Halo Infinite’s release date finally revealed at Gamescom

The first killer app of the Xbox Series X/S finally has a release date.

During Gamescom Opening Night Live, a new trailer dropped featuring Halo Infinite’s multiplayer options. Alongside it came the final release date for the hotly anticipated first-person shooter.

Halo Infinite will launch on December 8, 2021.

Alongside Halo Infinite is a new Xbox Elite controller based on Master Chief with a green body, black handles and buttons, and a golden control pad. There will also be a limited edition Halo Infinite themed Xbox Series X console with a themed body.

The news comes following a rough day for 343 Studios, as reports circulated that Halo Infinite wouldn’t have a co-op campaign mode or Forge at launch. Both are set to be added to the game in the future through gameplay updates but this is the first mainline Halo game to not have cooperative campaign play.

Halo Infinite’s release date also comes after a year of uncertainty regarding the game’s release. The game was originally meant to come out on November 10, 2020 as a launch title for the Xbox Series X/S. In August of 2020, the game was given an extended delay, though the continued expectation has been a 2021 release for Halo Infinite.

This is also likely to be the first major release of the new console generation. Though both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S have had exclusive games, the offering has been quite limited for both.

What platforms will Halo Infinite launch on?

Halo Infinite is set for a simultaneous release on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC. The game is also set to have both crossplay and cross-progression. This is especially important today as Xbox Series X/S production has been slow to the point where consoles come in at a trickle and immediately sell out.

Halo Infinite’s release will be a somewhat unique one, with 343 Studios looking to turn the game into something more akin to Fortnite than previous Halo releases. The multiplayer version of the game will be free to play, with battle passes being available for sale with unlockable rewards. Unlike battle passes in other games, Halo Infinite’s battle passes will allow players to continue grinding rewards in them after they’re no longer available for sale.

The goal for 343 Studios is to have Halo Infinite be the final Halo game, with Infinite’s lifespan being indefinite as new game modes, maps, and content are added periodically to keep things fresh like other free-to-play games. The goal is ambitious, but the game has been in development long enough that the potential is there.