The Halo universe continues to thrill its fans, and this month marks a significant milestone: the 20th anniversary of Halo 2! As we look back on two decades of this iconic game, the community has been treated to a wave of exciting content and revelations that enrich the already rich tapestry of Halo lore. From thrilling new literature to nostalgic releases, there's something for every fan!

A GLORIOUS CELEBRATION: AGE OF RETRIBUTION

To honor the 20th anniversary of Halo 2 and the launch of Operation: Great Journey, a new short story titled Halo: Age of Retribution has been shared with fans. This gripping narrative picks up the action on November 3, 2552, in the tumultuous aftermath of the Prophet of Regret’s assassination. As the Covenant teeters on the brink of civil war between the Brutes and Elites, the stage is set for unprecedented chaos.

You can dive into Age of Retribution for free on Halo Waypoint or listen to the audiobook version available on YouTube. These new tales introduce fresh lore elements that fans will surely want to explore!

UNRAVELING COVENANT HISTORY: THE NINTH AGE OF RECLAMATION

In the lore, the Covenant chronicle their history through different ages. At the onset of Halo 2, they are entrenched in the Ninth Age of Reclamation, which began in 2525 with humanity's first contact. The events leading to the Great Schism also signal the end of this age, transitioning into a new epoch—the First Age of Retribution—marked by conflict and betrayal.

MEET THE THRALLSLAYER: AVITUS’ CONTINUING LEGACY

Among the noteworthy characters spotlighted in the new story is Avitus, known as "Thrallslayer." He has been a lurking figure in the Halo universe for years, first appearing as a leader in the multiplayer mode of Halo Wars. His revelation as a character aligned with the Banished—a faction formed post-Covenant disintegration—adds layers to his story and motivations. His dialogue with High Councilor 'Yajadai provides enriching insights about his doubts and the turmoil within the Covenant ranks.

FAMOUS LOCATIONS, FAMILIAR BATTLES

Age of Retribution takes readers back to iconic locations from Halo 2, specifically from the missions Uprising and The Great Journey. The narrative effectively captures the chaos of the battles that sparked the Great Schism, illustrating the violence and confusion through the eyes of key characters.

HALLOWEEN REVISIT: THE MONA LISA RETRO RELEASE

As October wrapped up, the official Halo YouTube channel treated fans to a rerelease of The Mona Lisa, a motion comic adaptation that originally resided on the Xbox 360's Halo Waypoint app. This release serves to remind us of Halo's rich history and how the franchise consistently seeks to expand and revisit its storytelling avenues.

EXCITING NEW WEAPONS IN HALO INFINITE

With the recent release of the Halo Infinite Winter Update and Operation: Great Journey, fans were thrilled to experience the introduction of the MA5K Avenger—a weapon long anticipated by the player community. Originally referenced in Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, this weapon has finally made its in-game debut, allowing players to wield a powerful companion in their battles.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND HAVING FUN!

The excitement doesn’t stop there. The community is more alive than ever, with contributors sharing their plays and perspectives on Halo’s lore. From Halopedia's anniversary to various player content and adaptations of the stories, the bond among Halo fans continues to strengthen.

The ongoing celebration of Halo 2’s 20th anniversary keeps the spirit of camaraderie alive as players dive into nostalgic gaming sessions, ensuring that legacy endures in future generations. Gear up for thrilling explorations of lore, gameplay, and much more as the community revels in the glorious history of Halo.