A dedicated group of Halo Infinite players is bringing a slice of the explosive, squad-based chaos from Helldivers 2 directly into the world of the Master Chief. Forget waiting for an official port or crossover—this new experience, called Helljumpers, is being built from the ground up using the game's own powerful Forge creation tools. It's a testament to the incredible ingenuity of the community, proving that with the right tools, players can reshape their favorite games into something entirely new. The project, spearheaded by a talented group known as The Forge Falcons, aims to deliver that signature Helldivers 2 feel: dropping into hostile territory with your squad, completing objectives against overwhelming odds, and calling in devastating stratagems from orbit. For Xbox and PC players who've been watching the Helldivers 2 phenomenon from the sidelines, this fan-made mode could be the perfect answer.
🔨 The Power of Forge: A Creative Playground
Since its introduction in the iconic Halo 3 and its evolution in Halo Infinite (2022), Forge mode has been the ultimate sandbox for the community. It's not just a map editor; it's a full-fledged game development suite within the game itself. Players have access to a deep set of tools and scripting options to customize everything:
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Level geometry and lighting
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Gameplay mechanics and rules
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Enemy behaviors and spawn logic
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Objective scripting and event triggers
This has led to an explosion of creativity. The community hasn't just made new maps; they've rebuilt entire campaigns from older Halo games, crafted intricate puzzle experiences, and even recreated famous locations from other franchises like Skyrim. Helljumpers is the next logical, and ambitious, step in this evolution.
🪂 What is Helljumpers? Mission Breakdown
The Forge Falcons first announced their ambitious project back in early 2024, and their recent updates show it's taking shape impressively. Helljumpers is designed to be a mission-based, PvE (Player vs. Environment) co-op experience that drops teams of Spartans into large, hostile environments. Here’s what players can expect based on the pre-alpha showcases:
Core Gameplay Loop:
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Drop In: Your squad is deployed onto a vast, open map.
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Secure Objectives: You'll have a series of primary and secondary missions to complete. These could involve destroying key targets, securing data, or holding positions.
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Survive the Swarm: Fight through legions of AI-controlled enemies. Expect waves of foes, large boss-type monsters, and dynamic, procedurally generated events to keep every match unpredictable.
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Extract (or Die Trying): Complete your missions and get out alive!
It’s being described as a fusion of the classic Halo 3: ODST Firefight mode's endless combat and the structured, objective-based pacing of a cooperative campaign. The focus is squarely on tight squad play and communication.
☄️ The Star of the Show: Stratagems!
The most exciting lift from Helldivers 2 is the inclusion of Stratagems. This signature mechanic allows players to call in powerful support from off-map. In Helljumpers, this means Spartans won't just be relying on their rifles and grenades. Using a similar input system, players will be able to summon devastating aid:
| Stratagem Type | Possible Examples in Helljumpers |
|---|---|
| Orbital Assault | Precision laser strikes, orbital bombardment, missile barrages. |
| Support Equipment | Supply drops with power weapons, automated turret deployments, shield boosters. |
| Iconic Halo Firepower | The crown jewel: calling in a blast from the legendary MAC (Magnetic Accelerator Cannon). |
| Defensive Tools | Perhaps even deployable bubble shields or scrambler fields. |
This adds a huge strategic layer. Do you call in an airstrike to clear a horde, or save your codes for a supply drop with a rocket launcher to handle the approaching boss?
🚀 Why This Matters: Filling a Community Gap
Helldivers 2's success has been monumental, but its exclusivity to PC and PlayStation 5 left a significant portion of gamers—especially the Xbox-centric Halo community—without a way to experience that specific style of chaotic, satirical co-op. The Forge Falcons aren't just making a cool mode; they're directly addressing a community desire. They're using the tools 343 Industries provided to build the experience their fellow players want.
The project timeline targets a launch window in mid-2024, and while it's in a "pre-alpha" state, the previews look remarkably polished. It showcases how modern game communities are no longer just consumers but active co-creators, extending the life and scope of their favorite titles in ways developers might not have initially imagined.
✨ The Future of Player Creation
Helljumpers represents the cutting edge of what's possible in Halo Infinite's Forge. It’s more than a custom game mode; it's essentially a total conversion mod built within the official game. Its success could inspire a new wave of complex, genre-bending projects within Halo Infinite and other games with robust creation tools. Imagine a Left 4 Dead-style survival horror mode, a Dark Souls-inspired dungeon crawl, or a full racing game—all within the Halo engine.
The passion of groups like The Forge Falcons ensures that Halo Infinite's universe remains a vibrant, evolving playground. With Helljumpers, they're not just paying homage to another great game; they're proving that the spirit of innovation and communal play is alive and well, one carefully scripted stratagem at a time. Get ready to drop, Spartans—a new kind of hell awaits.