Firefight

Overview

Firefight was the first ' Horde mode' variant to be used in the Halo universe. And while it appears to be like Horde mode it has some key differences. The first is the game has no limit to how long you can go for, making it endless if you wanted it to be. The second is that with the release of Halo: Reach, you will be able to edit the settings with alarming precision.The third is the lay out of sets and rounds, making Firefight more structured that other horde gametypes.

The only option to customize in Halo 3: ODST is the difficulty, however the settings for Halo: Reach are listed below. 
 
It has been specifically confirmed that Firefight mode will not be returning in the upcoming sequel, Halo 4, which replaces it with a new co-operative multiplayer experience called Spartan Ops..

FIREFIGHT SETTINGS

In Reach, the firefight game mode will be extremely customizable, unlike the standard firefight in ODST.

One of the cool things about firefight in Reach is that you can create your own game variants now. In ODST it was really just choose your map, go. Firefight was firefight. Now we have all sorts of things which you can do.

Lars Bokken, Multiplayer Designer, Bungie

Below are the menu options available for the firefight game mode in Reach. All of the options are customizable.

Wave Properties

This is where you will customize the enemies you face and the skulls in the game. It is divided into Round Wave Properties, then sub categorized into the Wave Properties

ROUND ONE WAVE PROPERTIES

Skulls

Allows you to choose which skulls will be active during the game.

Initial Wave

Allows you to choose the dynamic of the initial wave of enemies.

Uses Dropship

• Enabled
• Disabled

This option is self explanatory.

Squad Selection Order

• Ordered
• Random

This option will dictate if the enemies spawn in order, or in a random manner.

Squad 1-3

The squads include a wide array of enemies. Close to 30 different types are available to choose from. The enemies are all from the common species in the Halo universe. Each of the squads include the same options. The enemies available in the squads are below.

Grunts

There is only one kind of Grunt.

Elites

The different types of Elites available. Elites have the most variety.

Brutes

Brutes come in a few different variants in Reach.

Hunters The intimidating Hunters are still present in Reach.

Skirmishers

Skirmishers make their first appearance in Reach. There are three unique kinds of Skirmisher.

Jackals

As expected, Jackals will be around for firefight.

Heretics

Unlike the Elites, there isn't much of a variety when it comes to Heretics.

Main Waves

The Main Waves have the same options as the Initial Wave. The only difference is that the main wave has FIVE squads to choose from rather than the initial THREE.

Boss Wave

The Boss Wave has the same options as the Initial Wave. It has THREE squads to choose from.

ROUND TWO & THREE WAVE PROPERTIES

The final two rounds have the same properties/options to choose from as the first round.

BONUS WAVE PROPERTIES

Bonus Wave Duration

This option is self explanatory. It decides how long you want the Bonus Wave to last.

The rest of the Wave options are similar to the Initial and Boss Waves, with THREE squads.

Wave Limit

This option determines the amount of waves.

Time Limit

Self explanatory.

Generator Properties

Generator is an objective based addition to the firefight game mode. In this game mode players must defend Generators whilst an onslaught of enemies attack.

Generator Count

This option determines the amount of Generators the players wish to have in the game to defend.

Spawn Order

Spawn Order dictates the spawning of players(?). The two options are SEQUENCE, meaning in a sequential order, or RANDOM.

Loss Condition

The condition to determine a loss for the players. You can choose either: LOSE ONE generator, or LOSE ALL generators.

Scenario Settings

Hazards

You can choose whether to ENABLE or DISABLE hazards.

Weapon Drops

Choose whether to have weapons drop; ENABLED or DISABLED

Ammo Crates

Determine whether to have ammo crates or not; ENABLED or DISABLED.

Custom Skull Settings

Custom Skull Settings allows you to create custom skulls. This can be achieved by setting certain attributes for Spartans and Waves.

SPARTAN TRAITS

Shields and Health

Change the settings for Shields and Health.

Weapons and Damage

Change the settings for Weapons and Damage

Movement

These settings will affect the movement characteristics of players.

Sensors

Appearance

WAVE TRAITS

Blue/Yellow Skull Settings

The other two customizable skulls, Blue and Yellow, have the same options as the aforementioned Red Skull.

Spartan Setting

Changed different options pertaining to the Spartans.

Respawn Time

Self explanatory. How long you have to wait before you can respawn.

Starting Lives

How many lives you start with.

Maximum Extra Lives

The maximum amount of extra lives you can accumulate. Same intervals as STARTING LIVES.

Base Traits

The traits given to the Spartan. Same to SPARTAN TRAITS under CUSTOM SKULL settings above.

Loadouts

You can create custom loadouts in the Spartan Settings.

Loadout 1

Secondary Weapon

Secondary Weapon choices are the same as Primary Weapon choices.

Loadout 2-5

Same options as Loadout 1

General Settings

Friendly Fire

Choose whether Friendly Fire is ENABLED or DISABLED.

Betrayal Booting

Choose whether to have the option to Boot after Betrayals; ENABLED or DISABLED.