Halo Infinite’s new 8v8 mode called Squad Battle that’s recently been added to the rotation is a big hit among fans. Season 4 ofHalo Infinitehas recently gone live and with it comes Infection, two new official maps, and a new career rank system.
Halo Infinitehas not had it easy since its Holiday 2021 launch. Considered Xbox’s flagship first-person shooter for this new generation of Xbox,Infinitereleased to positive receptionwith many fans enjoying the game’s campaign, which featured the first ever open worldHaloexperience, despite the disappointing lack of campaign co-op at launch. On top of that, many fans were loving the fluidity of the multiplayer and looked forward to a bright future forHalowithInfinite. However, in the weeks and months to follow, the slow output of any new content combined with a lackluster first battle pass began to frustrate fans as player counts started dropping.Halo Infinitehas been struggling ever since.
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Now, during the game’s fourth seasonHalo Infinitehas added the 8v8 Squad Battle mode which has been capturing the hearts ofHalofans old and new. The nostalgic mode features the classic 8v8 Big Team Battle player count, which was the norm forHalotitles beforeInfinitejacked it up to 12v12. Squad Battle takes place on three classicHalomaps fromHalo 2and3that have been re-created by dedicated community members. Vallaheim, made by HaiseOz recreatesHalo 3’s Valhalla, while Rat’s Nest by Mastermetalex recreates theHalo 3DLC map of the same name. Additionally, Kusini Bay, made by Mr Kwatz, remakesHalo 2’s classic Zanzibar map.
This throwback to the Bungie days ofHalohas been one of the few modes added over the years which has fans buzzing withHalonostalgia and positive sentiment surroundingInfinite. While these fan-created maps don’t quite look as visually polished as developer343 Industries' official maps, the studio leaning on the help of its most talented community map creators for a mode like this is smart, considering how 343 has been struggling to hit a timely cadence of new official maps ever sinceInfinite’s2021 launch.
Squad Battle is a limited time mode that will be replaced with another mode at some point, as is the nature of the live service realm. However, many fans have been calling for 343 to have Squad Battle remain a permanent mode, asking for even moreclassicHalo 3mapremakes to be added over time. For the first time since 2021 theHalocommunity seems excited aboutHalo Infiniteand the thought of Squad Battle becoming permanent. It’s now up to 343 to recognize the positive sentiment around Squad Battle and do something to ensure fans of the mode can remain satisfied from here on out.
Halo Infiniteis available now for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
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