The eagerly awaited free-to-play multiplayer mode for Halo Infinite is finally available and the player numbers at launch speak for themselves. Find out what you can expect from the sci-fi shooter’s separate game mode and all the other info.
Halo Infinite: Multiplayer – what the online mode offers
Ever since Halo: Combat Evolved, a multiplayer mode has been part of the overall package of the game series alongside the single-player campaign loved by fans, and that doesn’t change with Halo Infinite. Unlike before, however, Microsoft is offering the online mode as a separately available game. For the single-player mode, however, you will still have to reach for your wallet.
- Also new is the move to a free-to-play model. This means that you can install and play the game for free without having to pay anything. The game generates revenue via a so-called Battlepass. This is optional and is purchased with real money. It contains cosmetic items that allow you to change the appearance of your player character.
- As the multiplayer mode is in constant development, more content will gradually be added to the game. At the time of writing, the free-to-play game offers 10 different maps on which players can engage in heated battles.
- Another special feature is that the mode is in a beta phase until the official release of the game on 08.12.2021. However, it is important to note that you will retain your Battlepass progress, as well as any cosmetic customisations to your character, even after the beta ends.
- Halo Infinite multiplayer mode, like other Halo parts before it, offers a variety of popular match variations that differ from each other in both the number of players and the type of objective.
Halo Infinte: Multiplayer – these modes offer variety
Similar to other first person shooters, Call of Duty Vanguard for example, Halo Infinite also features a varied selection of modes. In the following, you can find out what these are and why they come with a small shortcoming:
- Although Halo Infinite comes with a good number of match variations, it’s not that easy to try them all out, at least during the beta. Instead of directly selecting your preferred mode, you have to resort to one of four different playlists. These are Bot Bootcamp, Big Team Battle, Ranked Arena and Quick Play.
- Each playlist has different modes, which are randomly selected after you sign up for one of the playlists. For example, in the Big Team Battle playlist you will only find maps that are designed for 12v12 battles. If you want to play in small teams, you have to sign up for the Quick Play Playlist and in Bot Bootcamp you play against computer-controlled opponents.
- Ranked Arena is the competitive playlist where you are assigned a rank at the beginning based on your playing skills. As you win matches, your rank increases. If you lose, in the worst case scenario, you’ll be demoted to a lower rank. Usually, ranked matches mean that players try to play more seriously and try harder because it’s about their rank.
- There are seven different game modes in total, some of which have further variations that change the gameplay. Slayer is a classic deathmatch skirmish. This means that the aim is to get the most kills. This can be done in a team or solo.
- In Capture the Flag, the task is to bring a flag on the map into your own base. The modifiers “One Flag” and “Neutral” change the number of flags and the flag can be captured by either team at any time.
- Fiesta is probably the most chaotic game mode. Similar to Slayer, the aim is to get the most kills. However, the players of the two teams spawn into the match with two random weapons, which makes the battles always unpredictable. In Oddball, the aim is to collect a skull relic. The twist: The team only generates points as long as the skull is in its own possession and the bearer cannot use any weapons.
- In Strongholds, the objective is to capture three areas located on the map. The more areas your team has captured, the more victory points are generated. However, the areas can be recaptured by the opponent at any time. The situation is similar in the 12v12 mode Total Control. Here, however, all areas must belong to your own team at the same time for a victory point to be generated.
- In 12v12 mode Stockpile, each team must bring 5 energy cells into their own base to generate a victory point. The difficulty is finding a balance between transporting the cells and stopping the opponents.
If you’re looking for the right Xbox console now in preparation for Halo Infinite, we’ve compiled the most important differences between the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S for you in a practical tip.
