Halo Infinite’s multiplayer is a separate component from the single-player campaign. 343 Industries confirmed earlier this year that the game’s competitive mode will go free-to-play. However, while most expected the multiplayer component of Halo Infinite to launch alongside the single-player campaign on December 8, it appears that 343 decided that Christmas should come a bit early for Halo fans all over the world.
343 makes Halo Infinite “multiplayer beta” available to play
This past weekend, there were rumors that 343 was planning to launch Halo Infinite’s multiplayer on November 15. As the calendar turned to the 15th, most thought that the leaks were wrong. But, as it turns out, 343 was just taking its time, releasing on November 15 near the day’s end, much to the surprise of thousands of gamers.
According to 343, Halo Infinite’s early multiplayer release is a “multiplayer beta” and will offer a preview of the first season of content planned for the game. 343 also reassured fans that any progress made during this “beta” period will carry over to the full release on December 8.
While the launch of Halo Infinite’s multiplayer is indeed a surprise, it’s also fitting. The franchise just celebrated its 20th birthday. The original Halo: Combat Evolved was released as a launch title for the original Xbox on November 15, 2021. To help celebrate this occasion, Microsoft also held an Xbox anniversary live stream on YouTube. It was at this showcase that 343 announced the early release of Halo Infinite’s multiplayer.
Hopefully, the warm reception to Halo Infinite’s multiplayer component is a sign of good things to come. 343 could use a break if we’re being honest. After receiving criticism for the “incomplete” state of Halo Infinite last year, 343 went back to the drawing board to rework the game. Even though it’s far from complete yet – the Forge mod and the co-op campaign will release later – Halo Infinite is shaping up to be a much better game than if it were released alongside the Xbox Series S/X.
