Post-release
Halo 4 supports downloadable content (DLC), which is available to download via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Three War Games map packs, each containing three maps, are planned for release. The first map package was released on December 10, 2012, it is titled the "Crimson Map Pack" and contains the maps: "Wreckage", "Harvest" and "Shatter". Players who were awarded early access to Specializations also received complimentary access to the Crimson Map Pack, for a limited time. The second collection, titled the "Majestic Map Pack", was released on February 25, 2013, and it contains the maps: "Landfall", "Monolith" and "Skyline". The third set of maps is titled the "Castle Map Pack" and is set for release in April 2013, it contains the maps: "Daybreak", "Outcast" and "Perdition". The map packs can be purchased individually or by acquiring the Halo 4 War Games Pass which will give access to all three of the forthcoming map packs. The pass is included in the Limited Edition version of the game and is available to purchase on the Xbox Live Marketplace.
On December 6, 2012, 343 Industries announced a free-to-enter Halo 4 tournament, titled Halo 4 Infinity Challenge and sponsored by Virgin Gaming. Players could register on the Halo 4 Infinity Challenge website to take part in the tournament, giving them the opportunity to win various prizes. The qualifier phase of the tournament took place from December 17, 2012, until January 10, 2013, and the finals phase took place from January 12, 2013, until January 19, 2013.
Aside from map packs, the game is supported by regular matchmaking playlist updates. These updates make playlist and balance changes, sandbox tweaks and fix minor glitches. On December 6, 2012, a first title update was released to fix various game issues and glitches. On December 6, 2012, 343 Industries announced that Spartan Ops would go on a mid-season break starting December 10, 2012, and would resume later in January 2013. On January 21, 2013, the second half of Spartan Ops was made available via free download from the Xbox Live Marketplace. On January 29, 2013, an in-game search feature was implemented for Halo 4's file sharing system; a web version of Halo 4 File Share is coming to the Halo Waypoint website in late February 2013. In April 2013, 343 Industries plans to launch a competitive skill ranking system more akin to that featured in Halo 2 and Halo 3.
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