Community

Community Update

Games

Alex Wakeford

Cutting Room Galore

Digsite Deliveries | Halo: MCC

Forge Features

Welcome back to a new edition of Forge Features! It’s been a little while since we last caught up, as the spotlight has very much been on Season 4: Infection’s arrival in Halo Infinite a few weeks ago, but as the dust settles the time has come to take a look at more community creations.



Let’s start things off with something that might just blow your mind…



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THE MAW Credits: KingNothing2005 Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/d1c61577-8244-441c-a29c-b4eedaeaed51">The Maw map</a> | <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/modes/93833a17-9e63-4f70-b49b-f4cdc9917985">Warthog Run mode</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/d1c61577-8244-441c-a29c-b4eedaeaed51"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a remake of The Maw from Halo: CE made in Forge" class="wp-image-70854" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13TheMaw-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



“Analyzing… We have six minutes before the fusion drives detonate. We need to evac, now! Activating final countdown timer. When it reaches zero, the engines will detonate. The explosion will generate a temperature of almost one-hundred-million degrees. Don’t be here when it blows.”



And yes, somehow—through the unholy alchemy of Forge and fan creativity—this is an exact recreation of the entire Warthog Run from Halo: CE.



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SMALLHALLA Credits: nkdape, Okom1, Micheal B 2K8, Mr Kwatz, Virus11010, Scrubulba, daedalus7932, MikRips, Cousin Tim Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/46a9df21-1b5e-447e-82be-b12c119781ac">Smallhalla</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/46a9df21-1b5e-447e-82be-b12c119781ac"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a smaller version of Valhalla from Halo 3 made in Forge" class="wp-image-70840" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Smallhalla-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Forge gives players the power to answer many creative questions. Smallhalla dares to ask one of the most game-changing of all… what if Valhalla was really small?



(And also, what if the crashed Pelican was actually a paper airplane?)



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Smallhalla Release Trailer | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ePl8xLwNIzI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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ABANDON Credits: bullet2thehead9, DISTORTED JACKAL, C0mmnder, TheChunx, xLoud Mary Jane Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/6ee344cb-b49e-4604-93f2-8e4e73ccadde">Abandon</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/6ee344cb-b49e-4604-93f2-8e4e73ccadde"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a remake of Halo 4's map Abandon made in Forge" class="wp-image-70798" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13Abandon-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Take a trip back to the creepy alien jungles of Erebus VII. Mind the anglers!



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LONE WOLF Credits: bullet2thehead9, Va1kyrie, Nomino33 Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/5291c5f5-032a-435e-a04a-b77dd2ac6198">Lone Wolf</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/5291c5f5-032a-435e-a04a-b77dd2ac6198"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of a remake of the Lone Wolf mission from Halo: Reach in Forge" class="wp-image-70826" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/07/FF13LoneWolf-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Objective: survive.



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



Looking to find out what new objects came to Halo Infinite’s Forge in Season 4? Gravemind’s got you covered with this video overview—a most helpful and informative turn after giving up his ambitions of infecting the universe!



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo Infinite - New Season 4 Forge Items!" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h-86BgagxMU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



DEWtheMCCOY continues to showcase more of the incredible work we’ve been seeing from community cartographers, and in one of his latest videos he looks at some campaign levels which have been recreated in Forge. These include The Silent Cartographer from Halo: CE, Regret from Halo 2, and Mombasa Streets from Halo 3: ODST.



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo CE, 2 and ODST CAMPAIGN LEVELS - Remade in Halo Infinite Forge" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fnndJSr7ksM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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That closes us out for this issue of Forge Features. Go bookmark some new maps and modes, grab your friends, and get a custom games night going.



Whether you’re looking to escape the Pillar of Autumn, make a noble final stand, or you’re just looking to embrace the sheer chaos of Lightspeed Halo, the Custom Games Browser is just one click away!

Community Cartography 013

Forge Features: July 5, 2023

Canon Fodder

Issue 142

Canon Fodder: System Shocks

Esports

With the HCS Major Arlington hosted by OpTic Gaming this
weekend we’re about to conclude the first split of Year 2 of the HCS for Halo
Infinite and what a wild ride it’s been. We’ve seen the closest competition yet
so far and arguably the closest Halo’s illustrious esports history.



Due to HCS being a global scene with 4 distinct regions, the teams all compete online separately with LAN events being the place where we get to see them clash. Because of this, we use as much historical data as we can including number of teams competing and placements to decide the strength of each region to determine how many teams go into pool play, what are their seeds, how many teams go into open bracket, or how many teams attend a Global Invitational. We believe this approach has worked up to this point however over time it’s our goal to let the results speak for themselves directly more and more. And with all LAN events in HCS Year 2 being open to all regions, this gives us an opportunity to lean into that philosophy even more. 



For the Arlington Major this weekend, there are no changes to the format and it’s what players expect.



<ul><li>16 team pool play (12 pre-qualified / 4 open)  </li><li>1st/2nd in pools advance to WR1 (Winners Round 1)</li><li>3rd in pools advance to ER1 (Elimination Round 1)</li><li>4th in pools eliminated </li></ul>



For the next event however, the HCS Global Invitational
hosted by Spacestation Gaming, the format will remain the same but the seeding
will be slightly altered.



Format:



<ul><li>16 team pool play</li><li>12 team championship bracket</li><li>1st / 2nd in pools advance
to WR1 (Winners Round 1)</li><li>3rd in pools advance to ER1
(Elimination Round 1)</li></ul>



Seeding:



<ul><li>Top 8 from Arlington Major, regardless of region.</li><li>9-12 NA (Top 2 from SSG qualifier, Top 2 in HCS points after SSG qualifier)</li><li>13-14 EU (Winner from SSG qualifier, Top 1 in HCS points after SSG qualifier)</li><li>15 MX (Winner from SSG qualifier)</li><li>16 ANZ (Winner from SSG qualifier) </li></ul>



Open
Championship for Ft. Worth 



<ul><li>Travel coverage to HCS Major Fort Worth Open Bracket teams will be on the line after the next HCS Global Invitational for each region. The top teams in each region from this tournament will earn travel coverage and a spot in the open bracket. More details to come soon regarding dates and qualifier format.</li><li>Top 2 NA </li><li>Top 2 EU </li><li>Top 1 MX </li><li>Top 2 ANZ </li></ul>



Fort Worth Major Format 



<ul><li>16 team pool play (12 pre-qualified / 4 open) </li><li>Seeding will go as follows: <ul><li>1-6: Top 6 from HCS Global Invitational hosted by SSG</li><li>7-8: NA 1-2 in HCS points </li><li>9-10: EU 1-2 in HCS points </li><li>11: MX 1 in HCS points</li><li>12: ANZ 1 in HCS points</li><li>13-14: Ft. Worth Open Brackets Winners teams </li><li>15-16: Ft. Worth Open Bracket Elim team </li></ul></li><li>16 team championship bracket </li><li>No eliminations out of pools </li><li>1st in pools advance to WR2 (WR1 BYE) </li><li>2nd/3rd in pools advance to WR1 </li><li>4th in pools advance to ER1 </li></ul>



HaloWC
Qualification Path 



<ul><li>Top 8 from HCS Fort Worth, regardless of region </li><li>Top 4 NA rosters in HCS points </li><li>Top 2 EU rosters in HCS points </li><li>Winner of MX Regional Playoff* at Fort Worth </li><li>Winner of ANZ Regional Playoff* at Fort Worth </li></ul>



Regional
Playoffs for MX and ANZ 



<ul><li>*For both the MX and ANZ regions, the top 2 teams from each region will face off against each other for their region’s designated spot. This Best-of-7 series will occur on LAN at the Fort Worth Major and will be broadcasted on Championship Sunday. If a team from the region places top 8, they will not have to play in the regional playoff, and the playoff will be between the next 2 top placing teams </li><li>This is to account for a fair opportunity for all teams in the region to earn a spot at HaloWC. With only one pool play spot being awarded to these regions at the Global Invitational, the point opportunities for teams in this region are disproportionate. What better way to settle this than a head-to-head playoff matchup on LAN? </li></ul>



HaloWC
Format 



<ul><li>16 team pool play (all teams pre-qualified) </li><li>Seeding format will go as follows: <ul><li>1-8: Fort Worth Top 8 </li><li>9-12: NA 1-4 in HCS points </li><li>13-14: EU 1-2 in HCS points </li><li>15: MX 1 </li><li>16: ANZ 1 </li></ul></li><li>No play-in bracket </li><li>3-day tournament and event </li><li>12 team Championship Bracket <ul><li>1st/2nd in pools advance to WR1 </li><li>3rd in pools advance to ER1 </li><li>4th in pools eliminated </li></ul></li></ul>



Overall we believe these format changes will allow for more
globally competitive tournaments as well as entertaining moments throughout it
all. 



Best of luck to all teams competing this weekend, be sure to
watch live every day at 12pm CT on Twitch.tv/Halo.

Official HCS

HCS Split 2 – Qualification and Seeding Updates

Community Spotlight

The Community Corner is back with a new guest to talk about all things Halo!



In the Community Corner, we spotlight and interview individual members of the Halo community about the cool stuff they do (whether that’s art, cosplay, Forge, animation, streaming, and so on) and their personal history with the series.



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/community-corner-moto">Last time, we were joined by Moto Streams to talk about her journey with Halo over the years in streaming and podcasting, and how she cultivated one of the most wholesome communities out there.</a>



Today, we’re joined by artist Will Clements to discuss fan art, art advice, custom game nights, and more.



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Welcome, Will! Thank you very much for joining us for this month’s Community Corner. Introduce yourself—who are you, what do you do as part of the Halo community, and where can we find you?



Hi there! I’m a digital character artist and fan artist, and within the Halo community I have the pleasure of drawing other peoples’ Spartans!



You can find me on <a href="https://twitter.com/willclementsart">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/willclementsart/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://willclementsart.weebly.com/gallery.html">over on my website.</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://willclementsart.weebly.com/gallery.html"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2000" height="2400" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will1.jpg" alt="Master Chief art by Will Clements" class="wp-image-70576" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will1.jpg 2000w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will1-250x300.jpg 250w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will1-853x1024.jpg 853w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will1-768x922.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will1-1280x1536.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will1-1707x2048.jpg 1707w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will1-1568x1882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></a></figure>



What’s your Halo origin story? How did you get started on the path of the Great Journey?



I started playing Halo when I was around ten or eleven with the original trilogy. Whilst Halo 2 was my first Halo that I played, I’d say my Great Journey properly started with after-school Halo 3.



I can vividly remember visiting my friends and playing couch co-op, hopping on the Xbox in the evenings to play Garbage Man, Duck Hunt, and all the other customs that so many of us lost countless hours to.



I’ve loved Halo multiplayer ever since I first played it, but once the social side of this series grabbed me it has never let me go. Even now, I will always say yes to a custom games evening.



(Special mention goes to the Halo: CE lunchtime sessions on Boarding Action!)



What areas of the series do you find yourself gravitating towards—or would you describe yourself as something of an all-rounder when it comes to things like campaign and story, multiplayer, Forge, etc?



I’m for sure an all-rounder when it comes to Halo. I love a bit of everything.



Replaying a campaign, hopping into multiplayer with friends, or trying to recreate Alien: Isolation in Forge—it all depends on my mood for the day.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://twitter.com/willclementsart"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2000" height="2400" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will4.jpg" alt="Art of a Spartan on Zeta Halo by Will Clements" class="wp-image-70618" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will4.jpg 2000w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will4-250x300.jpg 250w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will4-853x1024.jpg 853w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will4-768x922.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will4-1280x1536.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will4-1707x2048.jpg 1707w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will4-1568x1882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></a></figure>



What are some of your favorite pieces of Halo media and why?



The Forerunner Saga written by Greg Bear.



I don’t know what I can say about this trilogy that hasn’t been said already, but I was so excited knowing we’d learn more about the Forerunners and these books did not disappoint.



Anything involving the Didact is a win for me, so I’m also very excited for Halo: Epitaph.



I wish I could pick a favorite soundtrack from this series to include here as well, but I don’t think I can…



What’s your origin story as an artist? How did you discover your love for it, and what are some of your major inspirations—be it from Halo or other sources?



I was drawing dinosaurs, sharks, and pirate ships from as early as five years old! A year later I watched Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man for the first time and I became obsessed with the character—my mum still keeps a binder of my earliest drawings and most of them are related to the wall-crawler.



From there I progressed into reading comics, and they quickly became my biggest inspiration (and still are, even now). I’ve never stopped appreciating the artistry that goes into making them.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/willclementsart/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2327" height="2560" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will3-scaled.jpg" alt="Art of a Spartan on Oasis by Will Clements" class="wp-image-70604" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will3-scaled.jpg 2327w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will3-273x300.jpg 273w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will3-931x1024.jpg 931w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will3-768x845.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will3-1396x1536.jpg 1396w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will3-1862x2048.jpg 1862w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will3-1568x1725.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2327px) 100vw, 2327px" /></a></figure>



Where do you start from when you begin working on a new piece of artwork and how does your process go from there?



My process always starts with collecting as much reference as I can before I put pen to tablet. As soon as I’m comfortable with my reference library I start to sketch, slowly learning the individual shapes and working on the details.



Once I’ve finished sketching it all becomes a bit of a blur, and suddenly a finished piece of art emerges, with color and a background.



I’m joking about that last bit… sort of.



Do you listen to music when you go into artist mode? What Halo tracks get you in the zone for maximum inspiration and productivity?



Absolutely! I’m usually listening to a curated playlist, but sometimes I’m happy to let shuffle do its thing.



Halo tracks I’m always happy to hear when working are Impend/Impart from Halo 2, Covenant Dance from Halo: CE (because OF COURSE!), and more recently Riven’s Gate and Through the Trees from Infinite.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://twitter.com/willclementsart"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2000" height="2400" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will5.jpg" alt="Art of a Spartan on Zeta Halo by Will Clements" class="wp-image-70632" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will5.jpg 2000w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will5-250x300.jpg 250w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will5-853x1024.jpg 853w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will5-768x922.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will5-1280x1536.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will5-1707x2048.jpg 1707w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will5-1568x1882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></a></figure>



How do you think your art has evolved over time?



Oh, this question is always so hard to answer, but recently I’ve noticed my color rendering more than anything else.



Over the last few years, I’ve made a conscious effort to improve my approach to color, light, and shadow, and I’m really pleased with my progress.



Sometimes you have to go looking for the changes to finally see them!



Do you have any words of wisdom to share with other artists out there looking to get started?



Know when to walk away. It sounds counter-productive but trust me it’s incredibly helpful for noticing problems with your sketch.



Get up, stretch, do anything else but draw for an hour or two, and when you return to the tablet/page you’ll likely notice what’s been bugging you.



Oh, and digital artists, don’t forget to flip your canvas!



What’s your favorite piece of Halo artwork?



The twentieth anniversary artwork. It’s perfect. ‘Nuff said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Lassen_KeyArt_Flat_NoLogo-scaled.jpg" alt="20 years of Halo official artwork" class="wp-image-19338" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Lassen_KeyArt_Flat_NoLogo-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Lassen_KeyArt_Flat_NoLogo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Lassen_KeyArt_Flat_NoLogo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Lassen_KeyArt_Flat_NoLogo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Lassen_KeyArt_Flat_NoLogo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Lassen_KeyArt_Flat_NoLogo-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/11/Lassen_KeyArt_Flat_NoLogo-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption>(AW NOTE: No disagreement here!)</figcaption></figure>



Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.



I can do a fairly decent Escharum impression. I doubt you’ll ever hear it!



(AW NOTE: It is, of course, only natural for Halo fans to spend time in the shower reciting lines from the series in characters’ voices.)



Thank you again for joining us for this issue, Will! Do you have any parting words to share?



Halo 2‘s story is the GOAT, and thanks for having me!



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



You can follow Will Clements on <a href="https://twitter.com/willclementsart">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/willclementsart/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://willclementsart.weebly.com/gallery.html">check out his website!</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://willclementsart.weebly.com/gallery.html"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1100" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will2.jpg" alt="Art of the Master Chief and Zeta Halo by Will Clements" class="wp-image-70590" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will2.jpg 1100w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will2-229x300.jpg 229w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will2-782x1024.jpg 782w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Will2-768x1005.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px" /></a></figure>

Issue 008

Community Corner: Will Clements

Suit up, Spartans. It’s time for some hazard pay!



Season 4: Infection released last week, which means it’s time to kick off its first event, which features a free Event Pass with 10 tiers of customization rewards for your HAZMAT armor.



Let’s get you a full debriefing…



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HAZMAT EVENT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2160" height="2160" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HAZMATRewards.jpg" alt="Image of the HAZMAT Event's Reward Track" class="wp-image-70444" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HAZMATRewards.jpg 2160w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HAZMATRewards-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HAZMATRewards-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HAZMATRewards-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HAZMATRewards-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HAZMATRewards-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HAZMATRewards-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HAZMATRewards-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2160px) 100vw, 2160px" /></figure>



From June 27-July 11, the HAZMAT event will be active. This is a free event that anybody can jump into, featuring a 10-tier Event Pass full of customization items to outfit your Spartan’s new HAZMAT armor.



 You know the drill: complete Event Challenges to earn tiers in your Event Pass and outfit your HAZMAT armor with your rewards!



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PLAYLISTS ‘N’ PLAZA</h2>



A new season means new content—new maps, modes, and more! You can jump right into the latest and greatest seasonal action with the New Arena Unlimited and New BTB Unlimited playlists. 



<ul><li>WEEK ONE – New Arena Unlimited: June 27-July 4 </li><li>WEEK TWO – New BTB Unlimited: July 4-11</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Solitude Map Preview | Season 4: Infection | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_7dgdhM7Eqk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



In addition to all the new Season 4 goodness included in the New Arena Unlimited playlist will be Solitude, our remake of the fan-favorite map Plaza from Halo 5: Guardians created in Halo Infinite’s Forge.



For a closer look at Solitude with some of our multiplayer designers, check out our Q&A blog below!



<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/solitude-preview-season-4">SOLITUDE PREVIEW | SEASON 4</a>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HAZMAT ARMOR</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the HAZMAT Armor Core" class="wp-image-69912" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Built to stand against all manner of threats and dangerous conditions, designed to be used by both super-soldiers and unaugmented personnel, HAZMAT armor comes to Halo Infinite in Season 4.



OSTEO combat engineering suits incorporate an array of contingency systems focused on surviving extended operations in extraordinarily harsh working and combat environments. HAZMAT armor is for those who specialize in delving into the heart of dying Forerunner facilities, for hunters operating in blighted waters and poisoned winds, search teams exploring sites scarred by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons used in the Covenant War, and even more insidious threats the galaxy has to offer.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SHOP & ULTIMATE REWARD</h2>



SHOP: SECOND CHANCE BUNDLE



Available in the Shop this week is the Second Chance bundle, which features:



<ul><li>Second Chance chest attachment (HAZMAT)</li><li>FAM-90 Stabilizer shoulder pads (HAZMAT)</li><li>Can Do stance</li><li>Jacknife armor coating (for all Armor Cores)</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/2023/06/SecondChanceBundle.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the Second Chance bundle" class="wp-image-70458" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SecondChanceBundle.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SecondChanceBundle-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SecondChanceBundle-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SecondChanceBundle-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SecondChanceBundle-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SecondChanceBundle-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



ULTIMATE REWARD



Complete all your challenges for the week and you’ll unlock this week’s Ultimate Reward: the Solarian Legend weapon coating for your M41 SPNKr.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolarianLegendSPNKrUlt.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the Solarian Legend weapon coating for the M41 SPNKr" class="wp-image-70472" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolarianLegendSPNKrUlt.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolarianLegendSPNKrUlt-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolarianLegendSPNKrUlt-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolarianLegendSPNKrUlt-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolarianLegendSPNKrUlt-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolarianLegendSPNKrUlt-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



FREE GIFT!



Log in at any time during the HAZMAT Event and you’ll unlock the War Storage backdrop for your Spartan ID.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HI_S4_Hazmat_Gift_WarStorage_Social_16x9-1024x576.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the HAZMAT Event's free gift: the War Storage backdrop" class="wp-image-70548" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HI_S4_Hazmat_Gift_WarStorage_Social_16x9-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HI_S4_Hazmat_Gift_WarStorage_Social_16x9-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HI_S4_Hazmat_Gift_WarStorage_Social_16x9-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HI_S4_Hazmat_Gift_WarStorage_Social_16x9-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HI_S4_Hazmat_Gift_WarStorage_Social_16x9-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/HI_S4_Hazmat_Gift_WarStorage_Social_16x9.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



The HAZMAT Event is now live! Jump into Halo Infinite and complete your challenges to progress that Event Pass and unlock free HAZMAT-themed rewards.



The Containment Event will arrive later in Season 4, starting on August 29, which will also run for two weeks (through September 12) and offers an additional 10 tiers of free HAZMAT-themed rewards.



See you out there, HAZMAT honchos!

HAZMAT Event Launch

Season 4: Infection was released just last week, bringing a plethora of new content to Halo Infinite, and we’ve got a little something extra to share with you all in the form of Solitude—a remake of Plaza from Halo 5: Guardians—which you’ll be able to jump into… tomorrow! 



To help celebrate the arrival of Solitude for tomorrow, we’ve sat down with multiplayer designers Cayle George (Lead Level Designer), Cliff Schuldt (Level Designer), and Ryan Bergstrom (Level Designer) to learn a little bit more about the creation of this new take on a fan-favorite map. 



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Solitude Map Preview | Season 4: Infection | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_7dgdhM7Eqk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



Let’s kick things off with some Plaza appreciation: what are some of the elements of this map that you think make it such a fan-favorite?



The first thing to say here is that Plaza really was one of the best Strongholds maps in Halo 5. Contesting and controlling zones on Plaza was incredibly fun, in no small part because traversal of the map was so interesting—there were lots of different flanking routes that always kept players on their toes while on the defense and open to a lot of engagement opportunities while on the offense. That made it work well for a bunch of different modes and gave it a lot of replayability.



Out of all of that, we really saw a lot of cool trick jumps emerge out of Halo 5’s movement on Plaza, which added a whole new layer of competitiveness that made it an instant favorite.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview1.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Solitude" class="wp-image-70515" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview1.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview1-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



In Halo 5, Plaza is a neon-lit city street. In Halo Infinite, we see that Solitude looks very different. What inspired this new visual direction?



From the outset, our philosophy with remakes is that we want to explore these familiar spaces with alternate themes.



Part of that is just because it’s fun and interesting from an artistic standpoint, especially when we’re working with the new assets and palettes of Halo Infinite’s Forge mode, but it also makes it easier for players to parse some of the adjustments and tweaks to sandbox, scale, and other factors that inevitably happen across games.



If you go into a remake of a map and it looks exactly the same but the game plays differently (which Halo Infinite does compared to Halo 5), your brain can run into some “uncanny valley” territory where it just doesn’t quite feel right.



As a result of all those things, we thought it would be interesting to explore what Plaza would look like in a more desolate, abandoned setting.



Visuals aside, are there any notable differences in geometry between Plaza and Solitude, or is this a 1:1 remake?



Solitude is very close to being a 1:1 remake in terms of spacing, but the height and overall verticality of the map has been adjusted. There are some pieces of gameplay that inevitably won’t translate between Halo 5 and Halo Infinite because they play quite differently, but this is a map that aims to be true to the original with lots of cool new gameplay opportunities afforded by Halo Infinite’s sandbox toys.



Like Empyrean (the remake of The Pit), Solitude was made using Halo Infinite’s Forge. What are some of the advantages we’ve found internally that come with using this tool to create new multiplayer maps?



Forge is a tremendously useful tool when it comes to playtesting maps and making quick adjustments, which has definitely been a great advantage to have. If something isn’t feeling quite right or we want to experiment with an idea, Forge can simply make that process of ideation and iteration happen with greater speed than you’d have with a more “traditional” dev-made map.



How have we been finding that Solitude plays with Halo Infinite’s sandbox? Any fun playtesting stories to share?



At the very beginning, we put the Stalker Rifle where the Lightrifle used to be in Halo 5. As it’s so open in that middle area, the Stalker Rifle actually ended up annihilating anyone and everyone who walked into that space—especially in-combination with the Sniper.



That’s all part of the fun when it comes to creating remakes in a new game with a new sandbox. The Stalker Rifle seemed like a reasonable weapon to put in the Lightrifle spot, only for us to end up discovering that we’d basically created a new power weapon.



We pivoted that to the M392 Bandit, which players got their hands on as a new sandbox toy in Season 3.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview2.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Solitude" class="wp-image-70529" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview2.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/SolitudePreview2-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Which modes have we found are particularly fun to play on this map?



Just like Halo 5, we found that Strongholds is a really good time on Solitude. King of the Hill is a close second, and we hope players will find this map to overall be just as versatile and fun as its Halo 5 counterpart.



Are there any cool Easter eggs that fans should keep an eye out for on this map?



Yes? 😉



With Empyrean in last year’s Winter Update and now Solitude, can you share anything more about future Forge maps from the dev-side?



We are working on maps in the Forge tool to release to players. What that means is that we’re constantly playtesting and internally reviewing what maps we think will resonate with fans, and we’re also keeping our eyes on what the community is making in Forge to be featured in the Community Collection playlist.



We have to really weigh what the biggest bang for our buck is in terms of the value that we can add to the constantly growing content pool, and those are plate tectonics that are constantly shifting.



Thank you for joining us once again to tell us more about the process of creating these awesome maps. Do you have any parting words to share?



We hope you’ve all been enjoying Season 4 so far. It’s been great seeing people share their clips online of amazing plays in Infection or looking under the bridge on Forest (despite our warnings not to!)



Keep creating, keep sharing, and we hope you have a good time on Solitude.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



New Arena Unlimited will be arriving tomorrow as the featured playlist for the next week, featuring a range of modes that will be playable on Forest and Solitude, so you’ll have the opportunity to jump straight into this new map and start slaying.



Let’s see how well you remember this dance…

Solitude Preview | Season 4

Season 4: Infection Launch

Since the beginning of the year we’ve been collecting
feedback from ranked players and working on updating our strategy to start
addressing some of the biggest topics. Today, we’re going to shed light on some
key updates that we’re making to Ranked Rotationals specifically and what you
can expect from them for the rest of the year. As always, our goal is to
deliver the best experience that we can to you, the players – and so we will be
continuing to monitor feedback and make adjustments as we go. 



Note that today we’re NOT going to be talking about the Ranking System and Ranked Matchmaking, this will be mostly focused on the experience offerings and content. 



To start, here are the key themes around feedback that we’ve
been seeing:



<ul><li>“Rotationals are too short, I barely even have
time to finish my placement matches and play a few games before it’s gone.”</li><li>“These playlists should just be permanent.”</li><li>“We want [Insert Playlist Here]”</li><li>“Ranked Arena should not be just HCS maps and
modes”</li><li>“When are we going to see more Community maps in
Ranked”</li></ul>



When we looked at all this feedback we knew that we weren’t going to be able to address everything all at once. We can’t just add 10+ more playlists, have them all be permanent, and then also instantly just add more maps to everything. So, in order to address as much of this feedback as possible, we’ve gone ahead of reworked our Ranked Rotational strategy in order to deliver the best experience that we can to players. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Updated Rotational Length</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Playlist_Ranked_TeamDoubles_1920x1080-1024x576-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-70066" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Playlist_Ranked_TeamDoubles_1920x1080-1024x576-1.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Playlist_Ranked_TeamDoubles_1920x1080-1024x576-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Playlist_Ranked_TeamDoubles_1920x1080-1024x576-1-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Starting with Season 4, we’ve updated the length of rotationals from 2 weeks to 4 weeks. What we hope to do with this change is provide more time for folks to sink their teeth into the experience, actually get placed and have plenty of time to rank up. Ideally by the end of the month, players feel like they got their fill with this experience, they’ve reached a high rank that they’re satisfied with, and are ready for the next rotational to be slotted in. Ranks will still reset with each game season.



Due to the length of rotationals, this also means that you’ll be seeing your favorite rotationals less often. We know this is already something are players are passionate about (see feedback above around more permanent ranked playlists). However, again, we hope 4 weeks is enough time to get your fill and then we can bring it back later once you’ve grown hungry for that experience again. And when we do bring it back, we are committed to ensuring there is always going to be fresh content for you to play so that the playlist offering is evolving over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Updated Rotationals</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Playlist_RankedSlayer_4K-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-70010" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Playlist_RankedSlayer_4K-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Playlist_RankedSlayer_4K-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Playlist_RankedSlayer_4K-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Playlist_RankedSlayer_4K-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Playlist_RankedSlayer_4K-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/Playlist_RankedSlayer_4K-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



As part of our strategy update, we’re going to bring in some new rotationals into the mix and we are going to be saying goodbye to others. 



Our first new addition will be
Ranked Slayer.



Ranked Slayer: First to 50
kills wins. Assault Rifle primary, Bandit Rifle secondary. Radar is enabled.
Friendly fire is enabled.



Maps:



<ul><li>Forest (New Map for Season 4)</li><li>Aquarius</li><li>Argyle</li><li>Bazaar</li><li>Behemoth</li><li>Detachment</li><li>Empyrean</li><li>Live Fire</li><li>Recharge</li><li>Streets</li><li>Starboard</li><li>Catalyst</li><li>Cliffhanger</li></ul>



This playlist has been requested for a while and we’re excited to announce that not only is this playlist on the way but is also the first rotational to start Season 4 starting on June 20. Our hope is that this playlist provides a fair and balanced home for players who like to compete but don’t feel like Ranked Arena is quite the experience they’re interested in. At the same time, we wanted the experience to scale up for when high skilled players are playing against other high skilled players.



Finally, many players just like
to focus on getting kills and that’s why this playlist will only feature Slayer
on a variety of 343 and community-made maps, which will expand over time.



Returning rotationals:



<ul><li>Ranked Doubles</li><li>Ranked Snipers</li><li>Ranked Tactical Slayer (SWAT)</li></ul>



Retired Rotationals:



<ul><li>Ranked FFA</li><li>Ranked Survivors</li><li>Ranked Lone Wolves</li><li>Ranked Elimination</li></ul>



Why are
these being retired? There were a couple main reasons that went into our
decision to retire these rotational playlists. 



<ol><li>From a population and engagement standpoint, these performed significantly worse than the others. And while we know there’s a passionate community that enjoys playing these, we need to ensure that there’s enough interest to maintain a strong matchmaking experience where players can find matches in a timely manner, play on lower ping, and against opponents of similar skill. </li><li>At the moment, our strategy remains that there will be Ranked Arena and then 1 Ranked Rotational live at all times. Because of that and because of our increase from 2 weeks to 4 weeks in terms of length, we simply had to remove some in order for the most popular rotationals to come back around more often. </li></ol>



At the same time, we are working on ways where some of these playlists and experiences with cult followings can return, but do so in a way that brings more excitement to them than in the past (and thus more players) and fits into this updated rotational strategy. Stay tuned for more information later this year.



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



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="560" height="320" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/thumbnail.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-70052" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/thumbnail.jpg 560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/thumbnail-300x171.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px" /><figcaption>Starboard by PWN Jones</figcaption></figure></div>



With regards to Community maps specifically, we are integrated into the main playlists processes so that we can also see what maps are being considered already for social matchmaking (like Starboard, for example). This will help us identify even more good ranked candidates, not just for Ranked Arena, but other playlists like Doubles, Snipers, and more. Over the course of the year, you should start to see more and more Community made maps entering the Ranked Playlists. 



Be sure to follow all of the guidelines already established for social playlists <a href="https://support.halowaypoint.com/hc/en-us/articles/14796740242708">HERE</a> but also be sure to tag <a href="https://twitter.com/RichieHeinz">@RichieHeinz</a> on Twitter who will be working on bringing more Community maps into Ranked.  



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ranked Leaderboards</h2>



If you weren’t watching the Halo Infinite Season 4 Preview livestream on Friday, you may have missed that we just launched Ranked Leaderboards right here on Waypoint. Head to <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/leaderboards/csrseason3-1/edfef3ac-9cbe-4fa2-b949-8f29deafd483">Halo.gg/Ranked</a> to see it in action. 



Some key pieces of info:



<ul><li>All Ranked Playlists will be tracked each on a per season basis. </li><li>At the moment, only Onxy players will appear on the leaderboards. </li><li>Each leaderboard will “refresh” on a weekly basis on Thursdays. This means that if you’re in Onyx, you will not appear on the leaderboards until you play at least one game after each Thursday refresh. This is to ensure that people aren’t squatting on the leaderboard but rather have to continue to play. </li><li>Sign in is not required to view the leaderboards</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="592" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/image-1024x592.png" alt="" class="wp-image-70038" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/image-1024x592.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/image-300x173.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/image-768x444.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/image.png 1516w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Best of luck to all players!



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



We’re very excited about the
direction that Ranked will be going in starting with Season 4 and beyond,
including a meta shift coming after the Halo World Championship 2023. As
always, we here to listen to players and deliver the best experience that we can
so your feedback throughout this year is very much appreciated. 



See you online!



Thanks,



Tashi

Tashi

Ranked Rotationals Update

It’s the final countdown! Season 4: Infection releases tomorrow, bringing a plethora of new customization content and updates to Halo Infinite.



HAZMAT armor, a fresh 100-tier Battle Pass, enhanced weapon customization, five exciting events, an overhaul of the Shop, and more await you to level up your customization game. Let’s take a closer look at what’s coming with Season 4…



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BATTLE PASS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2160" height="2160" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4BP.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the Season 4 Premium Battle Pass with a selection of customization items and 1000 earnable Credits" class="wp-image-70024" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4BP.jpg 2160w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4BP-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4BP-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4BP-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4BP-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4BP-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4BP-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4BP-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2160px) 100vw, 2160px" /><figcaption>NOTE: Battle Pass reward track image updated with correct asset 6/19*</figcaption></figure>



Season 4 delivers a new Battle Pass for you to earn 100 tiers of customization rewards (featuring more than 180 individual items).



The Infection Premium Battle Pass will be available for 1000 Credits, never expires, and includes:



<ul><li>100-tier reward track (including 1000 Credits).</li><li>Bonus Match XP throughout Season 4.</li><li>Fourth Challenge slot (while the Battle Pass is active).</li><li>Instantly unlock the Premium Battle Pass-exclusive FLASHBLIND Weapon Model for the MA40 Assault Rifle.</li><li>Instantly unlock the Premium Battle Pass-exclusive Genesis Bloom armor coating for all Armor Cores.</li></ul>



For even better value, the Infection Premium Battle Pass Bundle will be available for 2800 Credits, never expires, and includes everything from the Infection Premium Battle Pass list above along with twenty-five level grants in the reward track (64% discount).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4InfectionSpartans.jpg" alt="An infected Spartan sprinting towards two Spartans with an energy sword" class="wp-image-69968" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4InfectionSpartans.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4InfectionSpartans-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4InfectionSpartans-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4InfectionSpartans-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4InfectionSpartans-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4InfectionSpartans-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



The fourth Challenge slot will be active whenever the Infection Premium Battle Pass is equipped. Owners of the Premium Battle Pass will also earn bonus Match XP throughout Season 4, no matter what Battle Pass you have equipped. And, as ever, once purchased, the Premium Battle Pass is yours to keep and complete at your leisure.



For players looking to jump into Season 4 of Halo Infinite without purchasing the Infection Premium Battle Pass, there is a free reward track which offers a selection of customization rewards, XP Boosts, and Challenge Swaps.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the HAZMAT Armor Core" class="wp-image-69912" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatCore-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Built to stand against all manner of threats and dangerous conditions, designed to be used by both super-soldiers and unaugmented personnel, HAZMAT armor comes to Halo Infinite in Season 4.



OSTEO combat engineering suits incorporate an array of contingency systems focused on surviving extended operations in extraordinarily harsh working and combat environments. HAZMAT armor is for those who specialize in delving into the heart of dying Forerunner facilities, for hunters operating in blighted waters and poisoned winds, search teams exploring sites scarred by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons used in the Covenant War, and even more insidious threats the galaxy has to offer.



Play matches, earn Match XP, progress through your Battle Pass, and unlock customization rewards. And on that note, we’ve got two free events coming up—HAZMAT and Containment (more on them below!)—where you’ll be able to earn up to twenty free customization rewards to further outfit your HAZMAT armor.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ENHANCED WEAPON CUSTOMIZATION</h2>



Season 4 introduces new weapon customization to Halo Infinite.



Thus far, Weapon Models in Halo Infinite have enabled you to change some smaller details on the MA40 Assault Rifle, Mk50 Sidekick, and BR75 Battle Rifle. Maybe you wanted to change your weapon’s barrel or add a cool metallic eagle to the cowling… but we’re expanding that much further in Season 4, so you’ll be able to more extensively change the look of your arsenal.



Purchasing either the Premium Battle Pass or Premium Battle Pass Bundle will immediately give you the FLASHBLIND Weapon Kit for your MA40 Assault Rifle, which you can see in the image below. An alternate model for the BR75 is offered within the Battle Pass, and another can be acquired as a bonus offer with the purchase of any HCS weapon skin bundles.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4PremiumBPSpartans.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of two Spartans outfitted in Premium Season 4 customization items" class="wp-image-69954" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4PremiumBPSpartans.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4PremiumBPSpartans-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4PremiumBPSpartans-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4PremiumBPSpartans-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4PremiumBPSpartans-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4PremiumBPSpartans-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Attentive fans have already spotted that the CQS48 Bulldog on the season’s cover art has some interesting differences to the base model, and you can definitely expect to see us expand on these offerings in future events and future seasons.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



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



Season 4 will play host to a total of five events. Each of these events are free, meaning that anybody—whether you own the Premium Battle Pass or not—can jump in and earn the items in the Event Reward Track.



HAZMAT & CONTAINMENT



Kicking off the week following Season 4’s release is the Hazmat Event. From June 27-July 11, you can earn 10 tiers of free rewards to outfit your new HAZMAT armor.



The Containment Event will arrive later, on August 29, which will also run for two weeks (through September 12) and offers another 10 tiers of free HAZMAT-themed rewards.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4TenraiSpartan.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the returning YOROI armor in Season 4's Tenrai events" class="wp-image-69996" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4TenraiSpartan.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4TenraiSpartan-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4TenraiSpartan-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4TenraiSpartan-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4TenraiSpartan-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4TenraiSpartan-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



TENRAI II & III



Tenrai was the first multiplayer event of Season 1 that came with the release of Halo Infinite back in November 2021, bringing the fan-favorite samurai-themed YOROI armor to the game… and the time has come for it to return in Season 4.



Tenrai II and III both offer their own unique (and free) Event Passes, each featuring 10 tiers of customization rewards, which means there will be 20 free rewards total across two Event Passes.



The Tenrai II Event will span two weeks, beginning on July 18, and Tenrai III will launch September 19.



CYBER SHOWDOWN II



Neon lights and epic fights once more combine in Season 4 with the Cyber Showdown II Event!



A thematic successor to the original Season 1 event, Cyber Showdown II will run for two weeks and feature a free 10-tier Event Pass packed full of retro-inspired customization items. This event will begin on August 8.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CUSTOMIZATION FLEXIBILITY</h2>



In a recent episode of Spartan Chatter, we gave an update on progress being made to support more customization flexibility across different armor cores starting in Season 4.



You can watch the relevant section of that video below.



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Spartan Chatter: Infection, Season 4 & Career Rank" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4SWLEPaTx4c?start=2038&feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



In Season 4, new premium coatings arriving in the Season 4 Premium Battle Pass and the Shop will have more versatility: All armor and weapon coatings new to Season 4 from the Premium Battle Pass and the Shop will include versions for all armor cores and weapons.



This season, each new premium coating for a specific armor core or weapon is represented as an individual item (in the Premium Battle Pass and Shop bundles) due to the way the current system operates. In future seasons, we expect this to be more streamlined with a single coating icon/item being able to accommodate all applicable models.



Coatings included in returning legacy Shop offers and those earned as Ultimate Rewards for completing your weekly set of Challenges in Season 4 will still only be available for the armor or weapon it was originally intended for. But, as we look ahead beyond this season, we are aiming for more improvements to better represent cosmetic content in Halo Infinite’s UI and potential further ways to add more value and flexibility in the ways you customize your Spartan.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



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



The Shop continues to evolve in Season 4.



SCROLLABLE STORE & RETURNING ITEMS



The Shop has hitherto taken the form of a single screen composed of a single “hero” bundle, several smaller bundles, a daily offering, and a pack of XP boosts and Challenge Swaps. This is expanding in Season 4 to become scrollable, where players will be able to see even more items that are on offer every week.



Items from previous seasons will return to the Shop with more frequent discounts as well.



SUPER BUNDLES



In Season 4, we are expanding bundles in the Shop to offer even more customization content for players, further building on the “super bundles” that arrived in Season 3.



There will be two of these super bundles in Season 4, which contain three smaller bundles that can be purchased individually. If you wish to purchase any of the smaller bundles, you will simply be able to scroll across to them in the Shop, but purchasing the super bundle will come with some additional exclusive items and costs less than purchasing the three bundles separately.



Like with Season 3’s super bundles, getting it all at once means that you ultimately get more customization content for less.



If you do choose to purchase an individual bundle, an additional offer will be presented to you when you reload the Shop (either by playing a match or by restarting the game) with everything else from the super bundle—excluding what you’ve already purchased, which means that you are obviously not effectively paying twice for items you already own.



When Season 4 launches tomorrow, you’ll find the HAZMAT Haven bundle available in the Shop.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatHavenShop.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite image of the Hazmat Haven bundle" class="wp-image-69926" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatHavenShop.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatHavenShop-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatHavenShop-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatHavenShop-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatHavenShop-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/06/S4HazmatHavenShop-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



The Hazmat Haven bundle contains three full bundles that can be purchased individually: Courier (1600 Credits), Toolmaster (1400 Credits), and Warning Signs (1500 Credits), and it additionally includes an exclusive Mythic Effect Set and weapon charm.



Purchased individually, each bundle adds up to 4500 Credits. But when purchased together in the super bundle for 3400 Credits, players save 1100 Credits (24% discount).



On July 18, coinciding with the return of the Tenrai event, the Dragonborn bundle will be available. As with Hazmat Haven, this bundle will package together three individual bundles at a discount, along with a special Mythic Effect Set and the Dragonborn Noble shoulders for getting it all together. Stay tuned for more details next month!



As we stated when Season 3 launched, we are continuing to experiment with different formats for the Shop, and we are keen to hear your feedback to guide future adjustments.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



That concludes our look at the customization elements coming in Season 4. The final countdown is here, as Season 4 is now just a day away from release—we’ll see you tomorrow and can’t wait to see how you’ll be outfitting your Spartans and weapons!



For a closer look at some of the major elements of Season 4, take a look at our other blogs below.



<ul><li> <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/career-rank-overview-season-4">CAREER RANK</a> – Learn more about Halo Infinite’s new progression system.</li><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/forge-update-overview-season4">FORGE UPDATE OVERVIEW</a> – Find out about new objects, palettes, options, and more coming to Forge.</li><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/sandbox-overview-season-4">SANDBOX OVERVIEW</a> – All you need to know about the Quantum Translocator, Threat Seeker, and other sandbox balancing changes in Season 4.</li><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/infection-overview-season-4">INFECTION OVERVIEW</a> – Everything you need to know about the return of the fan-favorite mode.</li><li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/maps-overview-season-4">MAPS OVERVIEW</a> – Take a guided tour of Scarr and Forest with our multiplayer designers.</li></ul>