Despite a few progression issues, Halo Infinite was one of the most popular multiplayer experiences of last year, and continues to be just as popular at the start of 2022. The game strikes a near-perfect balance between nailing the tone and gameplay style of the original series, while refining and adding elements that have become standard in modern day AAA multiplayer experiences. Still, Halo Infinite could take a few more things from its predecessors.
While many fans are craving the addition of some fan-favorite maps, there's a fairly vocal section of the player-base that longs for some of the series' older weapons. Although Halo Infinite's array of weaponry features a fair few classics, like the Assault Rifle, Battle Rifle, and iconic Energy Sword, there's still a handful of old guns that aren't in the game, and the multiplayer experience may be lesser for it.
Why Halo Infinite Should Bring Back More Classic Weapons
Generally speaking, Halo Infinite has a decent selection of weapons right now. As mentioned up top, the series standards are all present in the game, each filling out the same specific gameplay role that they've had in previous entries. The Assault Rifle is the Jack-of-all-trades, the Battle Rifle is the perfect mid-range weapon, and the Energy Sword punishes those who get too close. Halo Infinite has also added some of its own new weapons, however.
Some of Halo Infinite's new weapons are pretty useful in a firefight, and add to the multiplayer experience of Halo, filling in gaps in the gameplay ecosystem. For example, the new Shock Rifle does a decent job of crowd control, with its electrical rounds bouncing off multiple enemies at once, encouraging players to spread out. The new VK78 Commando also adds new depth to the multiplayer gameplay of Halo Infinite, with it being the perfect middle-ground between the Battle Rifle's accuracy, and the Assault Rifle's rate of fire.
That being said, though, there's a few weapons from Halo's past that are still undeniably the best at what they do, and their absence in Halo Infinite is noticeable. Despite the new additions, there's still some gaps in Infinite's multiplayer ecosystem.
The Covenant Carbine would fit a particular gameplay niche perfectly. Halo Infinite doesn't have many energy-based weapons that are actually viable to use, and doesn't have any Covenant/Banished weapons that are designed purely for mid-range combat. The Needle Rifle from Halo Reach would also fill the role, adding an explosive finish to consecutive, well-placed shots.
On the UNSC side, the DMR, also from Halo Reach, could make a return. Currently, while the UNSC has the AR, BR, and Commando, they don't have a weapon that fires a single accurate shot at a decent rate of fire. The DMR may have had a bit of a mixed reception back in the day due to some pretty aggressive reticle bloom, but its high damage and decent rate of fire would definitely suit Halo Infinite's larger maps.
Although Halo Infinite has a good few anti-vehicle weapons- the SPNKR Rocket Launcher and Skewer being particular highlights - the Spartan Laser is a series icon that deserves a place in a game being touted as a "return to form" for the series. It may be a little clunky to use, requiring a few seconds to charge before firing, but its memorable audio design and instantly recognizable red beam are a staple of the series.
Speaking of fan-service, Halo Infinite could introduce a weapon that is ridiculously overpowered by design, perhaps only offering it for a limited time or in specific playlists. The original Halo Combat Evolved M6D Pistol could be added to the game, embracing the popular joke amongst fans that the old handgun was absurdly powerful.
Halo Infinite is available on Xbox One Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC.