The recent Halo community update dropped some news regarding Season 5 of Halo: The Master Chief Collection as well as the first flights, (a form of public beta for new MCC features) in February. While the contents of the flight are subject to change, one of the planned additions is a new map for Halo 3 from the canceled Halo Online. 

The Master Chief Collection’s next flight is scheduled for February 18 and, if all goes well, players could expect to see the following additions: 

• Custom Game Browser: a new way to play with each other in MCC
• Season 6 content
• A new map for Halo 3 from Halo Online
• FOV slider support for all Xbox One consoles
• FOV slider will no longer be locked when Xbox Series X|S devices are set to 120hz
• Double Keybindings
• Mouse & Keyboard support for consoles
• Advanced Audio options
• View Model Customization options

343 reminds fans that the content of the flight are subject to change. Still, it’s pretty exciting to see Halo 3, a game that released in 2007, receive new content like this, especially when it comes from the strange footnote that was Halo Online. To get on the flight, you’ll have to sign up for Halo’s Insider program for a chance to be selected to participate. 

343 also shares that they have no current plans to update Halo Wars 2 with additional content, patches, or ports to other platforms. The reason is simple: most of the team has its heads down making Halo Infinite, not to mention running the Master Chief Collection. 343 does state that this doesn’t mean they’ll never return to Halo Wars 2 one day, but, for the foreseeable future, don’t expect anything new for the game. 

Speaking of Halo Infinite, 343 update players on its progress more frequently, and the blog post features a Q&A video of the game’s lead sandbox designer. You can check that out as well as more Halo-related updates by reading the blog post.

While the team at 343 Industries is hard at work on making sure that the Halo Master Chief Collection continues to get better and Halo Infinite is moving further along in development, the company also revealed some new toys for fans to enjoy. In addition to the Nerf Mangler, SPNKr, and Needler MicroShots being available now in stores, 343 also debuted a new play-weapon to enjoy: the Nerf Bulldog SG Dart Blaster.

The Halo Nerf Bulldog SG Dart Blaster offers a pump-action, rotating 10-dart drum in addition to tactical rails, 10 nerf darts to fire off, and a shiny new skin unlock code for the video game that inspired the new line. The latest gun is inspired by its Halo Infinite counterpart, marking a celebratory entry into the toy line for the upcoming game. 

343 Industries

"Imagine yourself as the Master Chief and take aim with this blaster to battle the alien alliance," boasts the toy's description, which is available now to buy for $34.99. As an avid Halo fan myself with both the Nerf line and the more accurate 1:1 replicas, I'm actually excited for Bulldog and pew-pewing like the giant child I am. It's a neat line of collectibles that are much more budget friendly, and while the holidays are over — there are always birthdays, bat mitzvahs, and other reasons to gift the gift of Halo. That, or just treat yourself. You're worth it. 

As for Halo: Infinite, work is still being done on the title following backlash over an earlier gameplay reveal. 343 Industries is heads down on the project, ensuring that it will meet player expectations when it arrives later this year for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Windows players.

Interested in the Bulldog? You can nab yours right right here. You can also learn what else is new in the Halo-verse with our previous coverage here, including more on Halo Online. 

Thoughts on the latest Halo Nerf collectible and Halo: Infinite in general? Shout out those takes in the comment section below! Master Chief would want you to.