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Esports

The road to Salt Lake City is complete!



GGs to everyone who competed and congratulations to all teams who stamped their tickets to the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/ssg-major" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HCS SLC Major 2025</a> hosted by <a href="http://x.com/spacestation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spacestation</a>!



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



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



<ul>
<li><a href="#next">Up Next</a></li>



<li><a href="#leaderboards">Leaderboards</a></li>



<li><a href="#na">NA Results</a></li>



<li><a href="#eu">EU Results</a></li>



<li><a href="#mx">MX Results</a></li>



<li><a href="#anz">ANZ Results</a></li>
</ul>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="next">UP NEXT: ROAD TO CHARLOTTE</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-1024x576.png" alt="HCS Open Series: Road to Charlotte" class="wp-image-145425" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/CLT25-Open-Series-VISID.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>North America Starts @ 12p ET August 16-17: Open #1 August 23-24: Open #2 August 30-31: Open #3 September 6-7: Pool Play Qualifier</td><td>Europe Starts @ 12p BST August 17: Open #1 August 24: Open #2 August 31: Open #3 September 7: Pool Play Qualifier</td><td>Mexico Starts @ 12p CT August 17: Open #1 August 24: Open #2 August 31: Open #3 September 7: Open Bracket Qualifier</td><td>Australia / New Zealand Starts @ 12p AEST August 17: Open #1 August 24: Open #2 August 31: Open #3 September 7: Open Bracket Qualifier</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="leaderboards">Leaderboards</h1>



Regional Leaderboards following the HCS Open Series: Road to Salt Lake City.







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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="na">NA Results</h1>



<a href="http://x.com/complexity">Complexity</a> clinches the #5 seed heading into the Salt Lake City Major!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>SLC Qualifier: Champions Team: Complexity – Cherished – King Nick – Mental – RyaNoob</td><td>Week #3: Champions Team: OpTic Gaming – Bound – Formal – Lqgend – Renegade</td><td>Week #2: Champions Team: 007 – Bound – Cykul – Last Shot – Lqgend</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: 007 – Cykul – Frosty – Kuhlect – Lqgend</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>SLC Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/SLC25-na-qual" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKVzJoUZVoA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Qualifier / Day 1</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Llyt0BGu5xM" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Qualifier / Day 2</a></td><td>Week #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/SLC25-na-os3" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5_ty3NSO88" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #3 / Day 1</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSNOknfyOdM" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #3 / Day 2</a></td><td>Week #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/SLC25-na-os2" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=089yL89mPwU" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #2 / Day 1</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IsbEJS1Xvo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #2 / Day 2</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/SLC25-na-os1" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/kHkAeK2_7Uw?si=gBJj9kBp4LmMe6d1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #1 / Day</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQm87HAihM0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/kHkAeK2_7Uw?si=gBJj9kBp4LmMe6d1&t=4493" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJRFqF3KClo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #1 / Day 2</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="eu">EU Results</h1>



The #7 seed goes to <a href="http://x.com/nmss_gg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Team Nemesis</a>!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>SLC Qualifier: Champions Team: Team Nemesis – Glory – SLG – Snipedrone – Wutum</td><td>Week #3: Champions Team: Team Nemesis – Glory – SLG – Snipedrone – Wutum</td><td>Week #2: Champions Team: Team Nemesis – Glory – SLG – Snipedrone – Wutum</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: Zero Tenacity – Bastoss – Mighty – Sica – Tchik</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>SLC Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-eu-qual" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EuroHaloLeague</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2511283467" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Qualifier</a></td><td>Week #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-eu-os3" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EuroHaloLeague</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2499030690" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Open #3</a></td><td>Week #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-eu-os2" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EuroHaloLeague</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2492826325" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Open #2</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-eu-os1" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EuroHaloLeague</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2480410234" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Open #1</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="mx">MX Results</h1>



<a href="https://x.com/ETHRGaming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETHR Gaming</a> will represent Mexico in SLC as they battle through the Open Bracket!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>SLC Qualifier: Champions Team: ETHR Gaming – Acid – Drift – Tapping Buttons – Noblc</td><td>Week #3: Champions Team: ETHR Gaming – Acid – Drift – Tapping Buttons – Noblc</td><td>Week #2: Champions Team: ETHR Gaming – Acid – Drift – Tapping Buttons – Noblc</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: ETHR Gaming – Acid – Drift – Tapping Buttons – Leuor</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>SLC Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-mx-qual" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-mx-os3" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-mx-os2" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-mx-os1" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="anz">ANZ Results</h1>



Australia’s finest, <a href="https://x.com/Mindfreak" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mindfreak</a>, are ready to take on the SLC Open Bracket!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>SLC Qualifier: Champions Team: Mindfreak – Wryce – Swayz – Scoobmeistr – Barcode</td><td>Week #3: Champions Team: Mindfreak – Wryce – Swayz – Scoobmeistr – Barcode</td><td>Week #2: Champions Team: Mindfreak – Wryce – Swayz – Scoobmeistr – Plasma</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: Mindfreak – Wryce – Swayz – Plasma – Pipz</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>SLC Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-anz-qual" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-anz-os3" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-anz-os2" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/slc25-anz-os1" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Official HCS

HCS Open Series: Road to Salt Lake City (2025)

The time has come – S&D Extraction has arrived in Halo Infinite and we’re going to breakdown what you can expect. Let’s jump right in.



<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="NEW Halo game mode: S&D Extraction - Play Now!" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oCQZwSkYTPk?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">WHAT IS S&D EXTRACTION?</h1>



For the uninitiated, S&D Extraction (Seek and Deploy) is an all-new mode based on the classic tactical FPS genre.  



Here’s how it works:



<ul>
<li>Sandbox: All of your movement capabilities, shield health, weapon damage / traits are all the same and what you would expect out of Halo Infinite.</li>



<li>Round based: The mode is a Best of 11 rounds, where the first to win 6 rounds will claim victory in the match.</li>



<li>Extraction: In other tactical games players carry a bomb – well, in S&D Extraction there is no bomb, and instead you go to either A or B sites to plant the Extraction device. This means that anyone can plant on Offense and you don’t need to worry about who carries the bomb. </li>



<li>One sided: Each team will take turns on Offense and Defense. On Offense, your job is to plant the Extraction device and either eliminate everyone on Defense or successfully extract the device. On Defense, you have to stop the enemy team from planting either by wiping them out, stopping them from planting within the 90 second round, or “defusing” the Extraction device after it’s been planted. </li>



<li>Economy: Based on individual and team performance, each player will earn points that they can spend next round.  The more kills, assists, and round wins you get – the more points you get. </li>



<li>Custom Loadouts: While each player starts with Bandit Evo, you’ll have a chance at the beginning of each round to upgrade your loadout with the points you’ve earned including weapons, grenades, and equipment. Do you spend each round, or do you save your points for the big spend? Each round your items get reset, so only buy something if you know you’re going to use it. </li>



<li>Buy Back: Players with enough points can buy back into a round after they’ve died to provide reinforcements to the team in times of need. It’s expensive though so decide wisely and once you buy back, you’ll just have your Bandit Evo and won’t be able to buy anything else.</li>
</ul>



The entire mode was scripted in Forge, and Halo Studios hired none other than <a href="http://x.com/ArtificesLab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artifice</a> to make this design and vision come to life. Thank you, Artifice, for your hard work and masterful skill scripting in Forge.



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



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



S&D Extraction will launch with two playlists:



<ul>
<li>Ranked </li>



<li>Social /Unranked</li>
</ul>



The Unranked playlist will be available for a limited time, and the Ranked playlist will become part of the monthly rotationals.



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



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



The S&D Extraction playlists will launch with (6) total maps made exclusively for this mode.



For the first map titled Hangar 18, Halo Studios hired <a href="https://x.com/MikRips" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mikrips</a> from the community to design and art this amazing map. Thank you Mikrips for your work on this map and for your close partnership in designing and fine tuning this map from beginning to end.  



The remaining 5 maps were chosen from the finalists from the <a href="https://www.forgehub.com/events/contests/12631" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forgehub S&D Extraction contest</a> earlier this year. We want to thank the entire <a href="http://x.com/forgehub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forgehub</a> staff for running this competition, and of course matching our prize pool contributions. And thank you to the over 50 Forgers that submitted their maps into the contest after working so hard to complete their maps in time for the tight deadline. Thank you!  



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HANGAR 18 by MikRips</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hangar-18_2-1024x576.jpg" alt="Hangar 18 by MikRips" class="wp-image-143259" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hangar-18_2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hangar-18_2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hangar-18_2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hangar-18_2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hangar-18_2-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hangar-18_2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>





<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ABRASION by ExtraDot</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Abrasion-1024x576.jpg" alt="Abrasion by ExtraDot" class="wp-image-143217" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Abrasion-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Abrasion-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Abrasion-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Abrasion.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>





<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HOLLOWED by Zaddy Hammer</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hollowed-1024x576.jpg" alt="HOLLOWED by Zaddy Hammer" class="wp-image-143203" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hollowed-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hollowed-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hollowed-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Hollowed.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>





<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FRACTURE by SilencerEU, UnknownEmerald, KatRatATat, Squally DaBeanz</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Fracture-1024x576.jpg" alt="FRACTURE by SilencerEU, UnknownEmerald, KatRatATat, Squally DaBeanz" class="wp-image-143189" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Fracture-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Fracture-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Fracture-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Fracture.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>





<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ELLIPSE by mysh0tisntsik</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Ellipse-1024x576.jpg" alt="ELLIPSE by mysh0tisntsik" class="wp-image-143175" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Ellipse-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Ellipse-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Ellipse-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Ellipse.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>





<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ASHORE by ADSR</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Ashore-1024x576.jpg" alt="ASHORE by ADSR" class="wp-image-143231" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Ashore-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Ashore-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Ashore-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/07/Ashore.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>





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



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



When we set out to make this mode, we wanted to make something new, competitive, and fun that Halo’s never had before. So while this won’t be featured on the mainstage in HCS, we hope that players have a blast and we can’t wait to see all the epic moments that come out of it! 



Enjoy! 



Thanks, 



Tashi

Tashi

Halo Infinite: S&D Extraction (Seek and Deploy)

Click here to purchase tickets to the Halo World Championship 2025

Community

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

Road to HaloWC 2025: June

Click here to read the Road to HaloWC: April blog

Welcome back!



In this blog series we’re talking about all things HaloWC 2025, and we’ve got some exciting announcement to make today . Don’t forget that the Halo World Championship is coming to you on October 24-26 live from the Seattle Convention Center – we’ve got just under 5 months to go!



First, some housekeeping. If you missed last month’s blog you can find it here:





In April we covered some of the fundamentals of the event and today we’re talking tickets, some of the first Community Stage details, and answering some questions you all sent me last month. Let’s get stuck in! (That one was for the British Halo fans)



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">TICKETS, TICKETS, TICKETS!</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1-1024x576.png" alt="Crowd cheering in front of the Halo World Championship main stage." class="wp-image-107276" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



We’re excited to announce that tickets will be on sale starting Monday, June 2 at 10:00 AM/PT.



As usual we’ll have 2 ticketing tiers:



<ul>
<li>$75: 3-Day GA (not that GA, this one stands for General Admission)</li>



<li>$250: VIP</li>
</ul>



General Admission will get you access to all 3 days, from when the doors open on Friday to when the confetti is falling down on all of us on Sunday night. You get to watch all the HCS you want, you get to hang out at the Community Stage with fellow Halo lovers like yourself, check out all the partner booths, compete in the side events at no extra charge, all of it.



Like years prior this will be $75, and the fees are in the ticket price so we’re not charging you extra for that. New for this year however is the EARLY BIRD SPECIAL. For the entire month of June, GA tickets will be 20% off with an additional 10% off when you use an HCS Partnered Team code! Don’t wait to get your tickets booked!



VIP is for the super fans looking for a little extra. And I know there are a ton of you that fit into that category but this year we’re once again limiting the quantity to 200 people. As mentioned in last month’s blog, we want to make sure we’re delivering a great experience for those 200 people and that’s been the sweet spot for us in terms of quantity. The price is also remaining the same at $250.



Here’s what you get in VIP:



<ul>
<li>Access to the event before General Admission ticketholders</li>



<li>Venue Tour with opportunity to take a photo with the HaloWC Trophy on the newly revamped mainstage</li>



<li>Goodie bag chock full of awesome Halo stuff</li>



<li>Exclusive VIP seating with a bar just for VIP ticketholders</li>



<li>Access to Side Tournament registration before GA</li>



<li>Access to the event merch before GA</li>



<li>10% off merch and apparel at the Xbox Gear Store</li>



<li>Wait in shorter VIP lines for Free Play and other activities.</li>



<li>Chance to win exclusive VIP giveaways</li>



<li>Chance to win a tour of Halo Studios</li>
</ul>



Finally, all attendees will receive the HaloWC 2025 Event Poster and Halo Waypoint Drops token at the registration desk that instantly unlocks all in-game items provided as Twitch Drops over the event weekend.



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





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



<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/community-stage-1024x576.png" alt="Fans competing on the Halo Community Stage" class="wp-image-136238" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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



Today, we’re also talking more about the Community Stage which is the place for non-esports entertainment at the event. Over the years the Community Stage has really carved out its own vibe and energy, and we love that! From the cosplay contest, to the dev panels, to the play dates and more, Community Stage has become a very special part of the event and we thank you for being part of it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HALO 5: GUARDIANS – 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PANEL</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H5-Earth-Guardian-1024x576.jpg" alt="Cortana's Guardian preparing to unleash an attenuation pulse over Earth at the end of Halo 5: Guardians" class="wp-image-54858" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H5-Earth-Guardian-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H5-Earth-Guardian-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H5-Earth-Guardian-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H5-Earth-Guardian-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H5-Earth-Guardian-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H5-Earth-Guardian.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



In October, Halo 5 is turning 10 years old. Can you believe it?! To celebrate this momentous occasion, we’re bringing back some of the folks that worked on the game to share stories you’ve never heard before and relive memories from the development.



You’ll hear from:



<ul>
<li>Josh Holmes: Josh was the studio head of internal development during Halo 5’s development at 343 Industries and oversaw the entire game from start to finish.</li>



<li>Tim Longo: Tim was the Creative Director for Halo 5 overseeing all creative elements of the game including design, narrative, missions, and everything in between.</li>



<li>Nicholas “Sparth” Bouvier: Sparth was the Art Director on Halo 5 and lead the team in bringing this vision to our screens in the beautiful way that it did.</li>
</ul>



I’ll be hosting this panel myself so be sure to let me know what you’d like to hear us talk about. Do you have any specific questions for any of the guests? Are there things you’ve always wanted to know about Halo 5? Now’s your chance, tweet at me!





<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Canon Fodder: LIVE!</h2>



Fear not, lore loving loyalists! HaloWC will once again be welcoming you this year to join us at the Community Stage, where you can expect Franchise Writer Alex Wakeford and Senior Franchise Story Lead Jeff Easterling to host one hell of a panel with Canon Fodder: LIVE. As always, this annual event is slated to feature community guests, detailed discussions, and lore-laden levity amidst a fiction-focused foray into the latest Halo adventures. Over the coming months we’ll reveal more and more panels and experiences coming to the Community Stage – we’ve got some good stuff cookin’!



Side note: Jeff helped me with all those alliterations!



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">YOUR QUESTIONS</h1>



There is much talk, and I have listened – through rock, and metal, and Twitter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="http://x.com/arturbloodshot">@ArturBloodshot</a>: How about a LAN speedrun Forge Contest? 👀</h2>



Artur! We’ve actually wanted to do this for the last couple of years but we felt like there we weren’t in a position to do it right. The right format, the right time allotted, the right meaning behind it all. Let’s talk about it, maybe there’s a way we can make this work this year. Even if it’s something super small.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="http://x.com/creedxdesign">@CreedxDesign</a>: Will there be potential of something similar to an Artist Alley for community artists to sell prints, stickers, etc.?</h2>



This is another thing we’ve been talking about and want to experiment with. Any thoughts on how we should approach this? How should we select which artists to get to sell their work? There are so many amazing artists, but to start we’re probably only allow a small group. Keep the conversation going, we want to explore this!



<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/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1-1024x576.png" alt="Halo World Championship 2025. October 24-26. Seattle Convention Center." class="wp-image-129060" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/01/HaloWC25-VisID-BROADCAST-1920x1080-1.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Alright, that’s it for this month. Monday June 2 at 10:00 AM/PT, don’t miss it  – Be sure to follow <a href="https://x.com/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Halo</a> and <a href="https://x.com/hcs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@HCS</a> on socials for all the latest. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say this will be the best Halo World Championship that we have ever hosted. I don’t normally say stuff like this because there’s some risk – but I’m saying it this time. Do not miss out on this event!



As always, let me know what you want to know about for next month!



Thanks,



Tashi



<a id="_msocom_1"></a>



<a id="_msocom_1"></a>

Road to HaloWC 2025: May

Click here to view the Open Bracket results from the HCS Dallas Open at DreamHack 2025

HCS Dallas 2025 - Halo Infinite FFA

Dallas belongs to OpTic Gaming – Congrats to your DreamHack Champions!

The road to Dallas is complete!



GGs to everyone who competed and congratulations to all teams who stamped their tickets to the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/dh-dallas-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HCS Dallas Open at DreamHack</a>!



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



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



<ul>
<li><a href="#leaderboards">Leaderboards</a></li>



<li><a href="#na">NA Results</a></li>



<li><a href="#eu">EU Results</a></li>



<li><a href="#mx">MX Results</a></li>



<li><a href="#anz">ANZ Results</a></li>
</ul>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="leaderboards">Leaderboards</h1>



Regional Leaderboards following the HCS Open Series: Road to Dallas.







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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="na">NA Results</h1>



The rag-tag team Incognito claims the #5 seed – Congratulations to your NA Qualifier Champions!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/envy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Incognito (Envy)</a> – Descendant – Precision – Piggy – Yakzn</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/spacestation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spacestation</a> – Eco – Lucid – SnakeBite – StelluR</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/dal25-na-qual" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8mVj-c2Grs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Qualifier / Day 1</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KjdRkCl4D8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Qualifier / Day 2</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/dal25-na-os1" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHwckOCOGz8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #1 / Day 1</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPkqoFFAtME" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #1 / Day 2</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="eu">EU Results</h1>



The #7 seed is locked in for <a href="http://x.com/nmss_gg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nemesis</a>!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/spacestation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nemesis</a> – Glory – SLG – Snipedrone – WuTum</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/spacestation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nemesis</a> – Glory – SLG – Snipedrone – WuTum</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/dal25-eu-qual" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EuroHaloLeague</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2450026694" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Qualifier</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/dal25-eu-os1" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EuroHaloLeague</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2395141548?t=00h14m01s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Open #1</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="mx">MX Results</h1>



<a href="http://x.com/ethrgaming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETHR Gaming</a> earns travel coverage to compete in the HCS Dallas Open Bracket!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/ethrgaming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETHR Gaming</a> – Acid – Drift – Leuor – Tapping Buttons</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/ethrgaming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETHR Gaming</a> – Acid – Drift – Leuor – Tapping Buttons</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/dal25-mx-qual" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/dal25-mx-os1" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="anz">ANZ Results</h1>



Australia’s finest, <a href="http://x.com/mindfreak">Mindfreak</a>, are ready to take on the HCS Dallas Open Bracket!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/mindfreak" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mindfreak</a> – Plasma – Scoobmeistr – Swayz – Wryce</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/mindfreak" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mindfreak</a> – Plasma – Scoobmeistr – Swayz – Wryce</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/dal25-anz-qual" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/dal25-anz-os1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

HCS Open Series: Road to Dallas (2025)

HCS Year 4 has kicked off and we’re already deep in planning for the HaloWC 2025 which will be hosted right here in Seattle, WA on October 24-26.



As we lead into the big event, we wanted to do things a little differently. Each month we’ll be releasing a new edition in our Road to Halo World Championship blog series. We want to deliver the absolute best experience possible for those joining us live in-person at the event as well as for those watching from home, and the goal of this blog series is to keep you informed on our progress towards delivering that.



In this month’s blog we’re going to cover some of the fundamentals that we’ll be updating and also confirm that a few long-standing traditions will continue to be part of this year’s HaloWC.



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





<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/HaloWC24-Waypoint-Photo-Grid-1024x576.png" alt="Photo collage of moments from the Halo World Championship 2024" class="wp-image-121182" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/HaloWC24-Waypoint-Photo-Grid-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/HaloWC24-Waypoint-Photo-Grid-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/HaloWC24-Waypoint-Photo-Grid-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/HaloWC24-Waypoint-Photo-Grid-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/HaloWC24-Waypoint-Photo-Grid-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/10/HaloWC24-Waypoint-Photo-Grid.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">TICKETS & FLOOR PLAN</h1>



We’re fortunate to say that the HaloWC has sold out every year, and in 2025, we’re aiming even higher. That’s why we’ve increased the number of General Admission tickets by roughly 30%, giving more fans the chance to join in on the action. That means more Halo friends to connect with, more energy and passion in the crowd, and more opportunities for new faces to witness the best of the best compete for their share of $1,000,000 – all while enjoying the epic festivities you’ve come to expect from the HaloWC.



In order to accommodate this many fans, we’ve had to make a number of changes to the floor plan, which we mostly haven’t needed to change since the first HaloWC for Halo Infinite back in 2022. Now, the Entrance Hall and what’s inside of it will be different, where the various stages are will be different (along with more seating at these various stages), we’re making upgrades to the Playable Area (which we’ll detail in the coming months), and we’ll also be refreshing the look of the Mainstage which we’re excited for fans to see!



Not only will these changes allow us to accommodate more fans, but we also think they will help give the HaloWC a fresh look and feel for those who have joined us in the past!



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">VIP EXPERIENCE</h1>



One thing that hasn’t changed is the amount of VIP tickets allotted. We did talk about this since we were going to increase the amount of GA tickets available, but we felt it was best to keep it at the same quantity to ensure we kept the same quality.



Our guiding philosophy is to focus on delivering a VIP-worthy experience in the venue; and what we’ve learned is that when the quantity goes up too much that experience can get compromised in some areas (like VIP seating, for example).



Overall, we’re excited to continue to build on the VIP experience year-over-year and provide VIP ticketholders with an even better experience than before!



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage.png" alt="Fans competing on the Halo Community Stage" class="wp-image-136238" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/community-stage-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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



Over the years the Community Stage has played a critical role in giving a home for non-esports Halo fans and helping fulfil our vision of having HaloWC be a “Halo Fest” of sorts.



We’re excited to share that the Community Stage will once again return with many familiar panels, as well as some new ones. As usual, the Community Stage will be live on Friday and Saturday of the event for a full 8-hours of programming each day. We’ll be sharing the specific panels and details later but you can expect more developer panels, more cosplay, and more fun games that you’ll get to participate in.



No matter why you love Halo, we want the HaloWC to feel like it has something for everyone, and the Community Stage will continue to be a space where you can connect, share, and celebrate what you love!



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/cosplayers-1024x576.png" alt="Halo Cosplay Contestants posing at the Halo World Championship" class="wp-image-136252" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/cosplayers-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/cosplayers-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/cosplayers-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/cosplayers-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/cosplayers-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/cosplayers.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Speaking of cosplay – We’re also excited to confirm that the Cosplay Contest is returning with yet another $5,000 prize pool!



We were absolutely in awe of the amazing craftsmanship and creativity that went into all of the beautiful builds last year, and we cannot wait to see what you’ve all be cooking up this year. Whether you decide to participate in the contest or not, we welcome all cosplayers to join us at the event for a good time. And as usual, we will have dedicated repair and changing rooms for cosplayers to use on site.



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



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



Related, but totally new to this year’s HaloWC, is a Halo Maker’s Contest.



In the community we see not only a lot of fans building armors to wear, but also weapons and other gadgets from the Halo universe and lore whether they’re human, Covenant, Forerunner or something else. We wanted to officially recognize this craft at the event and look forward to welcoming all participants. With a prize pool of $2,500, we’re hoping to see the finest handcrafted or printed items that the Halo community is able to offer.



NOTE: All Entries must be fabricated by the maker. The use of Laser cutters, 3d printers, C&C machines are all allowed but the design must be created and owned by the maker!



We just wanted to get the word out today so the community out there can start thinking about what they’d like to build. We’ll have the full rules of these competitions in the coming months!



<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/halo-makers-1024x576.png" alt="Fan-created Pod Infector from the 2024 Halo World Championship" class="wp-image-136224" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/halo-makers-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/halo-makers-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/halo-makers-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/halo-makers-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/halo-makers-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/04/halo-makers.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">ONSITE COMPETITION</h1>



Esports fans and competitors will also have their own fair share of prize money to earn as you can still expect:



<ul>
<li>$1,000,000 – Halo Infinite 4v4 (Main tournament, need to qualify to compete)</li>



<li>$25,000 – Halo Infinite Free-For-All Championship. (Open to all attendees)</li>



<li>$5,000 – Halo Infinite, Halo 5, and Halo MCC Side Events. (Open to all attendees)</li>
</ul>



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



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



The road to the HaloWC begins now, and we can’t wait to see you all there. What do you want to see in next month’s blog? Be sure to let me know on X!



Thanks,



<a id="_msocom_1"></a>

Road to the HaloWC 2025: April

Click here to purchase tickets to DreamHack Dallas 2025

Click here to for more info on the HCS Open at DreamHack Dallas

Click here to view the Open Bracket results from the HCS Arlington Major 2025

OpTic Gaming are your HCS Arlington 2025 Kickoff Major Champions!

The road to Arlington is complete!



GGs to everyone who competed and congratulations to all teams who stamped their tickets to the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/optic-major" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HCS 2025 Kickoff Major in Arlington Texas</a>!



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



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



<ul>
<li><a href="#leaderboards">Leaderboards</a></li>



<li><a href="#na">NA Results</a></li>



<li><a href="#eu">EU Results</a></li>



<li><a href="#mx">MX Results</a></li>



<li><a href="#anz">ANZ Results</a></li>
</ul>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="leaderboards">Leaderboards</h1>



Regional Leaderboards following the HCS Open Series: Road to Arlington.







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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="na">NA Results</h1>



A 3-peat for <a href="http://x.com/shopifyrebels" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shopify Rebellion</a> as they lock in the #1 seed ahead of the HCS Arlington Major!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/shopifyrebels" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shopify Rebellion</a> – Cykul – Frosty – Last Shot – Royal2</td><td>Week #3: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/shopifyrebels" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shopify Rebellion</a> – Cykul – Frosty – Last Shot – Royal2</td><td>Week #2: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/shopifyrebels" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shopify Rebellion</a> – Cykul – Frosty – Last Shot – Royal2</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/optic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OpTic Gaming</a> – Bound – Lqgend – FormaL – Renegade</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/arl25-na-qual" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54uQ0cQCxRI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Qualifier / Day 1</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PO-v0zG2qKo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Qualifier / Day 2</a></td><td>Week #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/arl25-na-os3" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54uQ0cQCxRI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #3 / Day 1</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/PZadc2chnK0?si=HMjg4Q-z8og4F8h9&t=2522" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #3 / Day 2</a></td><td>Week #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/arl25-na-os2" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/RnmOfbx7wBU?si=bwWUxw37TJYsTv1N&t=2692" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #2 / Day 1</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/col8D9TZQFw?si=RKfSkQ35s0kyFfqW&t=2655" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #2 / Day 2</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/arl25-na-os1" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/kHkAeK2_7Uw?si=gBJj9kBp4LmMe6d1&t=4493" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #1 / Day 1</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/BhyXH9rCkPA?si=gSzBw6m0meYC0vp7&t=2397" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NA Open #1 / Day 2</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="eu">EU Results</h1>



Team <a href="http://x.com/nmss_gg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nemesis</a> goes 4-for-4 as they clinch Pool Play at the Arlington Major!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/spacestation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nemesis</a> – Glory – SLG – Snipedrone – WuTum</td><td>Week #3: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/spacestation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nemesis</a> – Glory – SLG – Snipedrone – WuTum</td><td>Week #2: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/spacestation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nemesis</a> – Glory – SLG – Snipedrone – WuTum</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/spacestation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nemesis</a> – Glory – SLG – Snipedrone – WuTum</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/arl25-eu-qual" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EuroHaloLeague</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2413206038" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Qualifier</a></td><td>Week #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/arl25-eu-os3" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EuroHaloLeague</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2407192715?t=00h10m05s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Open #3</a></td><td>Week #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/arl25-eu-os2" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EuroHaloLeague</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2401204335?t=00h13m14s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Open #2</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/arl25-eu-os1" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EuroHaloLeague</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2395141548?t=00h14m01s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Open #1</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="mx">MX Results</h1>



<a href="http://x.com/ethrgaming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETHR Gaming</a> punches their ticket to Texas! They will represent the MX region in the Arlington Major Open Bracket!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/ethrgaming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETHR Gaming</a> – Acid – Drift – Leuor – Tapping Buttons</td><td>Week #3: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/ethrgaming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETHR Gaming</a> – Acid – Drift – Noblc – Tapping Buttons</td><td>Week #2: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/ethrgaming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETHR Gaming</a> – Acid – Drift – Noblc – Tapping Buttons</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: <a href="http://x.com/ethrgaming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETHR Gaming</a> – Acid – Drift – Noblc – Tapping Buttons</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/arl25-mx-qual" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/arl25-mx-os3" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/arl25-mx-os2" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/arl25-mx-os1" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="anz">ANZ Results</h1>



<a href="http://x.com/mindfreak">Mindfreak</a> conquers the ANZ region as they secure their trip to throw down in the Arlington Major Open Bracket!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/mindfreak" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mindfreak</a> – Plasma – Scoobmeistr – Swayz – Wryce</td><td>Week #3: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/mindfreak" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mindfreak</a> – Plasma – Scoobmeistr – Swayz – Wryce</td><td>Week #2: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/mindfreak" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mindfreak</a> – Plasma – Scoobmeistr – Swayz – Wryce</td><td>Week #1: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/mindfreak" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mindfreak</a> – Plasma – Scoobmeistr – Swayz – Wryce</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/arl25-anz-qual" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/arl25-anz-os3" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/arl25-anz-os2" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Week #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/arl25-anz-os1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

HCS Open Series: Road to Arlington (2025)

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

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



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo Infinite - Ranked Update | S&D Extraction + ForgeHub Contest" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E3sCBLERWYs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>





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



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



Here’s how it works:



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Thanks!