The trajectory ofHalo Infinite’s live-service multiplayer has been all over the place since the game was released back in 2021. The multiplayer featured impressive graphics and streamlined gameplay and launch, but it was sorely lacking in content. Compared to previousHalogames,Halo Infinitewas low on modes, maps, and customization items. This was tolerable at first, but with how minimal and infrequent the game’s content updates were, fans quickly reached a breaking point.
While some players had given up onHalo Infiniteentirely after the infamous extension of its second season, 343 Industries — since renamed Halo Studios — eventually found its groove. Updates became more consistent, and 343 proved that they were listening to fans by addingcross-core customizationand beloved modes like Firefight to the game. Though the release of developer-made content has slowed down somewhat as more and more members of the development team shift their attention toward the studio’s next project, the timing ofHalo Infinite’s upcoming update could indicate that the developers still have big plans for the currentHaloentry.
The Significance of Early Teases For Infinite’s Next Weapon
Infinite’s Mutilator Weapon and the Summer Update
Ahead ofHalo Infinite’s newest update, Operation: Frontlines, Halo Studios teased the upcoming release of what looks to be the game’s wildest gun: the Mutilator. The Mutilator is a “Banished-themed shotgun” that will supposedly have a miniature gravity hammer mounted to its underside. This weapon was leaked quite some time ago alongside several other weapons hidden inInfinite’s files, but arecent post on Halo Waypointmarks the first time that the weapon has officially been acknowledged by Halo Studios.
Despite being included in a news post aboutHalo Infinite’s spring update, Halo Studios shared that the team is aiming to have the Mutilator out at the start of the summer update. This aligns with Halo Studios' goal to bring a new sandbox item toInfinitein the first operation of every update going forward, as was seen with the addition of theMA5K Avengerand the Fuel Rod SPNKR in the game’s latest updates. While it’s surprising that Halo Studios is teasing the summer update before the spring update has even begun, the timing of the summer update could be signaling a significant move forInfinite.
A New Frontier For Halo Multiplayer
Xbox made waves last year with both rumors and suggestions from company higher-ups that it may be done with console exclusives. Even after Microsoft’s acquisition of multiple major gaming studios, Xbox still struggles to keep pace in the console wars. It seems that Xbox has adopted the mentality of “if you can’t beat them, join them,” as Phil Spencer himself has stated that he has “no doubt” thatfirst-party Xbox games will be making their way to PlayStation and Nintendoconsoles in the future.
Halo Studios setting the table forHalo Infinite’s summer update so far in advance is unexpected given the development team’s communication regarding past updates, but it might be nothing more than a teaser to keep current players engaged. However, the start of the summer update does coincide with the potential release of this year’s hottest hardware: the Nintendo Switch 2.
Combined with Microsoft’s expressed interest in bringing first-party games to Nintendo consoles, the release of the Switch 2 would be the perfect opportunity for Xbox’s flagship franchise to make this landmark voyage. Theories have suggested thatthe Switch 2 might be released this May, which would align with the start ofHalo Infinite’s summer update. Kicking offHalo Infinite’s move to the Switch 2 with a substantial new content update for the game would be a great way to introduce Nintendo fans to the franchise — and give them a better first taste of the game than Xbox and PC players experienced at launch.
