After launching with somewhat limited options in Halo 4, the fan-favorite Forge mode is set to make a big splash in Halo 5: Guardians. Developer 343 Industries today confirmed the return of Forge, in addition to detailing some of the mode’s new features.

As part of their Forge development process, 343 Industries brought five Forge “masters” to their studio to help determine what tool sets would be necessary to push the mode to new heights. And from a cursory glance, it appears that Halo 5: Guardians will offer players the most robust Forge mode yet.

343 detailed the changes and new features coming to Halo 5: Guardian’s Forge mode in a blog post on Halo Waypoint. In the post, which Ranters can read in full here, Josh Holmes, head of internal development, details improvements to lighting, controller based editing, groups, object palettes, true budget, and more.

One of the more exciting elements included with Halo 5’s Forge is a set of new canvases for players to build their multiplayer maps. So far there are only three major canvases, but each – Alpine, Glacier, and Space – should offer a distinct environment. Now, when players get together with the goal of developing a complex and highly detailed Halo multiplayer map, they will have the tools necessary to complete the task.

Although Forge is not for everyone, the mode has proven very successful among creative minded gamers. That’s why it was such a disappointment to hear that Halo 4 would be shipping with less options than was seen in the past, likely the byproduct of a new team taking on a major franchise. 343 wanted to get the core pieces right first, before eventually branching out and covering everything. However, now that they’ve got the Master Chief essentials down, it was time to bring back Forge in full.

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That being said, it’s worth noting that Forge will not release alongside Halo 5 on October 27th. Instead, Forge mode is getting a little extra time in the oven, and will hit some time in December. It’s a smart decision on 343 and Microsoft’s part, as it gives fans time to play through the campaign, which sees Master Chief at odds with a Spartan named Locke, and experience the multiplayer.

In fact, it’s the game's multiplayer that may take the most getting used to, as 343 has introduced some major changes to the online play. ADS for all weapons, suit abilities, and a dedicated sprint button are just of the few changes that have fans concerned about the game, but last year’s beta hopefully smoothed some of that over. And the announcement of Forge’s return is sure to make the fifth mainline game that much more enticing.

Are you happy to see Forge mode return for Halo 5? What do you think of the new features 343 is adding?

Halo 5: Guardians releases October 27, 2015 for Xbox One.