How to play Halo Infinite

With the arrival of the Halo Infinite summer update on 6 May 2025, now is the perfect time to (re)discover this iconic game from the Xbox franchise. With a free-to-play multiplayer mode open to all and new features to come, we're heading for the world of the Spartans.

The basics for getting started in Halo Infinite

Unlike other popular FPS games, Halo has a unique gameplay that requires a different approach. Halo Infinite's multiplayer mode is available free to all players, making it an excellent entry point into the franchise.

If you're new to the Halo universe, the training mode with bots is your best ally. This mode will allow you to familiarise yourself with the gameplay mechanics specific to Halo without the pressure of human opponents. Experience gained on other FPSs such as Call of Duty or Fortnite may not be directly transferable.

It's also the perfect opportunity to explore the game's different maps and memorise their idiosyncrasies. Knowing the location of powerful weapons and strategic areas will give you a huge advantage in future games.

• Explore all the available maps to learn about their strategic nooks and crannies
• Test the different weapons to understand their strengths and weaknesses
• Practice Halo's unique movement mechanics
• Familiarise yourself with the radar, an essential tool for spotting enemies

Customising your Spartan is also an important aspect of the game. With the free-to-play system, you can gradually unlock cosmetic items such as armour, stickers and weapon skins. Start small, and as you gain XP and progress through the Battle Pass, you'll be able to create a unique avatar that represents you on the battlefield.

This free-to-play approach with free progression is reminiscent of some online gaming platforms, where no-wager bonuses allow players to enjoy immediate benefits with no strings attached. Like these offers, Halo Infinite also gives you direct access to its core content without restrictions.

Mastery of movement: the key to victory

In Halo Infinite, your ability to move around the battlefield efficiently is often the difference between victory and defeat. Unlike other FPSs where camping out can be a viable strategy, Halo rewards dynamic and agile players.

Moving around in Halo Infinite involves a number of unique mechanics that are crucial to master. The foundation remains the jump, a fundamental gameplay element that can be used tactically. A well-placed jump can disrupt the aim of a nearby opponent, but beware: excessive jumping makes you more visible to enemies further away.

Halo Infinite also introduces some important innovations in terms of mobility:

• Slide: activate by pressing the crouch key while running.
• Slide cancel: an advanced technique for quickly resuming your run after a slide
• G-slide: optimise your movement speed to surprise your opponents
• The grappling hook: a versatile tool for picking up objects from a distance or quickly engaging in hand-to-hand combat.

To maximise the efficiency of your movements, make constant use of the radar in the left-hand corner of your screen. This invaluable tool lets you spot nearby enemies and anticipate their movements. Don't forget that your opponents also have this information at their disposal - crouching makes you invisible to the radar, a considerable strategic advantage for stealthy approaches.

Halo Infinite weapons: selection guide and strategies

Halo Infinite's weapon system is one of the gameplay pillars that sets it apart from other FPSs. Understanding the weapon categories and their specifics will allow you to adapt your approach to each combat situation. Unlike other games where a single weapon can dominate, Halo Infinite encourages the strategic use of different weapon types depending on the context.

Halo Infinite's weapons are divided into four main categories, each with specific advantages:

1. Kinetic weapons: These conventional weapons (such as the MA40 assault rifle) inflict little damage to shields but are very effective against player health. Ideal for finishing off an opponent whose shield has already been deactivated.
2. Plasma weapons: Unlike kinetics, these alien weapons are excellent for destroying shields but less effective on health. The Needler and Plasma Pistol are typical examples.
3. Solid light weapons: Versatile, they cause balanced damage to both shields and health. Their ability to bounce projectiles off surfaces makes them particularly useful in confined spaces.
4. Shock weapons: This new category is less effective against infantrymen but can temporarily disable vehicles, offering a considerable tactical advantage on large battlefields.

With the arrival of the summer update on 6 May 2025, a new weapon enters the arsenal: the Mutilator. This hybrid weapon combines a double-barrelled shotgun with the power of a gravity hammer, promising to shake up the game's current meta.

The classic Halo strategy is to combine these different weapon types: first use a plasma weapon to knock down shields, then quickly switch to a kinetic weapon to finish off your opponent. This 'noob combo' technique remains extremely effective in Halo Infinite.

• Learn the location of weapons on each map to optimise your arsenal
• Adapt your choice of weapons to suit the situation (open space, corridor, vehicles)
• Practise switching weapons quickly to maximise damage
• Feel free to experiment with the new Mutilator in the dedicated "Mutilator Madness" mode.

Game modes in Halo Infinite

Halo Infinite offers a variety of game modes to suit all styles and preferences. Whether you're a competitive gamer looking for an adrenaline rush or a casual gamer just looking for a good time, there's bound to be a mode to suit you.

The game is structured around two main categories: campaign mode (paid), which lets you follow the story of the Master Chief, and multiplayer mode (free), which offers a competitive online experience.

Classic Halo modes

The traditional modes of the franchise are of course present in Infinite:

• Slayer: The classic deathmatch mode where the objective is to eliminate the opposing team
• Capture the Flag: Infiltrate the enemy base to steal their flag and bring it back to your base.
• Strongholds: Capture and defend areas to collect points
• Oddball: Hold on to the skull for as long as possible to score points
• Total Control: Take control of three areas simultaneously to score points.

Each of these modes can be played as a team or solo, depending on your preference.

New gameplay experiences

With the Summer 2025 update, the game is enriched with exciting new modes:

Firefight: Battle of the Academy mode, introduced with the summer update, offers a new narrative experience where players must fend off waves of Banished in a fierce battle. This co-operative mode is ideal for those who prefer a PvE experience where co-operation between Spartans is essential.

Customisation in Halo Infinite

Customisation is a central aspect of the Halo Infinite experience, allowing each player to create a unique Spartan that will stand out on the battlefield. The game's free-to-play system allows you to progressively unlock cosmetic items through the Battle Pass and special events.

The customisation options in Halo Infinite are particularly extensive, touching on many aspects of your appearance:

• Full armour: Themed sets such as samurai-inspired armour (Yoroi)
• Individual pieces of armour: Helmets, shoulder pads, knee pads, etc.
• Stickers and emblems: Customise your armour with unique details
• Weapon skins: Modify the look of your favourite weapons
• Colours and coatings: Change the colours and finishes of your equipment

With the new summer update, the customisation system is enriched with the introduction of the weapon bench. This feature will allow you to further customise your favourite equipment, such as the MA5K Avenger, the Needler or the new Mutilator, with special coatings and decorative charms.

Halo Infinite's Battle Pass system works differently to other games: once you buy it, it never expires. So you can progress at your own pace without worrying about losing your rewards. If you're a free player, you'll still have access to some cosmetic items, but the most impressive options will generally require an investment.

To maximise your progress in Battle Pass, focus on the weekly challenges that offer you a significant amount of XP. The summer update also introduces 'perfect frags' tracking, a new metric that will allow you to show off your accuracy and talent to other players.