The multiplayer of Halo Infinite starts surprisingly earlier than announced. All PC and Xbox players can play the multiplayer beta for free via Steam or Xbox. MeinMMO tells you which players should be particularly excited about this.
Halo Infinite was scheduled for December 8th. This date still applies to the campaign. Surprisingly, Microsoft and 343 Industries have brought forward the release of the multiplayer – in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Xbox and Halo.
The multiplayer beta is free-to-play and has been available since November 15th via Steam and Xbox. On Steam, user reviews on the first day after release are “mostly positive” (via Steam). Popular streamers such as Shroud or Dr Disrespect have already shared their first impressions – and they have differing opinions.
We highlight what type of shooter fan Halo Infinite is particularly exciting for. We also explain how it differs from other current shooter hits, such as Battlefield 2042 or Call of Duty: Vanguard.
Halo Infinite returns to old strengths – for better or worse
How does Halo differ from CoD or Battlefield? Since Bungie developed the Destiny games instead of Halo, the developer studio 343 Industries has been primarily responsible for the Halo franchise. Fans have rarely been enthusiastic about the games from the new studio. 343 Industries seems to have taken this feedback to heart.
Halo Infinite focuses on classic Halo action in multiplayer, albeit with a few modern twists. This is very good for fans of this type of gameplay – but it can also feel outdated to those who did not grow up with it.
Halo Infinite is a so-called arena shooter. This means that all players start with the same loadout and abilities. Players then find more powerful weapons and helpful items like super shields scattered across the map.
Intense battles occur specifically around the strongest weapons like rocket launchers or sniper rifles. Because these ‘Power Weapons’ are very limited, spawn rarely, and deal significant damage. Those who control these power-ups often win the game.
As a result, Halo Infinite is currently only comparable to games like Splitgate. Fans of CoD Vanguard or Battlefield 2042 will not recognize much in Halo’s gameplay. This can provide the desired variety – or deter some players.
Every duel in Halo is a small mind game
How fast does Halo Infinite play? The time-to-kill (or TTK) in Halo is very high. This means players die very slowly. Even with many headshots, it takes almost an entire magazine of the assault rifle to kill a player.
This means that in a game like Halo, precision and good movement are important. Thus, every firefight becomes a small mind game: you try to throw the opponent off balance to win.
Especially with automatic-fire weapons, it is essential to maintain control over your aim and keep the crosshair trained on the enemy player for extended periods. Those who hit better and ensure that their opponent hits less through small movements will win the duel.
The power weapons are the big exception: shotguns, snipers, and rocket launchers kill with 1-2 hits. Therefore, it is crucial to get these before the other team does – or to seize them as quickly as possible from enemy hands.
Lone wolves lose to good teams
Is Halo Infinite better for solo players or teams? The high TTK also means that you can better respond to lone flankers – and that a good flanking maneuver does not automatically lead to a multikill. Especially against multiple opponents, it is challenging to accomplish much. Therefore, in Halo Infinite, it is very important to play with your team.
Additionally, the vehicles available on some maps and in some game modes of Halo Infinite become more robust with a coordinated team. However, there are also vehicles like the Ghost and the Banshee that only have room for one player – and can deal a lot of damage.
However, because opponents only die quickly when multiple people shoot at them, matches often naturally lead to pack formation. You do not even need to be active in voice chat for a sense of cohesion to develop.
Halo Infinite is thus a somewhat different shooter, where different skills and tactics come into play. Do you still plan to play Halo Infinite, or have you already tried it? Does the gameplay appeal to you? Are you happy with the decisions made by 343 Industries? Let us know in the comments!
