Halo Infinite, a 2021 first-person shooter developed by 343 Industries and published by Xbox Game Studios, marks the sixth major installment in the Halo franchise, succeeding Halo 5: Guardians (2015). The game’s narrative centers on the iconic human supersoldier, Master Chief, as he combats the Banished, a formidable mercenary organization, amidst the vast expanse of the Forerunner ringworld, Zeta Halo. Notably, unlike its predecessors, Halo Infinite’s multiplayer segment is offered as a free-to-play experience.
Originally slated as a launch title for the Xbox Series X/S, the game faced a setback in August 2020 following a lukewarm reception to its gameplay reveal in July 2020. Consequently, its release was postponed. An open beta of the multiplayer component was rolled out on November 15, 2021, coinciding with the franchise’s 20th anniversary, preceding the campaign’s launch on December 8, 2021, available on Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S platforms. Reception to Halo Infinite among critics has been largely positive, with many hailing it as a revitalization of the series. The game has been lauded for its striking visuals, engaging gameplay mechanics, expansive open-world design, captivating soundtrack, and compelling storyline.
Halo Infinite invites players into the immersive world of first-person shooter action, where they step into the combat boots of the legendary Master Chief, protagonist of the game’s story mode. Tasked with battling against the formidable Banished, an alien faction, players embark on a journey across the expansive Zeta Halo. Armed with an arsenal of weapons and vehicles, players engage in intense skirmishes against their adversaries. Special equipment like the Grappleshot adds versatility to Chief’s arsenal, enabling dynamic combat maneuvers, item retrieval, and traversal assistance.
The campaign mode of Halo Infinite adopts a semi-open world approach, granting players the freedom to explore various segments of the Zeta Halo ring-world. These regions, initially partitioned and inaccessible, gradually unfold as players progress through the game. Throughout the landscape, players encounter Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), strategic hubs that, once liberated from enemy forces, double as convenient fast-travel points. Zeta Halo teems with diverse points of interest, from eliminating high-value targets and rescuing Marine squads to dismantling Banished propaganda towers. Completion of these side missions rewards players with Valor, a currency used to requisition weapons and vehicles from FOBs. Meanwhile, more linear environments within the ring’s surface adhere to traditional Halo mission structures, propelling the narrative forward and offering opportunities for replay via the in-game TACMAP. Exploring the environment yields collectibles such as audio logs, enriching the storyline with additional context.
Infinite’s multiplayer facet boasts a range of classic modes including deathmatch and capture the flag, catering to both competitive and casual players. Matches unfold in standard 4-versus-4 setups or the larger-scale Big Team Battle mode accommodating up to 24 players. Ability pickups introduce tactical depth, granting temporary access to special powers like dashing, active camouflage, and repulsor charges capable of repelling enemies and projectiles. A dedicated training mode caters to newcomers, offering weapon drills for honing skills and practice matches against computer-controlled bots.
