For over 15 years, the dream of stepping into the boots of an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper (ODST) in a dedicated Halo multiplayer experience has burned brightly in the hearts of fans. Since Halo 3: ODST's Firefight offered a tantalizing glimpse, players have yearned for more – crafting custom missions in Forge or filming Machinima, but always confined to small groups. That long wait ends spectacularly on October 25th, 2025, with the official launch of Helljumpers, a groundbreaking new game mode for Halo Infinite, crafted by the legendary community group, The Forge Falcons. This isn't just another playlist; it's the full-throttle ODST fantasy realized. halo-infinite-s-helljumpers-mode-odst-fantasy-finally-realized-image-0

🔥 Forged by Falcons, Inspired by Helldivers

The journey to Helljumpers began back in March 2024. Its architects? None other than The Forge Falcons, Halo Infinite's premier community creators, already famous for hits like the Call of Duty Zombies-inspired 'Survive the Undead' and the Fortnite-esque 'TFF Battle Royale'. After a staggering seven months of intense development and rigorous testing, the mode was unveiled in grand fashion with a gameplay demo at the 2024 Halo World Championship.

At the Championship's 'Forging the Future' Community Stage panel (hosted by Halo Studios, formerly 343 Industries), key Falcons members – Graphic Designer BB12, Scripting Team Lead MaxBloodBath, Forger/Scripter Mr. Multibit, and Lead Environmental Artist Prim27 – pulled back the curtain. Prim27 explicitly cited PlayStation's Helldivers 2 as a major gameplay inspiration, translating its intense co-op PvE chaos into the Halo universe with a uniquely ODST twist. The hype from that teaser trailer, featuring an ODST poised in their iconic drop pod, was palpable.

🚀 Feet First into Hell: The Core Gameplay Loop

So, how does Helljumpers deliver that ODST power fantasy? Players strap in for six intense combat drops per match. Unlike Helldivers 2, your hard-earned progress doesn't carry over between matches – each deployment is a fresh, high-stakes run. Here’s the drill:

  1. Gear Up & Strategize: Before each heart-pounding drop, you'll:

    • Choose Your Arsenal: Pick your primary loadout from classics like the Assault Rifle, Sidekick, Commando, or Battle Rifle. Fallen enemies (Banished or Covenant) might offer new toys, but you'll always respawn with your chosen kit.

    • Select the Enemy: Decide which faction you want to face: the brutal Banished (Brutes, Jackals, Skimmers) or the relentless Covenant (Elites, Grunts, Hunters). For an extra spicy challenge, rogue Spartans fight alongside both factions! ⚔️

    • Call in Stratagems: Pick TWO key stratagems:

      • ONE Offensive: Devastating power boosts designed to obliterate enemy AI.

      • ONE Supportive: Tactical tools to aid your squad or set deadly traps.

    ⚠️ Warning, Helljumper! Friendly fire is VERY real. Offensive stratagems and traps don't discriminate – use them wisely!

    • Perk Up: Find Perk Machines scattered around (familiar from Survive the Undead) to buy temporary upgrades mid-match. Stack up to FOUR TIERS in:

      • 💪 Health Boost

      • 🔫 Damage Increase

      • 🏃 Speed Enhancement

🎯 Mission Parameters: Survive, Complete, Extract!

Once boots hit the ground, the real work begins. Each drop zone demands the completion of THREE critical objectives:

  • 1 Story Objective: The narrative driving force for that specific drop.

  • 2 Main Objectives: Core tasks essential for mission success.

Completing each objective grants the entire squad a permanent upgrade for the remainder of that match's subsequent drops. But beware, Helljumpers! The challenge ramps up dramatically:

  • Skulls Activate: Just like the later, terrifying waves of Firefight in Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach, classic Halo Skull modifiers kick in, making enemies tougher, faster, or deadlier with each drop.

  • Elite Enemy Spawns: Higher-ranked, more powerful foes (think Gold Elites, Chieftains) have an increasing chance to appear as you progress.

🛩️ The Final Countdown: Extraction & Bonus

The climax of each drop is the Extraction. A Pelican swoops in, offering salvation. Here's where squad cohesion is paramount:

  • ALL ABOARD BONUS: If every single member of your ODST squad manages to board the Pelican before it departs, the team earns a juicy point bonus. Leave a man behind? You leave points on the battlefield too. Teamwork makes the dream work!

💥 The Verdict? A Community Dream Forged into Reality

Helljumpers isn't just a new mode; it's the culmination of over a decade and a half of fan passion, channeled through the incredible talent of The Forge Falcons and embraced by Halo Studios. It masterfully blends:

  • The visceral, squad-based PvE chaos of Helldivers 2.

  • The beloved progression and challenge of classic ODST/Reach Firefight.

  • The deep customization and strategic layer of loadouts and stratagems.

  • The pure, unadulterated thrill of being an ODST dropping feet first into hell.

Starting October 25th, 2025, Spartans can finally live the ultimate ODST fantasy. Prepare your drop pods, Helljumpers – hell awaits! 🔥🚀