Microsoft Confirms That 'Halo Infinite' Multiplayer Will Be Free-To-Play

After leaks suggested that the multiplayer mode of “Halo Infinite” might be free to play, Microsoft has confirmed it.

Eurogamer notes that aside from being free-to-play, Microsoft confirmed that multiplayer on “Halo Infinite” will run at 120FPS on the Xbox Series X.

Retailer Smyths Toys initially posted about the unannounced multiplayer, describing it as a “Groundbreaking free-to-play multiplayer experience” with “greatly reduced load times” and up to 120FPS on Xbox Series X.

That same listing was eventually pulled although it is still viewable via Google’s cache.

Xbox leaker Klobrille, who has previously detailed other Halo Infinite features before their official reveal, chimed in to say the game's multiplayer would indeed be free-to-play, and offer some kind of battle pass system.

Developed by 343 Industries and published by Xbox Game Studios for Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X, “Halo Infinite” continues the story of the Master Chief as the third chapter of the “Reclaimer Saga” in the “Halo” series of games.

“Halo Infinite” is the sixth main entry of the “Halo” series and the fourteenth game overall. Trailers have indicated that the story will be set on a Halo ring while showcasing the design of Master Chief’s Mark VI armor design similar to what had previously been seen in “Halo 2” and “Halo 3.”

The main adversaries for “Halo Infinite” have been revealed to be The Banished, a violent mercenary group that splintered off of the former Covenant alien alliance.

After a gameplay trailer of “Halo Infinite” was shown during the heavily promoted Xbox Games Showcase streaming event in July, many criticized the graphics employed in the trailer.

In light of this, Aaron Greenberg, general manager of Xbox marketing, responded to concerns by saying "Listen, we're in the middle of a global pandemic. It's July, we're far from [launch in] Holiday, you're seeing a work-in-progress game." He added that the final version would be a "visual showcase.

Already heavily promoted to launch with the Xbox Series X during the holiday season, “Halo Infinite” is also coming to Xbox One and on PC via both the Microsoft Store and Steam.

Eurogamer notes that a free-to-play multiplayer offering would open up the game to a vast playerbase - and could be especially important for the Steam audience who do not have access to Xbox Game Pass.