Games

For those that have played Fiescalation in MCC or other gun games in another popular shooter, Hot Swap should be fairly familiar. If not, it’s okay—we got you covered! 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size" style="text-transform:uppercase">SWAP IT LIKE IT’S HOT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/blueteam_505.jpg" alt="A Spartan in Kelly-087's armor from Operation: Blue Team" class="wp-image-131120" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/blueteam_505.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/blueteam_505-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/blueteam_505-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/blueteam_505-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/blueteam_505-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/blueteam_505-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Overall, this is a very straightforward and simple mode. It’s your team vs the enemy team and everyone has the same weapons and equipment. Yes, everyone. In other versions of this mode, you often find your weapons/loadouts advancing to the next tier after each kill but in Hot Swap, you’ll keep those loadouts for 30 seconds at a time. After that, the proverbial dice are rolled and everyone is gifted a new combo. Hone your skill and stay flexible – things can change on a dime.



Here are the set loadouts you should be prepared to work with at any given moment:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Primary</td><td>Secondary</td><td>Equipment</td></tr><tr><td>M41 SPNKr</td><td>Ravager</td><td>Repulsor</td></tr><tr><td>Energy Sword</td><td>Gravity Hammer</td><td>Shroud Screen</td></tr><tr><td>S7 Sniper Rifle</td><td>Skewer</td><td>Grappleshot</td></tr><tr><td>MLRS-2 Hydra</td><td>Cindershot</td><td>Repulsor</td></tr><tr><td>CQS48 Bulldog</td><td>Needler</td><td>Grappleshot</td></tr><tr><td>BR75</td><td>VK78 Commando</td><td>Threat Sensor</td></tr><tr><td>Shock Rifle</td><td>Stalker Rifle</td><td>Drop Wall</td></tr><tr><td>Heatwave</td><td>Fuel Rod SPNKr</td><td>Thruster</td></tr><tr><td>MA40 Assault Rifle</td><td>M392 Bandit</td><td>Drop Wall</td></tr><tr><td>Mangler</td><td>MA5K Avenger</td><td>Quantum Translocator</td></tr><tr><td>Plasma Pistol</td><td>Mk50 Sidekick</td><td>Thruster</td></tr><tr><td>Disruptor</td><td>Sentinel Beam</td><td>Repair Field</td></tr><tr><td>Oddball</td><td> None</td><td>Thruster</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



While you may see a repeat loadout, it won’t happen until you’ve cycled through the entire list. Also if you are mid-grapple when things swap, you might find yourself saying, “wow I flew pretty good for a brick!” as your grapple disappears midway through. Good luck.



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You’ll be playing on a variety of current Arena maps that should be familiar but there is one new map to check out:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size">Nemesis</h2>



Credits: WAR, I am a Luxury, Certified Champ, Okom1 <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/28fa3b61-60d4-446a-937a-7deda3dd4073">Bookmark</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/nemesis_empty_001.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite Forge map "Nemesis"" class="wp-image-131078" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/nemesis_empty_001.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/nemesis_empty_001-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/nemesis_empty_001-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/nemesis_empty_001-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/nemesis_empty_001-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/nemesis_empty_001-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Focus on the enemy, don’t let the map’s edges become your nemesis.



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Hot Swap is available in matchmaking right now so jump in while it’s hot and see what you get!

Hot Swap

When Operation: Blue Team comes to Halo Infinite next week, it’ll include a hefty playlist update. We’ll be consolidating some things for Match Composer and adding some new experiences that we think you’ll be pleased with as well. Let’s get into things!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-huge-font-size" style="text-transform:uppercase">match composer</h2>



As Halo Infinite has evolved, the Infinite team has worked hard to bring a ton of new experiences to the game: Husky Raid, Fiesta Castle Wars, Action Sack, Firefight, Infection, BTB Sentry Defense, and so many more. As a result, there are now a whole lotta options for you to choose from in the Match Composer. (The options are not quite infinite but pretty close!) We’ve monitored the data and seen what is being selected or searched for most often and we’ve been closely evaluating the health of the various playlists.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TacSlayer_Waypoint.jpg" alt="A squad of Spartans playing Tactical Slayer" class="wp-image-130581" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TacSlayer_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TacSlayer_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TacSlayer_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TacSlayer_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TacSlayer_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TacSlayer_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



At the same time, we’ve also heard your feedback that some of the current Match Composer lists are a bit confusing and not as coherent as they could be. With this in mind, and with spring on the horizon, we’re taking this opportunity to do a bit of spring cleaning: specifically tightening up and re-arranging part of the Match Composer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-huge-font-size" style="text-transform:uppercase">Q&a with the infinite team</h2>



There’s a lot coming with this update so we sat down with the Infinite team and chatted a bit about the upcoming changes. 



What are the ultimate goals for playlist health overall?



The ultimate goal for all playlists is striking a balance between low match times and solid match quality with the least amount of skill discrepancy between the two teams as possible. We want players to go into matches to have fun and get in those matches fast so trying to balance the two is always a delicate dance.



With Match Composer, players have more freedom and flexibility to choose how they play Halo matchmaking than ever before. We’re seeing players take advantage of that across the board which we love to see. The downside to the Match Composer, however, is that it’s entirely possible to choose too narrow of a search resulting in really long search times to find a match.



What are some ways you go about ensuring players can get those “good matches” of short queues and teams with low skill discrepancy?



We started by looking at all the playlists available to players today in the Match Composer and there are a lot! There are nine social playlists with over 100 modes across the various lists…28 in Rumble Pit alone. Even within a single playlist, there are many, many different ways for players to “silo” (aka create a search so narrow that the time to match is very long) themselves via their search parameters. We also took a look at the options across different playlists and have heard your feedback of, “This doesn’t make sense here, it should be over there.”



The goal with this update is to reduce the number of silos by working to group like content with like. When we look at Action Sack, we agree that that’s the logical home for some of the more wacky or party modes just like we agree that “Arena Objective” is probably not the best home for Team Snipers.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TeamSnipers_Waypoint.jpg" alt="Team Snipers" class="wp-image-130567" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TeamSnipers_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TeamSnipers_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TeamSnipers_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TeamSnipers_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TeamSnipers_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TeamSnipers_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



How do you identify the problem areas and how do you know where to focus your efforts when working on things?



So our first stop when it comes to checking playlist health/data is the analytics team. We can see what silos players are choosing, how popular a specific silo is (or isn’t), and we can see that across each playlist. So from Quick Play to Action Sack, we can see what modes players are gravitating towards versus what isn’t resonating as well.



If we look at Rumble Pit as an example (remember it has 28 separate modes in the playlist itself!), here are the top 5 most searched modes (note: these are all FFA variants): 



<ul>
<li>Community Shotty Snipes</li>



<li>Fiesta Slayer</li>



<li>Ninja Slayer</li>



<li>Shotty Snipes</li>



<li>Slayer</li>
</ul>



From the information we gather based on your selections and playtime, we can see that players in Rumble Pit prefer the more “serious” game modes available to them so moving ones that feel out of place, such as FFA Purple Reign and Kong Slayer, to a more appropriate playlist, like Action Sack, just makes a lot of sense.



We’ve also observed that when players are wanting to play Shotty Snipers, for example, they select both versions available – Shotty Snipers and Community Shotty Snipers. To help limit the silos available, we’re combining the Community modes with the studio modes into one.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/HuskyRaid_Waypoint.jpg" alt="Spartans playing Husky Raid" class="wp-image-130595" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/HuskyRaid_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/HuskyRaid_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/HuskyRaid_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/HuskyRaid_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/HuskyRaid_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/HuskyRaid_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Another good example to look at is Quick Play. There’s currently 20 different modes in the playlist and with the top modes being:



<ul>
<li>Fiesta</li>



<li>Husky Raid</li>



<li>Super Fiesta</li>



<li>Super Husky Raid</li>



<li>Team Slayer</li>
</ul>



The silos at the bottom are incredibly narrow and aren’t resulting in many matches as a whole in their current state. We recognize those are fun and unique modes so we’re looking to move them to other playlists where they will hopefully be more thematically fitting.



You have been putting out a lot of new playlists recently. Is there anything fun you can tease about what’s coming?



We’ve been really working hard on the combination of new and refreshed experiences to bring to the game. We don’t want to spoil what’s on the horizon but we do have a few exciting modes coming soon! Maybe as soon as Tuesday…



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A huge thank you to the team for all their hard work! 



We’re looking for ward to what’s coming next but, in the meantime, here’s a breakdown of what you can find in the various playlists after next week’s update. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size" style="text-transform:uppercase">quick play</h2>



<ul>
<li>Super Husky Raid CTF</li>



<li>Super Fiesta: Slayer</li>



<li>Husky Raid CTF</li>



<li>Fiesta Slayer</li>



<li>Arena: Team Slayer</li>



<li>Arena: Slayer</li>



<li>Tactical Slayer & Community Tactical Slayer</li>



<li>VIP</li>



<li>Team Snipers & Community Team Snipers</li>



<li>CTF</li>



<li>CTF Neutral Flag</li>



<li>Oddball</li>



<li>King of the Hill</li>



<li>Strongholds</li>



<li>Assault: Neutral Bomb</li>



<li>Assault: One Bomb</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size" style="text-transform:uppercase">Arena social</h2>



We’ve renamed “Arena Objective” to “Arena Social” to be more representative of the experiences provided in the playlist.



<ul>
<li>One Flag CTF</li>



<li>Elimination</li>



<li>Attrition</li>



<li>Vampire Oddball</li>



<li>Extraction</li>



<li>Land Grab & Community Land Grab</li>



<li>Slayholds</li>



<li>Legacy Slayer</li>



<li>Legacy CTF</li>



<li>Legacy KOTH</li>



<li>Legacy Oddball</li>



<li>One Shot Slayer</li>



<li>Rock ‘n’ Repulsor</li>



<li>Escalation</li>



<li>Fiesta CTF</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size" style="text-transform:uppercase">Big team battle</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/BTB_Waypoint.jpg" alt="Spartans playing Big Team Battle in Halo Infinite" class="wp-image-130609" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/BTB_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/BTB_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/BTB_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/BTB_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/BTB_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/BTB_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<ul>
<li>Slayer</li>



<li>Fiesta Slayer</li>



<li>Heavies Slayer</li>



<li>CTF</li>



<li>Fiesta CTF</li>



<li>Heavies CTF</li>



<li>Total Control</li>



<li>Fiesta Total Control</li>



<li>Team Snipers</li>



<li>One Flag CTF</li>



<li>Sentry Defense</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size" style="text-transform:uppercase">Rumble pit</h2>



<ul>
<li>Fiesta FFA Slayer</li>



<li>FFA Shotty Snipers & Community Shotty Snipers</li>



<li>FFA Slayer & Community Slayer</li>



<li>FFA Ninja Slayer</li>



<li>FFA Super Escalation Slayer</li>



<li>Escalation Slayer</li>



<li>Rock ‘n’ Repulsors</li>



<li>Ninjanaut</li>



<li>Juggernaut</li>



<li>FFA Headhunter</li>



<li>Vampire oddball</li>



<li>Fiesta FFA KOTH</li>



<li>FFA Oddball & Community Oddball</li>



<li>FFA KOTH & Community FFA KOTH</li>



<li>FFA Rocket Oddball</li>



<li>FFA Elimination & FFA Community Elimination</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size" style="text-transform:uppercase">squad battle</h2>



<ul>
<li>Squad Slayer</li>



<li>CTF 3 Capture</li>



<li>One Flag CTF</li>



<li>KOTH</li>



<li>Assault: One Bomb</li>



<li>Assault: Neutral Bomb</li>



<li>Castle Wars</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size" style="text-transform:uppercase">action sack</h2>



<ul>
<li>Speedball</li>



<li>Goose Halo</li>



<li>Duckhunt</li>



<li>Maze Craze</li>



<li>Infection: Arena</li>



<li>Infection: Alpha Zombies</li>



<li>FFA Kong Slayer</li>



<li>FFA Purple Reign</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size" style="text-transform:uppercase">team doubles</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TeamDoubles_Waypoint.jpg" alt="Two Spartans back to back preparing for battle in Team Doubles" class="wp-image-130623" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TeamDoubles_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TeamDoubles_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TeamDoubles_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TeamDoubles_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TeamDoubles_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/03/TeamDoubles_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<ul>
<li>CTF & Community CTF</li>



<li>Slayer & Community Slayer</li>



<li>KOTH & Community KOTH</li>
</ul>



As always, we’ll be monitoring feedback as this rolls out and keeping a close eye on the changes. In the meantime, we’ll see you on the battlefield!

snickerdoodle

March Playlist Update

Click here to watch the sneak peek of S&D Extraction

Esports

Today we’re excited to give an early sneak peek at a new competitive mode coming later this year to Halo Infinite – S&D Extraction (Seek and Deploy)!



<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 Infinite - Ranked Update | S&D Extraction + ForgeHub Contest" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E3sCBLERWYs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>





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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">THE BASICS</h1>



As the name suggests, this is an S&D mode, and this is the first time a mode like this has made its way to Halo. This mode is built on Extraction so be prepared to Seek and Deploy!



Here’s how it works:



<ul>
<li>Single life, round-based</li>



<li>Best of 11 rounds (first to 6 wins the match)</li>



<li>One team starts on Offense, the other starts on Defense (alternating after each round)</li>



<li>Maps are asymmetrical with 2 Extraction Sites</li>



<li>Offense must determine which site to attack and initiate an Extraction on the site. Once the Extraction begins, the defending team must convert.</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-1-1024x576.png" alt="Spartan planting the Extraction device in S&D Extraction" class="wp-image-130172" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-1-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-1-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-1-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-1.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">ECONOMIC SURPLUS</h1>



While S&D Extraction has Bandit Evo starts, it also features an expansive economy system. Players are rewarded with Credits for initiating Extractions, converting Extractions, as well as getting kills. There are also neutral devices on the map where players can secure extra credits (assuming they’re able to safely do so).



Before each round begins, players can spend their credits on things like weapons, grenades, equipment, and even power equipment like Active Camo. The cost of items is based on their overall effectiveness and power potential in the round, with more powerful items of course being more expensive. Overall, you should see cheaper items in the first few rounds, more expensive items in the middle of the match, and towards the end if players save up you might see even more expensive items.



Everything you’ve purchased goes away at the end of each round so you’ll want to make sure you purchase only what you’ll need because you’ll be buying again next round. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-2-1024x576.png" alt="Spartans battling it out in S&D Extraction" class="wp-image-130158" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-2-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-2-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-2-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-2-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-2-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Screenshot-2.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">BUY BACK</h1>



For S&D Extraction, we felt it was important to maintain the same base gameplay that Halo Infinite fans know and love – the same Spartan movement abilities, the same weapon lethality, and of course the same shields as well. This is quite different from other games where the time-to-kill is a lot faster and even a single headshot from a rifle could take you out. Because of this, what we’ve found is that in one life modes typically one team will get the numbers advantage and then from there it’s very easy for them to just steam roll the rest of the round. It’s disproportionately difficult for the team, let’s say in a 3v4 situation, to come back and win the round. This is the main reason why the mode is built on Extraction vs. Assault (because you don’t need to carry a bomb and thus put your team at a big disadvantage) but it’s also why we’re introducing the Buy Back mechanic.



If you’ve just died in a round and you’ve got enough Credits, you’ll be given the opportunity to Buy Back into the round. If you Buy Back, you’ll spawn at your team’s initial spawn and with just your base loadout (Bandit Evo, no grenades, no equipment). The introduction of this mechanic not only helps balance out matches due to Halo’s base mechanics but also introduces another layer of depth. Do you save for Buy Back? If you use the Buy Back, will you have enough to buy more gear in later rounds? Is it too late to Buy Back or can you help your team win the round?



While we’re still fine-tuning the economy, the intention is to make the Buy Back expensive so that it not only requires saving for, but is also treated as a big tradeoff decision. We feel there needs to be an appropriate level of risk/reward for this mechanic. There may even be matches you play where there are no Buy Backs used.



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">FORGING A NEW PARTNERSHIP</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/ForgeHub-SD-VisID-V2-1024x576.png" alt="S&D Extraction $20,000 Halo Infinite Forge Contest - Presented by ForgeHub and Halo Studios " class="wp-image-130142" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/ForgeHub-SD-VisID-V2-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/ForgeHub-SD-VisID-V2-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/ForgeHub-SD-VisID-V2-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/ForgeHub-SD-VisID-V2-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/ForgeHub-SD-VisID-V2-2048x1152.png 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/ForgeHub-SD-VisID-V2-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



We’re also excited to announce our partnership with <a href="http://x.com/forgehub">ForgeHub</a> for the S&D Extraction Forgehub Map Contest. Halo Studios contributed $10,000 and ForgeHub have graciously decided to match, bringing the total contest prize pool to a whopping $20,000!



The contest starts today and we’ve worked with ForgeHub on the rules, guidelines, and judging. To see all of that information, please head to <a href="http://forgehub.com/events">ForgeHub.com/Events</a>.



Additionally, we’ve been building S&D Extraction with members of the Forge community already and we’re excited to confirm that we’ve hired <a href="http://x.com/artificeslab">Artifice</a> and <a href="http://x.com/mikrips">Mikrips</a> to build the mode and map respectively. It’s been great working with these skillful Forgers and we can’t wait to see the final experience come together for you all to play.



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT’S NEXT?</h1>



S&D Extraction will be coming to Halo Infinite and HCS later this year. We’re still in the early days but we wanted to get the word out as soon as possible to allow Forgers as much time as possible to submit maps to ForgeHub.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/FaZe-Kaysan-Showdown-1920x1080-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="FaZe Kaysan's Showdown, Halo Infinite, March 29, Twitch.tv/Kaysan and Twitch.tv/Halo" class="wp-image-128948" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/FaZe-Kaysan-Showdown-1920x1080-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/FaZe-Kaysan-Showdown-1920x1080-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/FaZe-Kaysan-Showdown-1920x1080-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/FaZe-Kaysan-Showdown-1920x1080-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/FaZe-Kaysan-Showdown-1920x1080-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/FaZe-Kaysan-Showdown-1920x1080-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The next time you’ll get to see S&D Extraction will be at the FaZe Kaysan Invitational on March 29 where we’ll be hosting a special match to show the first-ever pro gameplay on S&D Extraction – you won’t want to miss it live on <a href="http://twitch.tv/halo">Twitch.tv/Halo</a> and <a href="http://twitch.tv/kaysan">Twitch.tv/Kaysan</a>.



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



We are so excited to not only be working on a fun and exciting new competitive mode but also be able to now build the experience alongside the community. We can’t wait to see what you all make in the contest, and best of luck to all Forgers participating, and thank you again to ForgeHub for your partnership!



Thanks!

Tashi

New Mode Sneak Peek: S&D Extraction

Book Preview

Fiction

Halo Studios

NOVEL DATABASE

Official Halo Book Guide

Alex Wakeford

RETURN TO ROSSBACH'S WORLD

Halo: Empty Throne – Preview

Touchdown, hit it marines! The 2025 Spring Update for Halo Infinite begins with Operation: Frontlines.



<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="Frontlines Launch Trailer | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_1mMLLeao58?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Get your gauntleted hands on the Fuel Rod SPNKr, a new weapon for Halo Infinite based on an old Covenant favorite—now repurposed by the Banished.



Fashion your Spartan with the finest flair in the brand-new Operation Pass, a vastly expanded offering for the first Operation of each major Update that now brings 50 tiers of customization rewards. Give the enemy team back their bomb as the classic Assault mode returns, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg…



Let’s dive into what’s live in Halo Infinite today with the arrival of Operation: Frontlines.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FUEL ROD SPNKR</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/front_pk_202.jpg" alt="A multiplayer spartan in Halo Infinite uses the Fuel Rod S P N K r." class="wp-image-129158" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/front_pk_202.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/front_pk_202-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/front_pk_202-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/front_pk_202-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/front_pk_202-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/front_pk_202-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



It’s not just old Covenant technology that the Banished ravenously repurpose and reforge into their own tools of domination, but the UNSC’s as well.



Introducing the Fuel Rod SPNKr, a rocket launcher that has been heavily modified by the Banished and fires Venezian-repackaged fuel rod munitions.



The Fuel Rod SPNKr works great against vehicles—its six-shot magazine makes it effective against a wide range of targets.



You will be able to find the Fuel Rod SPNKr as a power weapon on maps, but if you want to get to grips with this new take on a Covenant classic you can jump into the Academy’s Training mode—or spawn it in Forge for some custom games.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">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/2025/01/front_pk_118.jpg" alt="Four multiplayer Spartans with customization from the Operation: Frontlines Premium Pass." class="wp-image-129144" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/front_pk_118.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/front_pk_118-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/front_pk_118-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/front_pk_118-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/front_pk_118-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/front_pk_118-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Halo Infinite’s Operation Pass has evolved!



After tracking community feedback about Operation Passes over the last year, we are exploring a new format for players to earn more customization goodness for even more value.



For the first Operation of each Update, there will be an expanded Premium Operation Pass which contains 50 tiers of rewards and four full armor sets.



For the following two Operations in an Update, the Operation Passes will be the traditional 20-tier offering that players experienced in 2024.



FREE PASS



As before, if you’ve been enjoying the free Operation Pass, your experience is largely unchanged. During the time the Operation is live, you will be able to earn 20 tiers of free rewards, including one full armor set.



PREMIUM PASS



The price of the Premium Operation Pass has been slightly adjusted for this offering as it’s been expanded from 20 to 50 tiers, and from one complete armor set to four, providing the following options:



<ul>
<li>1,000 Credits: The Operation Pass is durable, offers bonus XP, provides an extra Challenge slot, and immediately gives you multiple bonus items. Provides the ability to earn four full armor sets.</li>



<li>2,500 Credits: All of the above, and instantly unlocks the first 20 levels out of 50.</li>
</ul>



The Premium Pass is only available for purchase during the time the Operation is live, and will no longer be available for purchase once that month-long window has closed. If you miss out on purchasing any Premium Operation Pass going forward but want the customization content it offered, you will be able to find it in the Shop at a later date (and at an adjusted price).



Likewise, the armor set from the Free Pass will flow into The Exchange and return at a later date where players will be able to acquire that armor with Spartan Points (earned simply by completing matches).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/front_pk_105-1024x576.jpg" alt="New mode: Assault being played in Halo Infinite." class="wp-image-129632" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/front_pk_105-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/front_pk_105-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/front_pk_105-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/front_pk_105-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/front_pk_105-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/front_pk_105.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



For a full breakdown on all the details of the new Operation Pass format, <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/spring-update-2025-halo-infinite">be sure to check out our Spring Update blog!</a>



Secure the Premium Pass for access to all 50 tiers and instantly unlock the BR75A2 Hammer weapon model for the BR75 Battle Rifle, Xenothreat weapon coating, Sequence Assembly weapon charm, and Pattern Seeker visor.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MODE: ASSAULT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Assault_MOTD.jpg" alt="A Spartan with the Bomb from Assault flanked by two Spartans running" class="wp-image-129252" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Assault_MOTD.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Assault_MOTD-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Assault_MOTD-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Assault_MOTD-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Assault_MOTD-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Assault_MOTD-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



The Assault mode—a fan-favorite since Halo 2—is en route to Halo Infinite!



Each team defends their bomb site as they battle over a neutral bomb in the center of the map, aiming to escort the intrepid and heroic bomb carrier to the enemy base to arm and detonate it.



Of course, Assault is a mode that comes with multiple variants as well. When it arrives with the Spring Update, you’ll be able to play both Neutral Bomb and One Bomb.



For more information on this returning mode, <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/assault" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/assault">head over to our Assault Playlist blog!</a>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ADDITIONAL UPDATES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/orgins_005.jpg" alt="Origins in a new map in Halo Infinite." class="wp-image-129660" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/orgins_005.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/orgins_005-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/orgins_005-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/orgins_005-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/orgins_005-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/orgins_005-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



As the first Operation of the Spring Update, there’s a whole lot more that has come with Frontlines!



Sandbox updates have tuned various weapons and grenades, as well as movement; the Ranked experience has been refreshed, bringing some changes to existing maps along with the return of Halo 5’s fan-favorite Coliseum; and Forge has received some updates as well.



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/spring-update-2025-halo-infinite">Jump into our Spring Update blog for all the details!</a>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE EXCHANGE</h2>



The Exchange has been refreshed and contains various customization rewards for players to acquire with Spartan Points.



It’s February, which means that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! You’ll find some lovely new emblems themed around the occasion along with returning items from the Interference Event which was all about decking out your RAKSHASA armor.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>ITEM</td><td>TYPE</td><td>FROM</td></tr><tr><td>Ordnance Disposal</td><td>Emblem</td><td>HCS Drops</td></tr><tr><td>UA/TYPE PTL</td><td>Knee Pads</td><td>Interference</td></tr><tr><td>Sugar Rush</td><td>Emblem</td><td>NEW</td></tr><tr><td>AAP/Kard Plate</td><td>Chest Attachment</td><td>Interference</td></tr><tr><td>Wulfentine Eyes</td><td>Visor</td><td>Interference</td></tr><tr><td>Be Mine</td><td>Emblem</td><td>NEW</td></tr><tr><td>Valentine Heart</td><td>Emblem</td><td>NEW</td></tr><tr><td>Love Struck</td><td>Emblem</td><td>NEW</td></tr><tr><td>First Impression</td><td>Emblem</td><td>NEW</td></tr><tr><td>Better Together</td><td>Emblem</td><td>NEW</td></tr><tr><td>TAS[2]/PATTERNWOLF</td><td>Helmet Attachment</td><td>Interference</td></tr><tr><td>Util/Null Bag</td><td>Hip Attachment</td><td>Interference</td></tr><tr><td>Knife Dancer</td><td>Visor</td><td>Ultimate Reward</td></tr><tr><td>Safety Off</td><td>Stance</td><td>Interference</td></tr><tr><td>Boots on the Ground</td><td>Weapon Charm</td><td>HCS Drops</td></tr><tr><td>TAC/SIH</td><td>Wrist Attachment</td><td>NEW</td></tr><tr><td>Hammerhead Squadron</td><td>Armor Coating</td><td>HCS Drops</td></tr><tr><td>Hammerhead</td><td>Vehicle Coating</td><td>HCS Drops</td></tr><tr><td>Zeta Sky</td><td>Armor Coating</td><td>Halo Gear</td></tr><tr><td>Zeta Sky</td><td>Weapon Coating</td><td>Halo Gear</td></tr><tr><td>Onyx Timberwolf</td><td>Weapon Coating</td><td>Interference</td></tr><tr><td>Shikari</td><td>Helmet</td><td>Interference</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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



A little something for those that like to keep the Spartan wardrobe fresh.



ODST SPECIAL ISSUE



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Shop_SpecialIssue.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the ODST Special Issue bundle" class="wp-image-129617" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Shop_SpecialIssue.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Shop_SpecialIssue-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Shop_SpecialIssue-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Shop_SpecialIssue-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Shop_SpecialIssue-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/Shop_SpecialIssue-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Feet first into the fire! Be the first to field test the new Trooper and ODST Hardshell sets, Helljumper-themed armor accessories, SOCOM-issue Sidekick Automag, and combat tested coatings for your armor and weapons!



Secure this super-sized bundle to additionally acquire the bonus Battle Cross Death FX.



<ul>
<li>Trooper helmet</li>



<li>IVS-M10 helmet attachment</li>



<li>M77 Pauldrons shoulder pads</li>



<li>M9009 EAP/2549 Rev C chest attachment</li>



<li>GTAS Forearm Guards wrist attachment</li>



<li>GTAS Upper Leg Protector hip attachment</li>



<li>GTAS Knee Guards knee pads</li>



<li>Forest Stalker armor coating</li>



<li>ODST Hardshell helmet</li>



<li>UA/Type HS-FM helmet attachment</li>



<li>SAP/ODST-HS shoulder pads</li>



<li>UA/CHIRON chest attachment</li>



<li>UA/ODST-HS wrist attachment</li>



<li>TUFGRIP PRO hip attachment</li>



<li>UA/Type MSK knee pads</li>



<li>Ground Pounder armor coating</li>



<li>Sidekick Automag weapon model for Mk50 Sidekick</li>



<li>Heat Treatment weapon coating</li>
</ul>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING</h2>



Today’s update delivers many updates and fixes that the team have been working on to improve the Halo Infinite experience. <a href="https://aka.ms/HaloInfiniteUpdate">Head over to the Halo Support site to check out the full list of patch notes.</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/front_pk_114-1024x576.jpg" alt="Additional customization can be found in the Halo Infinite Shop. " class="wp-image-129646" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/front_pk_114-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/front_pk_114-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/front_pk_114-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/front_pk_114-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/front_pk_114-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/02/front_pk_114.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<a href="https://support.halowaypoint.com/hc/en-us">Run into a bug, glitch, or other unexpected issue? Submit a ticket and notify the team on the Halo Support site.</a>



You can submit tickets on a wide range of topics that include reports of Audio Issues, Crashes, Game Save Corruption, Report a Player, General Bug Reports, and more.



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And that’s it for this briefing! Suit up, set out, and have fun with the new weapon and mode. Halo Infinite’s Spring Update is here and Operation: Frontlines is now live!



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



<a href="https://aka.ms/FrontlinesPressKit">Download the Operation: Frontlines press kit here.</a>

Hot Swap

March Playlist Update

New Mode Sneak Peek: S&D Extraction

Official Halo Book Guide

Halo: Empty Throne – Preview

Frontlines Operation Launch

Assault

Spring Update 2025 | Halo Infinite

HCS 2025 Roadmap

Canon Fodder: Dawn of Lore