Halo Infinite’s fifth season, “Reckoning,” arrives on October 17, 2023. With two new maps, a returning multiplayer mode from Halo 4, a brand new variant of the Bandit rifle, and extra, it’s shaping as much as be a superb season for 343’s shooter.
Halo Infinite’s new Area maps: Forbidden and Prism
Whereas Halo multiplayer is able to delivering many alternative experiences, the core 4v4 expertise of “Area” is important. Halo Infinite shipped with strong maps on launch, and has seen some fantastic new additions, however I’d recommend that these new maps are a step above what we’ve seen added to the sport earlier than.
Forbidden
“Forbidden” is a symmetrical map that 343 Industries multiplayer stage designer Cliff Schuldt stated was designed “particularly for Seize the Flag.” It incorporates a well-known Forerunner ruins artwork fashion that’s very paying homage to Halo 2’s “Sanctuary” and has a splash of “Warlock” as properly.
As a symmetrical map, it’s a pure match for aggressive play, and I discovered it to be fairly enjoyable in recreation modes moreover CTF as properly. Nevertheless it’s the visible design that I particularly recognize. With diversified quantities of overgrown vegetation overlaying its buildings and a looming Halo ring seen from the very middle,it has that distinct Halo vibe that different aggressive maps within the recreation like Aquarius or Streets are considerably missing.
There are plenty of neat alternatives for some fancy motion throughout Forbidden. Specifically, I beloved the “rat holes,” as Halo Infinite’s multiplayer stage designer Cliff Schuldt known as them. These are chutes on both aspect of the map that you may slide into to drop all the way down to the decrease stage, making for excellent flag getaways or fast repositioning.
The various ranges, tight corridors, ramps, and alternatives to snipe down some splendidly positioned sight strains provides me some very critical “Lockout” vibes, a traditional map from Halo 2 on which I used to completely terrorize my mates.
Prism
“Prism” gives a really totally different taste from Forbidden and incorporates a welcome injection of Covenant purple that feels prefer it’s been lacking from Halo for much, far too lengthy. Whereas structurally it’s very totally different from one thing like “Midship” (it jogged my memory fairly a little bit of Halo 4’s “Abandon”), the presence of monumental glowing purple crystals (from which Needler ammo is mined based on the lore) actually sells that old-school Covenant vibe. It options diversified ranges of elevation which have a natural-feeling topography versus the extra angular “Forbidden.” In my time with “Prism,” I discovered that the map naturally lends itself to tight pockets of motion, significantly within the new recreation mode: Extraction.
“Prism” additionally options some environmental hazards within the type of crystal clusters that, when shot, launch harmful shards that may injury you or your opponent. It provides the map a little bit of interactivity, and well-placed photographs and grenades round these crystals must make for some fascinating performs. I didn’t discover them overly punishing, however they supplied sufficient injury to both be used strategically or, doubtlessly, to catch you abruptly when you’re not ready.
“Prism” additionally options the Pinpoint Needler as an influence weapon. For those who’ve performed Infinite’s marketing campaign, you’ll bear in mind it because the reward for taking out one of many Excessive Worth Targets. It’s a much more deadly variant of the Needler, feels completely at house on a Needler-themed map, and helps shake issues up a bit from the standard “go get the rockets/sniper” sample of most maps and energy weapons.
Talking of weapons, Season 5 additionally features a new addition to the arsenal by the use of the Bandit Evo, which manages to keep away from stepping on the Battle Rifle’s place within the recreation whereas nonetheless providing some wonderful vary.
The Bandit Evo could be higher than the DMR ever was
The semi-automatic DMR rifle made its debut in Halo: Attain and was arguably the ultimate evolution of the one-shot-at-a-time precision of the overpowered M6D in Halo: Fight Advanced. It labored properly sufficient in Attain, however when it joined the Battle Rifle in Halo 4 (together with the now-retired Mild Rifle), it form of felt like there have been three weapons competing to do the identical factor.
Enter the Bandit Evo with season 5 of Halo Infinite. On paper it’s fairly easy: It’s a Bandit (a semi-automatic medium-range DMR) with a reflex scope versus the ACOG-style featured in Attain, 4, and 5.
With only a reflex scope, the Bandit will get the vary it deserves, whereas not stepping on the Battle Rifle’s area. In my expertise it finds a pleasant center place between the Sidekick and the Battle Rifle. I predict this weapon will work out very properly in Huge Group Battle, however its shorter vary implies that it presents some nice utility for normal 4v4 motion. To me it seems like a extra applicable model of Halo CE’s pistol.
The return of Halo 4’s Extraction, match XP in customized video games, cross-core customization, and sure, AI in Forge
Historical past doesn’t at all times look too kindly on Halo 4, which is a little bit of a disgrace because it had some nice concepts. Extraction, a multiplayer mode the place gamers have to deploy and defend extraction units in key areas, is one such instance. When you plant an extraction system, the countdown towards scoring a degree begins. Fail to defend the realm, and the opposing workforce can take it from you. It’s a simple mode, however one that may result in plenty of fascinating outcomes as each side battle for management of the realm.
Season 5 may also embrace another much-needed additions equivalent to cross-core armor coatings and helmets (these have been beforehand locked to particular armor units), and match XP from customized video games, so you can also make progress within the battle move by enjoying in video games apart from what’s discovered within the matchmaking playlists. That is significantly fascinating as season 5 additionally sees the long-awaited inclusion of marketing campaign AI in Forge, opening the door to every kind of fascinating PvE and PvPvE experiences on Halo Infinite’s maps.
Forge AI, nevertheless, is a subject for an additional day. We’ll dive into {that a} bit extra nearer to launch.
Halo Infinite Season 5: Reckoning might be obtainable on Xbox Sequence X/S, Xbox One, and Home windows on October 17, 2023.
