Halo Infinite Season 4 brings exciting new features and content to the game, including the highly anticipated return of the fan-favorite Infection mode. In this article, we dive into the details of how the mode was developed and what players can expect. From its origins as a community-created mod to becoming an official staple of the Halo series, Infection has evolved over the years to offer intense gameplay and unique social experiences.
Patient Zero: Exploring Infection Mode
Infection mode has been a part of the Halo multiplayer suite since its early days, originating as a custom game in Halo 2 and later joining official playlists in Halo 3. It has remained a staple of every mainline Halo game, with Halo 4 even introducing a Flood-themed version. Infection is a classic Zombies-versus-survivors setup, where players start as survivors, except for one Alpha Infected. When a survivor gets killed by the Alpha Infected, they switch sides and become infected. The goal is for the survivors to survive until the end of the round while they are gradually outnumbered by the infected. This dynamic creates thrilling moments reminiscent of “last man standing” scenarios.
Intense Gameplay and New Features
The gameplay of Infection is designed for up-close-and-personal skirmishes. The Alpha Infected wields energy swords capable of one-hit kills, along with Season 3’s Shroud Screen, which enables traps and ambushes. Infected players also receive energy swords and the new Quantum Translocator equipment, allowing them to quickly engage and then teleport away. On the survivor side, players use Bulldog Shotguns and Commando Rifles, requiring them to get close to the infected to eliminate them. The result is fast-paced, chaotic gameplay filled with frantic chases and strategic maneuvers.
Honoring a Legacy and Building Community
The developers at 343 Industries understood the importance of delivering a faithful and satisfying rendition of Infection for Halo Infinite. Many team members at 343 Industries have personal connections to the mode, having grown up playing it as part of the Halo community. They recognize their role as the guardians of the franchise and aimed to provide an experience that captures the essence of Infection.
Infection mode offers a social experience that differs from the more competitive nature of Arena battles. It provides a more forgiving and casual environment for players to enjoy. The dynamic nature of the sides allows for unexpected betrayals and memorable moments among friends, further strengthening the bonds within the gaming community.
A New Strain of Infection
In Halo Infinite, the narrative justification for Spartans turning against each other in Infection is tied to the Banished AI Iratus infiltrating the Spartan training simulation and taking control. This story element is reflected in the appearance of infected players and new voice-over lines that represent the altered reality.
Additionally, the gameplay introduces new elements. Weapons now spawn on the bodies of fallen Spartans, emphasizing the theme of looting fallen comrades to stay alive. The weapon spawns are randomized each match, preventing players from relying on a fixed route for the best gear. The scoring system rewards players based on how long they survive, encouraging them to prolong their survival to accumulate more points.
Immersive Maps and Themes
To fit the Infection narrative, the developers have reworked nine maps for the mode: Aquarius, Bazaar, Behemoth, Chasm, Cliffhanger, Forest, Launch Site, Recharge, and Streets. These maps feature unique touches and themes that enhance the Infection experience. Changes include barricades to alter gameplay flow on familiar maps, the addition of new sections, and the creation of tunnels and back alleys in specific locations. These modifications contribute to the sense of a distinctive and immersive Infection experience.
Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse (Or Not)
When faced with overwhelming odds and infected Spartans wielding energy swords, staying close to your team is crucial. As a survivor, it is not only a priority but also a responsibility to your teammates to stay alive. And if that means using a fallen comrade for extra ammunition, it’s a sacrifice worth making in the context of a zombie Armageddon.
On the other hand, if you’re playing as the Alpha Infected, take advantage of your camouflage and move slowly. Utilize the Shroud screen to block sightlines and protect your fellow zombies. Master the Quantum Translocator, as it allows you to sprint and slingshot yourself into a room, making a grand entrance that is sure to leave an impact.
Building for the Future
With Infection evolving from a player-made mod to a fully-fledged feature mode, the question arises: What other created modes could potentially become official staples? The team behind Halo Infinite has plenty of opportunities in mind. Repul Soccer, a mode with origins in the community, could follow in the footsteps of Grifball, another legacy mode. Phase Shift, a Slayer mode where players can “phase” between slightly different versions of the same map, has also garnered popularity among 343 Industries developers. Furthermore, Husky Raid, a beloved community favorite, will make its debut in a Halo Infinite playlist in the near future. Additionally, the Forge AI Toolkit is set to be introduced, allowing players to spawn and manage campaign AI in Forge. This functionality opens up possibilities for exciting experiences that could potentially become staple modes in Halo Infinite.
A Vision of Things to Come
Halo Infinite’s first year as a live service game faced the challenge of delivering consistent new content for players. However, since the Winter Update in December, the cadence of content has significantly improved. Head of Live Service Sean Baron believes that this trend of timely releases will continue in Season 4 and beyond. The focus on consistency has paid off, setting a pattern of delivering content on time.
Baron emphasizes that quality is equally important to maintain the game’s upward trajectory. Technical and experiential quality improvements are key pillars in pushing Halo Infinite forward. The team remains committed to enhancing the overall player experience, with a focus on consistency, satisfaction, and quality. As the game continues to evolve, players can look forward to more engaging features, improvements, and exciting experiences.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Cloud Gaming
