Games

Alex Wakeford

Fleetcom Operation Launch

Canon Fodder

Fiction

Issue 155

Canon Fodder: All About Anvil

Esports

On July 30 the next Ranked Season begins and with it comes some updates to the sandbox, ranking system, and Ranked Slayer. Additionally, our backend matchmaking experiments have concluded and as promised we’ve got more detailed information on what we’ve been doing.



Let’s get right into it!



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



There are quite a few changes coming to the balance of the Sandbox and you can read about all of them <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/sandbox-update-halo-infinite">HERE</a>. For this blog, we’ve pulled out the ones that directly impact Ranked.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size">Bandit EVO</h3>



After observing how the Bandit Evo has been performing since the start of the HCS season and listening to the community’s conversation around the weapon and how its fast time-to-kill was impacting the game, we have slowed the rate of fire slightly. We didn’t want to make drastic changes in the middle of the HCS season but rather nudging it in the right direction.



Changes:



<ul>
<li>Slower rate of fire to address community feedback around time-to-kill | Rounds per second (low & high) 2.9 >> 2.715</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Improvement to red reticle headshot accuracy.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size">Disruptor</h3>



The Disruptor was having a hard time finding its place on maps as an effective pick up like the other weapons on the map, so some changes have been made to beef it up while also removing elements that players found frustrating.



<ul>
<li>Damage over time (DOT) returns | 8 shots to kill (2 supercombines)</li>



<li>Removed particle effect from (Event) 1p_loop | Adjusted particle screen effect to be less intrusive</li>



<li>Damage upper bound (high) decreased 70 >> 35</li>



<li>DOT damage will not continuously cause descope</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">MA40 AR</h3>



The “bloom” of the reticle on the Assault Rifle was causing instances where players were missing shots but seemed like they seemed like they were not registering and overall the weapon at the max bloom felt inconsistent. This has been tightened a bit to give the weapon a more consistent feel.



<ul>
<li>Minimum error angle (high) 0 >> 0.25</li>



<li>Maximum error angle (low) 0 >> 0.25</li>



<li>Maximum error angle (high) 2.1 >> 1.3</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">M41 SPNKr</h3>



The SPNKr in some instances was feeling inconsistent with regards to damage and kills. The goal here wasn’t to functionally change the way the SPNKr behaved but more so fine tune some cases to be more consistent and reliable for players.



<ul>
<li>Damage fall-off feels more consistent | Adjusted fall off function so players are not left with a sliver of health</li>



<li>Outer damage radius adjusted | Lowered radius high 3 >> 2.5</li>



<li>Increased max reserve ammo | Rounds total maximum 6 >> 8</li>
</ul>



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



Grenade impulse tuned to allow grenade jumping in line with previous Halo titles.



<ul>
<li>Frag Grenades: Added impulse to frag grenade damage effect | Instantaneous acceleration increased 1.75 >> 3.5 | Grounded player acceleration scalar decreased 1 >> 0.1</li>



<li>Plasma Grenades: Added impulse to plasma grenade damage effect | Instantaneous acceleration 2.15 >> 3.75 | Grounded player acceleration scalar 1 >> 0.1</li>



<li>Spike Grenades: Added impulse to spike grenade aoe damage effect. | Instantaneous acceleration 1.25 >> 3.25 | Alt instantaneous acceleration 2.75 >> 3.75 | Grounded player acceleration scalar 1 >> 0.1</li>
</ul>



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



There have been changes to spawn points on the majority of the Ranked Arena map suite including Aquarius, Recharge, Solitude, Live Fire, Forbidden, Argyle, Empyrean, and Streets. The goals of these changes are to make the spawn system more readable and consistent, along with reducing instances where players are spawning in overly advantageous positions.



<ul>
<li>Certain spawn points located in the middle of maps that have been identified as problematic have been removed.</li>



<li>Additional spawn points have been added to already existing spawning areas to account for the removed spawns and improve consistency.</li>



<li>We will continue to monitor feedback on the spawning system as the season progresses.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"> AQUARIUS LAYOUT</h2>



In response to feedback on the location of the Overshield on Aquarius, the Overshield and Thruster have swapped locations. Overshield will now spawn top middle, Thruster will now spawn ‘P1’. With the Overshield being a highly impactful item on the map, the intention is that this central location will be more fair for both teams to contest at all points in a match and not just the beginning.



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



Last year we added a requirement for players in Ranked Arena to search solo / duo after 1600 CSR. This was done in response to feedback that we’d been receiving around players not wanting to match against Parties of 3 or 4. While we have seen an overall improvement to match balance and quality, players at 1600 have been also feeling too restricted and want to play more matches with their friends. In the data, we see that the vast majority of players in Ranked Arena search solo / duo (upwards of 95%) so while we still want to make sure those players are enjoying their matches, we’re going to increase the solo / duo restriction to 1700 CSR.



And earlier this year we began experimenting with another change with deterministic CSR. Today, players above 1800 CSR go up +7 when they win, and down -7 when they lose. This has been met with positive feedback and our data shows players above that level are playing even more now! Starting on July 30, this feature will start at 1700 CSR. As usual, we’re going to be monitoring the impact based on what players are telling us and what we are observing in the data to continue to make informed decisions.



In summary, once players hit 1700 CSR they will begin searching solo/duo, and each match will reward or takeaway 7 CSR.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BACKEND EXPERIMENT OUTCOMES</h2>



At a very high level, we matchmake based on Skill and Latency and you can think of Time to Match as the currency we spend to find a match. If you prioritize finding better matches in terms of skill and latency, it means you could be spending more time finding a match. The reason I say, “could” is because there are obviously lots of other factors like time of day, region, local vs expanded options, party size, etc.



What we observed before the experiment in the matchmaking data for ranked and what we were hearing from players was that there was room to make more closely skilled matches. Additionally, find matches with more players in my region or part of my region so that I can I have a higher quality experience. And, we also noticed that there were many times where a lower quality match was being made when the matchmaker only took a few seconds to make the match. Based on this, we decided to experiment and push the match quality to be as good as it can be, without making it so that people could not find matches.



The first experiment was to increase the weighting of the Pairwise Predictability value. Pairwise Predictability will look at how each player stacks up against every other player in the lobby individually. This not only makes it so that the teams would be better balanced against one another, but we’re prioritizing every single person in the lobby being closely matched in skill, which we believe is more important for making a quality match. After observing the impact of this change, we did see an improvement in this area, particularly around the edges of the skill band so Bronze/Silver, and Diamond/Onyx.



Chart Guide:



<ul>
<li>Quits: Quit the match before it ended.</li>



<li>TTM: Time to Match</li>



<li>Latency: A player’s ping to the server and back.</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="695" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-1024x695.png" alt="" class="wp-image-113644" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-1024x695.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-300x204.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-768x522.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image.png 1047w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Once we concluded that there was positive impact in terms of fair matches, we also looked at time to match and concluded that there was no widespread perceivable negative impact in terms of how long players were taking to find matches, as well as indicating data like how many players are canceling their searches.



After this, we decided to see if we could improve the latency, so we increased the weighting there a few weeks later after the first change had settled. Again, this means we’re telling the matchmaker that it should spend a little more time trying to find a match where players searching would have lower latency. We once again observed the results but there wasn’t conclusive data, which indicates that our change was too small or there were other factors that played into making this unclear like playlist changes across the game.



We once again increased Pairwise Predictability in hopes of further increasing the quality of matches. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1008" height="705" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-66a185da02f65.png" alt="" class="wp-image-113658" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-66a185da02f65.png 1008w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-66a185da02f65-300x210.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-66a185da02f65-768x537.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1008px) 100vw, 1008px" /></figure>



At this point, we had started to see more feedback from the community, particularly from players in regions with less population and at skill bands where there are fewer players. We also saw feedback from players who reported searching during what we would consider to be “off peak” times like super late at night or early in the mornings. Typically, in the afternoons/evenings after work and school is when most players tend to jump on and play. From a match quality standpoint, it also wasn’t clear that there was a meaningful positive impact which led us to conclude that we pushed this a bit too far.



Finally, with Match Composer releasing we also added two new Ranked playlists in Ranked Slayer and Ranked Doubles. I’m happy to report that we collectively saw an increase in players (44% increase in the first week) and play time across ranked on a weekly basis. At the same time, a few percentage points of the player population for these new playlists were taken from Ranked Arena, which we believe is making time to match take too long and we’ve certainly seen an uptick in anecdotal reports.



Because of this, we’ve found and deployed another weighting update to find a middle ground from where this experiment started and where it last was so that we can improve the experience overall but still ensure that time to match isn’t unbearably long.



This latest update has been live for the last few weeks, and it seems to be a good working middle ground where we have improved the match quality from where it began without harming time to match significantly . At this point, we’re calling our experiment a success and will not be making further adjustments unless there are other conditions that change and we see changes in the feedback and what we can observe in our data.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="987" height="672" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-66a18618b3bfe.png" alt="" class="wp-image-113672" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-66a18618b3bfe.png 987w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-66a18618b3bfe-300x204.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/image-66a18618b3bfe-768x523.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 987px) 100vw, 987px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">RANKED SLAYER</h2>



We’ve been very pleased to see so many players jumping into Ranked Slayer and enjoying the game. We’re committed to making updates to the playlist and working to deliver updates we go!



We’ve made an update to the Ranked Slayer map pool along with a few Sandbox updates.



Map pool adjustment



<ul>
<li>Based on average quit rate and end by time rate data in comparison to the other Slayer maps, Forbidden has been removed from the playlist. The map will be reviewed for potential reimplementation in the future as we investigate ways to improve the experience for players.</li>
</ul>



Cliffside



<ul>
<li>Overshield has been added to top middle.</li>



<li>The Energy Sword has replaced the Stalker Rifle in the Cage.</li>



<li>A Threat Seeker has been added to the Cave</li>
</ul>



Illusion



<ul>
<li>A Heatwave has replaced the Repulsor in the Camo hallway.</li>



<li>Thrusters have been replaced with Repulsors in the Overshield Junction.</li>



<li>The S7 Snipers have moved down to the Overshield Deck locations.</li>



<li>Battle Rifles have replaced the Plasma Pistols on the Camo Platforms.</li>



<li>Plasma Pistols have replaced the Needlers in the Camo Pockets.</li>



<li>Sidekicks have replaced the Commando Rifles in the Camo Staging areas.</li>



<li>Commando Rifles have replaced the Battle Rifles on the Camo Deck.</li>
</ul>



Forest



<ul>
<li>Camo has been removed.</li>



<li>Overshield has been added to top middle.</li>



<li>A Thruster has been added to the Alter and Grotto locations.</li>
</ul>



Once again thank you to everyone playing ranked in Halo Infinite and for the feedback you’ve given and continue to give us. The Ranked Team is committed to working on this experience day in and day out to improve the experience as much as we can. Best of luck to all teams competing at the HCS Atlanta Major this weekend!



Thanks,



Tashi

Tashi

Ranked Update | Halo Infinite

Unyshek

Sandbox Update | Halo Infinite

Forge Update | Halo Infinite

Operation: Fleetcom is bringing a whole host of updates with it, and we’re here to tell you all about it. Today we’re going to be talking about game modes, but there’s plenty more on the horizon with information about sandbox updates, Forge updates, and QoL updates.



<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 ORDERS FROM FLEETCOM | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6mmG0a2FOxQ?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>



Halo Infinite’s next content update ushers in the return of a fan-favorite mode to the game. Let’s check it out!



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



The Return of the <s>King</s> VIP



Not seen since Halo 3, VIP returns! The catalyst for many fun and unique custom games, this return has been a long time coming.



If you are not familiar, VIP is very much a team-based mode and generally played 4v4. This will be the case for Halo Infinite. Each team will have a game-designated initial VIP and it’s up to you to keep your VIP alive while also taking down the opposing team’s.



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



//RE: PRIORITY TARGETS – PROTECT / NEUTRALIZE



To win, your team must be the first to reach 10 points. It might seem like a cakewalk but there’s a couple of things to keep in mind:



<ul>
<li>The VIP has extra health, so it’ll take a bit more to neutralize them.</li>



<li>Everybody else will be defending the VIP like the match depends on it.</li>



<li>Each VIP kill is worth one point.</li>
</ul>



If your VIP dies, the next player on your team to die takes up the mantle and becomes the team VIP when they respawn. You will be identifiable to the other team by virtue of effects (similar to Infection) and a nav marker above your head (so no, you cannot become the VIP and then hide the whole match to save your points!).



Work in tandem with your team, stick together, and remember to protect your VIP with your superior skill—but where that might fall short, your life will do.



When the playlist launches alongside Operation: FLEETCOM on July 30, you’ll be yelling, “Get down, CINCONI !” on the following maps:



<ul>
<li>Bazaar</li>



<li>Catalyst</li>



<li>Forbidden</li>



<li>Forest</li>



<li>Illusion</li>



<li>Interference</li>



<li>Prism</li>
</ul>



Gather up your squad of Spartans, build out your protection details, and get ready to travel as a pack as you protect your VIP!  If you miss your chance during the featured weeks, don’t fret – VIP will later be added to the options available to you in Match Composer.



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



VERY IMMENSE POSSIBILITIES



Not only will VIP be in matchmaking, the mode is also being added to Forge and Custom Games immediately when it launches. That means you’ll be able to get your hands on it and work your magic, creating your own experiences using a new suite of VIP-related custom game options.



And, to help you further customize your mode experiences, we’ve brought over VIP’s mode logic to Forge as well. The new mode will be available in Forge’s mode creator tool and multiple new VIP nodes will be added to the nodegraph scripting feature.



These tools can be used to enhance or modify the functionality however you please:



<ul>
<li>Set VIP – Set the VIP of a team</li>



<li>Clear Team VIP – Clear the VIP of any given team</li>



<li>On New VIP – Event node indicating that a new VIP has been selected</li>



<li>On VIP Killed – Event node indicating that a VIP has been killed</li>



<li>Get Is VIP – Input a player and return if they are currently the VIP on their team</li>



<li>Set VFX Status – Input a player to apply the new VIP visual effects on their Spartan</li>
</ul>



We’re looking forward to seeing your creativity take shape with the modes you create from having all these VIP tools in your arsenal once it hits Forge. Not to mention the close saves and narrow escapes you pull off!



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



BUT WAIT…



There’s more!



Later this Operation, you’ll be able to hunt down and enjoy that pure dopamine rush you can only get when scoring a handful of skulls in the midst of a fierce firefight. The risk vs reward is high…



Yes, Headhunter is returning as well!



More on that later, however. In the meantime, keep your head on a swivel, and your reflexes sharp. Your VIP is depending on you for protection!

snickerdoodle

VIP | Halo Infinite

343 INDUSTRIES

Halo: Anvil Accord

BeansAndEgg

Community

Community Spotlight

Spotlight: July 18, 2024

Issue 018

Community Corner: Skykillerr

Community Update

A new Operation has come to Halo Infinite along with a new BTB mode and community-made map, and we’ve got plenty on the horizon—from the HCS Atlanta Major to the physical release of Season Two of the Halo televisions series (including a sweet limited edition steelbook), and more.



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



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



OPERATION: ANVIL



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/OperationAnvil.jpg" alt="Operation: Anvil key art depicting humans and Sangheili working together aboard Anvil Station while a Spartan clad in ASSAILER armor walks among them holding an M41 SPNKr with the Smash and Grab weapon model" class="wp-image-111647" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/OperationAnvil.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/OperationAnvil-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/OperationAnvil-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/OperationAnvil-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/OperationAnvil-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/OperationAnvil-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



From July 2-30, Operation: Anvil will be active and you’ll be able to acquire the new Sangheili-themed ASSAILER armor, a new emblem, and additional Spartan Points to spend in The Exchange.



Secure the Premium Operation Pass for either 500 or 2000 credits and you will additionally acquire the Smash and Grab weapon model for the M41 SPNKr and the Rent Seeker weapon coating.



BTB: SENTRY DEFENSE



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/BTB_SentryDefense.jpg" alt="BTB: Sentry Defense playlist image depicting Adjutant Resolution looming over a Spartan wielding a sword in the dark with other Spartans on either side" class="wp-image-111633" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/BTB_SentryDefense.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/BTB_SentryDefense-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/BTB_SentryDefense-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/BTB_SentryDefense-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/BTB_SentryDefense-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/BTB_SentryDefense-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



A new Big Team Battle mode has arrived in Halo Infinite!



Adjutant Resolution, one of Zeta Halo’s submonitors who you met and fought in Halo Infinite’s campaign, has decided to jump into some multiplayer action. Two of them—simply known as “sentries” in this context—are on each team; your objective is to protect your sentries and destroy the enemy’s.



Each team has 2,000 points. As damage is dealt to your sentries, the available score drops, and if you reach 0 it’s game over. Each map will have at least one Repair Field that spawns in a neutral location—in addition to providing health regeneration for your fellow Spartans and vehicles, it’ll also repair your sentries.



This mode is playable across all BTB maps, including…



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/f115b5fa-8fdf-4c12-84a0-9c447caf768f">COMMAND</a> Credits: Whos Blaze, Sikamikanico, KingBartlett, Okom1, bullet2thehead9, Metal, Total Legend <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/f115b5fa-8fdf-4c12-84a0-9c447caf768f">Bookmark</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/f115b5fa-8fdf-4c12-84a0-9c447caf768f"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/HI_Command_BTB_Map_pk_004_1920x1080_Watermarked.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-111796" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/HI_Command_BTB_Map_pk_004_1920x1080_Watermarked.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/HI_Command_BTB_Map_pk_004_1920x1080_Watermarked-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/HI_Command_BTB_Map_pk_004_1920x1080_Watermarked-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/HI_Command_BTB_Map_pk_004_1920x1080_Watermarked-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/HI_Command_BTB_Map_pk_004_1920x1080_Watermarked-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/HI_Command_BTB_Map_pk_004_1920x1080_Watermarked-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Command is a new symmetrical BTB map created by our amazing community cartographers and will also be added to the regular rotation of BTB maps.



THE EXCHANGE



The Exchange has been refreshed with a new slate of items! As before, none of the previous items are going away, so you won’t be missing out on anything if you haven’t been able to acquire certain items from the past.



As a note: with this refresh of The Exchange, previous offerings do not appear in The Exchange itself but can now be obtained through Halo Infinite’s customization menus.



SHOP



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/Shop_CutthroatBusinessBundle.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite Shop image of the Cutthroat Business bundle" class="wp-image-111661" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/Shop_CutthroatBusinessBundle.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/Shop_CutthroatBusinessBundle-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/Shop_CutthroatBusinessBundle-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/Shop_CutthroatBusinessBundle-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/Shop_CutthroatBusinessBundle-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/Shop_CutthroatBusinessBundle-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Head to Halo Infinite’s Shop and you will find this Operation’s new bundles available now—Cutthroat Business and Field Modifications.



For the full list of what these bundles contain, <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/anvil-operation-launch">head over to our Operation: Anvil launch blog</a>!



MATCH COMPOSER



With the end of Operation: Tenrai IV, both Juggernaut and Ninjanaut modes have been added to Halo Infinite’s Match Composer so you can select them (or, if it wasn’t quite your speed, deselect them) at any time.



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



HCS MAJOR ATLANTA 2024 (HOSTED BY FAZE CLAN)



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/FaZe-Major-2024-1920x1080-Tickets.png" alt="HCS Atlanta Major 2024, July 26th to 28th, Gateway Center Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia." class="wp-image-111780" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/FaZe-Major-2024-1920x1080-Tickets.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/FaZe-Major-2024-1920x1080-Tickets-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/FaZe-Major-2024-1920x1080-Tickets-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/FaZe-Major-2024-1920x1080-Tickets-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/FaZe-Major-2024-1920x1080-Tickets-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/FaZe-Major-2024-1920x1080-Tickets-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



HCS returns to Atlanta from July 26-28.



FaZe Clan will be hosting the third Halo Infinite Major this year at Gateway Centre Arena. Join us as the world’s best teams compete for their share of $250,000 and a paid trip to the HCS Major Salt Lake City later this summer.



Those in attendance will also get a chance to participate in the $5,000 free-for-all tournament along with a series of side tournaments in varying formats from Halo Infinite and legacy Halo titles!



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E0060D5AE1D36AB">GA Tickets on sale</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.start.gg/tournament/hcs-major-atlanta-2024/details">Team Passes</a></li>
</ul>



Wondering where to tune in?



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/Halo">twitch.tv/Halo</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/HCS">twitch.tv/HCS</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/HCS_RED">twitch.tv/HCS_Red</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/HCS_Blue">twitch.tv/HCS_Blue</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hcs">youtube.com/HCS</a></li>
</ul>



Twitch Drop announcements will be coming later this month, so stay tuned.



HCS GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY CALENDAR



Take a look at the community calendar for July!



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">📅 JULY 2024 – This month is packed with <a href="https://twitter.com/Halo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Halo</a> events to get involved with! ⚔️ <a href="https://twitter.com/Sentinels?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sentinels</a> SEN City Throwdown ⭐️ <a href="https://twitter.com/LVTHalo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LVTHalo</a> Grassroots Cup 🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HCSAtlanta24?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HCSAtlanta24</a> Major <a href="https://t.co/fP4snznMGC">pic.twitter.com/fP4snznMGC</a>— Halo Esports (@HCS) <a href="https://twitter.com/HCS/status/1807852383180914836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Stay tuned for community events, tournaments, and other special events where you can <a href="http://aka.ms/infinite-drops">earn in-game rewards just for watching on Twitch</a>.



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



Season Two of Halo The Series arrives on DVD, Blu-ray, and limited edition 4K UHD steelbook on July 23!



“When the Covenant threatens mankind’s greatest stronghold, the Master Chief (Pablo Schreiber) and his elite team of Spartans embark on an epic journey to find the Halo and ensure humanity’s survival… or guarantee their destruction.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Halo-Season-Two-UHD-Steelbook/dp/B0CXZY8CP9?crid=B5XJ2RZ9ZPYC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.J8WVPdn5j4SQ9NDAncFWMWIymzMiWCzKF9saIc4XFTfPxad74J6sg5rZ_-a_HR0wSdPDmfUS6CnvDfUrm4jUTw.labi-yYTBcz4pRHQ_QfrhZuVIkFsf5TxxyBH6wviy4s&dib_tag=se&keywords=halo+season+2+4k&qid=1716411969&s=movies-tv&sprefix=halo+season+2+4k,movies-tv,141&sr=1-2&linkCode=sl1&tag=themanroomcom-20&linkId=60dd2878bb77effb23274386303b9eb6&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="920" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/HaloSeason2SteelbookLE.jpg" alt="Image of the Halo The Series: Season 2 limited edition steelbook" class="wp-image-112187" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/HaloSeason2SteelbookLE.jpg 1500w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/HaloSeason2SteelbookLE-300x184.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/HaloSeason2SteelbookLE-1024x628.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/07/HaloSeason2SteelbookLE-768x471.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></a></figure>



The four-disc collection includes every episode of Season Two along with nearly two-and-a-half hours of special features—including exclusive featurettes, Declassified, and more!



Featurettes include:



<ul>
<li>Silver Team Returns</li>



<li>Kiki’s Favorite Set: The Condor</li>



<li>Bringing the 26th Century to Life</li>



<li>A Visit to Luma Pictures</li>



<li>Building a Covenant Warship</li>



<li>Making the Fall of Reach</li>



<li>The House of Soren</li>



<li>Writing for Halo S2</li>



<li>Bigger Better Props</li>
</ul>



<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Halo-Season-Two-UHD-Steelbook/dp/B0CXZY8CP9?crid=B5XJ2RZ9ZPYC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.J8WVPdn5j4SQ9NDAncFWMWIymzMiWCzKF9saIc4XFTfPxad74J6sg5rZ_-a_HR0wSdPDmfUS6CnvDfUrm4jUTw.labi-yYTBcz4pRHQ_QfrhZuVIkFsf5TxxyBH6wviy4s&dib_tag=se&keywords=halo+season+2+4k&qid=1716411969&s=movies-tv&sprefix=halo+season+2+4k,movies-tv,141&sr=1-2&linkCode=sl1&tag=themanroomcom-20&linkId=60dd2878bb77effb23274386303b9eb6&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl">Secure your pre-order here!</a>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">RADAR BLIPS</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/digsite-deep-dive">DIGSITE DEEP-DIVE:</a> The Digsite crew returns with a new release featuring a wealth of content from Halo’s cutting room floor! Get a closer look at unused levels, design docs, and more from the ancient past…</li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-digsite-n-discourse">CANON FODDER #154:</a> Welcome back to Canon Fodder, your monthly feast for all things fiction! We’ve got some new Digsite lore, some Q&A, a new Armory Infinitum entry, a hefty round-up of community-created lore content, and more—let’s get right to it…</li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/community-corner-soul-ant">COMMUNITY CORNER – SOUL ANT:</a> In our latest edition of the Community Corner, we’re joined by Soul Ant whose stunning, vibrant art pieces you will have no doubt seen in previous Spotlight blogs and on Twitter.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/forge-features-028">FORGE FEATURES #027:</a> Forge Features is back once again with a selection of community-created cartographic content, taking us from ancient castles to Flood-infected facilities, Banished-occupied territory, forklift arenas, and more.</li>



<li>DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH: Celebrate every Spartan’s uniqueness—disabilities come in many forms, visible or not. Join us in Halo Infinite this month to unlock the exclusive DPM ’24 coating, visor, and emblem!</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/2024/06/HI_DisabilityPrideMonth2024.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of three Spartans clad in the Disability Pride Month 2024 customization content" class="wp-image-111731" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/HI_DisabilityPrideMonth2024.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/HI_DisabilityPrideMonth2024-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/HI_DisabilityPrideMonth2024-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/HI_DisabilityPrideMonth2024-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/HI_DisabilityPrideMonth2024-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/HI_DisabilityPrideMonth2024-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE ARTIST’S CORNER</h2>



With the launch of Operation: Anvil this week, it seemed only fitting that we use this month’s art feature for Sam Brown’s illustration of Anvil Station itself—as featured in the 2022 edition of the Halo Encyclopedia.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/ENC2022_SamBrown_AnvilStation.jpg" alt="Halo Encyclopedia 2022 artwork by Sam Brown depicting Anvil Station" class="wp-image-111717" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/ENC2022_SamBrown_AnvilStation.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/ENC2022_SamBrown_AnvilStation-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/ENC2022_SamBrown_AnvilStation-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/ENC2022_SamBrown_AnvilStation-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/ENC2022_SamBrown_AnvilStation-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/06/ENC2022_SamBrown_AnvilStation-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Anvil Station is home to a multispecies partnership between the UNSC and their alien allies from the Arbiter’s Swords of Sanghelios. On Anvil Station, humans and Sangheili work together to test experimental prototypes, including new Spartan armor variants.



Coming later this month, a new Waypoint Chronicle will explore “a day in the life” aboard Anvil Station from the perspective of its multispecies personnel.



As always, this Waypoint Chronicle will be published here on Halo Waypoint, but will also be available as a free PDF and as an audiobook on YouTube. Stay tuned!



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March 3, 2560. The human and Sangheili crew of Anvil Station mark the seventh anniversary of the Covenant War’s end as they weigh past burdens with hope for the future.



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That closes us out for this month’s edition of the Community Update, which means it’s time to jump into some more BTB: Sentry Defense. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been having some very close matches—once both teams’ scores get down around the last 500 points it really feels like the entire dynamic changes. Be sure to let us know how you’re finding the mode!



Until next time.

Anvil Arrival