Halo Infinite has received a lot of flack for its inconsistent release schedule and lack of features and game modes that fans consider to be pillars in the series, such as co-op and Forge. Developer 343 Industries has been working hard to keep fans updated on the progress of these game modes and their eventual inclusion in Halo Infinite, but the delays have only ramped up players’ anticipation and worry about the state of the game. The co-op has received a beta and seems to be on track to release soon, but the status of Forge is still mostly a mystery with only rumors suggesting a beta will be coming soon.
With that said, many players have high expectations for Halo Infinite’s Forge mode, because for many, the game mode has become an essential part of the multiplayer experience. Between Halo Infinite’s expansive traversal systems and new content, the game is ripe for creativity, and Forge is the perfect game type to allow players to express their own gameplay and map ideas that often resonate with the entire Halo community. However, the newest iteration of Forge will have to release without a hitch in order to keep the loyal fans happy with the highly anticipated mode.
Why Forge is a Staple in the Halo Series
Forge has become an essential part of the Halo series since its launch with Halo 3 in 2007. This first version of Forge was eye-opening for players as it allowed them to add their own unique touch to maps that they have come to know and love. Not only did Forge allow players to alter maps by adding different architecture and switching out vehicle and weapon locations, but it also allowed them to create completely new game modes and maps.
One of the most iconic creation from Forge is Grifball, a custom game made famous by creators at Rooster Teeth and then recreated by fans in Halo’s Forge mode. The game mimics a sports match, with rugby being the main inspiration, and it sees two teams facing off against one another in an attempt to score by moving the game’s ball into the opponent's goal. Halo’s recreation featured Gravity Hammers with unlimited ammo, an oversized ball, and a custom map, all of which were only possible through Forge’s map creator and custom rules. The thought of players being able to create an entirely new game mode through Forge shows just how influential the creative game mode can be.
Since Forge’s release with Halo 3, the game mode has been available at launch in every other mainline Halo title, with the exception of Halo 5: Guardians, which released the creativity mode as a free update shortly after the game’s launch. Each iteration has added new features or quality of life tweaks that have improved upon Forge’s features and given players even more creative options.
Why Forge is so Crucial for Halo Infinite
Even though Halo Infinite’s campaign and the semi-open world have been well received by fans, the game’s multiplayer and replayability have been in jeopardy since its release. Between a mixture of inconsistent release schedules, lack of cosmetic customizability, and the omission of fan-favorite game modes, the multiplayer has been fighting an uphill battle. That being said, 343 Industries seems to be attempting to make the multiplayer right by administering a number of quality-of-life fixes and releasing new content.
However, with Halo Infinite's co-op beta receiving a lukewarm response, and many fans still worried about the lifespan of Halo Infinite, Forge could be the saving grace that the game needs. With so many players eager to tackle the game’s different maps, game modes, weapons, and equipment with the full creativity of Forge mode, the anticipation and delays that have plagued the game are only causing more frustration among fans. Ideally, 343 Industries will be able to release a polished Forge mode in a timely manner which should appease the fans and could potentially revitalize the game’s multiplayer.
The Halo community has proven that it is exceptionally creative and able to make unique game modes and maps when given the proper tools. Forge gives players full freedom to make new maps or tweak pre-existing maps to better fit a particular play style or game mode, and Halo Infinite would do well with some new content created by a community that is dedicated to consistently bringing unique content to Halo Infinite. The creativity provided by Forge is not only a staple of the Halo series, but it also provides a blank canvas for players and developers to continuously expand upon the game.
Halo Infinite is available now on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.