Greetings, and thanks for joining us for another weekly read. In this edition, we’re taking a look at more of the Memories of Reach release. Let’s waste no time.
FINDING THAT PERFECT MATCH (MATCHMAKING PREFERENCES)
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been detailing various bits and pieces arriving with Memories of Reach. One of the features included will be new Matchmaking Search Preferences. These options will be present on the Arena and Warzone playlist selection screens and will give you the ability to choose between Balanced, Focused, or Expanded as your search preference. Here’s how these break down:
- Balanced (default): Search for a match based on your fireteam’s skill and network connection quality.
- Expanded: Widen search parameters to find the first available match with reasonable skill matching and network connection quality.
- Focused: Narrow search to find the best match based on your fireteam’s skill and connection. Search times may be longer than normal.
HFFL: This is step in the right direction for sure. Likely I will be using the ‘Balanced’ option. Getting matched up against a team that just destroys us isn’t fun. Likewise, it’s not so fun when you are destroying as well. It’s too easy at that point.
Below is a look at how and where these options will live within the UI. If you so choose, you can easily switch up your preference before you enter a playlist.
If any of this confuses you or you’re not sure which to select, you’ve been using the default “balanced” setting all along. Once Memories of Reach is live, be sure to jump in and let us know your thoughts.
A NEW PGCR
Since the very first neighborhood Halo matches, the Post Game Carnage Report has been a destination for post-match debriefing, trash talk, laughs, recounting epic moments, and tallying career-high statistics. Over the years, the PGCR has evolved, and Halo 5’s PGCR has a variety of changes on the way based on your feedback. Let’s take a look at some of the new additions…
On the below screen, you’ll now see an overview of all of the rewards you earned in the match, and up to three Rare and Legendary medals as well. Medals come in the same flavors as REQs, and you can view any player’s top medals as you move up and down the stats table.
If you want to see more, press A on any player and open the new Player Recap screen, which displays:
- All Medals earned from the match, including quantity, medal rarity, and description
- Tool of Destruction
- Killed Most (see who each player killed most, and how many times)
- Killed By (see who each player fell victim to the most, and how many times)
- Press LB or RB to view Commendations or Progress from your Recap
- Press LT or RT to view Recaps of other players from the match.
HFFL: Now we’re talking! This is looking much like we had back in Halo 3 and then some!
SANDBOX UPDATES
In addition to a variety of weapon balance and Campaign / AI balance updates, the Multiplayer and Sandbox Teams have been finalizing adjustments to player movement. Here’s a breakdown from the Multiplayer Team:
For Memories of Reach, we’ve fixed a bug where Spartan Charge would not properly target enemies at the edges of a red reticle on the horizontal plane (you can still get red reticle and miss vertically). Fear not, though – players who skillfully evade a Spartan-Charging player with Thrust will still escape without taking damage. Additionally, Spartan Charge with Speed Boost will no longer be a one-hit kill, and Spartan Charge with the Gravity Hammer will no longer be a one-hit kill.
HFFL: I highlighted that one part above. I personally am completely frustrated by Spartan Charge and wish it were tossed out of the game completely. For me (and many I game with) Spartan Charge is Halo 5’s answer to Halo Reach’s Armor Lock. It’s a ‘crutch’ ability. To see it get nerfed a bit helps. I think it needs a bit more nerfing. For one, the distance you can lunge with it is ridiculous at times. Secondly, it seems to take little to no sprint to be able to charge. I think that should become ‘full sprint’ then charge. It’s used way too often and isn’t a combat skill thing, IMO. I hope it’s gone in Halo 6 though.
The last item is a slight increase to movement speed while crouching. This has been increased to allow for crouching to be a more viable choice for players to flank and attack. The speed isn’t drastic, but after months of testing we’ve found it to be the sweet spot.
HFFL: Okay, that can be helpful.
MEMORIES OF REACH REQ REVEAL
Just yesterday, you likely caught a few armor reveals over on GameSpot. Today, we’re revealing all of the REQs included in Memories of Reach, and taking a look at a few with some new exclusive screenshots and behind-the-scenes imagery.
HFFL: I’ll have a closer look article later on these newly revealed REQs. Before I go on, let me state that the armors from the DLC are inspired by, and not meant to be exact duplicates of Noble team’s armors. (Sadly) For one, these are on Spartan IVs, not Spartan III’s and in the case of Jorge, a Spartan II.
INDOMITABLE
HFFL: Ah, good l’ Jorge. My favorite Spartan from Reach…This isn’t quite bulky enough for me. Really it’s the shoulder armor. That should be MUCH bigger. 343 has gone the route of shrinking down shoulder armor though with nearly all of it’s iterations of armor. I miss the large shoulders. It made Spartans look more bad-ass than lithe. I want them to look FEARSOME on the battlefield, not athletic (though we know they are).
INTRUDER
HFFL: Kat’s armor looks pretty good with two notable things. For one, no mechanical arm. The other being the additional white stripes to the armor. That’s not how Kat’s looked. Still, this is acceptable.
WRATH
HFFL: I know many a Halo fan is waiting to put Emile’s armor on. This iteration of his armor looks pretty good too. The right shoulder armor is big (in comparison to most of Halo 5’s other shoulder armor). We do not get the full belt of shotgun shells though. That’s ok, IMO. It would be great if we can have the secondary color only effect that shoulder so we got emulate Emile as close as possible. I don’t think that’s the case here. That’s a question to ask 343 though.
VIGILANT
HFFL: Jun’s armor! Of all of the Noble armor receptions, this is probably the closest representation. It makes sense too as Jun is the only survivor of Noble and is still active in the Spartan program (albeit as a recruiter). It will be great to see him back on the battlefields!
INFECTION
Last week, we took a look at Infection game type details as well as medals and medal art, and today, we’re detailing the specifics of the hardware as well as taking a look at a community spotlight map. If you’re anxious to see Infection in action, be sure to keep an eye on Game Informer early next week.
INFECTION MEDAL DETAILS AND CRITERIA
Zombie Hunter – “Kill 5 Zombies without dying”
Zombie Slayer – “Kill 10 Zombies without dying”
Hell’s Janitor – “Kill 15 Zombies without dying”
Hell Jumper – “Kill 20 Zombies without dying”
Zombicide – “Kill 25 Zombies without dying”
The Cure – “Kill 30 Zombies without dying”
Infector – “Infect 2 Survivors without dying”
Carrier – “Infect 3 Survivors without dying”
Ravager – “Infect 4 Survivors without dying”
Plague Bearer – “Infect 5 Survivors without dying”
Lord of the Flies – “Infect 6 Survivors without dying”
Last Man Standing – “Be the last man standing in a game of Infection”
Infected – “Infect a survivor”
Ancient One – “Survive an entire round as a Zombie and convert at least one Survivor”
Survived – “Live through the Zombie Apocolypse”
Resourceful – “Kill a Zombie when all of your weapons are empty”
Stalker – “Assassinate a Zombie”
Flatline – “Kill the last man standing in a game of Infection”
HFFL: Some good names for medals there, huh?
Now that you’re well and truly ready to get down with the sickness, here’s another look at a new community-created Infection map that we’ve been playtesting down in the lab: Backwoods by Auxi Klutch. Our own beloved Unyshek sat down on the virtual couch with Auxi Klutch to meet the master behind the map.
Uny: Hey, Auxi Klutch! Thanks for taking to time to chat about your new infection map, Backwoods!
Auxi Klutch: Hello!! Thanks for having me! I would love to answer a few of your all intuitive questions!
Uny: The first thing that grabbed my attention about Backwoods was that it had a very unique feel for an infection map. At what point in your build did you decide to give it this old mining town theme?
Auxi Klutch: When I built this map I actually had no intention making it look so natural or outdoor like. I had plans to add more structure around on the perimeter of the map. But I like to see that it can be seen as more than just the “Backwoods” with your thoughts on it being a mining town. I built the two huts first and went on from there and had a few aesthetic ideas from friends, “lanterns” (Preacher x21x) and I was able to build from that to create what the map is now. My favorite part when I build a map is how it changes over time from an idea to something else for the better.
Uny: I had to go into in Forge a few times to try and figure out how you got everything to look so natural. What would you say was the most challenging aspect of building a quality infection map that looks so good?
Auxi Klutch: Oddly enough the toughest part of creating this map was incorporating structure! However, I love terrain and I like to see that as my strong suit as it can be molded in any way and the possibilities are endless to allow different routes, elevation change, and layout in general. I was getting into a rhythm of terrain, rock, tree, terrain, rock, tree and I needed to find specific places to actually place a location that players could see as a call out and as a place where players could hold out. Since the map is completely outdoors it places me in a situation to where I can’t really hide blocks or pieces such as an indoor map can. I had to be very careful when placing objects around. Personally when I have a theme down and I’m in the zone forging I really don’t think about how I make things. I just make it!
Uny: It’s okay if you want to keep this a secret, but I have to ask if there any strategic spots that you like to hold down (or hide in) while playing as a human? I know that I’m going to need some insider information from you so that I can at least try to survive a round or two.
Auxi Klutch: Maybe I can give you some insider information! When I play as a human I like to immediately find the nearest shotgun. The map has some comforting locations to allow you to survive easier such as the cave, both huts, and maybe… just maybe a very campable hiding spot underneath a bridge. Or if shotguns aren’t your thing, you could always grab the all pro sniper rifle at the Well and take that to a higher position or a more open location on the map, like the Nest, and both huts. Also if you haven’t noticed, I have dropped a few hints about surviving at the huts… it’s a pretty good place…
Uny: Now that I know your secrets as a survivor, I’m curious to know your recommended strategy for Alphas on this map?
Auxi Klutch: As an Alpha Infected keep in mind that you will spawn on the higher end of the map. This allows an uphill movement for the humans at the start of a game to scavenge weapons then set up in the holdouts. So as infected, be PATIENT, use the height to your advantage. Also almost just as important at the beginning of a match, locate a desirable weapon the humans will want to grab and camp it (yes I’m saying camp it! This is infection! Anything goes to win!). The humans will come to you! It will make your job that much easier when a player being too aggressive becomes infected. This also makes the humans more cautious and will more likely force them to play as a group/team, who knows, maybe you can get a quickly infect two!
Uny: Thanks for the tips! Before we wrap up, do you have any words of advice to players that want to forge their own infection maps?
Auxi Klutch: For those building the next up and coming infection maps! I would say, stick with your map, remember to make your holdouts play differently from each other, and work with your feedback given, but don’t lose sight of what YOU want your infection map to become. Don’t quit on something that first looks or playtests that may get more negative feedback than positive. This is what is supposed to happen. Keep working and adjusting to the feedback your map will shape up in no time! Backwoods for instance was not playing how I personally wanted it and thanks to the encouraging feedback I was able to make a map that I ENJOY. Don’t allow others feedback to change your map either. For me personally, I like to view it as a forger should give feedback to “Better” your map, rather than “Change” your map to their view and ideology. For the holdouts, this can be interpreted in many ways, there are many different designs or ways how to go about building one. First, I would say start with a holdout that would make sense with your theme, such as a building, roof, outdoor location, anything! Just have fun with it too, there is no wrong way of building a holdout in my eyes, but making a certain holdout work for your map is another story and that is where feedback comes in.
Uny: Thanks again for joining me!
Auxi Klutch: Thanks for having me! I hope that you all will enjoy Backwoods and maybe some of my responses will help or inspire up and coming forgers with their future infection maps!
HFFL: This looks like a fun map. I can’t wait to play on it.
STASIS
You’ve seen certain sneak peeks of the upcoming Arena map, and just beyond this paragraph is a piece of concept art from the world of Stasis. To see it in action, be sure to tune into next week’s live stream – more on that in just a moment.
HFFL: I love me some concept art!
MEMORIES OF REACH LIVESTREAM
Memories of Reach draws nearer, which means the livestream team is busy preparing for the full unveil of all of the goodness we’re talking about today. The stream will take place on Wednesday, May 11 at 3 p.m. PT. We’ll have gameplay, community highlights, special guests, and more, and we hope you’ll join us for the show.
HFFL: I’ll be watching for sure. As well, I’ll be hosting this on m twitch stream, too. So, if you want to chat with me while watching this, go to my twitch channel: twitch.tv/halofanforlife. Oh that reminds me folks, I’m streaming more often now, so please give me a follow. I’m trying to become a more serious/professional streamer.
TEAM ARENA SUMMER PREVIEW & FEEDBACK
As first mentioned in our Apr. 15 Community Update, the Multiplayer Team is putting the final touches on the maps and game types that are being considered for the Summer Season of the HCS Pro League. These updated map / game type combinations as well as updated map layouts will be offered in the Team Arena playlist, and once finalized, the updated map variants will also be applied globally (across additional playlists as well as Custom Games) later this month. Over the next few weeks, the Multiplayer Team will be working with pro players on their feedback on final map layouts as well as maps & game types, and also collecting your feedback here on Waypoint in new, dedicated feedback threads. To make things a bit easier to understand, here’s an updated breakdown of what to expect over the next few weeks:
- Next Tuesday, May 10 through Friday, May 20: Team Arena will be updated with new map layouts (as well as a few new map / game type combinations) that are being considered for HCS Pro League Summer Season. This is a preview / feedback period during which we will collect feedback from pro players (one component of which will be working directly with the six HCS Pro League teams that will have qualified at this point) and iterating on the maps in real-time.
- Note: Custom Game map variants will remain unchanged (HWC map layouts) for those still aiming to scrim, practice, and qualify for the remaining spots in the HCS Pro League. For those looking to scrim on or check out the newly updated Team Arena variants in Custom Games, they will also be available on a dedicated File Share.
- On Monday May 23, the final game types will be locked for Summer Season of Pro League, Team Arena, additional playlists, and Custom Games.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll continue to keep you updated with details on the Team Arena Summer Preview – specifics on map layouts, changes on the way, and more. The next info drop will be Tuesday, May 10, where we’ll lay out the updated maps and game types and link you to feedback threads.
HFFL: It’s great that 343 is going all out for the eSports crowd…however, where’s the Social playlists? We need more than just one folks, thanks.
GRASSROOTING WITH GH057 & GRIM
This past weekend, our very own GrimBrother One joined GH057ayame at the Pacific Coast Championships presented by Pro Battle League. Here’s a community recap, straight from Grim himself:
Some of the action that went down in preparation for the event was really what made it as magical as it was. In light of recent events including Jessica Shea’s (bs angel) departure from 343, I was inspired to get a few things done. I had Kenny (@spartacat) Legendarily put together the tribute video utilizing his outstanding connections already existing in the Halo community, and we also had recently grown a relationship with 405th, having 2+ in each one of the five feature stores. Over the past few months we’ve seen hundreds of new followers interested in what the PBL has to offer which is ultimately an amazing way to get connected and embrace the incredible culture that is Halo. One of my proudest aspects of the Pro Battle League is that each of us up to this point have been brought together and individually leveraging our own unique superpowers over the passion that we share for Halo. We hope to give back as much as we can to the universe that became such an integral part of our lives.
– James Fury
I’d say they’re certainly off to a great start, that’s for sure. If you find yourself in the area where one of their events is taking place, be sure to stop in and show your support!
<3
Grim
PLAY OF THE WEEK
This week’s Play of the Week gives us an extended look at halosavior going full on one-man capping crew while employing a clever combination of silenced weapons and Advanced Sensors. Silent-but-deadly, Spartan.
HFFL: It’s a good long clip folks. Shows the meaning of patience while trying to cap an armory in Warzone.
That’ll do for this week, friends; we hope you’re excited as we are about all that’s on the way. Don’t forget to tune this weekend to the HCS Pro League Summer Qualifier, and we’ll talk to you again on next week’s stream (May 11 at 3 p.m. PT on Twitch.tv/Halo).
Have a great weekend!
Bravo
How do u feel about the new pheaton. I am a little frustrated at that 343 could have taken the opportunity to include the falcon but now we got nothing from halo reach besides the armor. I’m a little disappointed
Disappointed for sure. This was the perfect opportunity for 343 to give us the long promised UNSC air vehicle. As for the Phaeton, that was bound to happen as we have versions of other vehicles. But for it to come in the Reach DLC definitely was bad timing, IMO.
Beyond the armor, we did get Jorge’s turret, so that’s at least a little something. Stress on the word, ‘little’.