Summary
With the release of the Tenrai 4 Operation, the classic Juggernaut gametype has returned toHalo Infinitealongside the Tenrai-themed Ninjanaut gametype. First introduced as its own official gametype inHalo 2, Juggernaut is a free-for-all gametype where players must fight for the title of Juggernaut and gain limited boosts until someone else claims the title. Juggernaut has remained absent fromHalo Infinite’s official matchmaking till now and should spark a trend of other classicHalogametypes returning inInfinite.
Halo’s History of Innovative Gametypes
OverHalo’s near 23-year-long lifespan, several new gametypes and playlists continued to be introduced during Bungie’s tenure on the franchise. Gametypes such as Infection or Grifball began as fan creations, but their popularity led to developers incorporating the gametypes into official matchmaking playlists. Bungie would create new gametypes of their own to entice players, such as Firefight andthe fan-favorite Invasion inHalo: Reach. It wasn’t until 343 Industries took over the franchise that gametypes began disappearing from mainlineHalogames, such as Invasion not returning forHalo 4.
Wacky and fun gametypes continued to disappear or became less prominent by the time ofHalo 5: Guardians,with 343 putting more of an emphasis on ranked or competitive playlists. That’s not to say 343 wasn’t innovative with new gametypes either, however.Halo 4introduced the short-lived base defense gametype Dominion andthe sports-themed Ricochet. Likewise,Halo 5introduced the massive, microtransaction-focused PvPvE gametype of Warzone.
Halo Infinite’s Multiplayer Soft Reboot
Following the fan backlash regardingHalo 5,Halo Infinitewas designed as a soft rebootboth in its campaign and multiplayer. This caused many classic gametypes to be abandoned, with only core popular gametypes returning, such as Slayer and Big Team Battle. While some unique gametypes would return within the Quick Play playlist, most didn’t receive dedicated playlists of their own. Over time, many gametypes returned to matchmaking, including Firefight and Juggernaut, but there are still many classic gametypes waiting for their triumphant return.
Classic Gametypes that Should Return in Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite’s Slipspace Engine limits how much the game can be expanded upon and modified, socomplex gametypes such asHalo 4’s Dominionprobably won’t be able to return. With that in mind, one gametype and its successors could potentially return inInfinite; that being Assault. In Assault, one team must protect and carry a bomb to blow up the enemy’s base while the other team is forced to defend their base and prevent the other from arming the bomb. This gameplay backbone would be modified to create Grifball inHalo 3and later Ricochet inHalo 4. 343 Industries could potentially modify the Oddball or Fusion Coil objects to bring back the classic, spherical bomb alongside the Assault, Grifball, and Ricochet gametypes.
Headhunter should also make its return. Firstintroduced inHalo: Reach, Headhunteris a free-for-all gametype pitting players against one another as they strive to collect flaming skulls and deposit them in moving zones. Anytime a player slays another, their collected skulls would pop out of them, causing multiple skulls to scatter about the nearby area. 343 could utilize the Oddball to bring back this wacky gametype.
Halo Infinite Razorback Races
With the introduction of the non-firing Razorback vehicle and the ever expansive Forge mode,Halo Infiniteis an ideal game to bring back the Race gametype. Race, as the name suggests, has players race to reach several checkpoints alone or on teams.Halo Infinite’s emphasis on varied vehicle skins makes the game the perfect opportunity for Race to return and have players compete in their own custom Razorbacks. 343 Industries could also incorporate fan-made race maps inHalo Infinitematchmaking to keep matches interesting, such as KingNothing2005’srecreation of The Maw Warthog Runor UNBROKENONYX’s recreation of theHalo 3Warthog Run.
Halo: Reach’s Invasion gametype would not be unable to truly return inHalo Infinitedue to the game’s lack of playable elites.
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.
