High expectations and skepticism have followedHalo Infinitesince its reveal at E3 2018. The latest entry in the long-running series looks to be a spiritual successor toHalo: Combat Evolvedin many ways, and while that alone is enough to garner unprecedented expectations, the recent beta is all the more indication thatHalo Infinitedeserves all the hype that it’s getting.
343 continues to putHalo Infinitemultiplayerin the spotlight, and for all the right reasons, as the latest beta felt polished and captured the essence of classicHalogames while feeling modern at the same time. What hasn’t received the spotlight it deserves is theHalo Infinitecampaign. While some fans may be willing to overlook the long-awaited return of Master Chief and his continued quest to save humanity overHalo Infinite’s various multiplayer offerings, the truth is thatHalo Infinite’s singleplayer mode is a different entity altogether, with its own primary audience waiting with bated breath for an epic and satisfactory addition to Chief’s saga.
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Halo Infinite’s campaign has a lot to prove, and it has to deliver on various fronts. PreviousHalogames have all been visual showcases, pushing the Xbox consoles to their limits. Thus far, there has been a sense of serenity lying in wait for players as they traverse one of many forerunners structures intheHalogames. On top of that, theHaloseries has always captivated fans with its unique art style, epic orchestral score, and this incredible sense of power and responsibility that comes from being the Master Chief. These attributes, although present in multiplayer, are most profoundly experienced in the campaign ofHalogames.
In the case ofHalo Infinite’s campaign, things do not seem too bright at the moment. Last year’s campaign reveal was not received well by fans, with many disappointed with the game’s visuals and the lack of overall polish one expects from a first-party game. The infamousCraig the Brute, who made an appearance in last year’s reveal, became quite a sensation for all the wrong reasons.
The underwhelmingHalo Infinitecampaignreveal was partly responsible for the game’s year-long delay, and 343 Industries seems to have taken the criticism well, with frequent updates onHalo Infinite’s development throughout 2021. However, fans have yet to get another look atHalo Infinite’s campaign despite seeing and playing game’s multiplayer component several times. The only other time 343 has shown bits of theHalo Infinitecampaign is through a cinematic trailer and several landscape screenshots of the Zeta Halo.
The lack of showcases forHalo Infinite’s campaign when it’s less than two months away from launch is downright concerning. There is a possibility of 343 showing off some freshHalo Infinitecampaign gameplay at the newly announcedXbox 20th Anniversary Broadcaston November 15, though the company has yet to confirm its plan for the event.
In addition to the lack of a substantial reveal, the fact thatHalo Infinitewon’t feature co-op at launchis another red flag that is hard to ignore. This is truly a shame, asHalo Infinite’s premise is brimming with possibilities. Ever since 343 started working on theHalofranchise, it has struggled to strike a balance between retaining parts of classicHalogames and introducing fresh elements that do not feel alienating to long-term fans.Halo Infiniteseems to be the closest 343 has gotten to making aHalogame that acknowledges the legacy of past entries while also feeling like the evolution the series needs. Unfortunately, fans have not yet been given a reason to be as excited for the campaign as they are for multiplayer.
Still, theHalo Infinitecampaign has quite the potential. It could concludeCortona’s story arc, and it might be the next step in depicting a more humanHalostoryline with the introduction of the pilot that tags along with Chief in Zeta Halo. It could provide the ultimate sandbox that compels players to explore different parts of Zeta Halo amidst a day and night cycle. TheHalo Infinitecampaign could even be the next-gen evolution ofHalo: Combat Evolved, giving series veterans a game that feels like a better version of what they played 20 years ago. TheHalofranchise and 343 need to deliver on that front as well as the game’s multiplayer to makeHalo Infinitethe success that so many want it to be.
Halo Infinitelaunches July 18, 2025, for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
