Ghosts of Meridian, the next free update for Halo 5: Guardians, is launching today, while a beta test for the new Warzone Firefight mode is coming next week, Microsoft has announced.

　　First, Ghosts of Meridian comes with two new maps: Skirmish at Darkstar (Warzone) and Tyrant (Arena). Additionally, the update adds new weapons and vehicles, as well as new Hannibal customization options for the Scorpion and Mantis. You can see all the new content in the Req rundown image below.

　　In addition to the new content, the update adds a suite of multiplayer fixes and changes, as well as tweaks to vehicles. Meanwhile, more weather effects and more for Forge. Head to Halo Waypoint to see a complete overview. The update's full patch notes are also featured on the page.

　　Ghosts of Meridian is a big update, coming in at 8.3 GB.

　　The other big piece of Halo 5 news today is that Microsoft has announced a beta-testing period for the game's new Warzone Firefight mode. The beta will be held April 14 through April 18, set on the Warzone map Escape from A.R.C. "Several" more maps will be available for Warzone Firefight when the mode launches in full this summer.

　　Here is the official description for Warzone Firefight, a spin on Firefight from Halo 3: ODST:

　　"Up to eight players will fight together and utilize the Halo 5: Guardians Req System to complete five rounds of increasingly difficult, dynamic objectives set against a timer to emerge victorious."

　　Finally, 343 has released a new, promotion Req pack called the Mythic Warzone Req Pack. It is available for one week only, from April 14 through April 21, and comes with 10 Mythic single-use power weapons and one ultra rare or legendary weapon or vehicle.

　　"For use in all Warzone modes, including Warzone Firefight, this pack will ensure players enter battle with the most powerful gear available," 343 said.

　　Ghosts of Meridian is Halo 5's fifth free update following the game's launch in October 2015. The others were The Battle of Shadow and Light (November), Cartographer's Gift (December), Infinity's Armor (January), and Hammer Storm (February). This monthly streak came to an end with Ghosts of Meridian, as it missed March.

　　Halo 5's next free expansions are called "Memories of Reach" and "Hog Wild." In other news, 343 has confirmed that the fan-favorite Infection mode is coming to Halo 5 through a future update.