Halo Infinite has brought back the legendary Master Chief in its latest update, Operation: Blue Team, and it’s as exciting as fans hoped it would be. One of the most nostalgic features introduced in this update is the Firefight Classic playlist, drawing inspiration from the much-loved survival mode first seen in Halo 3: ODST. To add to the excitement, players can now engage in battles on thoughtfully recreated classic maps from Halo ODST and Reach.
Master Chief has always been a beacon of the UNSC, synonymous with the Xbox franchise. However, it’s important to remember that his prowess is magnified by his legendary team. Marking their first return since Halo 5 in 2015, the Operation: Blue Team welcomes back Linda-058, Kelly-087, and Fred-104. Though they might not share John’s fortuitous luck, these Spartans excel in accuracy and speed. As part of this update, players can unlock Kelly-087’s distinct HERMES-class Mjolnir armor in a free 20-tier battle pass. Additionally, the Store offers a variety of Blue Team armors to expand your collection.
For those who enjoy the thrill of co-op-based combat, Firefight Classic is a standout addition. This PVE mode lets squads of four combat escalating waves of enemies—five per round and three rounds in total. What makes Halo Infinite’s take on Firefight unique is the ability to choose when to bow out. Teams can opt for a strategic retreat at an exfiltration site or continue the fight against relentless waves. Noteworthy maps like ONI’s New Mombasa headquarters (Alpha Site and Security Zone) from Halo 3: ODST, and the Courtyard at SWORD Base from Halo: Reach have been brought back to life, offering players a nostalgic yet fresh gaming experience.
Looking at what’s new in Operation: Blue Team, alongside Kelly’s signature armor, the update brings new store bundles featuring the armors of Linda-058, Fred-104, and even John-117 himself. The introduction of the Firefight Classic mode stands out, alongside new maps such as Alpha Site, Courtyard, and Security Zone for PVP fans. Moreover, the update offers Hot Swap, a reimagined PVP mode where everyone’s loadouts change every 30 seconds, promising fresh challenges around every corner. And let’s not forget the addition of the new PVP map, Nemesis, set amidst a Forerunner backdrop.
For those focused on player-versus-player action, Hot Swap tests your expertise with a constantly changing arsenal, ensuring no two matches are alike. This dynamic mode, alongside the newly introduced Forerunner-themed map, Nemesis, is set to keep players engaged.
Furthermore, Halo Infinite’s Store has been refreshed with new offerings, and matchmaking has been streamlined to help players find games faster. Running from March 11 to April 8, Operation: Blue Team is packed with content, including a patch to address server stability issues. This update builds excitement following Halo Studios’ announcement of the upcoming Extraction mode and a rewarding Forgehub Map Contest with a $20,000 prize.
In essence, Halo Infinite continues to expand its universe, offering players both nostalgic nods to the past and innovative new ways to enjoy their favorite game. Whether you’re diving into PVE modes with old friends or taking on opponents in riveting PVP battles, there’s no better time to embrace the Halo universe.
