November marks a significant milestone for Halo fans as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the beloved Halo 2. To commemorate this landmark event, Operation: Great Journey has officially launched in Halo Infinite, kicking off the 2024 Winter Update packed with exciting new features and content.

What's New in the Winter Update?

Here's a rundown of all the thrilling updates Operation: Great Journey brings to Halo Infinite:

- Free 20-Tier Operation Pass: Dive into a new Operation Pass and unlock the stunning Thremaleon armor set, inspired by legendary Covenant commander Rtas 'Half-Jaw' Vadum. You can progress through the tiers by earning Match XP.

- Upgrade Options: Opt for the Premium Pass for early access to exclusive items, including the Veteran SRS99 sniper rifle model and the Damascus Alchemy weapon coating. The Premium Pass also includes bonus XP, an additional challenge slot, and never expires.

- Introducing the MA5K Avenger: Fans of the Halo universe will recognize the MA5K Avenger, a fully automatic rifle that's effective in close quarters, is characterized by a 60-round magazine, and is crafted by Misriah Armory. It’s perfect for a head-on combat approach.

Reviving Classic Gameplay with Playlist Updates

Get ready to embrace nostalgic vibes with the new Delta Arena playlist, featuring classic maps and gameplay inspired by Halo 2. Key gameplay settings include the disabling of sprint and clamber, increased jump height, and the MA5K Avenger as your starting weapon. Featured remade maps include:

- Ascension: A legendary map that many remember fondly.

- Inquisitor: A classic reimagining of Midship known for its close-quarter combat.

- Fortress: A brand-new symmetrical battleground, perfect for intense skirmishes.

Forging a New Experience

The Winter Update also brings significant Forge enhancements, incorporating player feedback to improve mapping options:

- New Camera Perspectives: Players can now switch between first and third-person views in custom games.

- Improved Creator Recognition: In-game attribution features recognize the talent of those who craft the maps we all enjoy, including updates to the scoreboard, post-game report, and more.

- Voiceover Additions: Commanders' voice lines are now integrated into the Forge mode for a personalized touch.

Sandbox and Gameplay Enhancements

Major changes in the sandbox include adjustments to weapon mechanics for improved gameplay balance, such as:

- The fine-tuning of bullet spread for the VK78 Commando and MK50 Sidekick.

- Visual tweaks to enhance competitive play, particularly when using items like Active Camo and Thruster.

Epic Shop Bundles Await

To further enrich your Halo experience, the update brings brand-new bundles, including:

- Rocket Reclaimer Bundle: Step into the iconic Mark VI armor of Master Chief with this bundle, complete with themed coatings.

- Delta Forged Bundle: Contains a combination of exclusive items representing both Rocket Reclaimer and Arbitration designs.

Don't miss out on the chance to grab the fan-favorite Mark V Zeta helmet and Scorpion Punch armor coating in the refreshed Exchange!

Join the Celebration!

With all these upgrades and nostalgic returns, Halo Infinite invites players to jump in and relive the glory of Halo 2. Don your armor, equip the MA5K Avenger, and claim victory in the Delta Arena! As we celebrate this monumental anniversary, the world of Halo continues to expand, promising players new experiences and endless enjoyment.

Gear up, Spartans—let's blast into battle like it’s 2004!