Editing Halo 5: Guardians

{{Era|RW}}

{{Upcoming}}

{{Game Infobox

|name= ''Halo 5: Guardians''

|image= [[File:H5 final cover art.jpg|300px]]

|developer= [[343 Industries]]

|publisher= [[Microsoft Studios]]

|platform= [[Xbox One]]

|releasedate= [[2015|October 27, 2015]]<ref name="live action ads">'''[[All Hail]]''', '''[[The Cost]]'''</ref>

|genre= [[First-person shooter]]

|modes= [[Campaign]]<br>[[Cooperative]]<br>[[Multiplayer]]<br>[[Forge]]

|rating=

{{Quote|The quest of [[Jameson Locke|the hunter]] and [[John-117|the hunted]] has begun.|Official summary<ref name="WireH5"/>}}

'''''Halo 5: Guardians''''' is the upcoming ninth installment in the [[Halo universe|''Halo'' franchise]].<ref name="H5">[http://news.xbox.com/2014/05/games-halo-journey-announcement '''Xbox Wire''': ''The Halo Journey'']</ref> It is the second game in the ''[[Reclaimer Saga]]'' and continues the story of the [[John-117|Master Chief]].<ref name="H5"/> Originally alluded to in a [[Halo Xbox One announcement trailer|teaser trailer]] shown at [[Microsoft]]'s [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3 Media Briefing]] on [[2013|June 10, 2013]], ''Guardians'' was officially announced on [[2014|May 16, 2014]].<ref name="H5"/> Exclusive to the [[Xbox One]],<ref>'''Microsoft Xbox One briefing E3 2013'''</ref><ref name="H5"/> the game is in development and is set to be released on [[2015|October 27, 2015]],<ref name="live action ads"/> with the first major coverage of the game unveiled at [[Wikipedia:Electronic Entertainment Expo 2014|E3 2014]].<ref>[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/en-us/blogs/headlines/posts/the-great-journey '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''The Great Journey'']</ref>

[[File:H5 John-117 hooded.jpg|thumb|left|250px|John-117 holding Cortana's data chip in the first teaser trailer.]]

What would later be revealed as ''Halo 5: Guardians'' was first revealed with [[Halo Xbox One announcement trailer|a teaser]] released on [[2013|June 10, 2013]] during that year's [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]]. The trailer indicated that a major ''Halo'' release would occur for the Xbox One console in 2014, leading many to believe that this particular game would be the next entry in the ''Reclaimer Saga'' and the sequel to ''[[Halo 4]]''. However, Microsoft stressed the trailer's phrasing that 2014 would mark the beginning of a "journey", with the implication that this may not mean the release of the then still officially unannounced ''Halo 5''.<ref name="H5"/>

''Halo 5: Guardians'' was formally announced on May 16, 2014 by [[343 Industries]] General Manager [[Bonnie Ross]]. Ross describes ''Halo 5: Guardians'' as a bigger effort than the preceding ''Halo 4'' in terms of the content and scope of the game as well as the technology underpinning it. The game's engine is said to have been completely retooled to take full advantage of the Xbox One's hardware and ecosystem; according to [[Frank O'Connor]], the engine is all-new apart from a number of core features retained from the previous one.<ref>[http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=112403080&postcount=2276 '''NeoGAF''': ''Frank O'Connor on game engine'']</ref> Ross states that ''Halo 5'' will incorporate lessons the 343 Industries team learned from ''Halo 4'' with regard to technology, performance, aesthetics, and scale in response to feedback received from the fan community. She also mentioned that the game will run at [[Wikipedia:Frame rate|60 frames per second]] and will feature [[Wikipedia:Dedicated hosting service|dedicated servers]].<ref name="H5"/>

In E3 2014, 343 Industries' statements about a "journey" beginning in the fall of 2014 were revealed to be referring to a multimedia project dubbed ''Halo: The Journey'' by 343 Industries,<ref name="eurogamer">[http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-16-343s-master-plan-for-halo-5-guardians '''Eurogamer''': ''343's master plan for Halo 5: Guardians'']</ref> set to begin with the release of ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'', containing remastered "Anniversary" editions of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' and ''[[Halo 2 Anniversary|Halo 2]]'', as well as high-resolution versions of ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''Halo 4''.<ref name="E32014">'''Microsoft Xbox One briefing E3 2014'''</ref> Additionally, it was announced that a [[Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta|multiplayer beta]] of ''Guardians'' is set to be released on December 29, 2014. Exclusive unlockable content for the beta is to be available via ''The Master Chief Collection'' and the digital series ''[[Halo: Nightfall]]''.<ref name="WaypointGuardians">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halo-5-guardians '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo 5: Guardians'']</ref>

Since the development of ''Halo 4'', the 343 Industries team has undergone several internal changes. [[Nicolas Bouvier|Nicolas "Sparth" Bouvier]] has replaced Kenneth Scott as senior art director, although Scott has been stated to continue serving in an advisory role.<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/08/halo-4-art-director-steps-down-at-343-industries '''IGN''': ''Halo 4 Art Director Steps Down at 343 Industries'']</ref> [[Josh Holmes]] has also been replaced by Tim Longo (known for his previous work on ''[[Wikipedia:Star Wars: Republic Commando|Star Wars: Republic Commando]]'' and the 2013 ''[[Wikipedia:Tomb Raider (2013 video game)|Tomb Raider]]'' reboot) as creative director.<ref>[http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/08/tomb-raider-republic-commando-creative-director-joins-343-indus/ '''Joystiq''': ''Tomb Raider, Republic Commando creative director joins 343 Industries'']</ref> [[Christopher Schlerf]] has been supplanted by [[Brian Reed]] as ''Halo'' franchise lead writer after Schlerf's departure from 343 Industries.<ref>[https://twitter.com/schlerf/status/397939158041120768 '''Twitter''': ''schlerf'']</ref><ref>[https://twitter.com/BrianReed '''Twitter:''' ''Brian Reed'']</ref> Most of the game's soundtrack is to be composed by [[Kazuma Jinnouchi]], replacing ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Neil Davidge]] as the principal composer.<ref name="GAFKazuma">[http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=114883654&postcount=3462 '''NeoGaf''': ''Frank O'Connor on music'']</ref>

On April 28, 2015 the final cover art was revealed.<ref name="XboxWireCover">[http://news.xbox.com/2015/04/games-halo-5-art-reveal-april '''Xbox Wire''': ''Halo 5: Guardians Cover Art'']</ref>

==Synopsis==

{{Quote|Peace is shattered when colony worlds are unexpectedly attacked. And when humanity’s greatest hero goes missing, Spartan Locke is tasked with hunting the Master Chief and solving a mystery that threatens the entire galaxy.|Official summary<ref name="WireH5">[http://news.xbox.com/2014/12/games-halo-5-preorder-and-beta '''Xbox Wire''' - ''Halo 5: Guardians Pre-Order Details Released, Multiplayer Beta Starts Today'']</ref>}}

[[File:Halo_5_Guardians_cover_art.jpg|thumb|250px|Full version of the game's final cover art, depicting the central cast of characters in the game.]]

The primary protagonist of the ''Halo'' series, [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-II]] supersoldier [[John-117|Master Chief Petty Officer John-117]], returns in ''Halo 5: Guardians'' following the end of ''Halo 4''. It has been noted that John has begun to question all of his former beliefs<ref name="E32014"/> and has disappeared<ref name="MCtrailer">'''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection announcement trailer]]'''</ref> following the events of ''"[[Halo: Escalation Issue 8|The Next 72 Hours]]"'', a story arc of the comic series ''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' during which he reunites with his longtime Spartan-II unit [[Blue Team]], comprising [[Kelly-087]], [[Fred-104]] and [[Linda-058]]. ''Halo 5: Guardians'' marks the in-game debut of Blue Team, who will fight alongside the Master Chief throughout the campaign.<ref name="gi h5 reveal">[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/06/09/july-cover-revealed-halo-5-guardians-923520.aspx '''Game Informer''': ''July Cover Revealed – Halo 5: Guardians'']</ref> In the beginning of the campaign, set eight months after the end of ''Halo 4'',<ref>[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/06/11/halo-5-guardians-the-spartans-tough-enough-to-work-with-master-chief.aspx?PostPageIndex=2 '''Game Informer''': ''Halo 5: Guardians – The Spartans Tough Enough To Work With Master Chief'']</ref> Blue Team will still be operating under the UNSC. The second mission, "Blue Team", has them investigating an ONI research vessel called ''[[UNSC Argent Moon|Argent Moon]]''.<ref name="gi h5">'''Game Informer''': ''June 2015 Halo 5: Guardians coverage''</ref> In the initial teaser trailer, the Master Chief is seen in the possession of an empty [[data crystal chip]] on a chain, alluding to his loss of [[Cortana]] at the end of ''Halo 4''.<ref name="trailer">'''[[Halo Xbox One announcement trailer]]'''</ref> Although [[Frank O'Connor]] has confirmed Cortana as dead, her "ghost" will appear to John-117 in the game, including a sequence in which she speaks the following line: ''"The [[Domain]] is open. [[Meridian]] is next. You only have three days. John, the Reclamation is about to begin."''<ref name="gi h5"/>

''Halo 5: Guardians'' also features another playable protagonist,<ref name="NightfallPanel">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaZOLp6pYCE&feature=youtu.be&list=UU7NCg0venpKJg3kuJojKlbQ '''YouTube''': ''Halo: Nightfall Panel - SDCC 2014'']</ref> [[Jameson Locke|Agent Locke]], a "legendary manhunter" on a mission to find the Master Chief after several colonies are unexpectedly attacked.<ref name="MCtrailer"/><ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/halo-nightfall '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo: Nightfall'']</ref><ref name="WireH5"/> Locke is accompanied by [[Fireteam Osiris]], which includes Spartans [[Edward Buck]], [[Holly Tanaka]] and [[Olympia Vale]].<ref name="gi h5"/> Locke's role in the story is to act as a counterpoint for John-117's legendary and larger-than-life character, as well as a vehicle to contextualize both the Master Chief and the wider story from an outsider perspective.<ref name="gr frank">[http://www.gamesradar.com/halo-5-frank-oconnor-interview/ '''Gamesradar''': ''343 chats to GR+ about Locke and Master Chief's mystique in Halo 5'']</ref> Locke was introduced in [[Wikipedia:Ridley Scott|Ridley Scott]]'s digital series ''[[Halo: Nightfall]]'', which has narrative connections to ''Halo 5''.<ref name="machinima">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crDIiFV-Wmw '''YouTube''': ''Every. Halo. Ever. E3 2014'']</ref> Although he will be a prominent character, Locke will not be replacing John-117 as the protagonist;<ref>[http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=115503489&postcount=606 '''NeoGaf''': ''Frank O'Connor on Locke and Master Chief'']</ref> much like that of ''[[Halo 2]]'', the campaign of ''Halo 5'' alternates between the perspectives of the two main characters.<ref name="gi h5"/> Locke was first shown in [[:File:Halo 5 Guardians.jpg|promotional artwork]] unveiled with the game's formal announcement, clad in his [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Hunter|HUNTER-class armor]].<ref name="H5"/> He is also featured in ''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Terminal/Halo 2 Anniversary|terminals]] and new bookend cinematics, which have links to the story of ''Guardians''. In the bookend cutscenes, Locke is seen interacting with [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] during his mission to track down the Master Chief.<ref name="IGNinterv">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcSk8Rx_JTo&t=10m30s '''YouTube''': ''Halo 2 Anniversary - Cairo Station Campaign Gameplay and...'']</ref>

The titular [[Guardian]]s are enormous, winged Forerunner machines which have awakened recently and are supposedly tied to the cataclysmic events occurring throughout the galaxy.<ref name="gi h5"/> [[Frank O'Connor]] has stated that the game will feature "plenty of strong female characters".<ref>[http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=112379842&postcount=2229 '''NeoGAF''': ''Frank O'Connor on characters'']</ref>

Several visually diverse locations have been shown in media released so far. The 2013 teaser trailer shows a desolate, deserted location as the setting of John-117's encounter with a [[Guardian]].<ref name="trailer"/> A [[:File:Sparth unknown future project.jpg|piece of concept art]] by Sparth depicts a human urban settlement in a mountainous location, with the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} hovering overhead. [[D79-TC Pelican]]s and other craft are seen flying nearby. [[:File:Halo-5-guardians-concept-art.jpg|Another concept piece]] by Sparth, unveiled with the game's formal announcement, depicts a cavern with several structures of an alien design with a statue of a [[Sangheili]] and what appear to be two suns are seen looming in the sky. The background of the [[:File:Halo5 Primary-TeaserArt Vertical RGB Final.jpg|preliminary box artwork]] shows an arid location with angular, towering vertical structures. While the background of the [[:File:Halo 5 Guardians.jpg|wallpaper version]] is similar in mood and lighting, the structures are different, including a dish-like structure and a cupola similar to those seen in the concept with the Sangheili statue.

*[[Cortana]] {{C|Data chip only}}

*[[Edward Buck]]<ref name="gi h5 reveal"/>

*[[Fred-104]]

*[[Jul 'Mdama]]

|title-2=Species|

*[[Forerunner]] {{C|Technology only}}

*[[Kig-Yar]] (''Ibie'shan'')<ref name="locketrailer">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29fUIsRuEZI '''YouTube''': ''Halo 5: Guardians Spartan Locke Armor Set'']</ref>

**[[Mgalekgolo]]<ref name="gi h5 reveal"/>

*[[San'Shyuum]] {{C|Holographic projection only}}

***[[Spartan (branch)|Spartan]]

**[[Beta Gabriel]]

*[[Meridian]]

**[[Sanghelios]]<ref name="dailymotion">[http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2lk16o_making-of-halo-the-master-chief-collection_videogames?start=13 '''Dailymotion''': ''Making of Halo The Master Chief Collection (0:14)'']</ref>

|title-5=Vehicles|

*''[[UNSC Argent Moon|Argent Moon]]'' {{1st}}

*[[Type-25 Spirit]]<ref name="dailymotion"/>

*[[Type-26 Banshee]]<ref name="locketrailer"/>

*{{Class|CAS|assault carrier}}

*[[M808 Scorpion]]

*[[Phaeton]] {{1st}}

*''[[Splendid Intention]]'' {{Fm}}

*[[Type-32 Ghost]]<ref name="locketrailer"/>

*[[Type-52 Phantom]] {{C|Simulation only}}

*[[Unidentified Covenant ship (Halo 5)|Unidentified light Covenant ship]] {{C|Simulation only}}

*[[:File:H5 - Truth fleet.png|Unidentified heavy Covenant ship]] {{C|Simulation only}}

|title-6=Weapons|

*[[BR85HB battle rifle]]

*[[Hydra MLRS]] {{1st}}

*[[ARC-920 railgun]]]<ref>[http://www.gamesradar.com/leaked-halo-5-guardians-multiplayer-screenshots/'']</ref>

*[[M41 rocket launcher]]<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/how-fans-helped-shape-the-multiplayer-of-halo-5-guardians '''Halo Waypoint''': ''How Fans Helped Shape the Multiplayer of Halo 5: Guardians'']</ref>

*[[M395 DMR]]

*[[M6 Spartan Laser]]

**[[:File:HCSSpartans.png|Unidentified variant]] {{1st}}

*[[M6H magnum #Variant|M6H2 magnum]] {{1st}}

*[[M7 SMG]]

**[[:File:H5SMG.png|Unidentified variant]] {{1st}}

*[[Type-1 plasma grenade]]<ref name="locketrailer">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29fUIsRuEZI '''YouTube''': ''Halo 5: Guardians Spartan Locke Armor Set'']</ref>

*[[Type-25 plasma pistol]]<ref name="locketrailer">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29fUIsRuEZI '''YouTube''': ''Halo 5: Guardians Spartan Locke Armor Set'']</ref>

*Unidentified plasma pistol variant<ref name="gameinformer">[http://www.haloarchive.com/forum/topic/4-halo-5-guardians-storycampaign-discussion/page-60]</ref>

*[[Type-33 needler]]<ref name="locketrailer">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29fUIsRuEZI '''YouTube''': ''Halo 5: Guardians Spartan Locke Armor Set'']</ref>

*[[Type-51 carbine]]

*[[Type-55 storm rifle]]<ref name="gameinformer">[http://www.haloarchive.com/forum/topic/4-halo-5-guardians-storycampaign-discussion/page-60]</ref>

*Unidentified dual-fire mode weapon<ref>[http://teambeyond.net/forum/topic/9548-sal1ent/page-21#entry472485 '''Josh Holmes on TeamBeyond''']</ref>

*[[:File:Halo5 Rocket.png|Unidentified rocket launcher]] {{1st}}

*[[Z-130 Suppressor]]<ref>[http://www.gamesradar.com/leaked-halo-5-guardians-multiplayer-screenshots/'']</ref>

*[[Z-110 Boltshot]]<ref>[http://www.gamesradar.com/leaked-halo-5-guardians-multiplayer-screenshots/'']</ref>

*[[Z-390 incineration cannon]]<ref>[http://www.gamesradar.com/leaked-halo-5-guardians-multiplayer-screenshots/'']</ref>

|title-7=Equipment and technology|

*[[Guardian]]

*Kig-Yar combat harness

**[[Kig-Yar Storm|Storm]] variant<ref name="locketrailer"/>

**[[Kig-Yar Heavy|Heavy]] variant

*[[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet]]<ref name="locketrailer"/>

***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/V variant|EVA]] variant

***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI#GEN2-related variants|Linda-058's custom variant]]

***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|Mark VI]] {{C|Original and modified variants}}

***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/AA variant|Air Assault]] variant

***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Athlon|Athlon]] variant {{1st}}

***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Aviator|Aviator]] variant

***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Centurion|Centurion]] variant

***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Defender|Defender]] variant

***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Helioskrill|Helioskrill]] variant<ref name="MCC Armour unlocks"/> {{1st}}

***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Hunter|Hunter]] variant

***[[Nightfall armor|Nightfall]] variant<ref name="MCC Armour unlocks">[http://au.ign.com/articles/2014/10/31/halo-5-guardians-armor-unlocks-from-halo-the-master-chief-collection-revealed-ign-first '''IGN''': ''Halo 5: Guardians Armor Unlocks from Halo: The Master Chief Collection Revealed-IGN First'']</ref>

***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/R variant|Recon]] variant

***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Recruit|Recruit]] variant

***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/S variant|Scout]] variant

***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Soldier|Soldier]] variant

***[[:File:H5G-Tanakacover.png|Tanaka's armor]]

***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Warrior|Warrior]] variant

***[[:File:H5G-SMGSpartancover.png|Unidentified variant]]

*[[Sangheili combat harness]]

**[[Arbiter]] [[Arbiter body armor|variant]]

**[[Sangheili Commander|Commander variant]]<ref name="locketrailer"/>

**[[Sangheili Major|Major variant]]

**[[Sangheili Storm|Storm variant]]<ref name="locketrailer"/>

**[[Sangheili Warrior|Warrior variant]]<ref name="locketrailer"/>

**[[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot variant]]<ref name="locketrailer"/>

**[[Unggoy Imperial|Imperial]] variant

==Gameplay==

[[File:H5 - Spartan abilities.png|thumb|left|250px|Spartan abilities listed, with slide showcased.]]

In ''Halo 5: Guardians'', [[armor abilities]] are replaced by a new set of gameplay enhancements known as [[Spartan abilities]],<ref name="mptrailer">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta announcement trailer]]'''</ref> which are available to all players at any time. Both the campaign and multiplayer are developed around Spartan abilities.<ref>[https://twitter.com/JoshingtonState/status/590920025575305216 '''Josh Homes on Twitter''': "The Campaign and MP have both been designed around the Spartan Abilities."]</ref> There is an increased focus on player mobility; players can now use the thruster pack (which allows omnidirectional movement) at all times, vault ledges, rapidly dash for cover or charge an enemy, or generate a shockwave by striking the ground. The sprint function is still present but the player's shields do not recharge while sprinting. Additionally, the charge and slide abilities are executed as sprint reaches terminal velocity. A new feature called the "smart scope" allows players to aim down the weapon's sights in a manner similar to many other modern shooters, although with non-scope weapons this is purely a cosmetic effect and provides little to no actual accuracy enhancement; 343 Industries used the Multiplayer Beta to gauge the effects of this feature on the game's gameplay balance.<ref name="mpb bts">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k96NK5moXyg '''YouTube''': ''Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta: Behind the Scenes'']</ref> The [[heads-up display]] once again allows the player to see what other weapon they have but are not currently using, a feature that had been removed in ''Halo 4''. Additionally, ''Halo 5: Guardians'' will support up to two players on splitscreen multiplayer.<ref>[https://twitter.com/JoshingtonState/status/545000766969114625 '''Twitter''': ''Josh Holmes'']</ref> [[Cooperative play]] is only available via Xbox LIVE due to lower performance in splitscreen, marking ''Halo 5: Guardians'' as the first major ''Halo'' release to lack splitscreen campaign.<ref>[http://m.neogaf.com/showpost.php?p=167122840&postcount=531 '''NeoGAF''': ''Halo splitscreen co-op RIP 2001-2015'']</ref> Contrary to a confusion that arose with ''Game Informer'''s June 2015 issue, online co-op will only be available via Xbox LIVE Gold membership.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/clarity-regarding-halo-5-guardians-online-co-op-access '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Clarity Regarding Halo 5: Guardians Online Co-op Access'']</ref>

The [[campaign]] mode of ''Halo 5: Guardians'' will alternate between the perspectives of John-117's Blue Team and Spartan Locke's Fireteam Osiris. In single player campaign, the player will be able to give commands to the members of their fireteam with the D-pad, such as ordering them to target a certain enemy, entering a vehicle, or picking up a certain weapon. Members of the fireteam can also revive one another; this includes AI-controlled Spartans reviving the player. The [[heads-up display]]s of each team member will have a unique design. In [[cooperative play]], players will assume the roles of different fireteam members, with each having their own distinct loadout; for example, [[Linda-058]] always spawns with a [[SRS99-S5 AM sniper rifle|sniper rifle]]. The campaign difficulty will now scale according to the number of players.<ref name="gi h5"/>

The campaign missions will feature a variety of possible alternate routes. When playing as Locke's team, players have access to the [[Artemis Tracking System]], which will highlight these alternate paths.<ref name="gi h5"/>

With ''Halo 5: Guardians'' multiplayer, 343 Industries seeks to highlight the "arena shooter" aspects of classic ''Halo'' multiplayer gameplay. The unlockable custom loadouts and killstreak rewards present in ''[[Halo 4]]'' have been disposed of in favor of a "level playing field"; all players start with identical equipment as in the pre-''[[Halo: Reach]]'' games, with a focus on controlling weapons present on the map.<ref name="BetaFirstLook">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta First Look]]'''</ref> The new Spartan abilities also play a large role in the multiplayer;<ref name="mpb bts"/> the thruster pack in particular increases player mobility significantly. Another new feature is battle-chatter, automatic dialog among the team in which Spartans call out enemy locations and kills.<ref name="ign played">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/11/11/we-played-the-halo-5-guardians-multiplayer-beta-and '''IGN''': ''We Played the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta, and...'']</ref> The multiplayer also includes the name of the segment of the map that the player is currently in being displayed near the [[motion sensor]] as in ''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]'' and ''Halo: Reach''. When a team wins a match the SPARTAN-IVs on said team will congratulate each other with high fives and clap.

In addition to the staple UNSC and Covenant weapons, the [[Forerunner]] [[Z-250 lightrifle]], introduced in ''Halo 4'', returns in ''Halo 5''. A number of new weapons have been added to the multiplayer sandbox, among them unique weapons including the [[Legendary weapon]] [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]]'s personal [[energy sword]], ''[[Prophets' Bane]]''. Other new weapons include the [[Hydra]] multi launch missile launcher, and a [[:File:Halo5 Rocket.png|new model of the rocket launcher]].

The ''[[Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta]]'' will be used to gather data and feedback on the new multiplayer model as well as some of the new features. The beta will feature two new multiplayer modes: [[Breakout]], in which two teams are thrown into a training arena via [[man cannon]]s and each player has only a single life with no respawns;<ref name="ign played"/> and [[Strongholds]], in which two teams will control moving territories.

[[File:H5 Ground Pound ability.jpg|thumb|250px|The ground pound ability, used on the map Crossfire.]]

The game's ranking system is similar to Halo 4's dual-ranking system composed of a progression-based rank and a competitive skill rank based on wins and losses in addition to a new unlock system.<ref>[https://twitter.com/JoshingtonState/status/592368034561458176 '''Josh Holmes on Twitter''': "Still have SR, plus CSR in Arena. Also a new progression/unlock system that we'll be talking about in the coming months."]</ref>

*[[Crossfire]] – A dedicated map used in the [[Breakout]] mode in the beta, set in an orbital UNSC training arena with a holographic floor.

*[[Eden]] – A nighttime human urban themed map.<ref name="Sprint">'''[[The Sprint]]'''</ref>

*[[Empire]] – A daytime remake of Eden.<ref name="h5g gp">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTmgb-ldVXc '''YouTube''': ''Halo 5: Guardians - Gameplay Xbox One'']</ref>

*[[Fathom]] - A map set in an undersea base.<ref>[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/06/09/july-cover-revealed-halo-5-guardians-923520.aspx '''Game Informer''': ''July Cover Revealed – Halo 5: Guardians'']</ref>

*[[Orion]] – A [[Forge]] map.<ref name="twitterforge">[https://twitter.com/JoshingtonState/status/548910489577615360 '''Twitter''': ''Josh Holmes'']</ref>

*[[Pegasus]] – A [[Forge]] map.<ref name="twitterforge"/>

*[[Regret]]<ref name="Sprint">[http://news.xbox.com/2014/12/games-halo-the-sprint-announcement '''Xbox Wire''' - ''The Sprint Gives You an Inside Look at the Making of Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta'']</ref> – A multiplayer map based on one of the Arbiter's ships that crashed on a Halo ring after a space battle.<ref name="Sprint"/>

*[[Trench]] – Dedicated to the game mode [[Breakout]].

*[[Truth]] – A remake of the ''[[Halo 2]]'' map [[Midship]].<ref name="ign played"/><ref name="HWPHCRaC">[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/en-us/blogs/headlines/posts/halo-channel-revealed-at-gamescom '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo Channel Revealed at Gamescom'']</ref>

In their [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]] 2013 conference, [[Microsoft]] showed a teaser trailer intended to showcase the future direction of the ''Halo'' franchise on the [[Xbox One]]. Rather than announcing ''Halo 5'' in particular, the trailer announced the presence of the ''Halo'' franchise on the new console, set to debut in [[2014]] with a [[Halo: The Master Chief Collection|then-unspecified ''Halo'' title]].<ref name="H5"/>

The teaser opens with a hooded figure journeying through a desert on an alien world. The figure, revealed to be [[John-117]] clad in battered [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|MJOLNIR armor]], clutches [[Cortana]]'s empty [[data crystal chip]] as he encounters an enormous [[Forerunner]] machine rising from the sand.<ref name="H5"/>

A [[Behind The Scenes]] feature released on November 10, 2014, detailing the new features and development of the ''Halo 5: Guardians'' multiplayer beta.<ref name="mpb bts"/>

''The Sprint'' is an ongoing digital series which presents the development of ''Halo 5: Guardians'', with the first six episodes focusing on the Multiplayer Beta.<ref name="Sprint"/>

The trailer was revealed in December 18, 2014, and presents new gameplay of several weapons, game modes and maps.

'''''Hunt the Truth''''', stylized as '''''HUNT the TRUTH''''', is an ongoing marketing campaign for the upcoming release of ''Halo 5: Guardians''.<ref name="Official Tumblr">[http://huntthetruth.tumblr.com/ huntthetruth.tumblr.com]</ref> It tells journalist [[Benjamin Giraud]]'s hunt for the truth about the story of Master Chief.

====Spartan Locke Armor Ad====

A limited edition Xbox One based on the game is in the works.<ref>[http://au.ign.com/articles/2015/04/27/halo-5-guardians-limited-edition-xbox-one-on-its-way '''IGN''' - ''Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition Xbox One On Its Way'']</ref>

On December 28, 2014, Microsoft announced three editions of ''Halo 5: Guardians'' that are available for preorder. The standard edition will include a poster for those who preorder and will retail at $59.99 USD. The limited edition, retailing at $99.99 USD, will include digital content, exclusive items, and is packaged in a steel case. Available for $249.99 USD, the Limited Collector's Edition is the most prestigious edition of the game. Not only will it include all bonuses given to the Limited Edition, but it will also offer a commemorative numbered statue, designed by 343 Industries. More details on the Limited Collector's Edition will be shared at a later date.<ref>[http://news.xbox.com/2014/12/games-halo-5-preorder-and-beta '''Xbox.com''': ''Halo 5: Guardians Pre-Order Details Released, Multiplayer Beta Starts Today'']</ref>

=====Pre-order bonuses=====

Those who pre-order from Gamestop will receive MJOLNIR Hunter armor for use in multiplayer upon launch.<ref>''[[Halo 5: Guardians Spartan Locke Armor Set Gamestop Ad|Gamestop Ad]]''</ref>

File:H5G Poster.jpg|Promotional poster depicting Master Chief and Agent Locke.