During Gamescom 2021’s Opening Night livestream on Wednesday, Microsoft confirmed that Halo Infinite will officially launch on December 8 for Xbox and PC. Microsoft originally planned to release the game in tandem with the Xbox X/S in November of last year, but ultimately postponed Halo Infinite‘s debut to fall 2021 due to the pandemic. Halo Infinite‘s campaign and multiplayer modes will arrive in December as part of season one, “Heroes of Reach.” Though the game will not launch with campaign co-op or Forge mode, cooperative gameplay should become available in season two, roughly three months after the game’s initial launch.
During Microsoft’s E3 showcase in June, the gaming company shared a first look at the game’s multiplayer mode, which features signature Halo gameplay experiences. Across two game modes “Arena” and “BTB Halo Infinite enlists franchise-famous landscapes, weapons and recognizable voiceovers for “double kill” and “capture the flag.” “Our goal is to deliver a multiplayer experience that honors classic Halo combat while also offering new players the support needed to jump in and have a great time,” says Joseph Staten, head of creative for Halo Infinite, in a statement. “To that end, we’re introducing the Spartan Academy and Spartan Commander Laurette who will help players familiarize themselves with maps, weapons, and equipment.” Elsewhere in the game, several Spartan customization options will be available, including a Yoroi armor that players can unlock through events. Additionally, Microsoft will put out a new Halo Infinite-themed Xbox Series X console and Xbox Elite controller alongside the game. Take a look at Halo Infinite‘s new cinematic trailer, which Microsoft also shared during Gamecom’s Opening Night, above.
