Halo Infinite December release date leaks via Microsoft listing
Halo Infinite looks set to land a 2021 debut, according to a new store listing.
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What you need to know
Halo Infinitewill launch on December 8, 2021, according to a new listing uncovered via the Microsoft Store. The listing provides long-anticipated clarity on release plans for the upcoming sci-fi shooter, previously confirmed for “holiday 2021.”
Microsoft has repeatedly stressed plans to bring Halo Infinite to market in 2021, following aprevious delaythat pushed the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S launch title into this year. Developer 343 Industries cited “multiple factors” alongside the announcement, but spotlighted challenges tied to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
While Halo Infinite resurfaced at E3 2021 this June, later followed bypublic multiplayer technical tests, developer 343 Industries has remained coy on timelines. While Call of Duty: Vanguard, Battlefield 2042, and other imminent shooters now have scheduled launch dates, availability has remained hazy on the next mainline Halo title.
The report comes viaAggiornamenti Lumiaon Twitter, a reputable and proven source for leaks via the Microsoft Store. The timing is unusual, less than 24 hours afterMicrosoft hosted its own Gamescom 2021 conference, but implies a potential showing at Geoff Keighley’s Gamescom Opening Night Live show on Wednesday afternoon.
Scoop: Halo Infinite (Campaign) | Release Date December 8https://t.co/5iO4pjLCjApic.twitter.com/b7efdHp5tmScoop: Halo Infinite (Campaign) | Release Date December 8https://t.co/5iO4pjLCjApic.twitter.com/b7efdHp5tm— Aggiornamenti Lumia (@ALumia_Italia)August 25, 2021August 25, 2021
The upcoming mainline entry debuts on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, plus Windows 10 PCs. Preorders start at $60 on all platforms, with day-one access granted to Xbox Game Pass subscribers. Halo Infinite’s multiplayer component will also be available as a standalone free-to-play title on all platforms.
However, Microsoft has scaled back the scope of Halo Infinite in a controversial move to hit this December. Thecooperative campaign and the Forge level editorare no longer planned for launch, now expected to arrive later via a post-launch update.
Halo Infinite will launch with a new single-player story campaign, with the return of franchise icon, the Master Chief, on his latest adventure. The title adopts a new open-world setup spanning a virtual ringworld, including returning alien faction, the Banished. The title will also ship with a traditional multiplayer mode, including an expanded 24-player Big Team Battle mode and support for AI-controlled bots.
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A new ringworld awaits
Halo Infinite brings an expansive single-player campaign and a new multiplayer experience, now slated for December 2021.
Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central’s Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft’s gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter@mattjbrown.
