Summary
Halois one of the most popular and influential video game series of all time. With its original trilogy and spin-off games likeHalo: ReachandHalo 3: ODST,Haloreliably proved its competence when it came to both single-player campaigns and multiplayer experiences. However, recent entries in the series have raised concern among fans and critics alike.
Halo 4,Halo 5: Guardians, andHalo Infinitewere all met with backlash from a large portion ofHaloplayers. Withrumors about a newHalogamealready circulating, 343 Industries will need to drastically differ its approach if it wants to maintain its hold on the series. It would be quite a switch-up, but a single-playerHalogame could be 343’s best bet at renewing interest in the series and regaining the trust of longtime fans.
Why Halo Should Shift Away From Multiplayer — For Now
Multiplayer has always been an integral part of theHaloexperience. However, due to the increasing profitability of the live service model,Halo’s multiplayer side has taken noticeable priority over single-player content. This design approach can be clearly seen with 343’s handling of the most recent entry in the series,Halo Infinite.
How Halo Infinite Underserved Its Campaign Mode
AfterHalo 5’s story modemade some controversial decisions that angered players, 343 decided to play it safe withHalo Infinite. The game’s story shifted its focus back to Master Chief, brought the fan-favorite Banished faction in as antagonists, and set the game on yet another halo installation. Fans were excited by the prospect ofHaloreturning to its roots but ultimately ended up disappointed with the final product.
ThoughInfinite’s multiplayer was similarly lacking in content at launch, 343 has continually put out updates for this side of the game. Multiple battle passes, new game modes, new maps, forge tools, in-game events, and more have all been added to multiplayer. Meanwhile, no single-player content has been added despite fan demand regardingcampaign DLC forHalo Infinite.
Why Single-Player Matters for Halo — and Why Multiplayer Won’t Always be Enough
While many first-person multiplayer shooters have story modes, theHaloseries used to be in a class of its own.Halo’s best campaignsweren’t just scripted tutorials for the PvP modes; they were filled with unique spectacles, emotional weight, and interesting lore. While those elements aren’t completely lacking in recentHalotitles, 343 has proven that its priority is on the much more profitable multiplayer side of the games.
If theHaloseries wants to regain its fans' trust, it needs to place its priorities back on to its story mode — at least for now. The best way to do that would be to sever the nextHalofrom the multiplayer modes and release a campaign-only title. This would allow 343 to fully prioritize creating a compelling narrative and innovative gameplay experience.
A single-playerHalomeans that the game wouldn’t have to structure its designs or mechanics with PvP in mind. 343 could give players weapons, vehicles, and gadgets that would never work in a multiplayer game. With an entire budget dedicated to single-player,Halowould also be able to go back to its days of having unique environments for every level and larger scale battles.
Microsoft might worry about the profitability of such a game, but Sony and other developers have continued to prove that a strong single-player game experience can still bring quite the cash flow. Plus, Microsoft hasn’t had an issue putting othersingle-player titles on Xbox Game Pass, and doing so with a newHalogame would likely renew interest in the subscription service.
Halo Infinite
WHERE TO PLAY
When all hope is lost and humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, the Master Chief is ready to confront the most ruthless foe he’s ever faced. Step inside the armor of humanity’s greatest hero to experience an epic open-world adventure and explore the massive scale of the Halo ring.With Network Campaign Co-Op and Mission Replay, you can relive your favorite moments, rediscover collectibles and explore the wonders of Zeta Halo on your own or with up to three other fireteam members.Experience Halo’s celebrated multiplayer reimagined and free-to-play! With over 70 maps in matchmaking, billions of customization configurations, and countless community Forge creations to experience, Halo Infinite is the franchise’s most expansive multiplayer offering to date.Enjoy an unprecedented variety of gameplay experiences, ranging from fast-paced intense ranked modes to whimsical mayhem in Custom Games, or even co-operative coordination in the wave-based survival mode Firefight: King of the Hill. Assemble your Fireteam and conquer every mode – Halo offers endless opportunities for teamwork, strategy, and unforgettable victories.
