Microsoft and developer 343 Industries released a trailer on Sunday, June 13, unveiling the multiplayer mode for Halo Infinite and outlining features players can expect when the game launches late this year.
Free-to-play multiplayer with battle passes, no loot boxes
The multiplayer component of Halo Infinite will be free-to-play and will not include loot boxes. Instead, the game will rely on eternal battle passes that remain claimable even after a season ends, a system similar to tests previously run in Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
Players will use paid points to unlock items in Halo Infinite’s progression track. Through these battle passes, users can obtain new Spartan visual customizations. 343 Industries said it did not want player customization to be gated behind random item containers.
Customization, training and loadout options
The trailer shows an academy training area and detailed armor personalization. Players will be able to customize loadouts, and a personalized artificial intelligence will comment on battles alongside Halo’s traditional announcer. This AI commentary can be configured both in-game and via the official app.
Campaign context and story elements
Joseph Staten, head of creative for Halo Infinite, said the game continues the stories of the Master Chief and Cortana from Halo 5 while also welcoming new players. Staten noted that Cortana’s fate remains a mystery in the campaign and introduced “the Weapon,” an artificial intelligence created to help stop Cortana.
Staten added that “along with the Pilot, the Master Chief and the Weapon, an epic adventure begins to explore Zeta Halo, defeat the Banished forces controlling the ring and uncover further mysteries along the way.”
Launch timing, platforms and testing
During an E3 presentation on Sunday, Microsoft confirmed a release window near Christmas for Halo Infinite. The title was originally scheduled to arrive on consoles in November of the previous year but was delayed, with the COVID-19 pandemic cited among the causes.
343 Industries also confirmed that Xbox insiders will be eligible to take part in pre-release beta tests before the game reaches retail. Halo Infinite will be available on Windows 10 and on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles.
Credits and sources
Sources cited for the information in the trailer and announcements include Xbox, PC Gamer and Polygon.
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