Beyond bridging the gap between the events of Halo 5: Guardians and Halo Infinite, Halo: Empty Throne reaches the far flung corners of the Haloverse, and introduces us to a nuanced ensemble of characters. Rather than following a single hero, this novel pulls the camera wide tracking UNSC leaders, Covenant loyalists, Banished power players, Spartans long thought lost, and new voices caught in the middle of a rapidly shifting galaxy.



Joined by Franchise Fixture Alex “Haruspis” Wakeford, we jumped into the middle of the game of thrones between the humans, Covenant, and the Banished to unpack some of the political machinations at play for each faction. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" style="text-transform:uppercase">Set on the Edge of Everything</h2>



One of the highlights of Halo: Empty Throne is the masterful way that author Jeremy Patenaude weaves and connects returning legends with deep-cut surprises and modern day players. Drawing inspiration from i love bees, Halo: The Fall of Reach, Shadow of Intent, and more, the cast of characters will be both familiar and new. 



<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: Empty Throne" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QshM-BqcuNE?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>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size" style="text-transform:capitalize">Full hearts, Empty Thrones</h2>



Halo: Empty Throne is a keystone novel that expands the consequences of Cortana’s reign far beyond a single ring while setting the stage for future conflicts across the galaxy. And, if none of that strikes your fancy, the epic space battles surely will. 



You can grab a <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Empty-Throne/Jeremy-Patenaude/Halo/9781668052129">copy of the book,</a> or <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Empty-Throne/Jeremy-Patenaude/Halo/9781797184883" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Empty-Throne/Jeremy-Patenaude/Halo/9781797184883">audiobook</a>, today!



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Spartan Chatter is an audio series, a podcast if you will, hosted on our <a href="https://wordpress.admin.halowaypoint.com/article/halo-outcasts-spartan-chatter/discord.gg/Halo">official Halo Discord</a> which brings members of the studio together to discuss all things Halo with a live audience.



You can find previous episodes of Spartan Chatter on our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SWLEPaTx4c&list=PLn5QvCoiY3w7t84T_MFkGl8qvYI_q148-">YouTube channel’s Podcasts page</a> and on our Discord server.

snickerdoodle

Halo: Empty Throne | Spartan Chatter

Community

Games

Halo: Campaign Evolved

Halo25Together

Purchase any Fanta product in the special edition collection bearing the Xbox25 logo for a chance to win limited-edition customizations for Halo: Campaign Evolved and other participating Xbox titles.



Simply scan your Fanta, choose one of three Rewards Chest Challenges, and play to unlock the Fantastic Spartan Armor to redeem with the launch of Halo: Campaign Evolved.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fantastic Style</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-165625" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/CampaignEvolved-Comm-Social-Fanta-Solo-Branded-16x9-1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The Fantastic Spartan Armor puts the “art” in “Spartan.” Crash-land on Alpha Halo with a dauntless orange hue designed to quench the enemy’s fervor.



Equip the Fantastic Spartan Armor Style when Halo: Campaign Evolved releases in 2026.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to Redeem</h2>



After purchasing a participating Fanta product, scan the QR code on the can or bottle to set up your Coca-Cola account and tackle one of three Rewards Chest Challenges.



Follow the steps to show proof of purchase (if requested in your region), then choose the Fantastic Spartan Armor as your reward. Fanta will send you a unique unlock code via email to redeem on Halo Waypoint.



To input your redemption code on Halo Waypoint, simply head to <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com">halowaypoint.com</a>, click “sign in” on the upper right of the browser window, and log in to your Microsoft account that you will use to play your game.



Once logged in, click your user profile icon, and navigate to “Drops & Code Redemption.” (If you’re a new Halo player, you’ll need to create a Microsoft account to store your unlocks.)



The first time you play Halo: Campaign Evolved, you’ll be prompted to log into your Microsoft account to access your Fantastic Spartan Armor.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Anticipation Evolved</h2>



Thirsty for more info? Check out the <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/03/31/xbox-fanta-collaboration-prizes-rewards/">Xbox Wire Article</a> to learn more about the Fanta and Xbox collection and Rewards Program.

Mutinous Core

Halo and Fanta: Fantastic Spartan Rewards Chest Challenge

Esports

Halo Fest

Welcome back to another installment in our Halo Fest blog series where we provide updates on what you can get excited about at Halo Fest!



If you’re just joining us, you can hit the links below to catch up:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-fest-february">February Update</a></li>



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



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/MarkV-Spartan-Cosplay-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-165429" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/MarkV-Spartan-Cosplay-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/MarkV-Spartan-Cosplay-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/MarkV-Spartan-Cosplay-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/MarkV-Spartan-Cosplay-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/MarkV-Spartan-Cosplay-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/MarkV-Spartan-Cosplay.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



As usual we’ll kick things off with a brief ticketing update. Halo Fest Convention Tickets are now over 80% sold out. We are officially in the final stretch and are expecting to sell out very soon.



To lock in your spot at Halo’s 25th Anniversary bash head to <a href="https://halofest.com/tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">halofest.com/tickets</a>.





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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Master-Chief-in-Audience-69c6fde221136-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-165565" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Master-Chief-in-Audience-69c6fde221136-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Master-Chief-in-Audience-69c6fde221136-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Master-Chief-in-Audience-69c6fde221136-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Master-Chief-in-Audience-69c6fde221136-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Master-Chief-in-Audience-69c6fde221136-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Master-Chief-in-Audience-69c6fde221136.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



This month we’re diving into esports at Halo Fest! When we first announced Halo Fest at HaloWC, we also shared that an HCS Invitational would be part of the celebration. Today we’re sharing the initial details, with more to come later in the summer – let’s jump in!



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">HCS INVITATIONAL</h1>



The HCS Invitational is an invite-only tournament that is just one component of the esports/competitive experience at Halo Fest. The tournament will be played on Halo Infinite, leveraging of course, the latest HCS maps & modes. We’re excited to confirm that the prize pool for the tournament will be $150,000!



We also want to share a bit about the considerations we’re making for the invitation process. It’s not an exact science, and we won’t be using a points criteria. Our goal is to create a competitive spectacle that delivers epic entertainment for Halo fans both onsite and watching online.



Here are some of the factors we’ll be considering for invitations:



<ul>
<li>HCS partnered teams that are still actively involved in the community/ecosystem.</li>



<li>Top pros or teams competing consistently (and performing well).</li>



<li>Positive contributors to the Halo community and franchise.</li>
</ul>



Please note that the invites won’t be an even mixture of the above criteria. You can think of them as filters to help us make what will ultimately be a very hard decision. We’re expecting invites to go out late Summer / early Fall.



In terms of format, the tournament will field 8 teams in a mix of pool play and double elimination bracket. It’s important to keep in mind that the Halo Fest Convention is a two-day event, and while we haven’t finalized schedule yet, we’re expecting teams to be eliminated on the first day.



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Playing-Halo-CE-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-157252" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Playing-Halo-CE-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Playing-Halo-CE-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Playing-Halo-CE-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Playing-Halo-CE-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Playing-Halo-CE-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Playing-Halo-CE.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



In addition to the HCS Invitational, we’ll also have plenty of open competitions for attendees to participate in themselves. Our goal here is to offer something for everyone: various team sizes including solos, as well as various Halo games in celebration of 25 years of Halo. Some of final matches of the Open Competitions may also take place on the esports stage!



More details are to come, and today we’re excited to confirm that $50,000 in prizing will be awarded across the Open Competitions at Halo Fest.



Which tournament formats or games would you like to compete in? Be sure to drop me a line on Twitter <a href="https://x.com/Tashi343i" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE.</a>



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



The road to Halo Fest continues and each day that passes we are excited to put on a great event and great show for everyone in the Halo community. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone later in December!



Thanks,



Tashi

Tashi

Esports at Halo Fest (March Update)

Book Preview

Canon Fodder

Fiction

Alex Wakeford

Issue 168

Canon Fodder: Casting Chronicles

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



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Dream Teams | Halo Quiz | Halo 25th Anniversary" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aGLWWWY0XLM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<li>Epsilon: Kilo-Five has been my favorite for a while now. I do love the various Spartan teams, but… I dunno, the mixture of the team is just so interesting and compelling. Plus, the interpersonal chemistry is great.</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Rookie425.jpg" alt="Spartans, ODSTs, and Brutes fighting together against an unseen enemy." class="wp-image-165357" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Rookie425.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Rookie425-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Rookie425-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Rookie425-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Rookie425-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2026/03/Rookie425-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Anniversary Angle: March of the Dream Teams

Community Spotlight

Spotlight: March 25, 2026

Screenshots Gallery

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

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



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



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



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



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Zuka Zamamee Showcase Trailer" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I0MYRAvWmrk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



Created by: Drksteel



Requires: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary



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



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



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



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



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

Mod Minute: Zuka ‘Zamamee Campaign

x_S3LL1HCA_x

Halo Studios

Your Halo Story: Chapter 3

Anniversary Angle: Alien Icons

MCC’s Exchange is getting an upgrade!



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



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



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



Some other items include, but are not limited to:



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



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



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



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



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



Quarter 1 (Jan1-Mar31)



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



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



Quarter 2 (Apr1-Jun30)



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



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



<li>OGX Magnum Skin</li>



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



Quarter 3 (Jul1-Sep30)



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



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



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



Quarter 4 (Oct1-Dec31)



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



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



<li>OGX Rocket Launcher Skin</li>



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



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

2026 MCC Exchange Update and Log-In Unlocks