New images discovered during the Hunt the Signal ARG contest are suggesting that the Flood will make a return in Halo 5: Guardians

Long time Halo fans and those who have jumped into the series story with the Master Chief Collection will cringe at the mention of the Flood. A horrific parasite that infects any sentient creature it can find turning them into awful monsters. They were the Halo series most terrifying enemies, especially during a Legendary playthrough (remember the Library?). They haven’t been seen in Halo’s main storyline since Halo 3; now players have found evidence that suggests the flood is returning in Halo 5.

343 Industries recently kicked off an ARG competition called Hunt the Signal, where fans work through a long series of puzzles for a chance to have their likeness in Halo 5. This week Hunt the Signal competitors have stumbled onto a set of images that has hardcore Halo lore fans captivated. They’re four gifs of strange looking cells, the first one even growing spikes all across its surface and the rest appearing to breath. The final image shows a strand of DNA that is has been broken apart in some areas to be recombined into something new.

Halo forums have started buzzing about what these images could mean with two theories leading the pack. The first is that the images are a hint from 343 that the Flood are returning in Halo 5 to create all new terrifying levels like the ones from Halo’s past. Another group of fans believe that the images are actually of the virus see in the live action series Halo Nightfall. (Spoilers) The virus came from a piece of the Halo ring that was destroyed in Halo CE that specifically killed humans. Except that piece of the Halo ring was destroyed at the end of Nightfall. (End Spoilers)

If either one of those theories turns out to be true, it would raise Halo lore fans excitement for Halo 5 to insane new heights. Even players who are not deeply invested in the series story would probably be excited to see the Flood return in Halo 5. 343 has promised that Halo 5 and the rest of the Reclaimer Trilogy would have darker storylines than past games. The Flood would be the perfect mechanic to bring a darker more ominous tone to the series. Creating new levels similar to the Library from Halo CE are just what Dr. Halsey ordered.

Source:[highlight] Halo Waypoint[/highlight]