A new report from Halo leaker Rebs Gaming claims that the long-rumored battle royale mode for the Halo franchise codenamed Project Tatanka was not fully cancelled but instead evolved into a PvE-focused extraction shooter called Project Eker.
The original battle royale concept was widely discussed after the 2021 launch of Halo Infinite. Multiple leaks suggested it would launch as a standalone PvP experience similar to Call of Duty: Warzone, with plans for a 2022 debut. However, development was paused in late 2022, and the mode was ultimately scrapped amid shifting priorities at Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries).
According to Rebs Gaming’s sources, the project was not abandoned entirely. Instead, it was reworked into Project Eker, a PvE extraction shooter built in Unreal Engine. Development details remain scarce, with the last known update coming in summer 2023. It is unclear how far along the project is or whether it will launch as a standalone title or be integrated as a multiplayer mode in the next full Halo game.
Certain Affinity, the studio that was co-developing the battle royale, has reportedly shifted its focus to the next mainline Halo title. This raises the possibility that elements of Project Eker could be absorbed into that larger project rather than released separately.
Early leaks described Project Tatanka as a large-scale battle royale set within a “training simulation” on a UNSC ship, designed to prepare Spartans for operations on Zeta Halo. The map was said to incorporate classic Halo locations such as Blood Gulch and Valhalla, with players entering via drop pods. The mode would have emphasized the franchise’s signature blend of vehicles, weapons, and large-scale combat in a battle royale format.
While that vision never materialized, some of these elements such as iconic map recreations or drop-pod mechanics could potentially carry over into the extraction shooter format if Project Eker moves forward.
The timing of this report is notable. The extraction shooter genre has seen renewed mainstream attention in recent months, with titles like ARC Raiders maintaining steady player counts and Marathon (Bungie’s take on the format) generating significant discussion despite softer retention numbers. If Project Eker is indeed an extraction shooter, it would position Halo Studios to capitalize on the current popularity of the genre while leveraging the Halo IP’s built-in audience.
Halo has long been associated with arena-style multiplayer, but the franchise has experimented with broader experiences in Halo Infinite’s open-world campaign and live-service elements. An extraction shooter could offer a fresh way to explore the Halo universe, combining high-stakes PvE loops with the series’ iconic weapons, vehicles, and lore.
For now, Project Eker remains unconfirmed by Microsoft or Halo Studios. No gameplay footage, release window, or official details have been shared. However, the fact that development resources were reportedly redirected rather than scrapped entirely suggests the idea of a larger-scale, non-traditional Halo multiplayer experience is still alive within the studio.
Halo fans have been vocal about wanting fresh multiplayer experiences beyond the traditional arena formula. While many were disappointed when the battle royale was cancelled, an extraction shooter could appeal to players seeking more narrative-driven or PvE-focused content within the Halo universe.
The next full Halo game is expected to be a major priority for the studio, and any integration of Project Eker into that title could mean a more ambitious multiplayer component than previous entries.
As always with leaks, these details should be treated as unverified until an official announcement is made. Halo Studios has remained relatively quiet on future plans following the rebranding and internal restructuring, so any concrete update on Project Eker would likely come as part of a larger showcase or roadmap reveal.
In the meantime, Halo Infinite continues to receive updates, and the community remains hopeful that the franchise’s multiplayer legacy will evolve in exciting new directions whether through a standalone extraction shooter or as part of the next mainline game.
What are your thoughts on the leak?