Halo: Empty Throne Novel Fills Gaps Between Halo 5 and Halo Infinite
Fans of the Halo universe will soon get a deeper look into the conflicts that shaped the galaxy before Halo Infinite. Halo: Empty Throne, a new novel by Jeremy Patenaude, is set to release on February 18, 2025. The book will explore the battles between the United Nations Space Command (UNSC) and Cortana’s planet-destroying Guardians, filling in the gaps between Halo 5: Guardians and Halo Infinite.
A Deeper Dive Into the Halo Story
Set between 2559 and 2560, Halo: Empty Throne follows Lord Hood and Admiral Osman as they attempt to counter Cortana’s growing control over the Domain. This period of Halo’s history was largely skipped in the games, leaving many fans with unanswered questions. The novel aims to shed light on major events such as the destruction of the UNSC headquarters in Sydney, the fall of the Brute homeworld Doisac, and Atriox’s relentless quest for revenge.
Jeremy Patenaude, the former lead franchise writer at 343 Industries, brings his expertise to this new addition to the Halo lore. Having previously contributed to Halo: Fractures and Halo: Shadows of Reach, Patenaude is well-versed in the universe’s intricate storytelling. Fans were given a sneak peek of Halo: Empty Throne during the Canon Fodder event at the Halo World Championships 2023, increasing excitement for the novel’s release.
Halo Infinite Expands With Operation: Frontlines
Meanwhile, Halo Infinite has just launched Operation: Frontlines, introducing new content to its multiplayer experience. The update adds a 20-tier battle pass, a brand-new map, and the Fuel Rod SPNKr launcher. Additionally, players can now engage in two new Bomb Assault game modes, bringing fresh tactical challenges to the battlefield.
One of the biggest improvements to Halo Infinite’s multiplayer is the inclusion of classic Forge-made custom games in matchmaking. This long-awaited feature enhances the variety of maps and game types available, making the game feel more complete than ever. However, with 343 Industries shifting its focus to Unreal Engine 5, any hopes of a single-player expansion for Halo Infinite have been officially put to rest. Future entries in the franchise will likely be needed to resolve the campaign’s lingering cliffhangers.
A New Era for Halo Fans
While gamers wait to see what the next chapter of Halo will bring, Halo: Empty Throne provides an opportunity to explore the universe in greater depth. The 512-page novel will delve into the rise of The Banished, Atriox’s powerful army of former Covenant warriors, and offer a closer look at humanity’s fight against Cortana’s AI-driven empire.
Excited fans can now read an early preview of Halo: Empty Throne on Halo Waypoint before its worldwide release on February 18, 2025.
