frag Grenade damage radius, and more, which you can read about <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/february-update-preview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here on Waypoint</a>.  



With that out of the way, let’s take a closer look at what you can expect when Season 3 lands on March 7!



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">M392 Bandit</h3>



The newest addition to the UNSC arsenal in Halo Infinite is the M392 Bandit. This semi-automatic weapon, which has a silhouette that’s reminiscent of the DMR from Halo: Reach, is best suited for mid-range combat. You won’t need to worry about bloom when going for a 5-shot kill but we’d still advise that you keep your shots controlled, as the recoil will kick up when spamming multiple shots in a row. Mastering this single-shot weapon is bound to pay off on the battlefield.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_S3_Sandbox_Bandit_1920x1080_UNSC.png" alt="A render of the M392 Bandit on a UNSC background." class="wp-image-58176" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_S3_Sandbox_Bandit_1920x1080_UNSC.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_S3_Sandbox_Bandit_1920x1080_UNSC-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_S3_Sandbox_Bandit_1920x1080_UNSC-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_S3_Sandbox_Bandit_1920x1080_UNSC-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_S3_Sandbox_Bandit_1920x1080_UNSC-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_S3_Sandbox_Bandit_1920x1080_UNSC-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Shroud Screen</h3>



The Shroud Screen is a launchable equipment that creates a spherical shroud upon landing, obstructing line-of-sight and motion tracker. Acting like a smoke screen, it can add to the fog of war in a tactically advantageous (and fun) manner if used correctly. Rewarding players with smart positioning and a strong understanding of the game flow, the Shroud Screen can buy you and your teammates time to reload, go after the objective, traverse the map without being spotted, and so much more. Use it wisely and you’ll be rewarded.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_S3_ShroudScreen_1920x1080_Watermarked.png" alt="Multiple Spartans fight in and around a Shroud Screen that has been deployed on Live Fire." class="wp-image-58232" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_S3_ShroudScreen_1920x1080_Watermarked.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_S3_ShroudScreen_1920x1080_Watermarked-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_S3_ShroudScreen_1920x1080_Watermarked-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_S3_ShroudScreen_1920x1080_Watermarked-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_S3_ShroudScreen_1920x1080_Watermarked-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_S3_ShroudScreen_1920x1080_Watermarked-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Balance Updates</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">VK78 Commando </h4>



<ul><li>Tuning: The VK78 Commando will require one more shot to kill<ul><li>From 8 bullets to 9 bullets to kill (damage per bullet from 20 to 17.5)</li></ul></li></ul>



Sandbox Dev Team Notes: We got pretty consistent feedback after the Winter Update that the Commando felt better to use, people were able to keep on target and land their shots! But this new handling made it a little too easy to have a high damage output. Since the Commando was feeling good to shoot, we wanted to pursue a small nerf to its efficacy to keep it in line with other weapons in the Sandbox.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Plasma Pistol </h4>



<ul><li>Tuning: The Plasma Pistol’s charged shot will have its charged time increased and its tracking properties adjusted</li></ul>



Sandbox Dev Team Notes: The Plasma Pistol was another weapon that got a buff in the Winter Update. That patch pushed it in the right direction, but we were still not totally satisfied with it. There were two situations we were seeing on social media and running into ourselves during playtests:



<ul><li>First, players could sprint with the Plasma Pistol, start getting shot in the back, turn while charging and “noob combo” the player that should have had advantage. Reversals are important to Halo, but with how strong the Plasma Pistols charged shot has to be mechanically, the reversal was just too easy. This gameplay loop is also less interesting than a charge when it takes more commitment, and rewards a player’s good positioning and timing.<ul><li>Charge time increased from 1s → 1.6s  </li></ul></li><li>The tracking was unpredictable for victims. We want to give victims a chance to avoid the projectile if played well. To encourage this, we gave a mixture of changes to the projectile tracking which should make it more consistent overall. Player should find the projectile seeks closer to center mass but has less aggressive tracking.<ul><li>Tracking Angle Max: 70 degrees → 50 degrees </li><li>Tracking Angle Min: 35 degrees → 25 degrees </li><li>Tracking Target Radius: 0.5 wu → 0.3 wu (World Units) </li></ul></li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_BTB_Plasma_Pistol.jpg" alt="A Spartan wearing purple Mark V [B] armor holds a Plasma Pistol with a destroyed Brute Chopper in flames behind them." class="wp-image-58190" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_BTB_Plasma_Pistol.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_BTB_Plasma_Pistol-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_BTB_Plasma_Pistol-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_BTB_Plasma_Pistol-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_BTB_Plasma_Pistol-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HI_BTB_Plasma_Pistol-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



As mentioned in our February tuning update blog, we did plan on reducing the amount of power on the map in Ranked due to weapon respawn rates and ammo counts. We updated the respawn timers in February and we’ve updated the ammo counts on select weapons in Season 3. In Ranked, you can expect to see fewer rounds of ammo in the CQS48 Bulldog, Heatwave, Shock Rifle, and Stalker Rifle to help address this community feedback.



To further improve the flow of gameplay in Ranked Arena, Season 3 will also bring a few changes that <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/hcs-year-2-maps-modes-and-settings" target="_blank">the HCS Team discussed in their latest competitive blog</a>.



<ul><li>Enemy footsteps are now harder to hear at a distance, but easier to hear when very close. We’ve also improved the accuracy of enemy location based on footstep audio when enemies are above, below, or behind you. </li><li>Removed from Ranked Arena: Mangler, Energy Sword, Pulse Carbine </li><li>Will receive future tuning: Disruptor, Spike Grenades </li></ul>



We’re excited to see how the gameplay meta continues to evolve with these changes. As always, please make sure to share your feedback online about how everything feels to you once you’ve had a chance to go hands-on with Season 3.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Networking & “Desync” Improvements</h3>



Beyond creating new weapons and updating existing ones, the team has also been hard at work improving the foundation of the online experience. Season 3 will bring about another round of improvements to address feedback around “desync” and networking during matches.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Multiplayer</h4>



<ul><li>Rubberbanding is less likely to occur when moving or sprinting immediately after a match starts. </li><li>Ammo, Equipment, and Grenades counts are more consistent after entering and exiting a vehicle. </li><li>On the map Behemoth, players are now less likely to experience rubberbanding while using the Grappleshot to pick up a weapon from a Power Weapon pad. </li><li>Vehicles are now less likely to desync when players use the Repulsor against them. </li><li>Melee attacks are now more likely to register while holding a Power Seed. </li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/HaloInfinite_2022_CO-OP_WinterUpdate_05_WM_4k.jpg" alt="4 Master Chiefs with different weapons jumping down from a high elevation" class="wp-image-50829" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/HaloInfinite_2022_CO-OP_WinterUpdate_05_WM_4k.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/HaloInfinite_2022_CO-OP_WinterUpdate_05_WM_4k-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/HaloInfinite_2022_CO-OP_WinterUpdate_05_WM_4k-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/HaloInfinite_2022_CO-OP_WinterUpdate_05_WM_4k-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/HaloInfinite_2022_CO-OP_WinterUpdate_05_WM_4k-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/11/HaloInfinite_2022_CO-OP_WinterUpdate_05_WM_4k-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Campaign Network Co-Op</h4>



<ul><li>When playing with an unlocked framerate on PC, rubberbanding and teleporting is now less likely to occur in the mission Warship Gbraakon.</li><li>Players are now less likely to fall through the floor of the gondola in the mission Conservatory.</li><li>Stuttering and teleporting are now less likely to occur after taking the teleporter to the elevator room in the mission Spire.</li><li>Rubberbanding and teleporting is now less likely to occur in the Pelican at the end of the mission Outpost Tremonius. </li></ul>



We appreciate the support and feedback around our sandbox and Halo Infinite all-up. We’re excited to continue improving the experience, and we’ll see you when we take that next step together when Season 3: Echoes Within releases on March 7!

Unyshek

Sandbox Updates | Season 3

Season 3 will bring many updates to Halo Infinite and that includes new content for matchmaking, new playlists, as well as improvements to the ranking system. In today’s blog we’re going to share more of what you can expect, and get the details on what’s changing for Season 3. Let’s dive right in! 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Halo_Infinite_S3_PK_16.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-58074" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Halo_Infinite_S3_PK_16.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Halo_Infinite_S3_PK_16-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Halo_Infinite_S3_PK_16-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Halo_Infinite_S3_PK_16-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Halo_Infinite_S3_PK_16-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Halo_Infinite_S3_PK_16-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">PLAYLISTS FOR THE MONTH </h3>



Season 3 brings with it 3 entirely new maps in Chasm and Cliffhanger for 4v4 arena, as well as Oasis for Big Team Battle. Our version of “gun game”, Escalation Slayer also makes it’s way into Season 3.  



As with Empyrean, we’re offering a special playlist for the first week that only features Chasm and Cliffhanger called New Arena Unlimited. After a week, New BTB Unlimited will rotate into that slot and exclusively feature Oasis for the next week.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">New Arena Unlimited</h4>



<ul><li>4v4 </li><li>Maps: Chasm and Cliffhanger </li><li>Modes: Escalation Slayer (new mode!), CTF, King of the Hill, Slayer, Strongholds, One Flag CTF </li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">New BTB Unlimited</h4>



<ul><li>12v12</li><li>Map: Oasis </li><li>Modes: BTB Escalation Slayer (new mode!), CTF, Slayer, Fiesta, Fiesta Total Control, Total Control</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Oasis.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Season 3 map Oasis" class="wp-image-58042" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Oasis.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Oasis-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Oasis-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Oasis-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Oasis-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Oasis-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



We’ve also updated most of the playlists to feature Season 3’s new content with an increased weighting for the start of the season.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Playlists featuring new content</h4>



<ul><li>Quick Play </li><li>Bot Bootcamp </li><li>Fiesta </li><li>Team Slayer </li><li>Tactical Slayer </li><li>Big Team Battle</li></ul>



And here’s a look at the full calendar for the month so you can see when each playlist will make its way into the game. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="587" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/S3-Playlist-Calendar-Updated-640226ce8843a-1024x587.jpg" alt="A calendar displaying all the playlists available in March." class="wp-image-58161" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/S3-Playlist-Calendar-Updated-640226ce8843a-1024x587.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/S3-Playlist-Calendar-Updated-640226ce8843a-300x172.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/S3-Playlist-Calendar-Updated-640226ce8843a-768x440.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/S3-Playlist-Calendar-Updated-640226ce8843a-1536x880.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/S3-Playlist-Calendar-Updated-640226ce8843a-2048x1174.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/S3-Playlist-Calendar-Updated-640226ce8843a-1568x899.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



We can’t wait to jump into matchmaking with you on March 7 when Season 3 releases! 



To talk about ranked, I’m going to pass it over to Tashi with the latest. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ranked Improvements</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">CSR-Based Matchmaking</h3>



As announced and released on February 28, we’ve made an update to the ranking system to match based on CSR as opposed to MMR. From a philosophical standpoint, this means teams will match based on what they’ve accomplished in the system as opposed to an underlying skill rating. While today we’re nearing the end of the season and almost all active players have settled into a rank, the experience will be different from prior seasons on March 7 when the rank reset hits. There will still be placement matches but you might find that early on there are higher skilled players in matches where there weren’t ones for prior season starts. Because matching is done on CSR, the players at the higher skill rank (Onyx, for example) will have to qualify (Diamond 4 is highest placement) and then work their way out of Diamond and into Onyx. This will mean that you might see some more lopsided matches at the start of the season, particularly for true Diamond players, while players settle into their ranks. And, for those wondering, we will use MMR to match players who are still completing their placement matches.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Halo_Infinite_S3_PK_15-640151bf3ea50.jpg" alt="Spartan wearing Mirage IIC armor reloads their M392 Bandit." class="wp-image-58130" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Halo_Infinite_S3_PK_15-640151bf3ea50.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Halo_Infinite_S3_PK_15-640151bf3ea50-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Halo_Infinite_S3_PK_15-640151bf3ea50-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Halo_Infinite_S3_PK_15-640151bf3ea50-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Halo_Infinite_S3_PK_15-640151bf3ea50-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Halo_Infinite_S3_PK_15-640151bf3ea50-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



The Fireteam CSR Limit range has not changed as part of this update and is as follows:



<ul><li>For 899 CSR (Gold 6) or lower, there are no restrictions.  </li><li>At 900 CSR (Platinum 1) a limit of 900 points is introduced. </li><li>Between 900 CSR (Platinum 1) and 1500 CSR (Onyx) the Fireteam CSR limit will slowly tighten as you climb the ranks. It will start at the 900 limit mentioned above and tighten to its final destination of 500. This essentially means that on the way to Onyx, every 2 CSR gained will tighten the Fireteam limit by an increment of 1 CSR. <ul><li>For example, if a player progresses from 900 CSR (Platinum 1) to 1200 CSR (Diamond 1), their Fireteam CSR limit would tighten from 900 to a stricter 750. At this new 1200 CSR, the lowest rank they could party up with would then be 1200 (their CSR) – 750 (the Fireteam CSR limit) = 450, or Silver 4. </li></ul></li><li>At 1500 CSR and above, the limit is 600 points. <ul><li>For example, if a player was Onyx 1700, the lowest CSR they could party up with would be 1100 or Platinum 5. </li></ul></li></ul>



We’re going to closely monitor the performance of these changes across all CSR divisions to ensure things are behaving as expected via data as well what player feedback we see online.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/INFINITE_NOBLE_INTENTIONS_PK_THOM_05-63e1c86637d61.jpg" alt="Thom for Halo Infinite Noble Intention" class="wp-image-56373" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/INFINITE_NOBLE_INTENTIONS_PK_THOM_05-63e1c86637d61.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/INFINITE_NOBLE_INTENTIONS_PK_THOM_05-63e1c86637d61-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/INFINITE_NOBLE_INTENTIONS_PK_THOM_05-63e1c86637d61-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/INFINITE_NOBLE_INTENTIONS_PK_THOM_05-63e1c86637d61-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/INFINITE_NOBLE_INTENTIONS_PK_THOM_05-63e1c86637d61-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/INFINITE_NOBLE_INTENTIONS_PK_THOM_05-63e1c86637d61-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Placement Matches</h3>



Placement matches are in place to ensure we’re accurately putting players in the appropriate division to ensure they have a smooth and fair experience once they’ve been placed. While this is working, we’re also finding that the number of placement matches is also creating a barrier between friends who want to play together but haven’t finished their matches yet. In order to alleviate this, we’re reducing the placement matches required from 10 to 5.  



Our hope is that we see more players complete their placement matches and continue on their ranked journey to improving and testing themselves against other players.  



Like with CSR matchmaking, we’re going to keep a close eye on the performance of this update and will make further tweaks in the future if needed.



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



We’re excited for these playlist and Ranked updates to come together with the launch of Season 3: Echoes Within, and we’re looking forward to jumping in to play them with you on March 7.



 To get a closer look at the three new maps, be sure to check out our latest <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Maps & Modes Preview blog here on Halo Waypoint (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/echoes-within-maps-modes-preview" target="_blank">Maps & Modes Preview blog here on Halo Waypoint</a>!



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Map Preview | Season 3: Echoes Within | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ho8m9Q9Wz5U?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>

Playlists & Ranked Matchmaking | Season 3

Season 3 of Halo Infinite arrives on March 7.



A new season means new maps! Season 3: Echoes Within brings with it a trio of exciting and unique spaces for your regularly scheduled online Spartan-slaying. These maps are Oasis, Cliffhanger, and Chasm.



We’re joined today by a terrific trio of our veritable multiplayer designers—Cliff Schuldt (Multiplayer Level Designer), Donnie Taylor (Art Director), and Kim Haines (Lead MP Env. Technical Artist)—for a Q&A deep-dive into these new maps, the process of creating them, the fun we’ve had on them, and more…



Of course, before we get into talking about these maps, how about we show them off in their full majesty with a new flythrough video?



<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="Map Preview | Season 3: Echoes Within | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ho8m9Q9Wz5U?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"/>



I’m super excited to be able to talk with you about the three new maps coming in Season 3! To start off, let’s give each of them a general introduction—how would you summarize these maps so Halo fans have a sense of what they’re in for with these spaces?



CS: Oasis is a mosh pit of pure vehicular fun for BTB, and it’s got a stunning skybox with a Forerunner ship terraforming the desert environment around it.



Cliffhanger is set at an ONI black site atop a mountain, also featuring man cannons for maximum vertigo!



Chasm is what you’d get if you took Boarding Action from Halo: CE and put in some Grappleshots, which is every bit as fun as it sounds.



To dive into Oasis, the first thing I think we have to do is marvel at that stunning vista—that’s as much a staple of Halo as the complexities of its design, to my mind. Can you tell us a bit about what goes into creating a skybox on a Halo map?



DT: When production starts for our skybox, or really any art asset, we begin with concepting several mood sketches that depict time of day and any major feature that we want to put on display for the vista. In the case of Oasis, that was the large Forerunner structure.



We use those concepts to help guide us to a final direction and that becomes the visual target for the game art moving forward. This direction is not fully set in stone as translating ideas from 2D to 3D always has its curveballs, but the overall goal is to stay true in game to the hook that first drew us to select the original 2D piece.



I definitely get some Halo 4 BTB map vibes from Oasis. Were there any specific inspirations that were part of the development of this map?



CS: There are elements of inspiration taken from the map Exile from Halo 4, which was a BTB favorite back in the day, with the emphasis on more open space for lots of fun vehicular action.



CTF modes were particularly exciting on this map during testing, as vehicles allow for some truly epic flag capture runs. Practically every space here is accessible with a Warthog, even the interior spaces. So you can go out into the open, where you might be more at risk of falling prey to air or heavy vehicles, or you can drive through some of the interior spaces where those other vehicles are going to have a much harder time catching you and risk getting boxed in.



That risk/reward aspect of Halo’s vehicular gameplay is always incredibly engaging, and we think Oasis is a great showcase of that.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Oasis-4K.jpg"><img decoding="async" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/HIS3-Oasis.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Season 3 map Oasis"/></a></figure>



Let’s shift over to Cliffhanger—so aptly named because this ONI facility is set on the edge of a cliff. What are some of the unique elements of this map?



DT: Biome diversity is always a big one for us when it comes to multiplayer maps. We want these spaces to feel different from past maps we’ve offered—and even where we might be using a similar “theme,” like a human base, we have unique visual elements to tap into.



An ONI black site is going to look quite different to the more traditional UNSC aesthetic of Live Fire, or the water treatment facility of Recharge. And there’s a subtle Forerunner element in this map you might pick up on as well.



What are some of the design considerations that go into creating an asymmetrical Arena map like this?



CS: Cliffhanger was originally designed with zone control modes (like Strongholds and King of the Hill) in mind, and what that means is that each “zone” has to look and feel unique.



There’s a bit of a “rock, paper, scissors” dynamic that zone control modes have in terms of how you tactically consider what your team is going to go for—if we go for Zone A and C, we might lose out on B, but that location might end up being a solid base for the enemy team to make a comeback if we’ve divided our forces across the map, and so on.



That goes on to inform sightlines, weapons spawns, equipment placement… everything ties back into how you can work together with your team to control areas of the map.



Something I always enjoy about asymmetric maps are the “scenarios” that are naturally created by the map layout—like on Halo 3’s High Ground where the turret above the door to the enemy base creates the sense of a “siege.” What are some of those focal points on Cliffhanger?



CS: What we really felt as we were testing this map was how different it feels depending on which mode you’re playing. One Flag, for example, creates a more “linear asymmetric” experience in a similar vein to the example you gave of High Ground—attackers and defenders are not just put on different ends of the map, it feels like they’re in different “scenarios.”



Of course, when you then play a mode like Strongholds, you get a totally different experience of the map. We hope that creates a cool dynamic that players enjoy.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Cliffhanger-4K.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Cliffhanger.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-58014" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Cliffhanger.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Cliffhanger-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Cliffhanger-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Cliffhanger-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Cliffhanger-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Cliffhanger-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



We’ve got a third map coming as well when Season 3 drops. Chasm looks and feels quite different to the other maps in Halo Infinite, so how did this map come to be?



CS: This map came to be when my friend Andrew and I were running through the Halo Infinite Campaign Network Co-Op flight. As we were playing through the second mission, Foundation, we were goofing off in a particular area and I thought this could be a fun space to play in for multiplayer.



So, I investigated this, pulling the space into a multiplayer level (note: this was definitely a more involved process than ctrl-C and ctrl-V!) and redoing the layout to be a rotational symmetrical map to support CTF.



After the first couple of playtests, the map was received really well, and we decided to give it the full treatment to pull it in as an official map.



Even though it looks incredibly similar to a space in the campaign, it has been laid out—and thus plays—very differently. One of the things I think is awesome about this map is the risk of falling into the “chasm” (har har!), but with the Grappleshot you can actually turn that to your advantage and make some incredibly cool skill jumps and maneuvers that turns falling from a danger of death to a risk/reward “route” through the map.



While the other two maps have Forerunner elements in them, Chasm is entirely Forerunner-themed. What are some of the unique visual and gameplay factors of this particular palette that offer something fresh?



CS: I think the visuals of this space are awesome. Being in the cavernous depths of Zeta Halo has this eerie and mysterious feeling in the campaign, and that really translates to the map as well—the Art Team knocked it out of the park!



Something we did to help visually differentiate parts of the map is that one side has that traditional cool blue tone you often see in Forerunner spaces, while the other side has a greater emphasis on the gold element you see in places like the Silent Auditorium in the campaign.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Chasm-4K.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Chasm.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-57986" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Chasm.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Chasm-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Chasm-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Chasm-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Chasm-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-Chasm-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



How do you think the new sandbox additions—namely, the M392 Bandit and Shroud Screen—will change up the way these maps are played?



CS: Oh, I think they’re both strong additions! A lot of the feedback we got from players on Chasm noted that it felt like the Bandit worked really well for the kind of ranges you have on that map.



Shroud has been great on Oasis as well. It’s fun to “smoke” a long sightline before pulling a flag—we’ve seen some amazing “Houdini” plays around it!



We’ve previously stated that we’re bringing editable dev maps to Forge in Season 3. Does that include these three maps as well?



KH: Yes! Each of these maps are editable on release, along with all the previously shipped Arena and BTB maps. Future maps will be editable on release as well.



What modes can players expect to be playing on these maps? Do you have any you’re especially excited about players getting to experience?



CS: Well, I am a sucker for CTF, so I have really enjoyed CTF matches on these maps quite a bit. On Oasis, there have been some truly incredible flag runs with Warthogs and Banshees chasing you down through the caves.



On Cliffhanger, Strongholds, KOTH, and One-Flag have been super fun. There are a lot of great opportunities to push people into death pits with the Repulsor, and using a man cannon to fly across the map into the hill location has been a fun (and risky) way to assault the other team.



I will say that people should load up KOTH on Chasm to see one of the spiciest hill locations Halo has ever seen.



And then, of course, there’s the new Escalation Slayer mode coming in Season 3 as well. We can’t wait for everyone to jump into that!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-OasisVista-4K.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-OasisVista.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Season 3 map Oasis" class="wp-image-57916" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-OasisVista.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-OasisVista-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-OasisVista-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-OasisVista-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-OasisVista-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/HIS3-OasisVista-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



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



CS: Oh, absolutely!



On Oasis, I was driving a Warthog with Brian Berryhill on the turret during a CTF match and we managed to do all three flag captures. We had a Wasp on our tail throughout, which we managed to shake off in a tunnel, only to emerge and find an enemy Scorpion on the other side—but we managed to escape that as well and steal the flag. By the time we got back to base, we had wheels missing, our Warthog was on fire, but we won and the tension around whether we would make it was absolutely exhilarating!



On Cliffhanger, there’s a man cannon that sends you over a death pit, and using the Repulsor to knock enemies who are chasing you off the map is tremendous fun. There’s an elevator shaft elsewhere on the map, as well as some sneaky mountainside paths, and the Repulsor and Grappleshot really bring a new dynamic to the danger of those kinds of locations.



Finally, Chasm. People loved faking their deaths on this map—pretending to jump off the edge into the abyss, only to use the Grappleshot to swing back up with incredible momentum that can have them sailing through the air to another part of the map.



There was one situation where a player got to the Active Camo spawn a little early, putting him in danger of getting picked off from an exposed position, and so he jumped off the hex pillar to use it as cover and zipped back around to grab the Camo as it spawned in. It was this dawning realization that we’ve never been able to play Halo quite like this before, and we really are excited to see some of the insane plays people are going to have.



Thank you very much for taking the time to chat about the maps coming in Season 3! Do you have any parting words before we wrap this up?



We’ve put some fun little Easter eggs on these maps (some sandwich-related, others we’re going to let you find yourselves), so do let us know if you find anything interesting…



And, as mentioned above, we really can’t wait to see what kinds of plays you make on these maps—whether that’s a heroic flag capture on Oasis, mountainside tumbles courtesy of the Repulsor on Cliffhanger, or Grappleshot fake-outs on Chasm. Absolutely tag us with your clips and montages, we’d love to see them!



Huge shoutout to our partners who helped bring these maps together, and to our players as well who we hope are really going to enjoy what we’ve been cooking up for Season 3.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ESCALATION SLAYER</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Escalation-Slayer-4K.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Escalation-Slayer.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-57958" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Escalation-Slayer.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Escalation-Slayer-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Escalation-Slayer-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Escalation-Slayer-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Escalation-Slayer-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/03/Escalation-Slayer-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Also coming in Season 3 is the Escalation Slayer game mode.



Escalation Slayer is a mode that some of you may have played in Halo: MCC, as it came to the collection in the Series 6: Raven update back in April 2021 and quickly became a fan favorite—and now it is coming to Halo Infinite.



In Escalation Slayer, players progress through a list of weapon and equipment loadouts as they score kills. With each elimination, you advance to a new weapon, culminating in a final challenge to win: getting a kill with the Oddball.



You can also de-level enemy players by meleeing them in the back, so watch your six out there!



The order of loadouts is as follows:



LEVEL 1: Rocket Launcher, Cindershot, Repulsor LEVEL 2: Energy Sword, Gravity Hammer, Grappleshot LEVEL 3: Sniper Rifle, Skewer, Threat Sensor LEVEL 4: Hydra, Ravager, Repulsor LEVEL 5: Bulldog, Needler, Grappleshot LEVEL 6: Battle Rifle, Commando, Threat Sensor LEVEL 7: Shock Rifle, Stalker Rifle, Drop Wall LEVEL 8: Heatwave, Sentinel Beam, Thruster LEVEL 9: Bandit, Assault Rifle, Drop Wall LEVEL 10: Mangler, Sidekick, Threat Sensor LEVEL 11: Oddball, Shroud Screen



This mode is launching in Season 3 with two variants: Team Escalation and FFA Escalation.



Team Escalation progresses all players on a team through the loadout list together. Kills are summed across the team, so everybody’s efforts count. And FFA Escalation is, of course, every Spartan for themselves!



And yes, there will indeed be a BTB version of Escalation Slayer, along with a “Super” version of the mode which will bring in the special weapon variants and upgraded equipment that you can obtain in Halo Infinite’s Campaign.



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That concludes our showcase of the maps and modes coming when Season 3 of Halo Infinite launches on March 7.



We can’t wait for you all to embark on a maptacular odyssey that awaits, from the vehicular mosh pit of Oasis, to the dangerous heights of Cliffhanger, and the cavernous depths of Chasm (I don’t know about you, but I was certainly sold the second I heard “Boarding Action with Grappleshots!”)



We’ll be back soon with more information on the Ranked experience and Playlist updates, and follow up with a Sandbox blog as well—so stay tuned for more Season 3 news!