Halo Infinite brings many changes to player customization from previous games, like Armor Cores and set emblem-calling card combinations. In addition to the Battle Pass, players can earn new cosmetic items through Halo Infinite's Events, the first of which being Fracture: Tenrai.
Fracture: Tenrai is not a new development, it being revealed earlier this week with Halo Infinite's surprise multiplayer launch. Like many other multiplayer games, Halo Infinite is planning for its multiplayer to last for years to come, in turn, it being divided into multiple seasons and Battle Passes. The first season is the Heroes of Reach Battle Pass, where players can earn cosmetics that will transofrm their Spartans into the iconic Noble Team members from Halo Reach. After receiving overwhelming feedback criticizing Halo Infinite's Battle Pass progression, 343 Industries has begun implementing changes to make it easier and more rewarding for players.
In a new tweet, 343 Industries shows off Fracture: Tenrai for Halo Infinite, the game's first multiplayer event. Fracture: Tenrai is a free 30 tier event that runs adjacent to the Heroes of Reach Battle Pass, which begins on Monday, November 22. The main draw of this event is the intricate samurai-inspired Yoroi armor set, with multiple helmet, shoulder, and chest pieces up for grabs. Players can also unlock a variety of other cosmetics including emblems for their calling card and Spartan, as well as weapon skins for the Assault Rifle, Sidekick pistol, and Battle Rifle.
The Fracture events were previously introduced in Halo: The Master Chief Collection as a way for more nonsensical and non-canon armor sets. For example, the final season of The Master Chief Collection's multiplayer introduced armor sets based on a variety of other historical time periods like Greek Spartan pieces and Medieval knight sets. 343 Industries teases some other content coming down the pipeline including pink and blue armor coatings called "Winter Contingency'"(like the first mission of Halo Reach), holographic armor effects titled "Cyber Showdown," and a new helmet under the banner of "Tactical Ops.' It is unclear whether these are other events coming in the future or cosmetics that will be featured in the shop next week.
While free content may not be the best for developers, it is certainly great for players, as they can be rewarded for just playing the game. Considering the changes that are actively being made to Halo Infinite's multiplayer, and the larger scale fixes coming later, a free event like Fracture: Tenrai is a great option to get players awesome cosmetics without having to buy them. There needs to be a balance between meaningful progression and giving players enough content to keep them content, and it seems like 343 Industries is doing its best to provide it.
Halo Infinite's multiplayer beta is available now on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, with the full game releasing on December 8.