Halo Infinite is one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2021. Recent trailers, betas, and developer interviews have delivered more information on what Halo's newest installment will look like. Expectations for the title are high, but initial reactions are promisingly positive.
Due to the pandemic, 343 Industries delayed Halo Infinite multiple times. To make its 2021 holiday debut, 343 delayed two game modes to a 2022 release. Despite the initial disappointment, the Infinite team seems dedicated to releasing promised features and game modes in the near future.
Halo Infinite will improve preexisting systems and introduce new mechanics to diversify gameplay. Open-world exploration, side quests, new abilities and weapons, and increased customization are just a few of the improvements 343 has made to the Halo franchise. Brief glimpses of Halo Infinite through cinematic and gameplay trailers have only further excited the community.
Halo Infinite's Release Date
Halo Infinite will release on Xbox and PC on December 8, 2021. The game will not be abandoning last-gen consoles, as Xbox One will receive Infinite alongside Xbox Series X/ S. Microsoft Windows s will also have access to the title, but Mac OS will not. Unfortunately, Infinite will not feature Forge mode or co-op campaign at launch. 343 Industries will add these modes a few months after the December release, but their absence could affect initial reviews. Preorders are available now on Halo Infinite's official site and select retailers.
Halo Infinite's Gameplay & Multiplayer Details
Unlike other Halo games, Halo Infinite will feature a free multiplayer experience independent of the story campaign. 343 Industries has developed a Battle -styled service that provides players with cosmetics such as armor and weapon skins. Battle items do not affect gameplay. It is unknown whether future content will be locked behind paywalls, especially with the delayed release of Forge. Additionally, Halo Infinite's multiplayer appears to feature story elements in the trailer for its first season.
Halo Infinite's multiplayer will introduce updated mechanics and abilities into gameplay. Though few trailers were released, the brief Halo Infinite beta gave fans an early look at what to expect. Players will be able to use grappling lines (for increased mobility, hijacking vehicles, or retrieving weapons), sonar darts (for recon and temporary x-ray vision), and deflector shields (for projectiles). Ordinance drops are also returning, a mechanic revamped from Halo 4 that now contains personal vehicles. Halo Infinite's multiplayer will also feature personal AI that will act as announcers to players.
Halo Infinite Story & Trailer Details
Halo Infinite's story campaign occurs long after Halo 5's conclusion, following the fallout of Cortana's rampancy. Players will control Master Chief in an open world environment, a significant departure from previous Halo campaigns. Accompanying Master Chief on his journey is Pelican Echo216's Pilot, whose name is currently unknown. The Banished, a rogue group of Brutes, will be the primary enemies on the Halo Installation. This faction also appeared in Halo Wars 2, though knowledge of this game is unnecessary to understand the story.
Covenant Grunts and Elites will also appear during gameplay. Infinite will include another familiar face with the return of Cortana, who is back - but under unknown circumstances. Halo Infinite is described as the conclusion of the Forerunner Saga and the gateway to new stories in the franchise. The cinematic trailer for Halo Infinite can be viewed here.
Thankfully, players will not need to wait much longer for Halo Infinite. As the December release draws closer, 343 may reveal more information in new gameplay or cinematic trailers. Halo Infinite's many improvements and additions to the franchise are a welcome change and will hopefully deliver an enjoyable experience.