Book Preview

Canon Fodder

Fiction

Alex Wakeford

Issue 168

Canon Fodder: Casting Chronicles

Community

Halo25Together

As part of Halo’s <a href="https://www.aka.ms/Halo25Launch">25th anniversary celebration</a>, we’re inviting Halo fans from around the world to share favorite memories and vote on community polls in our <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/1464409121209188466">official Halo Discord server</a>. Follow @Halo on social media to join the fun!



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



For our latest <a href="https://www.aka.ms/Halo25February">monthly community theme</a>, we asked fans on Discord to tell us about their favorite Halo team-ups, whether they were formalized Spartan Fireteams, ODST companies, alien entourages, or even happenstance alliances forged in the heat of the moment.



Before you rendezvous with your Fireteam in the results section, let’s see if you’re cut out for this mission! Prove your tactical savvy with 25 trivia questions on some of Halo’s most legendary teams.



<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="Dream Teams | Halo Quiz | Halo 25th Anniversary" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aGLWWWY0XLM?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>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TRUE BLUE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="637" height="899" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/B324Obedience.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-165329" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/B324Obedience.jpg 637w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/B324Obedience-213x300.jpg 213w" sizes="(max-width: 637px) 100vw, 637px" /></figure>



Art by B324Obedience (<a href="https://x.com/B324Obedience/status/2031134156768370988">Source</a>)



In keeping with their stellar track record, the unrivaled operators of Blue Team exfiltrated with nearly one-third of the vote (29%), leaving the nearest competitors in the slipspace rearview.



Initially composed of SPARTAN-II candidates John-117, Kelly-087, and Samuel-034 while still in training, Blue Team quickly matured into a world-class tactical unit featuring a rotating roster of Spartan specialists, including standout classmates such as Fhajad-084, Kurt-051, Linda-058, James-005 (whose fate is revealed in Halo: Empty Throne), and William-043.



With a list of completed ops longer than some personnel manifests, Blue Team has always distinguished itself in the line of duty through superb tactics and unconventional victories. Blue Team’s current and best-known roster features none other than the Master Chief in a command role, supported by stalwart heroes Frederic-104, Linda-058, and Kelly-087.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1440" height="1920" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/B_does_stuff.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-165315" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/B_does_stuff.jpg 1440w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/B_does_stuff-225x300.jpg 225w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/B_does_stuff-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/B_does_stuff-1152x1536.jpg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></figure>



Art by B_does_stuff (<a href="https://x.com/B_does_stuff/status/2032871882001641599">Source</a>)



Dropping in just behind at 18% of the vote was Alpha-Nine, a battle-borne company of ODSTs first introduced in Halo 3: ODST, many of whose surviving members were later inducted into the SPARTAN-IV program.



Known just as well for their death-defying insertions as their flair for office romance, the heroes of Alpha-Nine have endured through betrayal, loss, and surprisingly unbureaucratic reassignments to become one of the UNSC’s most elite units.



Not bad for practitioners of the ol’ “point and shoot!”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Thoro_blend-scaled.jpg" alt="Red Team disembarks from a Pelican's rear hatch." class="wp-image-165385" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Thoro_blend-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Thoro_blend-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Thoro_blend-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Thoro_blend-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Thoro_blend-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Thoro_blend-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Thoro_blend-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



Art by Thoro_blend (<a href="https://x.com/Thoro_blend/status/198735092895385624">Source</a>)



Into third place roared Red Team (13%), fresh and frisky from a long nap in the deep freeze.



Like Blue Team, the designation of “Red Team” has applied to various mission-based personnel configurations over the years, but it most commonly refers to the iconic trio of Jerome-092, Alice-130, and Douglas-042, the Spirit of Fire’s crack SPARTAN-II ground team.



Having left boot-prints on Trove, Arcadia, and even the Ark, the heroes of Red Team have built impressive naval careers on daring forays into the unknown and a string of unlikely successes against overwhelming enemy forces —just ask the Banished!



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NO “I” IN TEAM</h2>



Beyond the top eight choices highlighted in our Discord poll, fans stormed the comments to defend unique hot takes and echo crowd-pleasing call-outs.



Broad community coalitions formed around shared love for Noble Team, Gray Team, and Kilo-Five, while intriguing conversations sprouted from equally ardent ups for Fireteam Crimson, the Ferrets, and Fireteam Raven.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1438" height="809" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/clonebooper_.webp" alt="A group selfie of two Grunts, an Elite, a Brute, and a Spartan." class="wp-image-165343" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/clonebooper_.webp 1438w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/clonebooper_-300x169.webp 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/clonebooper_-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/clonebooper_-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1438px) 100vw, 1438px" /></figure>



Art by clonebooper_ (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/clonebooper_/p/DV3qKQSDNrn/">Source</a>)



<ul>
<li>ThelVadam224: Blue Team is the best of the best. They’re the ones you call when you need a top-secret, important mission done. Chief’s leadership, Kelly’s speed, Linda’s marksmanship, and Fred’s everything make them an unstoppable force. Of course, also shout-out to other Spartans that have been a part of Blue Team, even if just temporarily.</li>



<li>master freak: Blue Team, because with whoever the leader—be that Chief or Fred—they’ll always come out on top.</li>



<li>Darealmch: Blue Team, ‘cause of the GOAT Linda-058.</li>



<li>Pins before posting: As much as I like the Ferrets, Blue Team outdoes them for me—but the Ferrets outdo a lot of the other teams.</li>



<li>TrainedEye3461: I’d definitely go Blue Team first, but the Ferrets have to be second.</li>



<li>staynthepocket: Thrilled to see Ferrets represented! Shout the hell out—thought it was just me.</li>



<li>Wade_Weinhmann: Definitely Blue Team and Majestic, because they look very solid in trust.</li>



<li>S20boominator: I choose both Red and Blue Teams as the dream teams of Halo. Red Team held the line on the shield world—and the awesome cutscene on the bridge taking out all the Elites!— while Blue Team is a multi-purpose team that can do all.</li>



<li>Mario: Chief is the GOAT, but I’m going with Red Team on this one. Jerome, Douglas, Alice, and the fact that Fred and Kelly were also a part of it during Reach. A+ squad.</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/TAlpha147-scaled.jpg" alt="A mixed group of Spartans." class="wp-image-165371" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/TAlpha147-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/TAlpha147-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/TAlpha147-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/TAlpha147-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/TAlpha147-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/TAlpha147-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/TAlpha147-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



Art by TAlpha147 (<a href="https://x.com/TAlpha147/status/2035927366204084559">Source</a>)



<ul>
<li>raptormanzero: Oh, boy. Another tough choice. Now, Blue Team is the most recognized and well respected and iconic team, no matter if it is Fred or Chief leading the team. They always carry out and succeed in their missions no matter what. One interesting thing is that Blue Team sees each other as a family, because they’ve been with each other, side by side, since childhood. It has been said that Blue Team would (no matter if it is a SPARTAN-III or -IV) treat anyone who joins the team as part of the family and as equals. Grey team is considered the most unorthodox Spartan team, as they carry out the most extreme and dangerous missions, and have bigger guns at their disposal. It is said they tend to not follow orders or commands, just doing what needs to be done and allowing the ends to justify the means. But they will listen to orders if said command officer gives specific objectives, or cautions them about liability or causing serious destruction, making them a rogue-like team.</li>



<li>AarontheGeek: Blue Team or Red Team are probably my real answer, but I’m voting from the heart this time for my beloved Fireteam Crimson.</li>



<li>axehunter534: Fireteam Crimson. Their motto is literally “you can depend on us.”</li>



<li>Keo: As much as I love Blue Team, my opinion is Gray Team. I absolutely love the books where they appear and their overall story. Kilo-Five is also really good; it’s a very fun combination of really different characters that somehow works really well.</li>



<li>Mnkymn89: Where’s my Grey Team at?</li>



<li>ADV Eon: Gotta go with Grey. They’ve been my favorite Spartan team for eons now!</li>



<li>Tyre 4770: Kilo-Five! Their trilogy is my favorite from the books.</li>



<li>Aurora S146: I’d go with Kilo-Five myself. I’ve always loved anything ONI, and most of my OCs are with ONI in a squad I designed (Black Phoenix), so I think they’d go together well.</li>



<li>Epsilon: Kilo-Five has been my favorite for a while now. I do love the various Spartan teams, but… I dunno, the mixture of the team is just so interesting and compelling. Plus, the interpersonal chemistry is great.</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/2026/03/Rookie425.jpg" alt="Spartans, ODSTs, and Brutes fighting together against an unseen enemy." class="wp-image-165357" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Rookie425.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Rookie425-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Rookie425-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Rookie425-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Rookie425-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Rookie425-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Art by rookie.425 (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVAdmEujvKU/">Source</a>)



<ul>
<li>ClebMaherTwelve: There’s a lot of great teams to pick from, but my favorite is a little bit of a non-traditional pick, the Prophet Hierarchs. They are such a thrilling trio of characters, with fantastic designs and an iron grip on the Covenant, but a constant desire to backstab their fellows and seize more power. Their rise in Halo: Contact Harvest is a fantastic read, and it’s always a treat when they pop up in media trying to steer events in their favor, like Truth’s surprise role in the rise of Atriox.</li>



<li>CaptainAmericaSHIELD: Was there ever a team name for Chief, Arby, Johnson & Cortana? That’d be my team. Heck, throw in the Shipmaster, Lord Hood, and Keyes into that bunch. Oh, and the two co-op Elites (I know they have names but haven’t seen or heard them enough to remember). (Monitor’s note: available records indicate that these warriors’ designations were N’tho ‘Sraom and Usze ‘Taham).</li>



<li>CAT_ATACK: Either Noble (even if they’re down to just Jun and Rosenda, unless their numbers were boosted with other S-III’s like Lucy, Tom, and B-170), or the unnamed squad comprised of Chief, Arbiter, ‘Taham, and ‘Sraom from Halo 3.</li>



<li>krodS: Noble Team was one of the most pivotal group of Spartans in the games.</li>



<li>Attorney: Fireteam Osiris, for having the greatest action scene in the history of the franchise: Halo 5’s opening cinematic.</li>



<li>Silent Shadow: Gray Team! I really like the Jai-006 design and lore. I’d also say the Hand of Atriox because I really like Jega. Do you guys think Hyperius killed Spartan Locke?</li>



<li>HaloFanForLife1: One of my votes was for “Other,” and that vote goes to the “Bullfrogs” from Halo: Reach! Those ODSTs were some mean flying machines!</li>
</ul>



Thanks again for joining us to discuss this month’s #Halo25Together topic! There are many legendary stars in Halo’s character constellation, but we think the best team-ups occur whenever we the Halo community comes together.



Stay tuned for a new community poll, tricky trivia, and more commendable comments on next month’s theme, starting April 2, 2026.



Don’t forget to bookmark the <a href="https://www.aka.ms/Halo25Together">Silver Anniversary Community Hub</a> for all the latest updates from our 25th anniversary celebration.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



All year long, we’ll be inviting Halo fans to share their favorite Halo memories, celebrate Halo’s iconic legacy, and vote on community polls to help us tell the whole Halo story.



Whether you’re a battle-hardened Spartan or a Halo rookie, we hope you’ll join the fun by sharing your Halo story through our <a href="http://aka.ms/Halo25TogetherMemories">official submission form</a>, on social media using hashtag #Halo25Together, in our <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/1464409121209188466">official Discord server</a>, or on <a href="https://reddit.com/r/halo">r/Halo</a> with the #Halo25Together tag.

Mutinous Core

Anniversary Angle: March of the Dream Teams

Community Spotlight

Spotlight: March 25, 2026

Screenshots Gallery

Games

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Welcome to the MCC Mod Minute, a focused look at a creative mod for Halo: The Master Chief Collection, with details on how to try it out yourself through the Steam Workshop.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Earlier this week, we were saddened to learn of the tragic passing of New York Times bestselling author and Halo: The Flood writer William C. Dietz.



Though Mr. Dietz only penned one tome in the expansive annals of the Halo universe, his creative contributions remain beloved by Halo fans across the world, who celebrate the boots-on-the-ground realism of his prose and the enduring resolve of his characters.



As a humble tribute to the late, great Mr. Dietz, our latest MCC Mod Minute invites Halo fans to play Zuka ‘Zamamee Campaign, a Halo: Combat Evolved mod by Drksteel that brings the frustrated ambitions of Zuka ‘Zamamee and Yayap to life.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Covenant Crusaders</h2>



<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="Zuka Zamamee Showcase Trailer" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I0MYRAvWmrk?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>



Beyond the hardnosed Marines dug in on plateaus and the private horror of poor PFC Jenkins, readers of Halo: The Flood will undoubtedly remember that most persistent, most unlikely, and most unlucky duo of Zuka ‘Zamamee and his unwilling Unggoy servant, Yayap.



In Zuka ‘Zamamee Campaign, you play as the titular Covenant Special Operations Officer through a series of near misses, from his daring raid on a human cruiser to his fateful end at the hands of the Master Chief.





Featuring new Covenant allies, custom cinematics, Easter eggs, and additional weapons and vehicles courtesy of Digsite, this five-mission campaign follows Zuka and his hapless Grunt sidekick as the pair pursues the ever-elusive Master Chief across Alpha Halo.



Battle UNSC Marines, capture Captain Keyes, and take more than a few lumps as you try again and again to subdue the indomitable Demon—before living out the ultimate showdown in the crashed Pillar of Autumn as described in Halo: The Flood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PLAY NOW</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/ZukaCampaign_004.png" alt="A cinematic still from Zuka 'Zamamee Campaign. Zuka stands in the entryway of a Forerunner installation facing a dense jungle." class="wp-image-164045" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/ZukaCampaign_004.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/ZukaCampaign_004-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/ZukaCampaign_004-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/ZukaCampaign_004-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/ZukaCampaign_004-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/ZukaCampaign_004-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<a href="https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3390630482">Subscribe on Steam Workshop.</a>



Created by: Drksteel



Requires: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary



Setup: Once you have installed Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary through Steam, boot up the game with the “MCC Anti-Cheat Disabled (Mods and Limited Services)” launch option selected.* Creator Drksteel advises that you’ll need to install the Multiplayer component of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary for the mod to launch properly.



Play Zuka ‘Zamamee Campaign from the list of “Halo: CE Anniversary” options in the “Campaigns” menu, and stay tuned for more MCC Mod Minutes!



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



*If you don’t see this option at launch, you may need to change your “Selected Launch Option” setting. To update this setting, right-click on the entry for Halo: The Master Chief Collection in your Steam Library and navigate to the “Properties” menu, where you will find “Launch Options” settings on the menu’s “General” tab.



We recommend adjusting your “Selected Launch Option” setting to “Ask when starting game.” This will allow you to alternate between the retail build of Halo: The Master Chief Collection (for matchmaking) and the community-mod sandbox every time you play!



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Halo: The Flood and the timeless prose of William C. Dietz will appear in the collected works of <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-the-master-chief-omnibus-cover-reveal">Halo: The Master Chief Omnibus</a> later this year.

Mod Minute: Zuka ‘Zamamee Campaign

x_S3LL1HCA_x

Halo Studios

Your Halo Story: Chapter 3

Anniversary Angle: Alien Icons

MCC’s Exchange is getting an upgrade!



The implementation of the Exchange in MCC gave players a new way to unlock gear. Play the game, earn Spartan Points, redeem said points for sweet unlocks. Effective today, almost all of the available Exchange content will be available to grab in perpetuity. That means that if there’s something in the Exchange that you’ve wanted, there’s a good chance it’s there now waiting for you.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Exchange_2026v2.png" alt="An image of the upgraded Exchange featuring previously unobtainable content." class="wp-image-163636" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Exchange_2026v2.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Exchange_2026v2-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Exchange_2026v2-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Exchange_2026v2-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Exchange_2026v2-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Exchange_2026v2-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Additionally, we know there’s some content in the game that only made one appearance (if that) and there have been asks to see it return. A chief example of this is the Avalanche Sniper Rifle: a reward for reaching a rank of 20 in Halo 3 Recon Slayer during Season 4: Reclaimer. Seen once, obtained by a few, and then vaulted – never to be seen again.



Some other items include, but are not limited to:



<ul>
<li>Halo 4 BR BLS skin</li>



<li>Halo 4 DMR BLD skin</li>



<li>Seasonal/rotational nameplates</li>
</ul>



That content will now be available to anyone who simply logs into Halo: The Master Chief Collection at any point. 



There are a few bundles that will remain rotational but they will do so on a regular quarterly schedule. Here are those “bundles” and their expected rotational dates:



Quarter 1 (Jan1-Mar31)



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/MCC_Feb25_Exchange_OrionSet-R01.png" alt="The Orion armor set in Halo M C C." class="wp-image-163580" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/MCC_Feb25_Exchange_OrionSet-R01.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/MCC_Feb25_Exchange_OrionSet-R01-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/MCC_Feb25_Exchange_OrionSet-R01-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/MCC_Feb25_Exchange_OrionSet-R01-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/MCC_Feb25_Exchange_OrionSet-R01-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/MCC_Feb25_Exchange_OrionSet-R01-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<ul>
<li>The ORION set<ul><li>Helmet</li></ul><ul><li>Chest</li></ul><ul><li>Shoulders (Left/Right)</li></ul><ul><li>Arms</li></ul>
<ul>
<li>Legs</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



Quarter 2 (Apr1-Jun30)



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="3840" height="2160" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Week8.png" alt="Two new back accessories (Grunt and a Xbox backpack) and a Magnum weapon skin in Halo M C C." class="wp-image-163594" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Week8.png 3840w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Week8-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Week8-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Week8-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Week8-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Week8-2048x1152.png 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Week8-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 3840px) 100vw, 3840px" /></figure>



<ul>
<li>Grunt Plush Back Accessory</li>



<li>OGX Magnum Skin</li>



<li>X-Pack Back Accessory</li>
</ul>



Quarter 3 (Jul1-Sep30)



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/MCC_Feb25_Exchange_MirageSet-R01.png" alt="The Mirage armor set in Halo M C C" class="wp-image-163608" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/MCC_Feb25_Exchange_MirageSet-R01.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/MCC_Feb25_Exchange_MirageSet-R01-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/MCC_Feb25_Exchange_MirageSet-R01-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/MCC_Feb25_Exchange_MirageSet-R01-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/MCC_Feb25_Exchange_MirageSet-R01-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/MCC_Feb25_Exchange_MirageSet-R01-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<ul>
<li>The Mirage/SPI set<ul><li>Helmet</li></ul><ul><li>Chest</li></ul><ul><li>Shoulders (Left/Right)</li></ul>
<ul>
<li>Arms</li>



<li>Legs</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



Quarter 4 (Oct1-Dec31)



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="3840" height="2160" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Week9.png" alt="A Shotgun and Rocket launcher skin as well as a back accessory in Halo M C C." class="wp-image-163622" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Week9.png 3840w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Week9-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Week9-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Week9-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Week9-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Week9-2048x1152.png 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Week9-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 3840px) 100vw, 3840px" /></figure>



<ul>
<li>OGX Shotgun Skin</li>



<li>OGX Rocket Launcher Skin</li>



<li>Taygetus Dory Back Accessory</li>
</ul>



The Exchange inventory has never been more available. Grab what you want, when you want it, and keep an eye on the quarterly rotations for the few remaining limited drops. We’ll see you on the (stylish) battlefield!

snickerdoodle

2026 MCC Exchange Update and Log-In Unlocks

Halo: Campaign Evolved

This year, Halo celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary. As we look back to where this great journey began, with Halo: Campaign Evolved releasing later this year, so too are we excited to delve back into the foundational fiction of the franchise with Halo: The Master Chief Omnibus.



Contained within this titanic tome are the first three novels that released from 2001-2003:



<ul>
<li>The Fall of Reach by Eric Nylund</li>



<li>The Flood by William C. Dietz</li>



<li>First Strike by Eric Nylund</li>
</ul>



Today, we are thrilled to reveal the cover art and Halo ring-themed sprayed edge treatment of this special omnibus collection, illustrated by the legendary Isaac Hannaford to thematically represent all three stories.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-The-Master-Chief-Omnibus/Eric-Nylund/Halo/9781668241356"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1620" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Halo_Master_Chief_Omnibus_HC_Cvr.jpg" alt="Image of the hardcover edition of Halo: The Master Chief Omnibus depicting the Master Chief, Cortana, Captain Keyes, Dr. Halsey, Reach, Alpha Halo, Flood infection forms, and the Halo ring-themed sprayed edges of the book." class="wp-image-163549" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Halo_Master_Chief_Omnibus_HC_Cvr.jpg 1080w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Halo_Master_Chief_Omnibus_HC_Cvr-200x300.jpg 200w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Halo_Master_Chief_Omnibus_HC_Cvr-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Halo_Master_Chief_Omnibus_HC_Cvr-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Halo_Master_Chief_Omnibus_HC_Cvr-1024x1536.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></a></figure>



For series newcomers looking to explore the story that sets Halo: Campaign Evolved (and this science fiction universe!) into motion, and for long-time fans who want to revisit these foundational texts with updated corrections and edits, new adjunct stories, and a very pretty visual treatment for your shelves, this is the perfect way to return to where it all began as we celebrate a quarter century of Halo history.



Halo: The Master Chief Omnibus will be available on November 10.



<a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-The-Master-Chief-Omnibus/Eric-Nylund/Halo/9781668241356">PRE-ORDER HALO: THE MASTER CHIEF OMNIBUS</a>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>



THE FALL OF REACH The 26th century. Humanity has expanded beyond Earth to hundreds of interstellar colonies, but the Unified Earth Government is struggling to control this vast empire. Dr. Catherine Halsey offers a solution and it starts with seventy-five children—trained to become super-soldiers to deliver humanity from seething colonial insurrections that threaten to erupt into full-blown interplanetary civil war. But an even greater peril lurks among the stars: the Covenant. A theocratic alliance of alien species hellbent on cleansing humanity from the galaxy.



This is the electrifying origin story of Spartan John-117—the Master Chief—and his legendary heroism in leading the fight against humanity’s annihilation.



THE FLOOD Having barely escaped the final battle for Reach aboard the UNSC Pillar of Autumn, the crew of this lone ship—including the Master Chief and his AI companion Cortana—arrive at a place of untold mystery and peril: Halo. A massive artificial ringworld built one hundred thousand years ago by a long-lost civilization known as the Forerunners.



Forced to flee to the ring’s surface by a Covenant fleet that followed them from Reach, the Autumn’s crew find themselves in a desperate battle for survival while the Master Chief and Cortana uncover the Halo construct’s terrible purpose—even as a far more terrifying enemy than the Covenant is released and all sentient life in the galaxy is threatened.



This is the official novelization of Halo: Combat Evolved, the game that launched the Xbox console and began Halo‘s generational legacy.



FIRST STRIKE The Master Chief and Cortana regroup with a handful of survivors from the harrowing battle on Halo, including Sergeant Major Avery Johnson. Together, they take the fight to a gathering of Covenant warships as the United Nations Space Command’s worst nightmare has finally come true: Earth’s location is compromised, and the Covenant is massing a fleet to utterly destroy it.



Meanwhile, trapped on the glassed surface of Reach, the remaining Spartans—led by Fred-104 and Kelly-087—continue the fight for their home. Beneath this ruined world, Dr. Catherine Halsey has discovered an ancient secret…one that could alter the course of the war.



This tale bridges the events that take place in the game Halo: Combat Evolved (as novelized in The Flood) and its blockbuster follow-up, Halo 2.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>



Whether you’re exploring Halo‘s fiction for the first time or returning to relive the story as it began in 2001—from the origins of the SPARTAN-II program and the Covenant invasion of Reach through the Master Chief’s journey to discover the truth about Halo and the immediate aftermath of those events—this is a great entry point to the universe.



Mark those calendars and secure your copy today!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-The-Master-Chief-Omnibus/Eric-Nylund/Halo/9781668241356"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1640" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Halo_Master_Chief_Omnibus_Ebook_Cvr.jpg" alt="Cover art of Halo: The Master Chief Omnibus depicting the Master Chief, Cortana, Captain Keyes, Dr. Halsey, Reach, Alpha Halo, and Flood infection forms." class="wp-image-163535" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Halo_Master_Chief_Omnibus_Ebook_Cvr.jpg 1080w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Halo_Master_Chief_Omnibus_Ebook_Cvr-198x300.jpg 198w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Halo_Master_Chief_Omnibus_Ebook_Cvr-674x1024.jpg 674w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Halo_Master_Chief_Omnibus_Ebook_Cvr-768x1166.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Halo_Master_Chief_Omnibus_Ebook_Cvr-1012x1536.jpg 1012w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></a></figure>

Halo: The Master Chief Omnibus | Cover Reveal

Halo Fest

Welcome back to another edition of the Halo Fest Update Series – today we’ve got some big announcements that we’re excited to share with you.



Before we do that, if you’re new to the series and want to catch up, you can hit the links below: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-fest-january">January Blog</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-fest-december">December Blog</a></li>
</ul>



Alright, as usual, let’s start with a ticketing update.



<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="Artists and Games Done Quick | Halo Fest 2026 Update" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oksQJyBV9UI?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>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">TICKETING UPDATE</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Cosplay-Spartan-Pointing-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-157224" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Cosplay-Spartan-Pointing-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Cosplay-Spartan-Pointing-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Cosplay-Spartan-Pointing-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Cosplay-Spartan-Pointing-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Cosplay-Spartan-Pointing-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Cosplay-Spartan-Pointing.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Halo Fest tickets continue to sell at a fast pace, and today I can confirm that the Halo Fest convention is now over 75% sold out. Folks – I think pretty soon in one of these updates I’m going to be talking about how it’s sold out and when that happens you’ll want to be one of the people who says, “Good thing I bought my ticket early!” instead of one of the people who says, “I wish I didn’t wait so long!”.



So, if you’re on the fence about going, time is running out! For those who have secured your spot already, enjoy the ride!





<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">GAMES DONE QUICK</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/GDQ-1024x576.jpg" alt="Fans celebrating at Games Done Quick" class="wp-image-163470" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/GDQ-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/GDQ-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/GDQ-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/GDQ-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/GDQ-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/GDQ.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Speedrunning is a critical part of the Halo franchise. For decades, Halo speedrunners have dazzled us and broken our brains competing against each other to complete Halo campaigns with the fastest times. Sword canceling vast distances, breaking through the geometry and skipping huge swaths of levels (there are designers shaking their fists somewhere) all in the name of great fun, entertainment, and some healthy competition.



Well today we’re excited to announce that we’ve partnered with the amazing team at Games Done Quick to host an official Halo Games Done Quick live at Halo Fest later this year. It was important to us that we provided an authentic and community-centered experience, and we couldn’t think of anyone better to collaborate with than the fine folks (and Halo fans!) at Games Done Quick.



Whether you’re onsite or at home, you’ll be able to watch two full days of speedruns and challenge runs across various games from the Halo franchise featuring the world’s best Halo speedrunners. And of course, the GDQ team will be taking donations on behalf of a great charity we will share later.



For details, keep it locked to <a href="https://x.com/GamesDoneQuick">Games Done Quick</a>‘s social media for game selections, runners, and schedule. We can’t wait to watch the community completely break and dismantle these games for all of our entertainment pleasure!



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">ARTIST COMMISSION</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Outlet-Chief-1024x576.jpg" alt="Halo Fan Art by Outlet Chief" class="wp-image-163512" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Outlet-Chief-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Outlet-Chief-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Outlet-Chief-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Outlet-Chief-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Outlet-Chief-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/02/Outlet-Chief.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



(Fan Art by <a href="https://x.com/OutletChief729">Outlet Chief</a>)



As you have hopefully noticed about Halo Fest, a key theme is community involvement. We started talking about this with the various contests last month, speedrunning, and now we’re excited to confirm that we’re commissioning artists in the Halo community to create art that will be shown and shared at Halo Fest!



The spirit of the idea is that as you’re walking through the halls at Halo Fest, you’re not only seeing iconic official art from the Halo franchise but also incredible community-made art to serve as a reminder that this franchise is nothing without you all – the community.



Here are just a few of the artists we’ve confirmed to be working with:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://x.com/John_Grosjean">John Grosjean</a></li>



<li><a href="https://x.com/Soul_ant19">Soul</a></li>



<li><a href="https://x.com/mrgruntington">MrGruntington</a></li>



<li><a href="https://x.com/OutletChief729">Outlet Chief</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nsclark98">NSClark</a></li>



<li><a href="https://x.com/Rythayze">Rythaze</a></li>



<li><a href="https://x.com/noui_nono">Nouichi</a></li>



<li><a href="https://x.com/VincentGat">Vin Gattuso</a></li>



<li><a href="https://x.com/hartwell_design">Hartwell Design</a></li>
</ul>



In addition to community artists, we’re also commissioning artists who have created official Halo art over the years whether they were independent, at Bungie, or at 343 Industries.



We can’t wait to see what amazing creations these artists bring to life and are excited to share them with the world!



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



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



We’ve still got some time to go before Halo Fest is here but the team is starting to cook! Is there anything you’re interested in learning more about? Hit me up on <a href="https://x.com/Tashi343i">Twitter</a>! 



We’ll see you next month. 



Thanks, 



Tashi

Tashi

Halo Fest – GDQ & Community Artists (February Update)

Spotlight: February 20, 2026