The latest in a long line of updates for Halo: The Master Chief Collection is well on the way, with Bungie confirming that the update is in the "final stages of testing".
The latest update will tweak and improve a variety of matchmaking issues, plus boost stability, and improve the party and invite systems.
"As we announced previously, this content update includes fundamental changes to the aforementioned systems, and making and validating these changes requires substantial time beyond what was required for prior updates," 343i said on Halo Waypoint.
"We're happy with the progress on the next CU, with significant progress being made on big and small issues, and we're being diligent in gameplay and stress testing to ensure that it is a meaningful update."
In the same update lead concept artist Michael Pedro offered a bit of detail regarding the incoming Halo 2 CE multiplayer map, Relic.
Relic is based on the concept of a lone, ancient Forerunner monolith standing amid a vast ocean on Delta Halo. While this new incarnation of Relic certainly stays true to its origins, there are several thematic updates which should provide a new experience in familiar territory.
- The mysterious weathered Forerunner architecture has been updated to reflect the aesthetic depicted in Halo 2 Anniversary.
- The mood and drama of the environment has been increased significantly; thick cloud cover dots the island terrain with dapples of cool shadow, while ominous thunderheads loom on the horizon.
- The island itself is revealed to be an underwater landmass of sand, rock, and coral that has been recently exposed by significant tidal changes.
- The UNSC have built a modular research platform atop the remains of the Forerunners' ancient monument.
Ultimately, as with the other multiplayer maps produced for Halo 2: Anniversary, the goal is to add yet another layer of depth and mystery to what are already memorable, fan-favorite locations.