Halo Infinite News

Welcome to another edition of Forge Features! This series highlights notable maps, modes, and other creations from our talented Forge community. Bookmark your favorites using the links below for your next custom game.



Halo hoops, highwire escapes, and the very heights (and depths) of custom arenas. Check out our latest sampler of community-created Forge experiences, featuring superb Slayers, PvE modes, minigames, and more!

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[h2]Superb Slayers[/h2]

Exciting arenas for free-for-all and Team Slayer matches. Use the links to add them to your Halo Infinite bookmarks.

[h3]Essence[/h3]
Bookmark
Credits: DISTORTED JAKAL, MikRips, bullet2thehead9, xo Domino, Kat Rat A Tat, spartan blood 1, Lahont, BiiTTERSWEET, J3N3R1C, Lady Echidna, AddiCt3d 2CHa0s



Created in partnership with Women of Halo for the WoH x Dark Inside Tournament, this rapturous rendition of Halo 5’s Fathom takes you to a moody underwater castle absolutely drenched in detail. Multicolored light demarcates the bounds of its opposing courtyards, while the serpent-twined halls, kelpy paths, and movable ramps provide untold depth.

Meet J3N3R1C and read about Women of Halo in our Community Corner.

[h3]Northbreak[/h3]
Bookmark
Credits: SENORChurroYeet



A snug symmetrical map set in an ice-encrusted canyon. Fortified outposts lie at either end of a narrow outer loop connected by caves and a vast central expanse. Should you risk a close encounter in the tunnels, or get a commanding view from the Forerunner bridge at the heart of things? When all else fails, there’s always a fresh Wraith drop back at the base.

[h3]Éloge[/h3]
Bookmark
Credits: Zaelkyria, Falounay, Sun of Astora



A gilded remake of Halo 4’s Haven, Éloge promises sweeping views with every kill thanks to newly installed window-lined corridors. Between kills, be sure to linger on its sumptuously styled upper story, bounce a ‘nade off a pristine wall, or partake in some snipes from the widened promenades.

[h3]Agosan[/h3]
Bookmark
Credits: Nilphz, halo102, ArturBloodshot, RepeatAlways915, AxiosVH



Agosan captures the grandeur of a Halo 2 turf war with a multi-level symmetrical layout. Ranged play is aided by clear views of the enemy side, while understory ramps offer areas for closer combat. There are also powerful equipment drops on the hard light bridges—all of which can be conveniently deactivated from the panels on either side. No pressure.

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[h2]Potent PvE[/h2]

Looking for Banished showdowns, Firefight arenas, or a new narrative game mode? Check out these picks from popular PvE experiences.

[h3]Operation Highrise[/h3]
Bookmarks: Map | Mode
Credits: Swagonflyy, JamdadJonJon



A punishing mission-based mode best enjoyed with backup. Set on a redacted jungle planet, Operation Highrise starts at the site of a crashed Pelican and proceeds through increasingly inventive encounters—including an ambush by countless Skirmishers, a nail-biting “slow lift” sequence, a Pelican evac, and an ingenious puzzle that unlocks the path to victory.

As you capture hills, free allies from prison, pivot industrial cranes, and take flying leaps to the next objective, you’ll no doubt appreciate the teleporter at spawn that helps you recover your latest cleared checkpoint.

[h3]Firefight: Wildcat[/h3]
Bookmarks: Map | Mode
Credits: ZSweLLtv, EagleClaws, HollowAttorney9



Engine room located—and there’s a lot more Banished than we remember.

Firefight: Wildcat takes place in the engine room of a downed UNSC frigate. With limited cover, inbound waves of increasingly difficult bosses, and all systems primed for wildcat destabilization, this Firefight will be studied at the Academy for years to come.

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[h2]Madcap Minigames[/h2]

All war and no play makes dull Spartans. Bookmark these minigames for a few laughs!

[h3]Basketball[/h3]
Bookmarks: Map | Mode
Credits: Disco Lizard 69



This basketball mode arrives just in time for playoff season. Score by shooting or dunking the ball into the opposing team’s hoop. As you advance, use the mark button to toggle between dash (Thruster) and push-foul (Repulsor) moves—but be careful! Using equipment depletes your shields like a stamina reserve, resulting in a five-second timeout if you drain your supply.

Watch for the switch to third-person view when your stamina gets low so you can nail a cinematic layup. If you’re wondering how to steal the ball in an otherwise weaponless game, the ref tends to overlook spike grenades more often than a stray elbow.

[h3]Dizzy Drivers Virus[/h3]
Bookmarks: Map | Mode
Credits: Synth7564, WombatWarrior87, WeepingShado



Vehicular assault takes a dizzy turn. With on-foot speed reduced to a near-zero stumble, this elimination mode requires snagging a set of wheels and knocking foes over the edge—or mowing them down while they creep around looking for power-ups.

If low friction and detuned steering don’t make that challenging enough, proximity mines and overclocked enemies may make it harder than reciting the alphabet backwards. Take Synth7564’s loopy mode for a spin in the vibrant, virus-themed map shared above.

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[h2]Silly Scenery[/h2]

Here’s a selection of funny bookmarks for the next after-hours customs sesh.

[h3]A Fated Duel[/h3]
Bookmark
Credits: ZackFair6996



A split-level reactor room full of energy beams and inexplicable laser walls. It’s the perfect place to maul your enemies, force the advantage, or become your allies’ only hope with a well-timed leap from a gravity lift.

[h3]Dusty Deluxe[/h3]
Bookmark
Credits: Okom1



Relive the horrible moment you discovered aimbot in this delightfully low-fi recreation of a particularly dusty arena. Despite the map’s arcane origins, thoughtful grenade placements and hidden variant weapons establish Okom1’s work as a distinctly Halo experience.

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Stay tuned for another Forge Feature coming soon! To share your creations with the Halo Infinite community team, be sure to drop a link in the #forge-show-and-tell channel of our official Discord or post to r/Halo using the Forge tag.

We’re also still looking for inspired Invasion maps to consider for future Recommends playlists. If you’ve got a great Invasion map you’d like us to see, be sure to use tag #343asks-invasion on your Forge creation before June 20.

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.


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[h2]Battle Brief[/h2]

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.

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

“What does linear Firefight mean?”

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.

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.

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

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[h2]Lay of the Land[/h2]

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.

[h3]Out With A Bang[/h3]



Bookmarks: Map | Mode

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!

[h3]Cole Protocol[/h3]



Bookmarks: Map | Mode
Credits: Cousin Tim, Timmyforges

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.

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.

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[h2]Mutilator Madness[/h2]



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 what who else packs a punch?

Juggernaut.

As we learned before, the Juggernaut has some good perks:

• Buffed shields
  
• Increased damage resistance
  
• Speed Boost
  
• Quantum Translocator
  
• Gravity Hammer

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.

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

The 2025 Summer Update kicks off with a bang in Operation: Last Stand.



Later this month, we’ll return to the Spartan Academy in a linear Firefight experience and introduce a heroic assortment of updates, including a devastating new power weapon, sniper ricochets, expanded Weapons Bench customizations, a monstrous Juggernaut mode, and a 50-tier Premium Operation Pass with four armor sets and a variety of instant unlocks.

Ready up, Spartan. It’s time to fight.

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[h2]Update Calendar[/h2]



The 2025 Summer Update continues the Operation format introduced in the 2024 Winter Update. We’re looking at a new season of month-long Operations packed with playlists, modes, unlockable armor, and a few surprises to come!

Here’s a look at our sizzling Summer Update schedule:

• Operation: Last Stand (May 6)
  
• Operation: Legacy (June 10)
  
• Operation: Reclaimer (July 8)

Since our 2025 Spring Update, each seasonal Update also starts with a Spartan-sized kickoff, featuring a 50-tier Premium Operation Pass and major milestones such as new weapons, mechanics overhauls, Forge updates, and exciting new game modes.

Read on to see everything that’s coming in Operation: Last Stand.

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[h2]New Weapon: Mutilator[/h2]



Long rumored, and ever feared: the mighty Mutilator is finally here!

If you want brute force with no assembly required, look no further. The Mutilator is a double-barreled powerhouse with a Gravity Hammer at the business end. Unload one shell at a time, or switch to alt-fire mode for a twofer of titanic output. If there’s anything left to devastate, the hammer should finish the job.

Starting in Operation: Last Stand, you can wield this abominable bludgeoner in Mutilator Madness, a new Juggernaut variant for the truly courageous. The Mutilator can also be found as a power weapon on maps, added to custom matches, or spawned in Forge.

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[h2]Operation Pass Overview[/h2]



The start of a season always warrants a celebration! As the first Operation in the Summer Update, Operation: Last Stand arrives with a 50-tier Premium Pass featuring four full armor sets and plenty of party favors.

[h3]Free Operation Pass[/h3]

20 tiers, available to play free May 6–June 10.

Complete a 20-tier reward track to unlock the SECOPS armor set, plus a healthy supply drop of Spartan Points to score more customizations from The Exchange. Designed by ONI Security for counterinsurgency and precision interventions, this tactical gear is as quiet as it is lethal.

[h3]Premium Operation Pass[/h3]

50 tiers, never expires, includes bonus XP and an additional challenge slot, PLUS instant customization unlocks.



Purchase the Premium Operation Pass to expand your armory in a durable, 50-tier reward track offering four unlockable armor sets! In addition to the SECOPS armor, Premium Pass operators can get tactical with the new Raider, EVA GEN1, and Scarred Comet armor sets.

Once purchased, Premium Pass operators can complete all 50 tiers at their leisure. They’ll also receive an exclusive unlock bundle containing the Commander Agyrna armor kit and more customizations.

[h3]How It Works[/h3]

Free Operation Pass rewards are available for the duration of their respective Operation. In Operation: Last Stand, you’ll have until June 10 to complete the 20-tier reward track and earn all its unique armor customizations.

Premium Operation Passes can be purchased at any time during their respective Operation. In Operation: Last Stand, you’ll have until June 10 to upgrade using one of two redemption options:

• 1,000 Credits: Reward tiers become durable (i.e., never expire), bonus XP activates, an extra challenge slot opens, and a bonus customization bundle is instantly unlocked
  
• 2,500 Credits: Unlocks all the above perks, plus instantly completes the first 20 tiers of the reward track and unlocks its customization rewards

If you missed any free customizations from Spring Update Operations, watch for those to hit The Exchange during the Summer Update. Premium Pass customizations will arrive in The Shop to be purchased separately at a later date.

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[h2]Upcoming Playlists[/h2]

Eagle-eyed Spartans will have already seen two major playlist updates teased in this announcement. We can’t divulge too much info (Iratus is listening), but we hope you can make something of this coded communique:

[h3]Firefight: Battle of the Academy[/h3]



The captured AI Iratus has exposed the location of the Spartan Academy. It’s up to you to fend off a Banished onslaught in Firefight: Battle of the Academy. Can you repel invaders, secure objectives, and protect humanity’s best-kept secrets?

[h3]Mutilator Madness[/h3]

A new Juggernaut has arisen—and it’s got two barrels of buckshot and one mean wallop. Prepare for slaughter in Mutilator Madness, a social free-for-all mode that brings a devious twist to Juggernaut with a merciless new power weapon.

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[h2]Sandbox Updates[/h2]

The Summer Update adds five new customizable weapons to the Weapons Bench and satisfies the murderous urges of the angularly inclined, plus a pair of quality-of-life improvements made in accordance with player feedback.

[h3]Expanded Weapons Bench[/h3]



The Weapons Bench has been expanded! Players may now apply weapon coatings, emblems, charms, and death effects to the:

• MA5K Avenger
  
• Needler
  
• Heatwave
  
• Shock Rifle
  
• Mutilator

[h3]Sniper Ricochets Return[/h3]



Better start thinking ahead, because bouncy bullets are back on the menu! Starting May 6, bullets fired from the S7 Sniper Rifle and Flexfire Sniper will ricochet off terrain and other hard surfaces.

This development has naturally occasioned the triumphant return of the Bank Shot medal. Try taking down a foe with a ricochet skill-shot to earn the new medal (and kindly accept our condolences in advance if they snatch the sniper first).

[h3]Improved Perfect Kill Tracking[/h3]

You saw it: nary a missed shot, a decisive kill, and nobody clapped. That’s the past. When you score a perfect kill with a precision weapon, a star will now display in the Event Feed, so that your glory may be properly exalted amongst commoners.

As a reminder, you’ll earn the Perfect medal in Halo Infinite if you down an enemy using a precision weapon without missing a shot.

[h3]Banshee Attack Re-Tuned[/h3]

In response to player reports that the Banshee was overperforming in certain combat scenarios, we have adjusted a few of its attack variables:

• Cooldown time has been raised for the fuel rod cannon
  
• Velocity of Banshee projectiles has been reduced
  
• Sustained collision damage has been minimally augmented

We hope these nudges will ensure a more balanced experience for all players. Ramming speed remains unchanged.

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[h2]Coming Soon: Ranked S&D Extraction[/h2]

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

In case you missed our preview teaser, S&D Extraction mode arrives in Ranked playlists later this summer. See the mode in action at the FaZe Kaysan Invitational in the video above, featuring the work of expert Forge creators Mikrips and Artifice.

[h3]Mode Overview[/h3]

This competitive, round-based mode is built on Extraction objectives with a match economy for purchasing weapons, equipment, and even lives.

Teams trade off Offense and Defense scenarios in asymmetrical maps with two Extraction sites active simultaneously. Offense has its pick of targets—but once Extraction begins, the defending team must convert the site or lose the round.

With one life for each player and limited credits to buy respawns, S&D Extraction takes no prisoners.

[h3]ForgeHub Map Contest[/h3]



To celebrate our competitive community, we’ve partnered with ForgeHub to offer a $20,000 prize pool in the S&D Extraction Map Contest. Submit your best 4v4 Forge map by May 12 for a chance to win cash and have your map featured in a forthcoming Halo Infinite playlist.

Check out our announcement blog for more details on the contest and mode.

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[h2]Forge Updates[/h2]

The Summer Update introduces long-awaited functionality to Forge via new and updated nodegraph elements. Read on for brief explanations of each and how to use them in your next masterpiece.

[h3]Updated Set Object Team Nodes[/h3]

The Set Object Team and Set Object Team to Neutral nodes have been updated to support a variety of Generic Objects and Spawners. Starting in Operation: Last Stand, Forgers will be able to assign and revoke team ownership of the following Forge Objects:

• Generic Delivery Plate
  
• Generic Bomb
  
• Generic Flag Spawner
  
• Generic Flags
  
• Generic Power Seed
  
• Generic Power Seed Deposits
  
• Generic Skull
  
• Generic Sportsball
  
• Generic Capture Zone

To help understand the impact of these changes, here’s a quick refresher on the fundamentals of Set Object Team nodes:

• Set Object Team nodes assign ownership of Forge Objects to a given team
  
• Set Object Team to Neutral nodes return Generic Objects to a neutral State
  
• Get Object Team nodes return the team that currently owns an Object

When used together in a nodegraph, these nodes can help Forgers create scripts that return Objects to neutral ownership when a certain condition is met (like when a Flag is returned, or a Bomb is successfully planted on a Delivery Plate by a specific team).

[h3]New Spawn Order Nodes[/h3]

A new set of Spawn Order nodes now makes it possible to assign spawn order, index players and objects by spawn order, and return lists of objects and players arranged by spawn order.

Get the lowdown on all five new nodes below!

Get All Objects by Label With Spawn Order

• Takes inputs: (label, spawn index value [number, 0–64])
  
• Returns a list of all Objects with given label AND spawn index value

Get All Objects by Spawn Order

• Takes input: spawn index value [number, 0–64]
  
• Returns a list of all Objects with the given spawn index value

Get All Players With Spawn Order

• Takes input: Object [or Player]
  
• Returns the spawn order index of the input Object or Player

Get Object Spawn Order

• Takes input: spawn index value [number, 0–64]
  
• Returns a list of all Objects with the given spawn index value

Set Object Spawn Order

• Takes inputs: (execute, Object [or Player], spawn index value [0–64])
  
• Sets the spawn index value of the provided Object to match the input

The Set Object Spawn Order node can be used to ensure that a player spawns on a Spawn Point with the corresponding index value, or to make Objects more easily discoverable to Get Object Spawn Order nodes. (If no valid Spawn Point is available for a respawning Player, they will spawn at a backup location and their spawn value index will be set to -1.)

When used together, these new nodes allow Forgers to apply robust spawn-order logic to govern the rulesets of their custom maps and modes. Head to the Objects menu in the Node Browser to find the new Spawn Order nodes.

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[h2]Exchange Updates[/h2]



Some players have reported difficulties finding customizations in The Exchange. To address these concerns and make it easier to find items by type, we've added folders to The Exchange browser for the following categories:

• Helmets (includes helmets and helmet attachments)
  
• Body attachments (includes gloves and gear for hips, knees, and wrists)
  
• Visors
  
• Torso attachments (includes chest gear and shoulder attachments)
  
• Armor coatings
  
• FX (includes armor effects, mythic effects, and death effects)
  
• Spartan customization (includes stances and AI colors)
  
• Weapon coatings
  
• Emblems
  
• Weapon modifications (includes weapon models and charms)
  
• Vehicle customization (includes vehicle models and coatings)
  
• Backdrops

To access The Exchange, first visit the "Shop" tab from the menu and select "Visit The Exchange." These new folders can be found by scrolling to the end of the list of featured items displayed in The Exchange.

[h3]Using Spartan Points[/h3]

As you play matches and complete challenges in Halo Infinite, you’ll earn Spartan Points (SP) that can be used in The Exchange to acquire armor and other customizations. You can also earn bonus allotments of Spartan Points as you progress through the reward tiers of an active Operation Pass.

Many customization items in The Exchange were once earnable in a past Operation Pass, but some are new or exclusive to The Exchange.

[h3]New: Buy Spartan Points[/h3]

To provide players with alternative ways to acquire customizations from The Exchange, Spartan Points may now be purchased using both Shop Credits and currency, so you can complete your collection any way you like!

All Exchange items will continue to be redeemable with Spartan Points obtained through matches and challenges.

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[h2]More News to Come[/h2]

We can’t wait to share more details as the Summer Update continues! Look out for a full writeup of Operation: Last Stand when it launches on May 6, and watch Halo Waypoint for more news about Operation: Legacy and Operation: Reclaimer coming soon.

The Academy stands ready.

Join us tomorrow at 11am PT for an in-depth look at Halo Infinite’s Summer Update.



Prepare for #OperationLastStand, a monstrous new Juggernaut mode, a devastating power weapon, and more!

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