343 Industries has released the highly anticipated Monitor’s Bounty update for Halo 5: Forge on PC and Halo 5: Guardians that features among other changes, the ability to search for custom games via both games’ multiplayer options.
The titular Forge Mode gets a significant update with the Forge Scripting update allowing creators to make some truly innovative and amazing game modes. Action Target allows forgers to modify up to sixty four objects all at once using a variety of different filters to select just the ones that they want to modify. Forgers also have the ability to modify how their Forge Scripts are executed with the new script action flags – these can be activated the Map, Object or Script level.
Here is a video tour 343i outlined in regards to the Forge specific changes that Monitor’s Bounty brings:
Collectors of Halo 5’s REQ cards should be happy to know that Monitor’s bounty adds a selection of new weapons for Warzone, two new WASP variations and a new set of unlockable armor for player Spartans as well.
New Weapons:
- M313 Grenade Launcher
- Pro Pipe
New Vehicles:
- ONI WASP
- Hannibal WASP
New Customization Pieces:
- Icarus Helmet
- Icarus Body Armor
Don’t forget that even players of Halo 5: Forge can use the Halo Waypoint website to unlock new customization parts for their Spartan – even if the other cards for modes like Warzone are irrelevant for PC only players.
Probably the most requested feature from players of the Halo 5: Forge edition on PC has been the ability to find custom games. This has been a feature that 343i promised back in September and fans have been waiting months for its inclusion.
The Custom Games Browser isn’t traditional matchmaking – instead of having an algorithm form groups of similarly skilled players and then creating a match the Custom Games Browser allows you to see any games that are open to the public and have already been started. Once players join an in-progress match they’ll automatically be added to the hosts FireTeam so that groups of players can stay together between rounds.
Here is how the devs describe the new Custom Games Browser:
Halo 5 players on Xbox One and Windows 10 will have a new way to find matches and teammates with the addition of the join-in-progress Custom Games Browser. This new browser enables players to search for in-progress games from the main menu and utilizes the Content Browser to filter for any map or mode your heart desires.
It feels like I’ve barely scratched the surface about the changes and additions that Monitor’s Bounty brings to the Halo 5 multiplayer experience. Stuff like brand new maps for Warzone, detailed information on the new Forge Mode mini-games and the new premium Req packs are all available on 343’s Halo Waypoint site. If you’re downloading the PC update the file-size is just over 8GB so be prepared to wait a little bit.
Here’s hoping that Halo 5: Forge has a large and long lasting community thanks to the Custom Games Browser.