After a 6 year hiatus since Halo 5: Guardians, Halo is finally back with a fresh installment for Xbox and PC. December 8, 2021 marks the official release of Halo Infinite. Halo’s brand new game features a free-to-play multiplayer and a continuation of the legendary Master Chief campaign. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about Halo Infinite! Starting today, you can also buy Halo Infinite and Halo Credits at Startselect.com. Let’s dive right into the details!
Halo fans have been waiting for a sequel to Halo 5: Guardians for a long time, but that patience has finally been rewarded with the official release of Halo Infinite. Infinite is the sixth major installment in the franchise and was initially planned to release with the launch of the Xbox Series X/S last year. Now, on December 8, 2021, it’s finally time for the full release of Halo Infinite, including the campaign mode.
A demo for Halo Infinite was first showcased in July of 2020. At that time, Halo Infinite was still planned to launch as a companion game for the new Xbox Series X/S, which would launch later that year. However, in August of 2020, 343 Industries published an official statement, announcing that Halo Infinite would be delayed to 2021. Studio Head Chris Lee mentioned various development challenges such as ongoing coronavirus impacts as the main reason for the delay. As a result, the development team would need more time to deliver a new Halo experience that would meet their vision. Luckily for us, we can now finally get our hands on Halo Infinite.
We’ve already got a taste of what was to come in the free-to-play multiplayer beta for Halo Infinite, but let’s recap the best new features now that the campaign mode is also officially available.
Source: Halo Waypoint
First off, Halo Infinite features a free-to-play multiplayer mode, which was already released in beta on November 15. This is the first time in the series that Halo’s multiplayer mode is freely available and this new approach to multiplayer brings about even more new features. For example, Halo Infinite will receive seasonal updates with Battle Passes, unique events, new game modes and new maps over time. The first season, titled “Heroes of Reach”, is already live and provides the first Battle Pass with in-depth customization options for your Spartan. Customize your armor core, coating, helmet, visor, shoulder pads and much more to completely personalize your Halo Infinite experience. You can purchase the Battle Pass or additional customization option with a new currency named “Halo Credits”.
On top of all this additional content, Halo’s multiplayer is returning to its roots with 4-player arena warfare with equal starting weapons and additional equipment that can be picked up on the map. Looking for even more action? Try out the Big Team Battles playlist and get access to a wide variety of weapons, vehicles and equipment against even more enemies.
Speaking of weapons and equipment, Halo Infinite features many fan-favorite Halo weapons as well as some new additions to freshen up the gameplay. Fans of the franchise will immediately recognize iconic weapons such as the Needler, the Battle Rifle, the Plasma Pistol and the Energy Sword. This weapon arsenal is expanded with new guns such as the full automatic “VK78 Commando”, the “Heatwave” plasma shotgun and the “Skewer” spear gun. Similarly, Infinite features more than enough equipment to outplay your opponents. Equipment replaces the Armor Abilities that were previously introduced to the series. Equipment can be found around the map and can be applied at any time. Protect yourself from incoming bullets with a well-placed Drop Wall or fly around the map using the Grappleshot. Other fan-favorite abilities such as Active Camo and Overshield also make a return as equipment pieces.
Source: Halo Waypoint
Aside from a free-to-play multiplayer mode, Halo Infinite also features a brand new campaign. This time, the story follows the series protagonist Master Chief John-117 in his quest to locate a new artificial intelligence known as “The Weapon”. Master Chief will need her assistance to find his former AI companion “Cortana” and end her threat. All this takes place on Halo Ring “Installation 07”, also known as Zeta Halo. You’ll face off against the Banished: an mercenary organization that split from the Covenant Empire and is now led by a violent Brute. For the first time in Halo history, players will be able to explore a Halo Ring in a semi open-world structure, freely exploring parts of the environment while progressing through the story. Clear every area and capture Forward Operating Bases to use as fast-travel points and earn Valor. Valor is your one-way ticket to new weaponry and vehicles in campaign. To play the campaign mode, you’ll need the full version of Halo Infinite for Xbox or PC.
Are you new to the Halo franchise? No worries, the release of Halo Infinite is the perfect time to sink your teeth into this legendary franchise for the first time. If you want to catch up on the Halo storyline, we recommend Halo: The Master Chief collection, which features six iconic Halo titles: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo 4 and Halo: Reach. Of course you can also check out Halo Infinite’s direct predecessor, Halo 5: Guardians, to prepare yourself for Infinite’s release.
You’re all set for the launch of Halo Infinite now! Get your friends together for some epic multiplayer games or step inside Master Chief’s iconic armor in the campaign. Halo Infinite is available for PC and Xbox now. It’s time to become a hero, Spartan!