Halo Infinite Review: Is It Worth Playing?

What is Halo Infinite?

Halo Infinite is a first-person shooter-adventure developed by 343 Industries and released in 2021. It serves as a direct sequel to Halo 5: Guardians and a soft reboot for the series' narrative. The game is available on Xbox Game Pass for PC, making it the most accessible Halo yet.

The story follows Master Chief, adrift in space, as he confronts a new threat on the shattered ringworld Zeta Halo. A rogue faction of alien zealots, the Banished, have decimated UNSC forces. The Chief must reclaim the ring and uncover the mysteries of a new enemy, the Harbinger.

The game launched with a free-to-play multiplayer component alongside a premium single-player campaign. This marks a significant shift in the franchise's business model and accessibility.

Gameplay

Halo Infinite's core combat is a triumphant return to form, marrying classic Halo mechanics with new open-world elements. The gunplay feels exceptional, with weapons that have a distinct, weighty punch. The reintroduction of equipment like the Grappleshot is a transformative addition.

Swinging around the battlefield to deliver a melee blow, snagging a distant weapon, or scaling a cliff face injects thrilling dynamism into combat and exploration. The learning curve is gentle for newcomers but offers depth for veterans, particularly in mastering the "Golden Triangle" of guns, grenades, and melee.

Open-World Campaign

Zeta Halo's open "Banished" landscape is a first for the series. Players can tackle main story missions linearly or spend hours on side activities: liberating UNSC Marine outposts, destroying propaganda towers, and hunting high-value targets for unique weapon variants.

This freedom is liberating, though environmental variety and mission types can become repetitive over time. The core mechanics, however, are quintessential Halo at its best: driving a Warthog, skirmishing with Elite commanders, or loading a Razorback with Marines for chaotic fun.

Multiplayer

The multiplayer arena focuses on 4v4 slayer and objective modes. It prioritises clean, tactical shooting and map control over loadouts or excessive customisation, following the same philosophy as the campaign.

Who is Halo Infinite for?

Halo Infinite is crafted for fans of classic arena-style shooters and the Halo faithful who wanted a back-to-basics approach after Halo 5. Its free-to-play multiplayer makes it an easy recommendation for anyone seeking polished, team-based PvP without a financial barrier.

The campaign, with its mix of linear missions and open-world exploration, will appeal to solo players who enjoy narrative-driven adventures with a sandbox twist, reminiscent of Far Cry within the Halo universe.

Casual vs. Hardcore Players

• Casual fans can enjoy the campaign's spectacle and the pick-up-and-play nature of Big Team Battle.
• Hardcore competitive players will find a high skill ceiling in ranked arena modes, where weapon spawn control and precise teamwork are paramount.
• Those seeking a linear, cinematic experience like the original trilogy may find the open-world pacing and less frequent story beats a departure from what they love.

Graphics and Performance

Halo Infinite adopts a clean, vibrant, slightly more "cartoonish" aesthetic compared to the grittier tones of Halo 4 or 5. This art direction, a callback to the classic games, is successful on the ringworld with lush greens, stark Forerunner architecture, and beautiful skyboxes.

Character models, especially the Chief and the Pilot, are excellently rendered. Some facial animations in secondary characters can feel stiff, however.

Performance Issues and Improvements

Performance has been a rollercoaster. At launch on PC, the game suffered from inconsistent frame rates, stuttering, and a lack of key graphical settings. These problems are reflected in its mixed Steam user rating.

Numerous updates have substantially improved stability and added features like campaign co-op. On modern consoles, performance is generally solid, targeting 60fps or offering high-resolution modes. While not the pinnacle of visual fidelity, it is a handsome game whose art style will likely age gracefully.

Value for Money

Multiplayer Value

The free-to-play multiplayer offers tremendous value, providing a full suite of arena and Big Team Battle maps and modes at no cost. Its monetisation, centred on a battle pass and cosmetic store, has been controversial but does not affect gameplay.

Campaign Value

The premium campaign's value is more subjective. A straightforward playthrough of main story missions might take 8-10 hours. Engaging fully with the open world, completing side activities, and finding collectables can easily extend that to 20-25 hours.

The Grappleshot as a permanent ability adds immense replayability to new playthroughs and exploring every corner of the map. On sale or through Xbox Game Pass, the campaign represents strong value. At full price, it may feel slightly lean for players uninterested in completionist goals.

Verdict

Halo Infinite delivers the most satisfying core combat loop since the original trilogy, bolstered by the genius addition of the Grappleshot. Despite its flaws, the heart of Halo beats strongly within Infinite.

Halo Infinite is a fascinating and, in many ways, excellent entry in the series. It delivers arguably the most satisfying core combat loop since the original trilogy. The shift to an open world brings both freedom and a degree of repetitive formula. Its live-service launch was marred by technical and content issues that have seen much improvement.

We recommend Halo Infinite wholeheartedly to lapsed Halo fans and shooter enthusiasts looking for a tactical, equipment-based arena experience. Its free multiplayer is easy to try, and the campaign is a fun, if occasionally shallow, sandbox of classic Halo moments.

Players who prioritise a tightly woven, linear narrative or who are frustrated by live-service models may find aspects lacking. It is a game of stellar highs built on a foundation that sometimes feels stretched thin across its own ambition. Despite its flaws, it is an essential play for anyone invested in the legacy of Master Chief.