- Halo: Flashpoint is an official Halo-licensed tactical tabletop miniature skirmish game from Mantic Games, released in 2024.
- Games are for 2 players, last 30–90 minutes, and are recommended for ages 14+.
- You command small Fireteams of Spartans, ODSTs, Banished, and Covenant forces in classic Halo-style missions.
- The official Web App handles Fireteam building, rules reference, collections, and event support.
- Start with the Spartan Edition starter set, then expand with units, terrain, and paints.
What Is Halo: Flashpoint?
Halo: Flashpoint is a tabletop miniature skirmish wargame officially licensed from the Halo universe and produced by Mantic Games. Instead of a video game, it is a physical game played with painted miniatures, unit cards, dice, tokens, and tabletop terrain. You build a small elite Fireteam—Spartans, ODSTs, Marines, Banished warriors, Sangheili, Grunts, Jackals, and more—and fight tactical battles built around classic Halo multiplayer objectives like Slayer, Capture the Flag, Strongholds, and Oddball.
The game distenses the Halo experience into a fast, accessible format: small model count, quick setup, and scenario-driven play that rewards positioning, cover use, and objective control over raw list-building.
Video Highlights:
- Official first-look preview of the game's world, miniatures, and core play
- Overview of Fireteam-scale battles between Halo's most iconic factions
- A look at how classic Halo combat translates to the tabletop
| Game Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Tactical tabletop miniature skirmish game |
| Publisher | Mantic Games (officially licensed) |
| Release Year | 2024 |
| Players | 2 |
| Play Time | 30–90 minutes |
| Suggested Age | 14+ |
| Scale | Small Fireteams of elite units |
| Digital Support | Official Web App for lists, rules, and events |
Halo: Flashpoint is a physical tabletop wargame, not an online game. There are no servers, downloads, or platform versions—everything you need comes in boxed sets, played on a real table with friends.
Factions and Units You Can Command
The roster draws directly from Halo's most recognizable forces. Each faction has a distinct tactical identity, and named characters like Master Chief, Atriox, and Noble Team anchor themed collections.
| Faction | Role | Weapon Focus | Playstyle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spartan | Elite all-rounders | Flexible rifles, precision weapons | Balanced, adaptable, strong objective presence |
| ODST | Mobile infantry | Conventional firearms | Disciplined team tactics and mission play |
| Banished | Aggressive assault | Heavy weapons, brutal melee | Early pressure, breaking defensive positions |
| Covenant | Combined arms | Plasma and energy weapons | Varied specialists working together |
| Noble Team | Themed elite squad | Specialist loadouts | Character-driven, coordinated Fireteam |
Spartan
- Durable and versatile
- Strong in every phase
- Great first faction
Banished
- Heavy hitters
- Melee intimidation
- Rewards aggression
ODST
- Objective specialists
- Coordinated infantry
- Terrain-dependent tactics
Each model's stats, weapons, keywords, and options live on its unit card. When a weapon or keyword changes normal procedures, the card is your authoritative reference during a game.
How a Game Plays: Core Rules Overview
Most turns revolve around three decisions: when to move, when to attack, and when to contest objectives. Rounds follow the scenario's sequence, with players activating units one at a time to move, shoot, fight in close combat, or interact with objectives.
| Rules Area | What You Do |
|---|---|
| Activation | Resolve one unit's actions fully before the next activates |
| Movement | Measure moves, use terrain, position for objectives and firing lanes |
| Shooting | Check range, line of sight, and cover, then resolve the attack sequence |
| Close Combat | Engage exposed targets with melee profiles and keywords |
| Cover | Terrain blocks line of sight and protects models from attacks |
| Objectives | Scenario text determines scoring—read it before deploying |
Choose a starter force
Use the models, cards, dice, and tokens from your starter product. Keep the first roster simple so you can focus on movement, attacks, and objectives.
Prepare the battlefield
Set up terrain, deployment zones, and scenario objectives. Several pieces of cover create more meaningful choices than an open table.
Deploy your units
Spread enough to contest multiple areas while keeping units within supporting distance of each other.
Play the round
Activate units, declare actions before rolling, and check unit cards whenever a weapon or keyword changes normal procedure.
Review and improve
Identify which decisions created the most value—objective control, cover use, coordinated attacks—and adjust your next deployment.
New players improve fastest by protecting key units and scoring objectives rather than chasing every possible attack. Kill count alone rarely wins scenario-driven missions.
Game Modes and Scenarios
Missions mirror classic Halo multiplayer, giving every session a familiar hook. Choose a mode based on experience level and session length.
| Mode | Category | Objective | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team Slayer | Elimination | Win combat engagements | First games, learning ranges |
| Capture the Flag | Objective control | Steal the flag, defend your own | Movement and screening play |
| Strongholds | Area control | Hold designated areas over time | Teaching objective play |
| Oddball | Carrier objective | Protect the carrier at a central point | Experienced, coordinated players |
Always read the scenario objective text before deployment. Deployment zones, scoring timing, and win conditions change from mission to mission, and misreading them is the most common new-player mistake.
Getting Started: Products and Tools
Halo: Flashpoint supports several entry points depending on your collection goals.
| Product | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Spartan Edition | Starter set | A complete introduction to the game |
| Rulebook Pack | Rules reference | Expanded, consolidated rules access |
| Unit Card Update Pack | Card refresh | Existing players with older releases |
| Paint Set | Hobby accessory | Assembling and painting miniatures |
| Terrain & Expansions | Collection growth | More variety, scenery, and rosters |
The free official Halo: Flashpoint Web App (haloflashpoint.manticgames.com/the-app) lets you create Fireteams, review points, configure weapons, check rules, manage collections, and follow events and global rankings. The official FAQ & Errata page is the authoritative source for rules clarifications.
Video Highlights:
- Walkthrough of the official Web App interface
- How to build and validate a Fireteam digitally
- Event and rankings features explained
First Game Checklist:
- Choose a starter set and assemble a compact Fireteam
- Read the scenario objectives and set up terrain with cover
- Confirm unit cards, points, and any FAQ updates
- Deploy with objectives and enemy approaches in mind
- Review the result and adjust your next list
Join the community at r/Haloflashpoint and the Halo: Flashpoint Hub Discord for tactical discussion, painting advice, and organized play events.
FAQ
Q: What is Halo: Flashpoint?
Halo: Flashpoint is an officially licensed tabletop miniature skirmish game from Mantic Games, released in 2024. Two players command small Fireteams of Halo units—Spartans, ODSTs, Banished, and more—in 30–90 minute tactical battles.
Q: Is Halo: Flashpoint a video game?
No. It is a physical tabletop wargame played with miniatures, dice, unit cards, and terrain. However, the official free Web App supports Fireteam building, rules reference, collections, and organized play.
Q: How many players and how long is a game?
The game is designed for 2 players, with a typical session lasting 30 to 90 minutes depending on the scenario and roster size. It is recommended for ages 14 and up.
Q: What do I need to start playing?
A starter product such as the Spartan Edition provides the miniatures, unit cards, dice, tokens, and components needed to learn and play. From there, expand with additional units, terrain, and the official Web App for list building.