{"id":7808,"date":"2013-04-10T21:28:13","date_gmt":"2013-04-11T02:28:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/halofanforlife.com\/?p=7808"},"modified":"2013-04-10T21:28:13","modified_gmt":"2013-04-11T02:28:13","slug":"the-halo-bulletin-4-10-13","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/halofanforlife.com\/?p=7808","title":{"rendered":"The Halo Bulletin 4.10.13"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"halobulletinheader_4-10-13\"<\/a>The bulletin recaps some of the “Halo Week” events.<\/p>\n

A paragraph each on:
\n\u2022 Castle Map pack
\n\u2022 Competitive Skill Rank
\n\u2022 CSR Challenge
\n\u2022 Halo 4 Original Soundtrack Volume 2
\n\u2022 Spartan Ops Challenge
\n\u2022 New Halo Themed Avatar Items
\n\u2022 DLC Sale<\/p>\n

HFFL:<\/strong> In otherwords, everything I’ve already covered in the past few days…LOL<\/p>\n

Her is something new-ish. The following graphic shows the Avatar t-shirt you will get if you get a CSR 35 in the Castle DLC playlist.<\/p>\n

\"csr_shirt3\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Also, here’s the Spartan Ops Avatar T-shirt you can get by playing and completing 5 DIFFERENT Spartan Ops missions.<\/p>\n

\"spops_shirt\"<\/a><\/p>\n

After this section comes something of importance if your interested in weapons balancing in Halo 4:<\/p>\n

As we have mentioned in various Halo Bulletins, panels and live streams over the past few weeks, we are currently evaluating the state of Halo 4\u2019s weapon balance. The sustain, sandbox, multiplayer and test teams have been working together and evaluating which weapons and categories of weapons need some attention, and we are happy to say that our internal testing has allowed us to make great progress.<\/p>\n

We have also mentioned that we are approaching weapon re-balancing very carefully, as each change that is checked requires vigorous testing to ensure that it benefits the entire sandbox, and that gameplay is improved on a global level across all of Halo 4\u2019s maps, game modes and scenarios. Because of this, the process takes several weeks while we are in a constant cycle of making tweaks, testing and retesting. This being said, we are well underway and will be bringing this update to Halo 4 Matchmaking as soon as it\u2019s ready.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the big ticket items we\u2019re currently looking at:<\/p>\n

Precision Weapon Balance<\/p>\n

Our goal of the upcoming balance update is to create an even balance across all precision rifles (DMR, Battle Rifle, Carbine and LightRifle). Our latest tests have included (but are not limited to) rate of fire and damage tweaks to several weapons within this category. Additionally, it is important to create balance amongst all primary weapons, which leads into the next category.<\/p>\n

Automatic Weapon Balance<\/p>\n

An important part of overall balance is ensuring that each weapon excels within its intended role. As we move the dials to tweak some of the precision weapons, it demands that certain tweaks also be made to automatic weapons, which include the Assault Rifle, Suppressor and more. We are investigating modifying the rate of fire, accuracy and damage on these weapons.<\/p>\n

Vehicle Weapon Balance<\/p>\n

We have seen many community concerns that certain vehicles may be examples of sandbox elements that could be improved. We are currently looking at tuning some of the weapons that these vehicles have at their disposal in order to increase their usefulness and viability. We greatly value the teamwork (and fun) required in riding around in a Warthog with a buddy, and want to ensure that this and other vehicles have great draw and value.<\/p>\n

Also, we are taking a look at many weapons that do not fit within these categories to ensure that the sandbox is providing the most ideal experience possible for all users in all playlists and game modes. As we finish up our internal testing, we look forward to providing further updates on the weapons that will be receiving attention and the specific changes that will be made, once finalized.<\/p>\n

Next some cool stats for the first 24 hours of CSR:<\/p>\n

Many of you have already been introduced to CSR. For the uninitiated, your Competitive Skill Rank (CSR) measures your performance against other players in Halo 4 Matchmaking War Games. You have a CSR specific to each active playlist, which can be seen on all screens of Halo Waypoint. It is a number from 1 to 50 (higher is better) which goes up and down based on match outcomes. Your best CSR is shown on your Player Card and Service Record, as well as Player Compare.<\/p>\n

Competitive Skill Rank is a brand new feature for Halo 4 and to celebrate, we issued you a challenge: Play in the Castle DLC playlist from April 8th at 2am PST to April 22nd at 2 am PST, reach CSR level 35 or higher at any point on or between these dates, and you’ll receive an avatar tee. If you\u2019ve been striving to hit that magic number and are curious about how you stack up when compared to everybody else, here are some stats from the first 24 hours CSR was live.<\/p>\n

\"csr_stat\"
\n<\/a>If you\u2019re hoping to get your hands on the CSR Challenge\u2019s avatar item, check out the below tips.<\/p>\n

Capture the Flag \u2013 Daybreak<\/strong><\/p>\n

Daybreak CTF is probably my favorite game type in the Castle DLC playlist. There is always a lot of action on Daybreak, but here\u2019s what\u2019s most important:<\/p>\n