Halo Infinite is a 2021 first-person shooter game developed by 343 Industries and published by Xbox Game Studios. It is the sixth mainline entry in the Halo series,[1] following Halo 5: Guardians (2015).

The campaign follows the human supersoldier Master Chief and his fight against the enemy Banished on the Forerunner ringworld Zeta Halo, also known as Installation 07. Unlike previous installments in the series, the multiplayer portion of the game is free-to-play.

The game was intended to release as a launch title for the Xbox Series X/S, but was delayed in August 2020 after Infinite's gameplay reveal in July 2020 drew negative feedback from both critics and Halo fans.[2][3] Following an open beta release of the multiplayer component on November 15, 2021, coinciding with the franchise's 20th anniversary, the campaign was released for Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on December 8, 2021.

Halo Infinite received generally favorable reviews from critics, with some deeming the game a return to form for the series. Praise was directed towards its visuals, gameplay, open world design, soundtrack, and story.

Gameplay

Halo Infinite is a first-person shooter akin to past Halo games. Players use weapons and vehicles commonly found in the Halo series, such as the Warthog. The game adds new abilities for player character Master Chief such as the Grapple Shot, which pulls him towards foes or retrieves items.[4]

The campaign mode's semi-open world structure allows players to freely explore parts of the ring-world Zeta Halo setting, which are segmented off from each other and initially impassable. Scattered across the environment are Forward Operating Bases (FOBs),which can be captured once cleared of enemies. Captured bases serve as fast-travel points.[4][5] Other points of interest found across Zeta Halo's surface include "high-value targets" to eliminate, Marine squads to rescue, and Banished propaganda towers to destroy.[6] Completing these side objectives earns the player Valor, which is used to earn weapons and vehicles that players can call in from FOBs.[4][5] The more linear environments within the ring's surface hew more to traditional Halo mission design. These "dungeons" advance the story, and cannot be replayed once completed.[7] Collectibles found in the environment, such as audio logs, provide additional story details.[8] The campaign was updated later on, giving the player the choice to replay old missions via the in-game TACMAP.[9]

Infinite's multiplayer component features deathmatch, capture the flag, and other modes played in standard 4-versus-4 and Big Team Battle variants; the latter bumps the player count in matches up to 24.[10] Ability pickups allow players to activate special powers a limited number of times. Powers include dashing, active camouflage, and "repulsor" charges that can knock enemies, projectiles, and vehicles back.[11] A training mode allows new players to test weapons in weapon drills, or play against computer-controlled bot players in practice matches.[12]