Where to Buy Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite Gameplay Video
Halo Infinite Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Slipspace Engine |
| Genre | First-Person Shooter, Open World (elements), Sci-Fi |
| Initial Release | 2021-12-08 (Campaign & Multiplayer Full Release) |
| Developer | 343 Industries |
| Publisher | Xbox Game Studios |
| Setting | Zeta Halo (Installation 07), Year 2560 |
| Perspective | First-Person |
| Platforms | PC (Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S |
| Multiplayer | Free-to-Play (Arena 4v4, Big Team Battle 12v12, Ranked, Custom Games, Forge) |
| Unique Feature | Grappleshot Traversal & Combat, Semi-Open World Campaign on Zeta Halo, Free-to-Play Multiplayer with Seasonal Content, Forge Mode (Extensive Map/Mode Editor). |
Halo Infinite System Requirements
1080p
tune Minimum (Targets 1080p, Low/Medium settings) – Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution, Ray Tracing OFF (or low if supported by GPU)
tune Recommended (Targets 1080p, High settings, ~60 FPS) – High Preset, 1080p resolution, Ray Tracing Low/Medium (if enabled)
1440p
tune High (Targets 1440p, High/Ultra settings, ~60 FPS) – High/Ultra Preset, 1440p resolution, Ray Tracing Medium/High (if enabled)
2160p
tune Ultra (Targets 2160p/4K, High/Ultra settings, ~60 FPS with potential upscaling) – High/Ultra Preset, 2160p (4K) resolution (Upscaling like FSR may be needed for 60FPS), Ray Tracing Medium/High
Halo Infinite Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core i5-11400H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 55W
storage 8GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $749
Model: ASUS TUF Gaming F15 with RTX 2050 and Intel i5
memory CPU: Intel Core i5-11400H (Score: 499)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 (Score: 5130) @ 55W TGP
storage RAM: 8GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory Intel Core i7-12700H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 140W
storage 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $1349
Model: MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i7-12700H (Score: 900)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (Score: 6600) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory Intel Core i9-13900H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
US $999
Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-13900H (Score: 1058)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory Intel Core i9-12900H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 150W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1397
Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-12900H (Score: 1030)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti (Score: 7100) @ 150W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory Intel Core i5-12450H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $645
Model: HP Victus 15 with RTX 3050 and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i5-12450H (Score: 628)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory Intel Core i5-12500H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 80W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $710
Model: Acer Nitro 5 with RTX 3050 Ti and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i5-12500H (Score: 633)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti (Score: 7220) @ 80W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 6800H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1299
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 6800H (Score: 880)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (Score: 7448) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 100W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $1489
Model: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS (Score: 820)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (Score: 7904) @ 100W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution, Ray Tracing OFF).
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Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 (October 2018 Update or newer) or Windows 11 (64-bit versions only)
A 64-bit version of Windows 10 (RS5/1809 or later) or Windows 11 is required.
- memoryDirectX: DirectX 12 Ultimate
DirectX 12 is required. DX12 Ultimate support is beneficial for features like ray tracing (e.g., for sun shadows, ambient occlusion) and Variable Rate Shading (VRS).
- save_altStorage Note: 50 GB available space (SSD Highly Recommended, NVMe for best experience)
An SSD is strongly recommended for all tiers for faster loading times and smoother texture streaming. An NVMe SSD is ideal for the best performance. Required space may increase with updates.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: Supports AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR 2.2 reported). Features an in-game dynamic resolution scaler ('Minimum Framerate' setting). Support for other technologies like DLSS or XeSS is not officially confirmed but could be implemented by this date.
Key Settings: Texture Quality, Shadow Quality (especially Ray-Traced Sun Shadows), Ambient Occlusion, Geometry Detail, Reflections, Volumetric Fog, and Anti-Aliasing significantly impact performance. Using the dynamic resolution scaler or FSR is recommended for balancing visual quality and framerates, especially at higher resolutions or with ray tracing.
Halo Infinite: Post-Launch Content / DLC
The multiplayer component has received ongoing support through seasonal content updates, including new maps, modes, weapons, armor customization, battle passes, and limited-time events. Campaign co-op (up to 4 players online) and Forge mode (map editor) were added in major post-launch updates. No major paid story expansions for the campaign have been released as of mid-2024, but 343i has mentioned future 'story drops'.
Halo Infinite: Game Editions
The Halo Infinite Campaign was sold as a standalone purchase or included with Xbox Game Pass. The Multiplayer component is free-to-play. A Collector's Edition was available with physical items like a SteelBook case, art prints, plasma pistol bottle opener, and in-game bonuses. Various cosmetic bundles are sold in the multiplayer store.
Halo Infinite: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Halo Infinite supports full cross-platform play between Xbox consoles (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S) and PC (Windows Store, Steam) for its multiplayer modes. Cross-progression for multiplayer (battle pass, customization, stats) is also supported via the player's Xbox account.
Halo Infinite Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
Halo Infinite's free-to-play multiplayer offers a wide range of modes: Arena (4v4 competitive modes like Slayer, Capture the Flag, Oddball, King of the Hill on smaller maps), Big Team Battle (12v12 objective-based modes like Slayer, CTF, Total Control, Stockpile on larger maps with vehicles), Ranked Arena, Bot Bootcamp (vs AI), Custom Games, and limited-time event playlists. Forge mode allows for extensive user-created maps and game modes.
- labelUser Interface
Classic Halo first-person HUD displaying shields, health (when shields are down), ammo count, grenade count, equipped weapon, and radar (motion tracker). Objective markers and threat indicators are present. Menus for multiplayer customization, campaign map (Tac-Map), upgrades, and database (lore) are accessible. The Tac-Map in campaign is crucial for navigating Zeta Halo.
- labelSound and Music
Original score composed by Gareth Coker, Curtis Schweitzer, and Joel Corelitz, featuring a blend of classic Halo orchestral themes with new, more atmospheric and emotional pieces that reflect the open-world setting and narrative tone. Sound design includes iconic Halo weapon sounds, distinct alien vocalizations (Banished taunts, Grunt screams), vehicle effects, and immersive environmental audio. The classic Halo 'monk chant' theme is prominently featured.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Developed on the new Slipspace Engine, Halo Infinite showcases detailed environments on Zeta Halo, from lush forests and Forerunner structures to Banished fortifications. It features dynamic lighting, weather effects, and detailed character/weapon models. While the initial campaign visuals received mixed reactions, subsequent updates and the multiplayer's art style have been generally well-received. Ray tracing for sun shadows was added to PC and Xbox Series X post-launch.
- labelAccessibility Features
Offers a range of accessibility options, including full controller and keyboard/mouse remapping, extensive subtitle and caption customization (size, background, speaker names), colorblind modes, options for aim assist strength, options to change hold actions to toggles, UI narration, text-to-speech and speech-to-text for chat, and various visual/audio adjustments.
- labelStory and Setting
Set in 2560, approximately 18 months after Halo 5: Guardians. The UNSC flagship Infinity is ambushed and defeated by the Banished fleet over the Forerunner ringworld, Zeta Halo (Installation 07). The Master Chief, John-117, is defeated by the Banished War Chief Escharum and cast into space. He is later rescued by a Pelican pilot, Echo-216, and teams up with a new AI, 'The Weapon' (a copy of Cortana designed to capture her), to explore the damaged Zeta Halo, rally scattered UNSC survivors, and stop the Banished from reactivating the ring and unleashing an ancient threat known as The Endless. The story explores themes of hope, loss, the legacy of Cortana, and the Chief's enduring purpose.
- labelMap Size and Regions (Zeta Halo)
The campaign of Halo Infinite takes place on a significant portion of Zeta Halo, presented as a large, semi-open world broken into several interconnected islands or landmasses. This is a departure from previous Halo games' linear mission structures. Players can freely explore these zones, discovering main story missions, liberating UNSC Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), destroying Banished strongholds and propaganda towers, rescuing Marine squads, assassinating High-Value Targets (HVTs), and finding collectibles. Key areas include forested regions, mountainous terrain, Forerunner structures, and Banished fortifications. While vast, it's not a fully seamless single map but rather large explorable zones connected by story progression or specific traversal means. Specific sq km is difficult to ascertain, but it's the largest single explorable area in a Halo campaign.
- labelSkills and Upgrades Overview (Suit Abilities, Valor)
Master Chief can upgrade five core pieces of equipment using Spartan Cores found in the open world: Grappleshot (reduced cooldown, electrification, shockwave), Shield Core (increased shield capacity), Threat Sensor (increased radius/duration), Drop Wall (increased strength/size, adds shockwave), and Thruster (reduced cooldown, adds cloak). There isn't a traditional XP-based leveling system or skill tree for combat abilities beyond these equipment upgrades. Valor is earned by completing open-world activities (rescuing marines, destroying propaganda, etc.), which unlocks new weapons, vehicles, and marine variants that can be called in at FOBs.
- labelTop 5 Weapons (Subjective/Iconic)
- 1. MA40 Assault Rifle: The iconic UNSC workhorse rifle, versatile for most encounters. 2. Grappleshot (Equipment): While not a weapon, its utility for traversal, stunning enemies, and grabbing items makes it indispensable. 3. S7 Sniper Rifle: For long-range precision takedowns. 4. M41 SPNKr Rocket Launcher: Devastating anti-vehicle and anti-large enemy firepower. 5. CQS48 Bulldog (Shotgun): Powerful close-quarters shotgun, replacing the traditional pump-action.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Grappleshot: A versatile new piece of equipment allowing Master Chief to grapple onto surfaces for enhanced traversal, pull himself towards enemies, grab items (weapons, fusion coils), and stun unshielded foes. 2. Semi-Open World Exploration on Zeta Halo: Players can freely explore large sections of the ring, undertaking main missions, side objectives, and discovering collectibles at their own pace, using vehicles or the Grappleshot. 3. Valor System & FOBs: Liberating Forward Operating Bases allows players to spend Valor (earned from open-world activities) to call in specific weapons, vehicles, and Marine fireteams, providing on-demand support.
Halo Infinite Frequently Asked Questions
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help_outline Is Halo Infinite's campaign open world?Halo Infinite's campaign features a 'semi-open world' or 'wide-linear' design for a large portion of Zeta Halo. Players can freely explore large, interconnected regions, tackle main missions, and engage in numerous side activities like liberating FOBs, destroying Banished strongholds, and hunting High-Value Targets. However, it's not a fully seamless single open world; progression to new major landmasses is often tied to story advancement.
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help_outline Is Halo Infinite's multiplayer free-to-play?Yes, the multiplayer component of Halo Infinite is entirely free-to-play on Xbox consoles and PC. The campaign is a separate purchase or included with Xbox Game Pass.
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help_outline What is the Grappleshot?The Grappleshot is a new piece of equipment for Master Chief in Halo Infinite. It's a wrist-mounted grappling hook that allows him to quickly pull himself towards surfaces, enemies, or objects. It can be used for traversal, stunning unshielded enemies, grabbing weapons or fusion coils, and even hijacking vehicles. It can be upgraded with Spartan Cores.
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help_outline Does Halo Infinite have campaign co-op?Yes, online campaign co-op for up to 4 players was added to Halo Infinite in a post-launch update. Players can experience the main story together, with shared progression for the host.
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help_outline What is Forge mode in Halo Infinite?Forge is a powerful map and game mode editor that allows players to create and share their own custom Halo experiences. It was added to Halo Infinite in a major post-launch update, offering extensive tools for building unique environments, scripting game logic, and designing new modes.
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help_outline Who are The Banished?The Banished are a mercenary faction, primarily composed of Jiralhanae (Brutes), but also including other former Covenant species like Sangheili, Unggoy, and Kig-Yar. They splintered from the Covenant Empire and are led by Atriox (though Escharum leads their forces on Zeta Halo in Infinite). They are known for their brutal tactics and salvaged, heavily modified weaponry.
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help_outline What are Spartan Cores used for?Spartan Cores are collectibles found in the Halo Infinite campaign. They are used to upgrade Master Chief's five equipment abilities: Grappleshot (e.g., reduced cooldown, electrification), Shield Core (e.g., increased shield strength), Threat Sensor (e.g., increased radius), Drop Wall (e.g., increased strength), and Thruster (e.g., reduced cooldown).