Community

Forge Features

Mutinous Core

Community Cartography 037

Forge Features: July 16, 2025 

Fiction

Back in my day we had two sticks and a book… And we had to share the book!



While Sgt. Johnson might have had a rock to share, we had a great novel to chit chat about during the latest Spartan Chatter. As part of the ongoing <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/audiobook-club">Audiobook Club in partnership with Simon & Schuster</a>, we kicked things off with Joseph Staten’s Halo: Contact Harvest. Franchise member Alex ‘Haruspis’ Wakeford, joined us to talk about Sgt. Johnson’s auspicious beginnings.



<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="Spartan Chatter: Halo: Contact Harvest" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tgwpgfstIuE?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>



Some Halo fans might say Contact Harvest is required reading and if you don’t have a copy of your own yet, <a href="https://adbl.co/4kWm63v">you can head to Audible and grab your own</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS</h2>



Catch up on the community book club with great shouts from folks in our <a href="https://discord.gg/halo">official Discord server</a>!



<ul>
<li>DDog Dazamaan: Loved this book, especially the story of the two unlikely friends in the Covenant.</li>



<li>No pings please: Out of all the Halo novels, this is my favorite, hands down! I don’t re-read stuff often, but I’ll make an exception for Contact Harvest.</li>



<li>Massctrl: Listened to this book for the first time many years ago. Excellent read!</li>



<li>SporkHALO: Eight chapters in, I think I’m more hooked than I was with Fall of Reach!</li>



<li>GuyverTronNIИ: Good choice! Contact Harvest is a great place to begin for new readers or anyone wanting to revisit the stories. One of my favorite parts is getting a behind-the-scenes look at the politics of the Covenant and seeing how the Prophets we know in the games come to power.</li>



<li>CIA391WIKI: That prologue, I dare say, is haunting! I totally get why it makes some folks uncomfortable.</li>



<li>Austin @ JumperScape: That prologue made me really consider the idea that maybe humanity needed this conflict. Something to pull it away from eating itself.</li>



<li>NsanittyyJUMP: I loved finding out how the Choppers were originally plowing tools meant as a peace offering to the colonists. The Engineers are so kind!</li>



<li>EnderfortYT: I loved Contact Harvest. It’s the fifth book I read in the Halo series after The Forerunner Saga and Broken Circle.</li>



<li>Twogood4hisown: I liked all the details on interstellar logistics, planetary AI, and colonial farming. I also liked the view of the pre-Covenant Insurrectionist conflict. It was messy, and one could easily see UNSC efforts doing more harm than good.</li>



<li>Woodsgump: This was one good read, and my first Halo novel. I liked how Contact Harvest focused on Johnson’s early days and his travels on Harvest, while we also get to see a bit of Jenkins himself.</li>



<li>pins before posting: There’s an interesting feeling in this novel. The “vibe” of life itself feels different in the Halo universe before the Human-Covenant war.</li>
</ul>



We’ll be doing 4 more novels between now and October so stay tuned for the reveal of the July selection!

snickerdoodle

Halo: Contact Harvest | Spartan Chatter

Click here to purchase tickets to the Halo World Championship 2025

Esports

Welcome back, friends!



In this blog series, we’re posting new Halo World Championship 2025 updates every month, and today we’ve got another jam-packed blog. For those who missed the first two, links are below for you to peruse:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-may" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May 2025</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-april">April </a><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halowc25-april" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2025</a></li>
</ul>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">TICKETS UPDATE (EARLY BIRD ENDS TODAY!)</h1>



First off, we want to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who has already secured their HaloWC tickets, especially our VIP ticketholders who sold out VIP within the first few hours. At the moment, HaloWC is about 1/3 sold out, and we’re also currently on pace to sell out faster than in the prior years. Wow, thank you!



The Early Bird special (which gives you 20% off) ends tonight, so if you’re considering attending the event, don’t wait! And like always, if you use one of our HCS Partnered Team codes, you’ll get an additional 10% off, with your savings going directly to the team of your choosing, so it’s a win-win-win for everyone!



You can grab your tickets and see team codes <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/halo-world-championship-2025-tickets-1388344669279?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>:





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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">RUMORS AND SPECULATION</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/halowc25-june-2-1024x576.png" alt="Fans watching "A New Dawn" live at the Halo World Championship 2024." class="wp-image-142637" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/halowc25-june-2-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/halowc25-june-2-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/halowc25-june-2-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/halowc25-june-2-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/halowc25-june-2-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/halowc25-june-2.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Over the past few weeks, there’s been a fair amount of speculation about when and where more details might emerge about any of the multiple projects Halo Studios is actively working on. We don’t usually comment on such matters, but this time we want to enter the chat and share a little more perspective for Halo fans who might be on the fence about whether to attend this year’s event.



Last year at HaloWC, we premiered “A New Dawn” where we talked about the switch to Unreal Engine, gave you a behind the scenes look at Project Foundry, and debuted our evolution to Halo Studios as we enter a new chapter for Halo. For us, “A New Dawn” was just the beginning – at this year’s HaloWC, we look forward to continuing the conversation.



Speculation is always fun, but if you want the official scoop on what Halo Studios has been working on, you won’t want to miss this year’s Halo World Championship. We really hope you’ll join us in Seattle this October!



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">PARTNERED TEAM BOOTHS</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Rebellion-Booth-1024x576.png" alt="Partner Booths at the Halo World Championship" class="wp-image-141740" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Rebellion-Booth-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Rebellion-Booth-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Rebellion-Booth-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Rebellion-Booth-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Rebellion-Booth-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Rebellion-Booth.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



This month, we also wanted to start sharing more about the different booths and experiences coming to HaloWC, starting with a few of our partnered teams. First, we’re excited to confirm that SPACESTATION and SHOPIFY REBELLION will be once again attending HaloWC, and bringing awesome booth experiences that both have become known for.



Now, we’re not going to spoil everything they’ve got in the works, but you can of course expect some fun games to play, exclusive merch, the opportunity for meet and greets with the players, and more. 



Thank you as always to Spacestation and Shopify for being part of HaloWC, and for their continued legendary support of the Halo community! 



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">HALO COMMUNITY STAGE</h1>



Today we’re also excited to confirm that the Community Playdate will make their triumphant return at HaloWC. This is where you, the community, get to come up on stage and play some casual Halo multiplayer, and maybe even win some cool prizes. As always, everyone who joins us on stage will get access to the highly coveted Unicorn of Ice emblems and nameplate.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/update-halo-unicorn-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite Ice Unicorn Emblem and Nameplate" class="wp-image-142595" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/update-halo-unicorn-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/update-halo-unicorn-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/update-halo-unicorn-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/update-halo-unicorn-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/update-halo-unicorn-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/update-halo-unicorn-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Each month we will share more and more details about the Community Stage and what programming and shenanigans to expect. 



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">HALO MAKER’S CONTEST</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Halo-Makers-Contest-1024x576.png" alt="Halo Pod Infector from the Halo World Championship 2024" class="wp-image-141695" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Halo-Makers-Contest-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Halo-Makers-Contest-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Halo-Makers-Contest-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Halo-Makers-Contest-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Halo-Makers-Contest-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Halo-Makers-Contest.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



As we mentioned in our last update, new to this year’s HaloWC is the Halo Maker’s Contest. We know many of you are waiting to hear more about this contest, and today, we’re excited to provide the initial contest guidelines ahead of the Official Rules. We’d like to also give a special shoutout to the 405th, who has been helping us think through some of the nuance and specifics for this all-new contest! 



<a href="http://x.com/cxeefoxx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@CxeeFoxx</a> on X: “Sounded like you guys mentioned it was going to be pretty strict on what was allowed. So really clear rules/guidelines would be super helpful. If there are materials not allowed, what types of premade items can be used/not (if you need motors, lights, blowers etc)”



Thank you <a href="http://x.com/cxeefoxx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@CxeeFoxx</a> for the question – let’s get into the details!



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



The Halo Maker’s Contest gives you the opportunity to create a real-life replica of any recognizable item from the Halo universe, from Cortana’s Chip to the Needler! This is your chance to show off your creativity, craftsmanship, and passion for the franchise. Whether it’s an iconic item from Campaign, or your favorite niche weapon, we want you to bring it to life!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PRIZE BREAKDOWN</h2>



Total Prize Pool: $2,500  



<ul>
<li>1st. – $1,500</li>



<li>2nd. – $750</li>



<li>3rd. – $250</li>
</ul>



As an optional added bonus, the 1st place winner will have the option to have their creation displayed in the Halo Studios Museum for one year, for employees and VIP studio guests to admire on display.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ENTRY GUIDELINES</h2>



<ul>
<li>Must be a replica of an existing object from any official Halo game, media, or lore.  </li>



<li>One entry per person/team.  </li>



<li>All entries must be fabricated by the maker(s). The use of laser cutters, 3D printers, and CNC machines is allowed, but the item must be created and owned by the maker.  </li>



<li>Size: Must be no larger than 6 ft total  </li>



<li>Models can contain lights, motors, servos, blowers, and voice chips for operation, but please make sure that all devices are powered by an external, non-modified USB power bank. No mains powered devices will be accepted, and we ask that Makers do not use rechargeable electric batteries (but as mentioned above, non-modified USB power banks can be utilized).</li>
</ul>



Your creation should be made from safe, lightweight, and non-hazardous materials. Examples of these include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:



<ul>
<li>Various types of foam    </li>



<li>Worbla  </li>



<li>Plastic    </li>



<li>Rubber  </li>



<li>Cardboard   </li>



<li>Fabrics    </li>



<li>3D printed materials   </li>



<li>Wood</li>
</ul>



Are there material types not listed here that you have questions about? Tweet at me and let me know! (<a href="http://x.com/tashi343i" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Tashi343i</a>)



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BANNED ITEMS</h2>



<ul>
<li>Hazardous materials of any kind  </li>



<li>Functional projectile weapons  </li>



<li>Sharp metal edges   </li>



<li>Pyrotechnics, explosives, open flames, smoke   </li>



<li>Gas cylinders, compressed air weapons  </li>



<li>Liquids, glitter, confetti, or substances that could cause a mess   </li>



<li>Disrespectful, offensive, or political imagery or language  </li>



<li>Entries breaching venue or Microsoft Code of Conduct   </li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS</h2>



<ul>
<li>Pre-registration is required – stay tuned later this summer for the pre-registration form and details.   </li>



<li>The top 24 pre-registered entries will be selected and approved to appear in the contest.  </li>



<li>All approved entries must be submitted in-person at the 2025 Halo World Championship in Seattle, WA. Check-in and drop-off must be completed at the designated Maker’s Contest desk by the designated times (to be provided at a later date).  </li>



<li>Items must be clearly labeled with your name, contact info, item name, and include a short, printed description (200 words or less) about the item and build process to accompany the display.  </li>



<li>Entries should be considered final, and not labeled “work-in-progress.” This doesn’t mean you can’t keep polishing your entry after the contest, but items should simply be presented in a ready-to-display state.  </li>



<li>As a note, any submissions cannot be used in both the Maker’s Contest and the Cosplay Contest. For example, a Maker can create a helmet for this contest, but the same helmet can’t be utilized as a part of an armor for the Cosplay Contest at HaloWC25.  </li>



<li>Entrants must be present at the event to qualify.  </li>



<li>Entries will be displayed publicly during the contest showcase.  </li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">JUDGING CRITERIA</h2>



Each entry will be scored on:



<ul>
<li>Craftsmanship & Build Quality (30%)  </li>



<li>Accuracy to Source Material (25%)  </li>



<li>Creativity in Execution (20%)  </li>



<li>Presentation & Visual Appeal (15%)  </li>



<li>Effort & Ingenuity (10%)</li>
</ul>



Judges will include Halo Studios team members and Halo community reps.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">RULES & DISCLAIMERS</h2>



<ul>
<li>Must be 18+ or have parental consent to enter.   </li>



<li>Open to legal residents of the 50 United States (including the District of Columbia).  </li>



<li>By entering, you grant permission to have your work shown off on official Halo and partner channels!  </li>
</ul>



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Player-Popoff-1024x576.png" alt="Pro Player, Cherished, on the Halo World Championship main stage" class="wp-image-141838" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Player-Popoff-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Player-Popoff-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Player-Popoff-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Player-Popoff-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Player-Popoff-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/HaloWC25-Player-Popoff.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



As always, thank you for supporting the HCS and HaloWC, and we can’t wait to see you in October. Keep it locked here on Waypoint, @Halo, and @HCS for all the latest on the Halo World Championship! 



Thanks, 



Tashi

Tashi

Road to HaloWC 2025: June

Community Spotlight

Spotlight: June 18, 2025

Welcome to another edition of Forge Features! This series highlights notable maps, modes, and other creations from our talented Forge community. Bookmark your favorites using the links below for your next custom game.



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



With ancient trees, alien motherships, and hogs from heck, this month’s Forge Feature brings together a fabled selection of otherworldly arenas, PvE modes, and minigames fit for a ludic escape. Read on to explore our latest bookmarkable builds!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SUPERB SLAYERS</h2>



Exciting arenas for free-for-all and Team Slayer matches. Use the links to add them to your Halo Infinite bookmarks.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">YGGDRASIL’S JUDGMENT</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2.png" alt="In an overgrown temple, a multi-leveled walkway climbs toward a sunlit aperture in the ceiling." class="wp-image-138852" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/YggdrasilJudgment_000_RETOUCHED2-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/299be314-3856-4746-96ab-b6ac066e36a9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark this map.</a>



Forged by: Zlitchufdux



In this overgrown temple, play centers around a vertical chamber of layered walkways. Teleport pads will take you to the upper reaches, but first you’ll have to determine which one goes where. Portals can be found on the map’s outer wings near equipment drops—but you might find yourself gunned down beneath the gaze of the mighty World Tree.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">COLONIZED</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED.png" alt="A human mining colony at the verge of a mineral deposit bears the pestilential signs of a Flood infestation." class="wp-image-138726" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Colonized_000_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/1a034966-2e35-43d7-9204-912df7ec9c6d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark this map.</a>



Forged by: hotozi, Void Wars, Ieed5, ATAT505, OrcusGhxxlz, D3M0NSLAY3R7770



A human mining colony learns firsthand not to disturb the Flood. This map expertly combines urban angles, mineral mounds, and Flood-infested biomass into a cohesive arena for small-scale deathmatches. Check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of7rAoe230o" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hotozi’s video walkthrough</a> for a closer look.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">MINI MOTHERSHIP</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED.png" alt="The smoke-strewn engine room of an alien mothership. Porthole-shaped doorways line the rounded walls, as thick cables snake the ceiling." class="wp-image-138824" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MiniMothership_005_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a3c32eb8-91b4-400f-a14e-e0872b53b9eb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark this map.</a>



Forged by: LegendDingle, LegendChar94, LegendCamikaze, LegendBrauntley, LegendLoraxe, LegendJonezy



In this symmetrical Slayer set aboard a damaged Covenant vessel, combat flows around a multi-level chamber featuring loads of alien eye candy. With low-slung cables for catwalks, floor-mounted escape hatches, and rounded kill-zones pearling the outer rim, there are plenty of places to take them to your leader.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">ECOTONE</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED.png" alt="An industrial arena filled with crates and loading bays. A crane looms overhead." class="wp-image-138754" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Ecotone_000_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/0dd44301-7eb2-4732-bb97-dc421431b6b3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark this map.</a>



Forged by: Igrizhar, Cobra J24, JoValiant, Scrubulba, Mr IncrediJON, timmyforges



Movement is the name of the game in this industrial shoot-em-up. Set on a frontier between the forest and the desert, this map offers plenty of obstacles, walkways, and overhangs for both cover and clambering. Get vertical and think quickly—because someone can always find a shortcut faster than you can!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">POTENT PvE</h2>



Looking for Banished showdowns, Firefight maps, or a new narrative game mode? Check out these picks from popular PvE experiences.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">THE FAILED SWORD</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED.png" alt="A Spartan warrior faces off with two Elites in a courtyard decorated with a giant, stone Energy Sword." class="wp-image-138768" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/FailedSword_001_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/aebed4ac-c029-4957-a6cd-77257399708d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark map.</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/52bd31e1-fe71-4a22-99aa-2c2a34dcd0a7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark mode.</a>



Forged by: TostEZ28



This lengthy mission invites you and your squad to raid a fortress alongside the Swords of Sanghelios. After clearing the fortified landing zone, you’ll navigate through a vent maze, experience Sangheili Speed, and puzzle your way out of a duel with an angry Blademaster.



To rejoin your Elite allies, you’ll have to escort Grunt VIPs, topple minibosses, choose your ending, and platform your way to the ramparts to sabotage a massive sentinel beam. If you manage to survive all that, there’s still a ropes course between you and a final showdown.



<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ0yeavv9N8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watch TostEZ28’s full video walkthrough.</a>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">CORBULO ACADEMY</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED.png" alt="The Corbulo Academy of Military Science. A Covenant ship opens fire on the courtyard." class="wp-image-138740" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/CorbuloAcademy_004_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/225b150f-a3ed-4f09-8e01-aa6acfa4505f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark this map.</a>



Forged by: SilvervioletX98, Unusual Hiccup



Axios! This stunning tribute to the Corbulo Academy from Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn boasts a nice open courtyard for Linear KOTH Firefight, plus plenty of Easter eggs for fans of the web series turned film. If you find time to catch your breath between waves, try finding the cadets’ mess hall and the dead Elite from that scene in the locker room.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">GOLDEN GATE</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED.png" alt="The Golden Gate bridge stands broken in the rain during a full moon. A Covenant ship looms overhead." class="wp-image-138782" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/GoldenGate_002_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/61191d2d-2a58-4597-a112-e45d961e9e74" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark this map.</a>



Forged by: RYL X RAiD3D, GlazedJJ, AndrewOGee, HachuThunder, Boss Bannon, OGSGTJohnson, Elite30 sw, zCobrvz, AGR DA XXXX, Ez eggs4181, Endingbassoon71, BIGP0RKBELLY



The human settlement of San Francisco is under siege by the Banished! Fight your way across the gridlocked topside, through dripping maintenance tunnels, and down the twirling access stairs to the bridge’s pylon. Filled with ample power weapons and equipment, this oversized map is perfect for squadding up in Firefight Classic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MADCAP MINIGAMES</h2>



All war and no play makes dull Spartans. Bookmark these minigames for a few laughs!



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">HOGS FROM HECK</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED.png" alt="A colosseum built over a volcanic inferno. A nearby ramp appears to be the best way to launch at a viewing platform standing amidst the flames." class="wp-image-138796" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/hogsfromheck_002_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/bdd65725-93f5-489c-b889-26625df7b4be" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark map.</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/15842fab-e01a-443e-a22a-c494a1172dd4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark mode.</a>



Forged by: LudoHT, Scrubulba, Mr IncrediJON, Handsome Huber, DISTORTED JAKAL



A fan-favorite minigame redesigned with a repulsive twist. One team stands (well, quivers, really) on a platform surrounded by boiling lava, while their enemies launch Razorbacks at them from all directions. Thankfully, this updated mode equips Survivors with Repulsors, so they can rebuff the advances of those hellish ‘hogs (and probably launch an ally or two in the process). Mind those elbows, would you?



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">SLOW-MOTION SLAYER</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED.png" alt="A Spartan warrior dives through the air, shooting at an unseen foe." class="wp-image-138838" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/SlowMo_000_RETOUCHED-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/c2b34407-aa15-4dfb-b6cd-fc7e9aa5da74" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookmark mode.</a>



Forged by: Disco_Lizard69



John Halo teams up with John Wu. This action-packed Slayer variant features no jumping, extra long slides, slow-mo dives, and do-or-die descents. Kills don’t count unless you’re sliding or diving like a hardboiled detective. You’ll regain shields with every shot landed while diving, and experience “Max” stopping power during slides. This time, it’s personal.



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



Found your work featured here? <a href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/0e252e23792a441885a8656bc57f0d2b">Fill out this form</a> to claim your exclusive Fire Unicorn emblem and nameplate for Halo Infinite.



Stay tuned for another Forge Feature coming soon! To share your creations with the Halo Infinite community team, be sure to drop a link in the <a href="https://discord.com/channels/471722331820130324/1231006442656628758" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#forge-show-and-tell</a> channel of our <a href="https://discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Discord</a> or post to <a href="https://reddit.com/r/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">r/Halo</a> using the Forge tag.

Community Cartography 036

Forge Features: June 4, 2025

As part of our <a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubGiveaway">audiobook giveaway series</a> with Simon & Schuster, we’re inviting Halo fans to join a community book club in our <a href="https://discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Discord server</a>, where we’ll focus on a new novel from Halo’s expansive canon each month. Join the #audio-book-club channel to listen along!



This month’s book club title is Halo: Contact Harvest, written by Halo chronicler Joseph Staten and covering humanity’s first tragic contact with the Covenant. The audiobook is narrated by Holter Graham and Jen Taylor. Listen to an exclusive excerpt from the audiobook edition below:



<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="Contact Harvest | Audiobook Preview | Available Now from Simon & Schuster" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1C_xMw8V9qg?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>



<a href="https://bit.ly/4kme4B4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purchase your copy of Contact Harvest from Simon & Schuster.</a>



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PLOT PREVIEW</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Contact-Harvest/Joseph-Staten/HALO/9781508284543?utm_source=halo_waypoint&utm_medium=audio_author_outlet&utm_content=audio_buy_link&utm_campaign=halocontactharvest#buy-from"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="2560" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-scaled.jpg" alt="The New York Times bestselling series. Halo: Contact Harvest. New York Times bestselling author Joseph Staten. Read by Holter Graham and Jen Taylor." class="wp-image-138880" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a></figure>



In the year 2524, the colony world of Harvest prospers at the edge of human-controlled space. Elsewhere in the galaxy, the United Nations Space Command contends with a bitter civil war against the Insurrection, a colonial rebellion resistant to UNSC authority.



The agrarian society of Harvest has been untouched by war—until now. 



Humanity has unknowingly trespassed on holy ground sought by a theocratic alien empire. When a Covenant vessel captures a freighter bound from Harvest, a squad of war-weary UNSC marines must rally the colonists to take arms against a new and deadly foe. 



Follow Staff Sergeant Avery Johnson as he finds himself thrust into a fight for humanity’s survival.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CHARACTER GUIDE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="450" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact_Harvest_Chaper_16_Still.png" alt="San'Shyuum Prophets meet the AI Construct Mendicant Bias. The illuminated face of the AI Construct looks down on the Prophet of Truth, who raises his hands in holy ecstasy." class="wp-image-138708" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact_Harvest_Chaper_16_Still.png 800w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact_Harvest_Chaper_16_Still-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact_Harvest_Chaper_16_Still-768x432.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



If you enjoyed the chapter excerpt embedded above, check out these brief intros to prominent characters to learn more about the events of Halo: Contact Harvest.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Avery Johnson</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Johnson.jpg" alt="Halo Encyclopedia 2022 art of Avery Johnson" class="wp-image-139500" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Johnson.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Johnson-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Johnson-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Johnson-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



Wearied from years fighting Insurrectionist cells across human-occupied space, Avery Johnson returns to Earth for a much-needed furlough. But when he discovers that his last family relation has died alone and uncelebrated, he succumbs to his grief and falls afoul of local law enforcement. 



A last-minute transfer to Harvest saves him from disgrace—but who authorized it? 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nolan Byrne</h3>



Johnson’s comrade in arms during Operation: TREBUCHET, a covert strike against Insurrectionist munitions factories, and his unwitting partner in a new mission on Harvest. After a moment of hesitation resulted in tragedy, Byrne has lost the respect he once had for Johnson. Who knows how the coming conflict might change his mind?



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jilan al-Cygni</h3>



A decorated officer of the Office of Naval Intelligence and a clandestine operative of its Section Three subdivision. Though she arrived in the sector under other pretenses, Lieutenant Commander al-Cygni has secretly bootstrapped Byrne and Johnson into a covert mission against Insurrectionists operating near Harvest.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Maccabeus and Tartarus</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MaccabeusAndTartarus.jpg" alt="Halo Mythos art of Maccabeus and Tartarus" class="wp-image-139514" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MaccabeusAndTartarus.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MaccabeusAndTartarus-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MaccabeusAndTartarus-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/MaccabeusAndTartarus-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



Chieftain of the Jiralhanae and shipmaster of the Covenant vessel Rapid Conversion. Esteemed as much for his naval and martial prowess as his religious zeal, Maccabeus takes a personal interest in the reports of Forerunner relics on Harvest and the possibility of encountering a sacred oracle—even against the orders of the Covenant high command. He is accompanied by his young nephew, the ruthlessly ambitious Tartarus.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dadab and Lighter Than Some</h3>



An Unggoy deacon assigned to Minor Transgression, the Covenant missionary vessel that first encounters humanity. When a raid on a human freighter goes wrong, Dadab escapes with his Huragok companion, Lighter Than Some, to the cruiser Rapid Conversion, where he preaches the divine word of the Covenant—and finds ways to excuse his friend’s insatiable desire for tinkering.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sif and Mack</h3>



An artificial intelligence aboard Harvest’s orbital station, the Tiara, and tasked with freight logistics for its shipyards. After encountering a distress beacon from the human freighter Horn of Plenty, Sif coordinates with fellow AI Mack—responsible for Harvest’s agricultural operations and heavy machinery—to evacuate the colony during the ensuing invasion.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Minister of Fortitude</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Fortitude.jpg" alt="Halo 2: Anniversary screenshot crop of the Prophet of Truth" class="wp-image-139486" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Fortitude.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Fortitude-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Fortitude-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Fortitude-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



A San’Shyuum minister holding court on the Covenant’s holy city of High Charity. When a Forerunner oracle reveals the truth about the supposed “relics” discovered on Harvest, Fortitude’s schemes lead him and his co-conspirators to the coveted rank of hierarch.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">GAME CONNECTIONS</h2>



Halo: Contact Harvest introduces us to Sergeant Johnson as a young man, 28 years before the events of Halo: Combat Evolved. Over the course of the novel, Johnson takes part in the earliest events of the Human-Covenant War and becomes the hardened warfighter who eventually helps the Master Chief finish the fight.



The Minister of Fortitude is perhaps better known as the Prophet of Truth, a major antagonist in both Halo 2 and Halo 3. Chieftain Maccabeus is the uncle of Tartarus, who appears in both Halo 2 and as a minor character in Contact Harvest. (No spoilers! You’ll have to read the novel to learn what part he plays in its exciting events.)



To learn more about the Halo novels, visit our <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/official-halo-book-guide" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Official Halo Book Guide</a>.



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



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



Joseph Staten was the writer and creative lead for Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and Halo: Reach, and the Head of Creative for Halo Infinite. He is the New York Times bestselling author of Halo: Contact Harvest and the novella Halo: Shadow of Intent.



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



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



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Holter Graham </h3>



Holter Graham is a stage, film, and television actor based in New York. He has also narrated over 200 audiobooks, including works by Stephen King, Nicholas Sparks, and prolific Halo writer Greg Bear, as well as several other works in the Halo series.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jen Taylor </h3>



Jen Taylor is the voice of Cortana, Dr. Catherine Halsey, and The Weapon in the Halo series, as well as numerous other recognizable video game characters. Beyond her voice acting career, Jen has performed in theatrical productions, appeared in television series, and narrated over 30 audiobooks, including Halo: Contact Harvest and Halo: Evolutions.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AUDIOBOOK GIVEAWAY</h2>



Enter to win an audiobook copy of a new book-club title each month now through October! To participate, react to the Contact Harvest post in the #giveaways channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Halo Discord server</a> before June 6.



Stay tuned to <a href="https://https/www.x.com/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Halo on X</a> later this month for more ways to win! <a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubGiveaway" data-type="link" data-id="https://halowaypoint.com/news/audiobook-club">See full contest rules and entry directions.</a>



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">JOIN THE BOOK CLUB</h2>



Listen to a new Halo title every month with the Halo community in our Discord book club! To participate, simply join the #audio-book-club channel of the <a href="https://discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Halo Discord server,</a> where we’ll select a new title from the Halo universe to discuss each month through October.



Share your favorite moments and engage in discussion topics for a chance to find your words featured in an upcoming Halo Waypoint post! At the end of every month, we’ll host a special Spartan Chatter episode on Discord to discuss the audiobook and answer questions from the Halo community.



<a href="https://bit.ly/4kme4B4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purchase your copy of Contact Harvest from Simon & Schuster.</a>

Audiobook Club: Contact Harvest

Halo’s lore is as expansive as the universe in which it takes place. To celebrate the many novels that have helped deepen our understanding of the UNSC, the Forerunners, and the many alien factions that occupy our Milky Way, we’ve partnered with Simon & Schuster to showcase a selection of audiobooks from the Halo canon in a community book club and an ongoing giveaway series.



Read on for details on joining the book club and all the ways you can enter to win Halo audiobooks this month!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Community Book Club</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="2560" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-scaled.jpg" alt="The New York Times bestselling series. Halo: Contact Harvest. New York Times bestselling author Joseph Staten. Read by Holter Graham and Jen Taylor." class="wp-image-138880" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/06/Contact-Harvest-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



Starting this month, we’ll be listening to the fan-favorite novel Halo: Contact Harvest in our community book club. To listen along, <a href="https://bit.ly/4kme4B4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pick up a copy from Simon & Schuster</a> and join the #audio-book-club channel of our <a href="https://discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Discord server</a>, where you can share your favorite moments and engage in discussion topics for a chance to find your words featured in an upcoming Halo Waypoint post!



At the end of every month now through October, we’ll also be hosting a special Spartan Chatter episode on Discord to discuss the audiobook and answer questions from the Halo community. Head to the Discord Stage voice channel to listen in.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Audiobook Giveaways</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover.png" alt="Halo: Contact Harvest book cover. Sergeant Avery Johnson, a man in army fatigues and sunglasses, turns away from a burning grain field and raises his rifle. A cigar dangles from his lips. Marines rush toward the flames ahead of Johnson." class="wp-image-138579" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/Contact-Harvest-16x9-Cover-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Enter to win an audiobook copy of a new book club title each month now through October! To participate, watch the #giveaways channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Halo Discord server</a> and stay tuned to <a href="https://https/www.x.com/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Halo on X</a> later this month.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Discord Entry</h3>



Now through October, we’ll give away five (5) audiobook editions of our selected book club title on Discord every month! To enter to win Halo audiobooks, simply join the <a href="https://discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official Halo Discord server</a> and react to our new giveaway post in the #giveaways channel during the first week of each month.



UPDATE: The Halo: Shadows of Reach giveaway post will appear in the #giveaways channel on September 2, 2025. React to the post by Monday, September 8 for a chance to win!



Winners will be randomly selected later in the same month. Winners will be notified and tagged in a follow-up post by the GiveawayBot in the #giveaways channel of the Halo Discord server.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Social Entry</h3>



Follow <a href="https://x.com/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Halo on X</a> and comment on our monthly giveaway posts for a chance to win one of five (5) Halo audiobooks every month. Look out for the next giveaway post on September 10, where lucky Spartans can enter to win the audiobook edition of Halo: Shadows of Reach!



Entry period lasts until 8:00 a.m. (PT) on September June 12. Winners will be contacted via direct message on the X platform.

Audiobook Club & Giveaway Series

Spotlight: May 21, 2025

Community Cartography 035

Forge Features: May 8, 2025

Welcome back to the Community Corner! In this series, we’ll share cozy Q&A’s with notable creators from the Halo community. Today’s entry features a personal history and lessons in handiwork from artisan armorer SangheliosCustoms (a.k.a. Oscar Fabozzi).



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



Hi, Oscar! Thanks for sharing your story with us here on the Community Corner. Before we get started, can you give our readers a sense of who you are and what you do?



Hi, I’m Oscar Fabozzi! I’m 37 years old, and I’m from Italy. I live in a small town 30 minutes from Naples, and I have a hardware store where I’ve been working for almost 20 years. I’ve always loved video games—but I would only call myself a real nerd if I had more time to dedicate to them.<a id="_msocom_1"></a>



Follow Oscar on social media: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sanghelios_customs/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sanghelioscustoms">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://x.com/sangheliosc">X</a><a id="_msocom_3"></a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A HALO HISTORY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_001-1024x576.jpg" alt="Oscar Fabozzi sits on concrete steps and aims his model Skewer." class="wp-image-135712" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_001-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_001-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_001-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_001-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_001-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_001-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Tell us about your Halo origin story. Where did you first encounter the series?



I remember when I was young, a friend of mine bought the first Xbox and Halo: Combat Evolved. He was the only one who had it, so we all gathered at his house to play it together. I later bought my first Xbox to play Halo 2, and from that moment I never left Halo! I have played all the games, seen all the various films and series, and I own the entire collection of books that have currently been released in Italy.



Are you more of a campaign player, a multiplayer diehard, or a mix?



It’s absurd to say, but when I started playing Halo, I didn’t even have a console! I went to my friend’s house to play Halo: Combat Evolved multiplayer, and sometimes we even managed to gather two consoles and eight players for a larger get-together. Some of my friends even bought controllers just to play and enjoy multiplayer together.



Once I bought my first Xbox, I played the campaign a lot. I really like the story! Having played it in co-op with many different friends, I really don’t know how many times I must have completed the campaigns on any difficulty.



Now I have little time to play, but when I can I eagerly jump into the multiplayer experience of Halo Infinite, where I always meet many friends online who invite me to their team.



What’s your favorite Halo game and why?



It all started with Halo 2 for me. The Arbiter was a character that struck me instantly, and his story made me fall in love with the series right away. Since it was love at first sight, I’d have to admit that my favorite game is Halo 2.



I am also very attached to Halo 5: Guardians for the return of the Arbiter, fighting on Sanghelios, and the inspiration to create my Warden Eternal cosplay. Those things truly changed me and so I will be forever grateful for that chapter of the Halo story.



Do you have any other favorite Halo media?



As I mentioned, I have all the Halo games, films, series, and books. I have never been a great reader, but when I started reading the Halo books I immersed myself in the lore and discovered many things that I would never have even imagined! I must say that the books are truly a great strength of Halo, and I hope that other editions translated into Italian will come out in the future because I would really like to enjoy them all.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_002-1024x1024.jpg" alt="A composite image featuring multiple angles of Oscar Fabozzi's Arbiter cosplay." class="wp-image-135726" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_002-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_002-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_002-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_002-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_002-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_002.jpg 1564w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Who are some of your favorite Halo characters?



It goes without saying that the Arbiter is my favorite character. He has charisma, he has honor, and I’ve always had a weakness for enemies in video games with a great backstory.



But the real thanks goes to the Warden Eternal. He was crazy as a villain and he really deserves a lot of credit. He’s one of the most esteemed and hated bosses in the history of Halo at the same time. That’s why I wanted to create his cosplay—a project that was nothing short of ambitious, difficult, and almost unrealistic.



And yet I worked so hard, and the satisfaction it gave me is impossible to quantify. The best thing that happened is that, with this cosplay, I managed to encourage others to revisit and form a greater appreciation for that character.



What do you love about the Halo community?



Being part of such a community is truly a fantastic dream. Being someone who has contributed to the world of Halo is not easily explained or expressed.



Thanks to my Warden Eternal cosplay, I got to meet the Halo team directly. We’ve already discussed it in the past and I still can’t believe that all my childhood dreams have truly come true! I’ll forever be grateful for this truly unique experience.



As a community, we manage to always keep the passion and love for this masterpiece alive—and I love that the studio encourages cosplayers like me and the rest of the community to participate. That is and will always be something that a fan will never forget.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COSPLAY CREATIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="960" height="960" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_003.jpg" alt="Oscar Fabozzi wears his Warden Eternal cosplay. The armor glows menacingly from the face, torso, and extremities in a dimly lit room." class="wp-image-135740" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_003.jpg 960w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_003-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_003-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_003-768x768.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></figure>



How did you get into creating custom armor and weaponry? What do you love about it?



I entered the world of cosplay thanks to Halo! As I grew up, I had less and less time to play—but ten years ago, I decided to create my first Arbiter armor. Because I created it while I was in the hardware shop, I was able to combine my work and my passion.



I wanted to somehow leave a mark in the world of this series, which felt like a challenge because there were already so many crazy cosplays which were incredible to say the least. How could I ever make a difference and get noticed among all these amazing artists?



And so, I decided to create the Arbiter cosplay—an ambitious, difficult, and long project, but it didn’t weigh on me even for a day. When you create something you really love, all the problems and all the difficulties in creating such demanding things pass.



It was a very difficult project, but I was determined. It took me almost two years to complete. And with the release of Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Halo 2: Anniversary, I managed to recreate all the best details and finish this great challenge.



After I completed the Arbiter, that’s when the wild idea arrived to create the Warden Eternal, and the rest is history.



Can you share your armor crafting process?



I started in the hardest way—not using foam, but fiberglass. Yes, real madness! I created every single part with simple paper using images online, and then used fiberglass to mold the pieces, smoothed them, and finally painted them. All without experience! And starting with the Arbiter, I had to create not only the armor, but also a real alien body.



And then, still looking to challenge myself further, I created my cosplay of the Warden Eternal, who does not have a body at all—only floating armor. So: the pieces were still created in fiberglass, but this time I used plexiglass in-between to suspend them, with LEDs across the whole body to hide it as much as possible.



Is the process different for weapons and props?



For weapons, I fortunately know 3D design. Since I bought a 3D printer I have started to produce a lot of projects. At the moment I only create Halo props with my printers, but I hope to finally create my first Spartan armor soon. And—a little spoiler—I will surely dedicate some time to my lovely Arbiter.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1441" height="2560" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_004-scaled.jpg" alt="A Heatwave weapon prop created by SangheliosCustoms." class="wp-image-135754" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_004-scaled.jpg 1441w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_004-169x300.jpg 169w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_004-577x1024.jpg 577w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_004-768x1364.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_004-865x1536.jpg 865w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_004-1153x2048.jpg 1153w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_004-1568x2785.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1441px) 100vw, 1441px" /></figure>



What was your favorite weapon or prop you’ve created?



For weapons, it is very difficult to choose. I love every prop that I create. Each is a personal project that I start from scratch and realize in every little and particular detail.



But surely one of the great beauties and toughest challenges was the Gravity Hammer, a real beast at two meters and full of LEDs inside. Crazy to say that I’m building another hammer right now that is absolutely stunning.



I really love to create props with LEDs inside in particular, with docks for the batteries, switches, and circuits for the cables. It’s a challenging task but one that gives almost too much satisfaction when you see it completed. Indeed, I recently created my first Heatwave, and it’s been an unforgettable process.



How do you choose a subject to create?



I always try not to do things that have already been created or are well known. I like to aim for almost impossible projects. Ask yourself why it has never been done before, and only then will you have the true inspiration to create a real masterpiece.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_005-1024x683.jpg" alt="Oscar Fabozzi aims a replica MA40 Assault Rifle." class="wp-image-135768" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_005-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_005-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_005-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_005-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_005-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_005-1568x1045.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Have you attended any events in cosplay?



I have only attended a few comic cons in Italy, but I took part in some competitions with my Halo cosplays. I admit that going around fairs with such big armors is unfortunately very difficult; you need to have a lot of friends to give you a hand getting there. That’s why I prefer to enjoy events with simpler or textile costumes, which are light and allow you to move more independently.



Can you recommend any tips for those interested in cosplay?



After years, I’ve come to understand that making something you are passionate about really makes a difference. When you are immersed in the process of making something you love, the work is easier and the end product is even more satisfying.



Even if you think you don’t have enough experience, you can be sure that good work will come out if you love the character you want to create. Experience will be acquired with time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PARTING SHOTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="581" height="581" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_006.jpg" alt="Oscar Fabozzi mows his lawn with a push mower while dressed as the Arbiter." class="wp-image-135782" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_006.jpg 581w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_006-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/CC_SangheliosCustoms_006-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 581px) 100vw, 581px" /></figure>



Care to share a random fact about yourself?



One very funny thing is how I got my customers used to this fantastic world. At my hardware store, my customers are bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, and other such professions. Many years ago, they saw me creating things while I was working, and they would look at me, and often make fun of me, saying, “Hey, you! Think about working instead of playing.”



Today everything is different. My customers can’t wait to see what new project I’m creating. While they are buying maybe a faucet for the bathroom, they also take some photos with a sniper rifle I’ve just assembled.



Are there any exciting things coming up that we should look out for?



Oh, the more things Halo adds to this fantastic fictional world, the sooner I’ll try to make them in the real one!



But there is one thing I want to announce: I’ve always wanted to create a real Energy Sword. I’ve tried several times and failed, but I feel close to finally being able to create a truly realistic one. Stay tuned!



Is there anyone you’d like to give a shout out to?



I definitely greet all the people who are around me and believed in my projects, but a special thanks will always be dedicated to Halo. This series will always be with me.



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



Thanks for reading! Follow <a href="https://x.com/sangheliosc">SangheliosCustoms</a> to check out Oscar’s latest creations, and stay tuned to <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news?category=community">Halo Waypoint</a> and our <a href="https://x.com/halo">social channels</a> for more community coverage.