Halo Infinite, the latest installment in the popular sci-fi shooter franchise, has been receiving constant updates and new content from its developer, 343 Industries. On January 19, 2024, the studio hosted a community livestream to showcase some of the upcoming features and additions to the game. Here are some of the highlights from the livestream:
One of the most exciting announcements from the livestream was the launch of the Spirit of Fire Operation, a free event that will run from January 30 to February 27. This Operation is inspired by the Halo Wars spin-off series, and will offer players the chance to unlock the Mark IV armor core, which resembles the armor worn by the Spartans in the Halo Wars games. The Operation will also include new challenges, rewards, and cosmetics, such as the Halo: Combat Evolved Assault Rifle skin, which can be obtained by purchasing the premium version of the Operation.
New Map, Helmets, and Customization Options
Another major update coming on January 30 is the addition of a new map, called Containment. This map is a symmetrical arena map that features two bases, a central bridge, and a lot of verticality. Containment is designed for 4v4 modes, such as Slayer, Capture the Flag, and Oddball. The map also has some Easter eggs and references to the Halo lore, which fans will surely appreciate.
The update will also introduce three new helmets that are inspired by the Paramount’s Halo television series, which will premiere its second season on February 8. The helmets are based on the characters of John-117, Kelly-087, and Fred-104, and will be available for free to all players. Additionally, the update will allow players to use any shoulder pad on any armor core, giving them more freedom and flexibility to customize their Spartans.
Forge Mode Gets More Covenant and Flood Objects
Forge mode, the popular feature that lets players create and share their own custom maps and modes, will also receive some new additions in the January 30 update. The update will add more Covenant objects and buildings, such as plasma batteries, gravity lifts, and Banshees, to the Forge palette. These objects will allow players to create more alien-themed maps and scenarios. The update will also add some Flood-themed objects, such as infection forms, biomass, and tentacles, which can be used to create horror or survival maps. The developers teased that more Forge objects and options will be added in the future, including new alien fauna and vehicles.
Operations Replace Seasons as the Main Content Delivery System
The livestream also revealed that Halo Infinite will no longer have seasons as the main way of delivering new content and rewards. Instead, the game will focus on Operations, which are shorter and more frequent events that last for 4-6 weeks. Operations will offer free rewards that can be earned by completing challenges, as well as premium rewards that can be unlocked by purchasing the Operation pass. Operations will also have themes and stories that will expand the Halo universe and lore. The developers said that Operations will allow them to be more responsive to player feedback and deliver more content and variety to the game.
Halo Infinite is available now for free on Xbox and PC, and has been praised by critics and fans alike for its gameplay, graphics, and story. The game is also supported by the Halo Championship Series, the official esports league for Halo, which will have its first major event of 2024 in March.