As anticipated, Halo Infinite was a major part of the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 2021. After countless memes of Halo Infinite last year from a controversial showing, 343 Industries had to come up big at E3. By all accounts, Halo Infinite certainly did. Along with an intriguing story trailer involving more mystery around Cortana, some big questions have been answered surrounding the first-person shooter's multiplayer.
The Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase went off with a bang with its Starfield reveal, and it appeared to hit on all cylinders all the way through. About the only thing missing from its Halo Infinite presentation was a release date, which was curious given the fact that many assume the game will release in about four or five months. Regardless, Halo Infinite's multiplayer reveal was about as thrilling as it gets, especially given the fact that fans have been waiting for so long. The new details provided from the trailer and the following information was very exciting.
New Weapons in Halo Infinite
The Halo Infinite multiplayer gameplay reveal trailer was exciting in many ways. While 343 had shown images and shared some information about the beloved PvP offering previously, this was the first time fans had received a legitimate look at multiplayer. On top of that, the trailer is also the first look at a few brand-new additions to the Halo universe in the context of multiplayer.
As far as fresh weapons, players are able to get a look at the high-precision VK78 Commando. The weapon holds 20 rounds per magazine and appears to be fully automatic. Additionally, the VK78 has an optical zoom for precision aiming, which was on display during the trailer. The VK78 Commando is a UNSC weapon and has been a known Halo Infinite item even before the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase trailer. However, the gun looks devastating in multiplayer.
Another new weapon coming to Halo Infinite is the Ravager. The weapon has been shown in past gameplay reveals, and not a whole lot is known of it quite yet. The Ravager actually appeared first in the Halo: Shadows of Reach novel and is a plasma launcher with burst characteristics.
A gun that is entirely new to fans, based on the multiplayer reveal trailer, is the Skewer. The weapon appears to be an anti-vehicle launcher, although it will likely still do the trick against human players with the proper aim (much like the Spartan Laser in past Halo titles). Also, a weapon that originated from Halo: Shadows of Reach, the Skewer looked absolutely destructive in the footage.
New Vehicles and Items in Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite also employs a new vehicle, that being the Razorback. The Razorback looks a lot like the iconic Warthog, but it is a bit distinct. The size is different, the Razorback appears to be more protected from gunfire, and the Razorback does not have any weapons attached to it. Another unique feature to the Razorback is that equipment can be stored in the back of it. This will likely be very useful in Campaign, but also could come in the clutch in multiplayer. There could be some other new vehicles in Halo Infinite as well, they will of course be properly unveiled in time.
Another game-changing new item in Halo Infinite is the Grappleshot. With the newest multiplayer gameplay, the Grappleshot looked to be entirely gameplay-altering. There are two ways that the Grappleshot can change the way that Halo players new and old will play the game. One is that it will help gain the high ground in a heartbeat, or even close the gap and distance to enemies by grabbing a wall and pulling players closer. And two, players will be able to grab objects even if they are out of reach normally. Both functionally and in terms of style points, the Grappleshot will likely be a fan-favorite very quickly.
Halo Infinite is bringing back limited-time equipment very similarly to Halo 3. Halo Infinite's equipment was hinted at in the past, and now two have been confirmed so far (with more to come). The Threat Sensor is a device that sends a pulse and illuminates enemies within its radius periodically. Meanwhile, Repulsor can deflect projectiles. According to 343, more items will be announced and more could even be added in future seasons.
Additionally, powerups are back in Halo Infinite, but 343 has tweaked them this time around. The classic Overshield and Active Camouflage do not instantly activate this time around. Instead, the item goes into the player's inventory and the player chooses when to activate it. This means that the powerup is much more strategic. It also means that upon death, the powerup will drop and the enemy can obtain it.
The Return of Arena and Big Team
Halo Infinite multiplayer would not be Halo without a proper balance of Arena and Big Team Battle. Arena will return in Halo Infinite, pitting two teams of four against each other in new and returning modes. As always, Arena is based on a structured and fair starting point where strategy and skill are the reasons for victory. Halo has always had ambitious multiplayer.
When it comes to Big Team Battle, 343 is supporting 24 players this time. The classic sandbox gameplay is returning, but with some added flair. 343 is claiming that it will be bigger and better than ever, with Pelicans dropping in fresh vehicles, new weapon ordinances dropping in from space, and more. Arena mode is all about strategy and teamwork. Meanwhile, Big Team Battle is a wild and social experience that shows off everything that the Halo Infinite gameplay has to offer. And of course, whether it be Arena or Big Team, all of the Halo Infinite multiplayer experience is free to play.
Along with the two core modes, 343 will have Ranked and Social matchmaking again, which is par for the course for the developer. There will be Ranked seasons, however, and there will also be seasonal content that matches the timeline of that. Players will be able to enjoy cross-platform play between Xbox consoles and PC for Halo Infinite, along with cross-progression functionality. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series X will support 120 fps and the PC will allow a bevy of settings.
More Armor Customization in Halo Infinite
In previous Halo games, players were able to unlock various pieces of equipment through challenges and things of that nature to show off on the battlefield. That will be returning to Halo Infinite but with a twist. Each player's personal Spartan will be customizable, but that Spartan is meant to evolve as the months go by. Halo Infinite will be a game that has a seasonal structure, which has become a trend in gaming. Not every game can be a live service title, but Halo Infinite's multiplayer appears to be giving it a shot.
Each season will apparently feature new gear that can be unlocked/earned via gameplay, challenges, events, and purchases. The customization options in Halo Infinite appear to be endless. Players can also visit the Armor Hall to customize everything from gloves to shoulder pads to color coatings to apparently the voice of the Personal AI one hears during multiplayer matches. 343 has made it very clear that the equipment will have absolutely no effect on the gameplay and that there will be no loot boxes.
Another huge improvement for Halo Infinite comes with its battle pass. While most online games will sunset each battle pass with the passing seasons, players will be able to purchase previous battle passes at any time in Halo Infinite. Additionally, they will be able to choose which battle pass to put their progressions towards at any time. A lot of these decisions are directly addressing concerns that fans have with microtransactions, loot boxes, etc. So if those things are true, and the rest of Halo Infinite is as exciting as it seems, then 343 may be headed in the right direction.
Halo Infinite is scheduled to launch for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S this holiday season.
Source: HaloWaypoint