Halo: Campaign Evolved is getting its own four-player version of the series' staple Firefight mode, for free, "this winter"

eurogamer.net Nov 13, 2026

Halo: Campaign Evolved is getting its own four-player version of the series’ staple Firefight mode, for free, “this winter”

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Nov 13, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Xbox Game Studios and Halo Studios announced a free update for Halo: Campaign Evolved that will add the series‑long four‑player co‑op PvE mode, Firefight, slated for release “this winter.” The update will introduce new maps and weapons, with a playable build already demonstrated at Xbox FanFest. Halo Studios’ competitive director Tahir Hasangjekaj confirmed more details will be shared at Halo Fest in Seattle on December 12‑13, suggesting a launch around that time. The announcement arrives amid uncertainty about Halo’s future, following recent restructuring that saw key staff promotions and layoffs and speculation that the next mainline title may be a reboot by Sledgehammer Games. The move also coincides with broader Xbox news, including a 25‑year Xbox anniversary and new titles from other studios.

💡 Why It Matters

· Restoring Firefight for free re‑engages Halo’s core multiplayer community while buying time for Microsoft as the franchise’s next major direction remains unclear.

Capsules Gaming

Read full article on eurogamer.net

After Giving Away Thousands of Dollars in Cosmetics, Fortnite is Teasing a…

Fortnite is building anticipation for its December 5 Chapter‑ending live event, which will finally reveal the identity of the masked newcomer Captain X. The character debuted at the start of the current treasure‑hunting mini‑season, guiding players toward a new in‑game macguffin while remaining enigmatic. Simultaneously, Epic introduced a mechanic that awards a week of free Item Shop access, boosting concurrent player counts amid the launch of GTA 6. The storyline now pits returning heroes against the long‑standing antagonist Geno, with Captain X’s allegiance still uncertain. The mask‑clad figure appeared at the 2026 Streamer Awards, delivering a handwritten note confirming the December 5 reveal. Speculation ranges from YouTube star MrBeast to former President Barack Obama, reflecting the franchise’s history of high‑profile celebrity collaborations.

💡 The reveal could set a new benchmark for celebrity integration in live‑service games, turning the event into a cultural moment that extends beyond the gaming community.

gamesradar.com · Nov 13

All MW4 DMZ Blackmarket locker locations

A guide released by GamesRadar+ details the three known Blackmarket Locker locations in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4’s DMZ mode, all situated on the map’s western side—two in the prison area and one in Deadtown. Each site contains a pair of lockers, allowing players with multiple keys to loot a broader selection of weapons and gear, though only two MW4 guns can be taken on exfiltration. The article advises carrying keys in a secure backpack slot and notes that lockers can still yield useful items even without a key. It also explains how to obtain Blackmarket Locker keys: they can drop randomly or be earned more reliably through Survival Kits unlocked via DMZ career progression, Battle Pass rewards, and specific events, with Recon Equipment Kits becoming available at career levels 19 and 46.

💡 Access to Blackmarket Lockers offers a rare shortcut to high‑tier loot, giving skilled players a tangible advantage in the high‑stakes DMZ extraction race.

eurogamer.net · Nov 13

Will GTA 6 break the internet? UK broadband operator braces for impact,…

Grand Theft Auto VI has shattered pre‑order records on both PlayStation and Xbox stores and is set to launch on 19 November. Anticipating an unprecedented surge in data traffic, UK broadband operator Openreach has been monitoring the release for months, citing past spikes from titles such as Fortnite and Call of Duty. Openreach’s network‑technology director Trevor Linney said the company expects GTA VI to test download capacity and is prepared for a potential new record. Ofcom, the communications regulator, reassured consumers that existing broadband codes require providers to maintain minimum speeds and offer clear information. Sony and Microsoft have urged players to pre‑download the game to avoid congestion, recalling similar chaos during the launch of smaller titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong in 2024.

💡 The launch will be a real‑world stress test for the UK’s biggest broadband backbone, revealing whether current infrastructure can sustain mass digital events without throttling gamers.

windowscentral.com · Nov 13

Xbox has been affected by Microsoft’s current outage

On November 12, 2026 Microsoft suffered a global outage that knocked out Outlook, Teams, Copilot, OneDrive and Azure. The disruption extended to Xbox on November 13, despite the service status page showing green. Users reported login failures, digital titles refusing to launch, cloud saves not syncing and Xbox Cloud Gaming being inaccessible, while Downdetector logged widespread complaints. Microsoft’s engineering team announced traffic‑optimization actions that have begun stabilising the platform and are being rolled out across affected regions. A detailed incident report is available under reference MO1550821 in the Microsoft 365 admin center and via a public link. Windows Central staff confirmed they could connect to Xbox services, indicating the console issue is less severe than earlier July and September outages but still part of the broader Microsoft service failure.

💡 Xbox gamers are suddenly cut off from both local and cloud‑based experiences, exposing the fragility of Microsoft’s unified service architecture during a multi‑service collapse.

gamesradar.com · Nov 13

How to complete A Severed Mindseal in Phantom Blade Zero and find…

The article explains how to complete the “A Severed Mindseal” quest in Phantom Blade Zero, which requires collecting Primal Stones at three Sha‑Chi Towers. The Weeping Creek Valley tower is part of the main story, while the Pangzhen (Meigu Lake) and Crimson Forest towers are optional and unlock later. It details navigation steps, such as using the Sha‑Chi Furnace Inspection Crank, a boat from Pangzhen docks, and fast‑traveling to the frozen Mirrorwood area. Completing the quest unlocks additional content and Soul‑Tempering materials.

💡 Mastering this quest streamlines progression, granting access to rare items and pivotal story events that shape the game’s combat upgrades.

gamesradar.com · Nov 13

Resident Evil Requiem actor after Golden Joystick Awards win: “Capcom, you cannot…

Resident Evil Requiem won Ultimate Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards, marking its fourth win that night. Actor Nick Apostoledes accepted on behalf of the team, praising Capcom and the franchise’s 30‑year legacy. Director Koshi Nakanishi also spoke, noting the significance of a single‑player title triumphing amid a crowded field. Capcom secured additional awards, including Studio of the Year, after winning Best Game Trailer, Best Lead Performer, and Best Audio Design for other titles. The ceremony highlighted Capcom’s sustained success and the franchise’s cultural impact.

💡 The awards underscore Capcom’s rare streak of critical acclaim, reinforcing its position as a dominant force in gaming. This momentum sets the stage for future releases, keeping the Resident Evil brand at the forefront of industry conversation.