Get ready, Spartans! The long-awaited Great Journey is finally upon us! As we celebrate the monumental 20th anniversary of Halo 2 this month, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of Operation: Great Journey, kicking off the thrilling 2024 Winter Update for Halo Infinite.

This Winter Update is packed with exciting weapon and sandbox updates, a playlist inspired by Halo 2 featuring a selection of fan-favorite maps, a new Operation Pass, Forge enhancements, and so much more! Let’s dive into the highlights of what’s coming in this colossal update.

OPERATION: GREAT JOURNEY

“Forward, warriors, and fear not pain or death!”

Players can look forward to a free 20-tier Operation Pass with the new Operation. By earning Match XP, players will unlock the Thremaleon armor set, inspired by the iconic Rtas 'Half-Jaw' 'Vadum—famous for his feats as a Special Operations commander and as a shipmaster of the Shadow of Intent.

Want to upgrade your experience? The Premium Pass offers exclusive content, including the Veteran SRS99 weapon model, inspired by the classic Halo 2 sniper rifle, along with Damascus Alchemy weapon coating! Buying the Premium Pass will give players an extra Challenge Slot and bonuses on XP.

THE MA5K AVENGER: Your New Favorite Weapon

Introduced from Halo lore, the MA5K Avenger has now entered the game. This fully automatic rifle has a high rate of fire and an impressive 60-round magazine. With better reload and ready-up times than other rifles, the MA5K is essential for any run-and-gun strategy. Get ready to unleash havoc on your foes!

EXCITING PLAYLIST UPDATES

“Get tactical, Marines!”

Introducing the new Delta Arena, a Halo 2-inspired playlist that takes players back to classic maps and gameplay. With dynamic settings tweaked to enhance that nostalgic feel, players can expect an immersive experience without sprinting or clambering, making combat even more intense.

Fan-Favorite Maps Remake:

- **Ascension:** A classic, now revived!

- **Beaver Canyon:** A fun map with unexpected surprises.

- **Boulevard:** This is where the battles take place!

- **Inquisitor:** A beloved remake of Midship.

THIRD-PERSON FIREFIGHT – A NEW PERSPECTIVE

Prepare for a fresh take with the Third-Person Firefight mode! For the first time, players will experience Halo multiplayer from a third-person viewpoint in modes like King of the Hill and Gruntpocalypse. Expect the unexpected as you navigate familiar maps from a dynamic new angle.

RANKED PLAY ALSO LEVELLED UP

Two additional maps have been included in Ranked modes, enhancing gameplay competition. Players can now strategize on iconic remakes and new agile symmetrical maps tailored for fast-paced action and sniping opportunities.

FORGE UPDATES: Let Your Creativity Shine

This Winter Update amplifies Forge with community-driven enhancements. Featuring a third-person camera option and improved visibility of map creators, players will find it easier to design and share their custom maps!

SHOP UPDATES FOR CUSTOMIZATION FANS

With Operation: Great Journey comes a refreshed shop offering exciting bundles. Players can snag unique items like the Master Chief Mark VI armor set, along with various coatings and thematic bundles inspired by the Halo universe. Unlock exclusive gear and make your Spartan stand out!

THE EXCHANGE – New Offers Await!

Fans will be delighted as old favorites return, including the Mark V Zeta helmet. Don’t miss the chance to acquire customization items that have been unavailable since past events!

IMPROVEMENTS & PATCHES

Numerous tweaks and fixes have been made to ensure smoother gameplay experiences. For a complete list of enhancements, make sure to check out the Halo Support site.

That’s just a taste of what’s in store with the launch of Operation: Great Journey! From dominating with the MA5K Avenger in Delta Arena, experimenting with Forge updates, engaging in creative battles in third-person gameplay, to unlocking sophisticated gear in the store—this Winter Update is set to bring fans together like never before.

Jump into Halo Infinite and celebrate with us—it's time to relive the epicness of 2004!