Halo 4 update brings Spartan Ops episode 8, Team Doubles, and two more Specializations

Today's update for Halo 4 has been released, unlocking five new episodes for Spartan Ops, as well as a Team Doubles playlist in multiplayer and the last two Specializations.

The synopsis for episode 8, titled "Expendable" reads:

Fireteam Majestic are reunited, but the Infinity is still under attack by Promethean forces. Unfortunately for Lasky, he won’t know what the Prometheans are after until it’s too late.

Team Doubles makes its first appearance in Halo 4 with 2v2 in Infinity Doubles, Doubles Pro, and CTF Doubles on the Solari, Haven, Dispatch, Rail, Abandon, and Scythe maps.

Infinity Doubles offers the Infinity Slayer experience in 2 vs 2 form. In this variant, players have the option to choose their custom loadout, and instant respawn and radar are enabled. Personal ordnance will kick in at the traditional 70 point mark, but the options are tweaked specifically for Team Doubles. Games are played up to 300 points.

Doubles Pro offers an experience that features preset game loadouts. The score limit is the same as above, but radar, personal ordnance and instant respawn are disabled. Here are the loadouts that will be featured:

Loadout 1:
Starting Weapon – DMR
Secondary Weapon – Magnum
Armor Abilities – None
Tactical Mod – Resupply
Support Mod – Dexterity

Loadout 2:
Starting Weapon – BR
Secondary Weapon – Magnum
Armor Abilities – None
Tactical Mod – Resupply
Support Mod – Dexterity

Loadout 3:
Starting Weapon – LightRifle
Secondary Weapon – Magnum
Armor Abilities – None
Tactical Mod – Resupply
Support Mod – Dexterity

Loadout 4:
Starting Weapon – Carbine
Secondary Weapon – Magnum
Armor Abilities – None
Tactical Mod – Resupply
Support Mod – Dexterity

CTF Doubles offers the ever-popular Capture the Flag game type, customized for 2 vs 2 play. Custom loadouts and radar are enabled, and respawn time is set to 10 seconds. Flag settings provide an optimal experience for small maps and teams: 5 flags to win, 3 second return, and 15 second reset. Lastly, your flag does not have to be home to score.

Finally, the update adds the last two Specializations: Rogue and Tracker.

Rogue: Spartan optimization for single-operative missions which require a lone Spartan to be deployed on their own for incredibly long durations of time, even years if required. The Stability armor mod allows users to increase their aiming stability when being fired upon.

Tracker: Spartan optimization for long-range target tracking (trans-continent and off-world), particularly in scenarios where conventional tracking has failed or such a substantial time has passed that the trail has gone cold. The Requisition armor mod allows users the ability to recall their own ordnance requests in order to acquire more helpful weapons in the field.