Community

Fiction


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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Contact Harvest | Audiobook Preview | Available Now from Simon & Schuster" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1C_xMw8V9qg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



<p>The agrarian society of Harvest has been untouched by war—until now. </p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Nolan Byrn</strong>e</h3>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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


Mutinous Core

Audiobook Club: Contact Harvest


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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>The Halo: Contact Harvest giveaway post will appear in the <strong>#giveaways</strong> channel today, June 2. React to the post by Friday, June 6 for a chance to win!</p>



<p><em>Winners will be randomly selected later this month. Winners will be notified and tagged in a follow-up post by the GiveawayBot in the </em><strong><em>#giveaways</em></strong><em> channel of the Halo Discord server.</em></p>



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



<p>Follow <a href="https://x.com/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Halo on X</a> and comment on our monthly giveaway posts for a chance to win one of five (5) Halo audiobooks every month. Look out for our first giveaway post on June 16, where five lucky Spartans will win the audiobook edition of <em>Halo: Contact Harvest</em>!</p>



<p><em>Entry period lasts until 8:00 a.m. (PT) on June 18. Winners will be contacted via </em><em>direct message on the X platform</em><em>.</em></p>


Audiobook Club & Giveaway Series

Canon Fodder

Alex Wakeford

Issue 163

Canon Fodder: Anthology Assemble

Click here to read the Road to HaloWC: April blog

Click here to purchase tickets to the Halo World Championship 2025

Esports


<p>Welcome back!</p>



<p>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!</p>



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





<p>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)</p>



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



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



<p>As usual we’ll have 2 ticketing tiers:</p>



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



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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 <strong>EARLY BIRD SPECIAL. </strong>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!</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>Here’s what you get in VIP:</p>



<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>



<p>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.</p>



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





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<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"><strong>COMMUNITY STAGE PANELS</strong></h1>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>You’ll hear from:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Josh Holmes:</strong> 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><strong>Tim Longo:</strong> 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><strong>Nicholas “Sparth” Bouvier:</strong> 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>



<p>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!</p>





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



<p>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’!</p>



<p>Side note: Jeff helped me with all those alliterations!</p>



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



<p>There is much talk, and I have listened – through rock, and metal, and Twitter.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<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>



<p>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!</p>



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



<p>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!</p>



<p>As always, let me know what you want to know about for next month!</p>



<p>Thanks,</p>



<p>Tashi</p>



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



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


Tashi

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

Official HCS

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

Community Spotlight

Spotlight: May 21, 2025

Games

Halo Studios

Halo: Battle for the Academy – Part 1

Forge Features

Community Cartography 035

Forge Features: May 8, 2025

Last Stand Operation Launch


<p>Firefight continues to evolve in Halo Infinite. You’ve already had a taste of this version when the mode first released and now, it’s time to battle at the Academy. Say your ardent prayers as you prepare to fight. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/BOTA_Watermarked.png" alt="Spartans and Marines running and gunning while the Academy is under attack by Banished forces." class="wp-image-136724" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/BOTA_Watermarked.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/BOTA_Watermarked-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/BOTA_Watermarked-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/BOTA_Watermarked-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/BOTA_Watermarked-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/BOTA_Watermarked-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-huge-font-size">BATTLE BRIEF</h2>



<p>The Banished were invited in by Iratus and it’s up to you to repel the forces from the steps of the Avery J. Johnson Academy of Military Science. In your typical fireteam size of four you’ll be squadding up to stand your ground.</p>



<p>Our first taste of this linear Firefight mode came with Ardent Prayer back at launch.</p>



<p>“What does linear Firefight mean?” </p>



<p>Thank you for asking, I’d love to tell you. Rather than simply defend hills or race ahead to each hill, you’ll find this mode progresses and gets a bit more difficult at each turn. </p>



<p>a campaign, this experience moves forward sequentially – you’ll need to finish one battle before you can move forward and start another. In short, Firefight: Battle of the Academy is raising the stakes and is asking you to defend the bases from the onslaught. The goal? Keep the Banished from getting their hands on humanity’s best kept secrets<a>.</a></p>



<p>Don’t forget to read the upcoming Waypoint Chronicles for more color and insight into the battle. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-huge-font-size">LAY OF THE LAND</h2>



<p>You’ll be going Out With a Bang as you enact the Cole Protocol in this playlist. Okay, not really but those are the two maps you’ll be playing on as you engage in the Battle of the Academy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size">Out With A Bang</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/bang_pk_020.jpg" alt="The Firefight: Battle of the Academy map "Out With A Bang" made in Halo Infinite Forge." class="wp-image-136668" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/bang_pk_020.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/bang_pk_020-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/bang_pk_020-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/bang_pk_020-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/bang_pk_020-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/bang_pk_020-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>Bookmarks: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/6dc27650-715a-4b0f-a2f9-2bae7afa23a0">Map</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/b84e61e7-0e54-457c-9e01-d0f741a5cedf">Mode</a></p>



<p>If you’re gonna go out, is there any better way than going out with a bang? I thought not. Under cover of darkness, you’ll be tasked with making your way to the evac zone but it’s no easy task. Battle through chokeholds, fight alongside the Marines you find along the way, work your way through the facility, and even brush up on your parkour a bit. Scavenge for ammo/weapons and keep moving!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size">Cole Protocol</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/cole_pk_009.jpg" alt="The Firefight: Battle of the Academy map "Cole Protocol" made in Halo Infinite Forge." class="wp-image-136682" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/cole_pk_009.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/cole_pk_009-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/cole_pk_009-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/cole_pk_009-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/cole_pk_009-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/cole_pk_009-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>Bookmarks: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/571afb7f-63c3-40a4-9c21-06ef921eb415">Map</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/b84e61e7-0e54-457c-9e01-d0f741a5cedf">Mode</a><br>Credits: Cousin Tim, Timmyforges</p>



<p>Established by Admiral Preston J. Cole (only the most interesting man in Halo if you ask me), the Cole Protocol is a directive set to prevent the Covenant (or other enemies) from discovering Earth or other colonies.</p>



<p>Now, it is up to you to defend the data and knowledge. Armed with your weapons, wit, and the Marines battling alongside you, repel the Banished forces and hold your ground. Good luck.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-huge-font-size">MUTILATOR MADNESS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/MutilatorMadness.png" alt="The Juggernaut holding the Mutilator in Mutilator Madness." class="wp-image-136710" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/MutilatorMadness.png 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/MutilatorMadness-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/MutilatorMadness-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/MutilatorMadness-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/MutilatorMadness-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/05/MutilatorMadness-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>The fabled Mutilator arrives in Halo Infinite. Previously the stuff of legends, the brutal cross between a shotgun and Gravity Hammer takes no prisoners and has no mercy. The Mutilator boasts a double barrel that fires one shell at a time in primary fire mode or fires both at once in the alt-fire mode. And the melee packs a punch! You know <s>what</s> who else packs a punch?</p>



<p>Juggernaut.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/tenrai-iv-playlist">As we learned before</a>, the Juggernaut has some good perks:</p>



<ul>
<li>Buffed shields</li>



<li>Increased damage resistance</li>



<li>Speed Boost</li>



<li>Quantum Translocator</li>



<li>Gravity Hammer</li>
</ul>



<p>In Mutilator Madness, the same applies except as the Juggernaut you won’t wield the Gravity Hammer. Instead, you’ll be equipped with the Mutilator and Grappleshot. If you kill the Juggernaut, get ready! It’s your turn to be a menace.</p>



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



<p>Well, what are you waiting for? The battle’s begun, get in there, Spartans! </p>
