Wasting no time after the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 on Sunday, the Halo Infinite news continued Monday morning with an overview of the upcoming free-to-play online experience. 343 Industries touched on a new Battle Pass aspect to Halo, Infinite’s Big Team Battle experience, and more details on the customization offered in the game.
New Reveals
Battle Pass – New to the Halo experience, Infinite will launch with a seasonal, paid Battle Pass service. Once you purchase the seasonal service, you have that specific Battle Pass for life with no expiration date. Battle Pass offers cosmetic options for your spartan, weapons and vehicles and will release unique items on a seasonal basis.
Forge and Theater – Two of Halo’s favorite modes have been confirmed for Infinite. Though already assumed by most of us in the community, it’s nice to know for sure that designing our own maps and viewing our clips is back!
Strongholds Returns – After making its first appearance in the Halo series in Halo 5: Guardians, the point-capture-based gamemode will be back for Infinite.
Powerups – Powerups like Active Camo and Overshield are back with a new twist in Infinite. They work similarly to Halo 5 where there is a second delay from picking up the ability to slamming the small disc into your spartan’s chest to activate. The new element is that you can now hold onto the ability until you want to use it. This also means you drop it on the map for others to pick up if you die with it in your inventory without using it. This adds a new dynamic to powerup use, whether players will opt to use it right away, or hold onto it until a crucial moment in the game.
Vehicles – Warthogs, wraiths, ghosts, and so on will have more detailed damage in Halo Infinite, such as the warthog losing one of its wheels while still being able to operate. There is also a new “doomsday” mechanic for your vehicle that warns of you how much time you have left until it will explode from damage. The warthog’s cousin the razorback is a new addition to the series that allows players to place power weapons on the bumper to pick up once you’ve reached your destination.
Big Team Battle – In addition to now having 24 players face off against each other in the game mode, pelicans will drop off fresh vehicles and send down drop pods filled with weapons mid-match. This adds even more beautiful chaos to the BTB environment.
More Details
Grappleshot – The grappleshot can be used directly on an enemy player to pull yourself closer to them if you have a melee weapon in hand or just want to get up close and personal. The piece of equipment can also use be used to pick up weapons, allowing for you to get that sniper rifle in your hands as fast as possible.
Personal AI – This was touched on during the E3 conference but a few more details were offered up today. Players get to select whichever AI announcer that fits their personality when they do things like pick up the flag in CTF. There appears to be a range of options allowing for anything from a more sarcastic AI to a strict, by-the-book style voice in your ear.
Player Expression – In addition to going into a bit more detail on customization, players were also informed today that you can design your spartan from anywhere via the Halo Waypoint website and app. You also have the ability to design the body type and voice of your spartan, as well as if you want your supersoldier to have prosthetics.
Halo Insider – If you want to get involved in improving the game prior to launch, make sure you sign up for the Halo Insider Program!
Catch the full video overview here! What are you most looking forward to from Halo Infinite? Let me know in the comments!