Halo fans, get ready for a terrifying return to the Flood’s origins. 343 Industries and publisher Simon & Schuster have officially confirmed Halo: Parasite’s Wake, a new novel from acclaimed horror author Tim Lebbon, set to release in 2026 as part of the franchise’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
This isn’t a video game – it’s a full-length novel that dives deep into the events of the original Halo: Combat Evolved (2001), focusing on the horrifying Flood outbreak on Installation 04 from a fresh perspective.
Plot Overview (Spoiler-Free)
The story unfolds in 2552 during the chaos of the UNSC Pillar of Autumn’s crash-landing on the ringworld Halo. Staff Sergeant Marvin Mobuto leads a squad of imprisoned Marines (facing charges like desertion and murder) back to the crash site to regroup with allies.
But the Covenant isn’t the only enemy. As war rages across the ring for control of the installation’s weapons and secrets, a far more terrible threat emerges from deep within Halo’s underworld – the Flood parasite awakens and transforms the conflict into a desperate battle for survival.
The novel promises visceral horror, survival tension, and new insight into how the Flood spreads and overwhelms both human and Covenant forces.
Creative Team & Significance
- Author: Tim Lebbon – known for Halo novels like Silent Storm and Bad Blood, as well as horror classics.
- Cover Art: Illustrated by Rythayze, who brings the nightmare Flood forms to life.
- Why 2026? 2026 marks 25 years since the original Halo: Combat Evolved launched on Xbox – this novel is part of a wave of anniversary content, including the Halo: Combat Evolved remake (coming to Xbox Game Pass and PS5) and Halo Fest 2026 in Seattle.
What Fans Can Expect
- Flood horror at its peak – the book focuses on the early outbreak, before the events become overwhelming.
- New characters – Mobuto and his squad of misfit Marines offer a ground-level view of the terror.
- Lore expansion – Ties directly to Halo CE’s story, adding depth to the ring’s fall and the Flood’s threat.
- Collector’s appeal – Expected to have special editions with art, maps, or Flood-themed extras.
Fan Reactions & Hype
Social media is already exploding:
- “Flood novel during CE? Take my money!”
- “Tim Lebbon writing Flood horror – this is going to be nightmare fuel.”
- “25th anniversary gift we didn’t know we needed.”
This book could reignite interest in the Flood’s terrifying lore ahead of the CE remake and other 2026 projects.
Pre-order: Available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Halo Waypoint store. Release: 2026 (exact date TBA, likely mid-to-late year for anniversary timing).
Ready to face the Flood again? Which part of Halo CE’s Flood outbreak scared you most? Comment below!
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