Alongside the two video trailers shown during the E3 2021 event, we also got two new articles. The first, written by Joseph Staten on Xbox Wire, gives us a broad overview of where Halo Infinite is, as well as providing us with our first few details of its multiplayer.
“A major focus for our team is the content we’ll deliver after the game has shipped, and work has already started on our first year of content — and beyond. You saw some examples of that effort in our Multiplayer Trailer, with tons of Spartan customization options that will be part of our very first season, “Heroes of Reach,” including a super-sweet Yoroi Spartan. And in case you were wondering, the Yoroi armor is free and you can unlock it just by playing events in Season 1.”
It is well-known that Halo Infinite will be a live service game, which just means that it will continue to see new content drops and support well after launch. Already, they have begun planning out the first year of Halo Infinite content, and there will certainly be more even beyond that. The Multiplayer Trailer featured a ton of customization options, all of which will be part of Season 1: Heroes of Reach. Included in this season is the samurai-like armor seen in the trailer, called Yoroi. Here, it is confirmed that the armor is free and unlockable through playing “events” in Season 1. Since the multiplayer is free-to-play, there will likely be cosmetic items that can only be purchased, but it is good to know that there will be earnable items as well.
“To that end, we’re introducing the Spartan Academy and Spartan Commander Laurette who will help players familiarize themselves with maps, weapons, and equipment. We’re also introducing bot matches so players new and old can warm up before they hit the battlefield. We’ve got more in store for bots and Academy content over time that we look forward to rolling out as the game evolves.”
In the Multiplayer Trailer, we saw and heard a little bit from Commander Laurette, who will apparently lead the “Spartan Academy.” The goal is to make maps, weapons, and equipment accessible to new players. However, perhaps the most exciting news is the introduction of bot matches for the first time in an FPS Halo game. Being able to play against bots has been a community request for a very long time, and it seems it is finally becoming a reality in Halo Infinite.
“We’ll be conducting technical previews this summer and signing up gives you a shot to be one of the first people to play the game, provide feedback and help ensure we have the best launch possible.”
If you aren’t yet a Halo Insider, make sure you sign up ASAP. Technical previews of Halo Infinite are launching this summer, which means you could be playing a slice of the game within the next 1-3 months. Make sure to keep it accurate and up-to-date, and sign up for email notifications as well to ensure you’ll be eligible to receive an invite.
“We are continuing the story of the Master Chief and Cortana from Halo 5, but also telling a story that’s welcoming for new players. Cortana’s fate is one of the Infinite campaign’s big mysteries, and early in the story, you will meet a new UNSC AI, “the Weapon”, that was created to help stop Cortana. Together with the Pilot, the Master Chief, and the Weapon begin an epic adventure to explore Zeta Halo, defeat the Banished forces who control the ring, and unravel even more mysteries along the way.”
Regarding the short Campaign cutscene shown during the showcase, the new AI we see is called “the Weapon.” We know she was created to contain Cortana so that the Master Chief could take her to Infinity for destruction, but it seems that plan has gone awry. It will be interesting to unravel the mystery of Cortana while demolishing any of the Banished that get in the Chief’s way.
Summary
This article helps clarify some of the overall vision for Halo Infinite approaching and following launch. Here’s what we learned.
The samurai-like armor seen in the trailer is called Yoroi and can be earned in Season 1: Heroes of Reach for free by playing in events during the season.
There will be a Spartan Academy, involving a new character by the name of Spartan Commander Laurette, where players can familiarize themselves with the various maps and sandbox items in the game.
Bot matches are coming for the first time, allowing players to play multiplayer matches against AI-controlled bots.
Technical previews start this summer, so make sure you’ve signed up to be a Halo Insider if you want a chance to participate.
The new AI shown during the showcase is called “the Weapon.”
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