Summary
343 Industries has revealed thatHalo Infinite’s January 30 update will scrap traditional seasons in favor of shorter “Operations.” While fans can rest assured that a wealth of new content is coming toHalo Infinitethroughout 2024, the delivery of this content will be dramatically different as the developers re-imagine the structure of new battle passes and updates.
In the hour-long reveal, community director Brian “ske7ch” Jarrard shared all the new features in the upcoming update. AlthoughHalo Infinite’s 2024 roadmap confirms that there isno expansion planned for the game’s campaign, online players will be treated to a new map, cross-core customization for helmets, tons of new Covenant-inspired items for Forge mode, and a new Spartan IV armor core. Yet perhaps the biggest surprise of all is that all of this will be absolutely free as 343 scraps plans for Season 6 and restructuresInfinite’s battle passes.
Just over two years after its release, 343 is abandoningHalo Infinite’s divisive paid battle pass system. Instead of releasing January’s new content as part of the expected “Season 6,” 343 has rebranded the drop as Content Update 29 – or “CU29” for short. CU29 will be the first of many smaller updates that will replace the game’s traditional seasons. Each update will feature 20 tiers of unlockable content – for free – rather than the paid 100-tier battle pass structure seen in previous seasons.
These time-limited “Operations” are an evolution of the periodic events fromHalo Infinite’s earlier seasons. Each Operation will last 4-6 weeks, giving players plenty of time to unlock the 20 tiers of new armor, emblems, and coatings. This move to time-limited passes may alienate some gamers, as many previously praisedInfinite’s permanent battle passes.343 needs to ensure it does everything possible to keep players engaged. However, players will be able to pay around 500 credits ($5.00) to unlock these Operations permanently, letting them complete the new content at their own pace.
Each Operation will last 4-6 weeks, giving players plenty of time to unlock the 20 tiers of new armor, emblems, and coatings.
With the move from traditional seasons, some critics are concerned that 343 will begin to withdraw support fromHalo Infinite. However, the shakeup of the game’s formula could well be beneficial. After early seasons were criticized for lacking content, the new format promises small but regular updates, keeping the game fresh and engaging. After the release of Firefight in Season 5 and theHalocommunity’s incredible creations in Forge (including entire campaign missionsfrom past games),Infinitefeels like it’s in the most complete state it’s ever been. Only time will tell whether the new formula heralds the beginning of the end or a bright new direction forHalo. Until then, players will be able to enjoy everything coming inHalo Infinite’s first Operation, “Spirit of Fire,” on January 30.
Halo Infinite
WHERE TO PLAY
When all hope is lost and humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, the Master Chief is ready to confront the most ruthless foe he’s ever faced. Step inside the armor of humanity’s greatest hero to experience an epic open-world adventure and explore the massive scale of the Halo ring.With Network Campaign Co-Op and Mission Replay, you can relive your favorite moments, rediscover collectibles and explore the wonders of Zeta Halo on your own or with up to three other fireteam members.Experience Halo’s celebrated multiplayer reimagined and free-to-play! With over 70 maps in matchmaking, billions of customization configurations, and countless community Forge creations to experience, Halo Infinite is the franchise’s most expansive multiplayer offering to date.Enjoy an unprecedented variety of gameplay experiences, ranging from fast-paced intense ranked modes to whimsical mayhem in Custom Games, or even co-operative coordination in the wave-based survival mode Firefight: King of the Hill. Assemble your Fireteam and conquer every mode – Halo offers endless opportunities for teamwork, strategy, and unforgettable victories.
