The Weapon (UNSC AI - CTN 0452-9): Master Chief's primary companion throughout the campaign. She interfaces with Forerunner and UNSC systems, provides tactical information, mission objectives, backstory, and emotional support. She can hack terminals, open doors, analyze data, and her developing relationship with Chief is a core narrative element. Not a direct combatant but crucial for progression and understanding the world.
Artificial Intelligence
Echo-216 ('The Pilot' - Fernando Esparza): Rescues Master Chief and pilots the Pelican dropship, serving as his primary means of transport between major landmasses on Zeta Halo (though not directly controllable by the player for free flight). He provides emotional commentary, narrative exposition, and represents the perspective of an ordinary human caught in the conflict. He does not participate directly in combat with Chief.
Human (UNSC Contractor)
UNSC Marines (Rescued Squads / FOB Support): Master Chief can rescue squads of captured UNSC Marines across Zeta Halo. Once rescued, they may assist in local skirmishes or can be called in as AI fireteam support (with varying weapon loadouts based on Valor progression) when Chief assaults Banished outposts or requests aid at a Forward Operating Base (FOB). Their effectiveness varies, but they can provide covering fire and draw enemy attention.
Human (UNSC Soldiers)
Co-op Players (Online): Up to 3 other players can join the host's game in online co-op. They control their own Aiden characters with their respective progression. Teammates can revive each other, combine combat efforts, and assist in completing quests and exploring The City. Loot is generally instanced or shared fairly.
Human (Other Players' Aidens)
Story-Specific AI Companions (Temporary): During certain main story missions or side quests, key NPC characters will temporarily accompany Aiden, providing combat support and unique dialogue. They are AI-controlled and their presence is scripted for those specific mission segments. They are not persistent, commandable companions.
Human (Key NPCs like Lawan, Hakon)
Key Collectibles
Spartan Cores: Found in distinct silver UNSC or Banished crates scattered across Zeta Halo, often in hidden areas or as rewards for minor encounters. Used by Master Chief to upgrade his five core pieces of equipment: Grappleshot, Shield Core, Threat Sensor, Drop Wall, and Thruster.
Mjolnir Armor Lockers: Green UNSC lockers found throughout Zeta Halo. Each locker contains a unique cosmetic item (e.g., armor coating, emblem, weapon charm, AI color, stance) for use in Halo Infinite's multiplayer customization.
UNSC Audio Logs: Data pads left behind by UNSC personnel before or during the Banished attack. These provide personal stories, tactical information, and lore about the UNSC's final stand on Zeta Halo and the events leading up to Master Chief's arrival.
Banished Audio Logs: Data pads from Banished forces (Grunts, Brutes, Elites, Escharum himself). These offer insight into Banished culture, their motivations for being on Zeta Halo, internal conflicts, and their perspective on the war and Master Chief.
Forerunner Artifacts (Rings / Archives): Mysterious Forerunner structures or data archives found across Zeta Halo. Interacting with them provides glimpses into Forerunner history, their conflict with the Flood and The Endless, and the purpose of the Halo rings. Unlocks entries in the Database.
Skulls: Well-hidden collectibles, a staple of the Halo series. Each Skull, when activated for a new playthrough or mission replay, enables a gameplay modifier that typically increases difficulty or adds a humorous effect (e.g., Grunts explode into confetti, enemies have more health, no HUD).
Propaganda Towers (Banished): Banished communication towers broadcasting propaganda across Zeta Halo. Destroying these towers (by disabling their power source) silences the broadcasts, earns Valor, and reveals nearby points of interest. Not a traditional 'collectible' but a clearable map icon.
Inhibitors (GRE Crates): Found in GRE Quarantine Buildings, Military Convoys, Airdrops, and other high-risk locations. Essential for upgrading Aiden's maximum Health and Stamina, which in turn unlocks access to higher-tier Combat and Parkour skills.
Mementos (Notes, Recordings, Dog Tags, Newspapers, etc.): Lore items scattered throughout Villedor that provide backstory about the world, The Fall, key characters, and the daily struggles of survivors. Found in buildings, safe zones, and quest locations.
Graffiti Tags (Street Art): Collectible pieces of street art created by various artists in The City. Often found in hard-to-reach parkour locations, requiring skilled traversal to find and collect.
Tapes (Music & Story): Audio tapes that can be played on Aiden's cassette player. Some are music tracks, while others contain story segments, interviews, or personal logs providing more lore.
Blueprints: Recipes for crafting weapon mods, consumables (medkits, boosters), throwables, and arrows/bolts. Found in the world, as quest rewards, or purchased from Craftmasters.
Standard UNSC firearms. Assault Rifle for general use, Battle Rifle for mid-range precision, Commando for versatile auto/semi-auto fire, Bulldog shotgun for close quarters, Sniper Rifle for long range, Sidekick pistol as a reliable backup.
UNSC Power Weapons (M41 SPNKr Rocket Launcher, Skewer, Hydra): Human Heavy/Explosive Firearms
SPNKr for anti-vehicle/large groups. Skewer is a Banished anti-vehicle spike launcher adopted by UNSC. Hydra fires lock-on micro-missiles.
Energy-based weapons favored by the Banished. Pulse Carbine fires tracking plasma bolts. Plasma Pistol can charge an EMP shot. Ravager fires bouncing AoE plasma. Stalker Rifle is a mid-to-long range precision plasma weapon.
Banished Power Weapons (Gravity Hammer, Energy Sword, Shock Rifle, Disruptor, Mangler): Covenant/Banished Heavy/Special Weapons
Gravity Hammer for devastating melee AoE. Energy Sword for lethal melee lunges. Shock Rifle fires an electrical beam that can chain between targets. Disruptor deals damage over time with shock. Mangler is a powerful spike-firing revolver.
Forerunner/Sentinel Weapons (Heatwave, Sentinel Beam, Cindershot): Alien Energy Weapons (Hardlight/Incendiary)
Advanced Forerunner or Sentinel technology. Heatwave fires ricocheting hardlight projectiles (horizontal or vertical spread). Sentinel Beam is a continuous laser. Cindershot launches bouncing explosive projectiles.
The primary combat tools. Weapons have rarity tiers (Common to Artifact), durability, and can be enhanced with craftable mods (e.g., adding elemental damage like fire/shock, increasing impact, critical chance, or durability). Different weapon types have varying attack speeds, damage, and special properties (e.g., blunt weapons good against armor, slashing against unarmored).
Bows & Crossbows: Ranged (Silent, Precision)
Silent ranged weapons ideal for stealth and taking out enemies from a distance. Various arrow/bolt types can be crafted (standard, fire, shock, explosive, poison, UV). The PK Crossbow is a powerful late-game reward.
Boosters provide temporary enhancements to combat, parkour, health regeneration, or resistances. Medkits are essential for healing. Craftable using herbs and other resources.
UV Flashlight: Defensive Tool
An essential tool, especially at night. Its UV light weakens and repels Volatiles and other light-sensitive infected, creating temporary safe opportunities. Can be upgraded for intensity and duration.
Firearms (Limited): Ranged (Ballistic - Rare)
While the game is primarily melee-focused due to ammo scarcity in The City, some limited firearms like makeshift pistols or shotguns (e.g., 'Boomstick') can be found or crafted, but ammo is extremely rare and they are generally less sustainable than melee or bows.
Armor / Gear Sets
Mjolnir Powered Assault Armor (Mark VI [GEN3] - Master Chief's Suit): Master Chief's advanced powered armor. Provides energy shielding (recharges), health (underneath shields), and integrates his equipment (Grappleshot, Shield Core, Threat Sensor, Drop Wall, Thruster). Shield strength can be upgraded using Spartan Cores. Does not have swappable armor pieces for stat changes in campaign; visual customization is for multiplayer.
Shield Core Upgrades: Using Spartan Cores, Master Chief can upgrade his Mjolnir armor's shield generator, increasing the total number of shield segments (effectively more shield health) and potentially shield recharge rate or resilience.
Multiplayer Armor Customization (Cores, Helmets, Chests, Shoulders, Knees, Visors, Coatings, Emblems, etc.): In Halo Infinite's free-to-play multiplayer, players can extensively customize their Spartan's appearance. Armor is based on 'Cores' (e.g., Mark VII, Mark V [B], Yoroi, Rakshasa, Eaglestrike) which act as a base. Players then equip various helmets, chest pieces, shoulder pads, knee pads, visors, apply armor coatings (color schemes), and emblems. These are primarily cosmetic and do not affect gameplay stats, promoting a balanced playing field.
Gear Pieces (Head, Chest, Gloves, Bracers, Pants, Shoes): Players equip six pieces of gear, each belonging to a specific class (Tank, Brawler, Medic, Ranger) that provides bonuses tailored to that playstyle (e.g., Tank gear offers more damage resistance, Brawler gear more melee damage). Gear has rarity tiers (Common to Artifact) and provides stats like armor, damage resistance, and specific perks (e.g., +% damage at night, reduced stamina cost for parkour). Gear can be found, bought, or earned as quest rewards.
Cosmetic Outfits (Transmog): A transmogrification system allows players to change the appearance of their equipped gear to look like any other gear piece they have collected, without altering its stats. Many full cosmetic outfits are also available through events, DLC, or store purchases.
Outfits/Customization
Master Chief's Mjolnir Armor (Mark VI GEN3): In the single-player campaign, Master Chief's Mjolnir armor has a fixed appearance reflecting its latest generation. There are no options to change its visual design or color scheme within the campaign itself. Upgrades are functional (Shield Core, Equipment) rather than cosmetic.
Multiplayer Spartan Armor Customization: Halo Infinite's free-to-play multiplayer features an extensive armor customization system. Players customize their personal Spartan using:
- **Armor Cores:** Base armor models (e.g., Mark VII, Mark V [B] from Reach, Yoroi samurai-themed, Rakshasa, Eaglestrike).
- **Helmets:** Various helmet designs for each core.
- **Visors:** Different colors and patterns for the helmet's visor.
- **Chest Attachments:** Additional armor plating or gear for the chest.
- **Shoulder Pads:** Left and right shoulder armor pieces.
- **Knee Pads:** Protective gear for the knees.
- **Gloves:** Different glove designs.
- **Wrist Attachments:** Utility items or cosmetic pieces for the wrist.
- **Utility/Hip Attachments:** Pouches or gear attached to the hip/thigh.
- **Armor Coatings:** Overall color schemes and material finishes for the armor.
- **Armor Emblems:** Decals that can be applied to armor pieces.
- **Armor Effects:** Special visual effects like flames or energy auras (often from events or store).
- **Mythic Effect Sets:** Themed sets that can change helmet, armor, and death effects.
These are unlocked through the Battle Pass, in-game events, challenges, or purchased from the store. They are purely cosmetic.
Weapon Coatings & Charms (Multiplayer): In multiplayer, players can apply cosmetic coatings (skins) to their weapons and attach small weapon charms for personalization.
Vehicle Coatings & Emblems (Multiplayer): Multiplayer vehicles can also be customized with different paint jobs (coatings) and emblems.
Gear Sets (Tank, Brawler, Medic, Ranger): Players equip six pieces of gear (Head, Torso, Gloves, Wrists, Legs, Feet). Each piece belongs to a class (Tank, Brawler, Medic, Ranger) providing specific gameplay bonuses (e.g., damage reduction, melee damage, healing effectiveness, ranged damage). Gear has visual variety based on its class, rarity, and faction origin (PK, Survivor, Renegade aesthetic). A transmog system allows players to change equipped gear's appearance to any owned style.
Cosmetic Outfits & Skins: Full cosmetic outfits that change Aiden's entire appearance without affecting stats are available through game progression, events, DLC, or store purchases (e.g., Nightrunner outfit, Peacekeeper outfit, various themed bundles).
Weapon Charms: Small cosmetic charms that can be attached to melee weapons for personalization.
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Progression & Upgrades
Skills & Progression
N/A
Aiden has two main skill trees: Combat (unlocking new melee moves, weapon proficiency, and toughness) and Parkour (unlocking advanced traversal abilities like wall runs, slides, and improved jumps). Skill points are earned by performing combat actions and parkour maneuvers respectively. Inhibitors, found in GRE containers, are used to upgrade Health and Stamina, which also gate access to higher-tier skills. Crafting allows Aiden to create weapon mods, consumables (medkits, boosters), and throwable items using scavenged resources. Blueprints for crafting are found or earned.
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World & Exploration
World & Level Design
N/A
The City of Villedor is significantly larger than Harran from the first game, divided into two main districts: Old Villedor (a more classic European-style area with smaller buildings, easier for early parkour) and the Central Loop (a modern downtown area with skyscrapers, requiring advanced parkour tools like the grappling hook and paraglider). There are also surrounding areas, GRE Quarantines, and Dark Hollows. The map is dense with verticality, encouraging rooftop traversal.
The iconic UNSC ground vehicle. Standard variant has a chain gun turret. Rocket Hog variant has rocket launchers. Gauss Hog variant has a powerful Gauss cannon. Fast and versatile for traversing Zeta Halo. Can be called in at FOBs.
A fast and agile ATV, primarily for quick transport of one or two Spartans. No inherent weaponry but passengers can fire their own weapons. Can be called in at FOBs.
UNSC Scorpion (M808 Main Battle Tank): Main Battle Tank
A heavily armored and powerfully armed UNSC tank. Features a main cannon and a coaxial machine gun. Slow but devastating. Can be called in at FOBs (later in Valor progression).
A Mongoose variant equipped with front-mounted grenade launchers, providing light offensive capabilities.
UNSC Wasp (AV-49 VTOL): Vertical Take-Off and Landing Air Vehicle
A nimble UNSC aerial vehicle equipped with machine guns and missiles. Excellent for air support and traversing large vertical distances or across islands on Zeta Halo. Can be called in at FOBs (later in Valor progression).
UNSC Pelican (D77-TC / D79-TC - Primarily for Transport/Support): Dropship / Gunship (AI Controlled for Player)
The Pelican piloted by Echo-216 serves as Master Chief's primary means of fast travel between major discovered locations/FOBs and for specific mission deployments/extractions. Not directly pilotable by the player in free roam campaign.
Banished dropship used for deploying troops and providing air support. Generally an enemy target rather than a pilotable vehicle for the player.
Paraglider: Personal Traversal Gear (Aerial)
An essential tool unlocked progression, allowing Aiden to glide from high places, cover large distances quickly, and navigate the verticality of the Central Loop. Can be upgraded for better maneuverability and features like a UV light attachment.
Grappling Hook: Personal Traversal Gear (Utility)
A versatile tool used to swing across gaps, pull Aiden towards anchor points, and aid in climbing. It functions more like a physics-based swing rather than a point-and-zip line in some games. Upgradable for range and functionality.
Traversal on Foot (Parkour): Player Locomotion
The primary mode of movement. Dying Light 2 features an advanced and fluid parkour system, allowing Aiden to run, jump, climb, slide, wall-run, and use various environmental elements to navigate The City's rooftops and streets with agility.
The legendary Spartan hero. After being defeated by Escharum and presumed lost, he is rescued and embarks on a mission to stop the Banished on Zeta Halo and uncover the secrets of The Endless, while grappling with the legacy of Cortana.
The Weapon (UNSC AI - Serial Number CTN 0452-9): Ally / AI Companion
A new 'smart' AI created as a copy of Cortana, designed to infiltrate Zeta Halo's systems and capture Cortana for deletion. She becomes Master Chief's primary AI companion, providing tactical information, hacking assistance, and undergoing significant character development.
Echo-216 (Fernando Esparza - 'The Pilot'): Ally / UNSC Pelican Pilot
A civilian UNSC contractor pilot who rescues Master Chief. Initially terrified and wanting to escape Zeta Halo, he becomes a reluctant but crucial ally, providing transportation and emotional grounding for the Chief.
Escharum: Main Antagonist / War Chief of the Banished on Zeta Halo
The aging but still formidable Jiralhanae (Brute) War Chief leading the Banished forces on Installation 07. He is Atriox's mentor and seeks a glorious final battle against Master Chief, viewing him as a worthy adversary.
The Harbinger: Antagonist / Emissary of The Endless
A mysterious and powerful alien entity allied with the Banished. She seeks to unleash The Endless, an ancient species imprisoned by the Forerunners on Zeta Halo. Serves as a major antagonist with unique abilities.
Atriox (Mentioned / Flashbacks - Leader of The Banished): Overarching Antagonist Figure
The supreme leader of the Banished. While not directly fought in the main campaign, his presence and past actions (defeating Cortana, taking Zeta Halo) are a driving force behind the conflict. Appears in logs and cutscenes.
An elite Sangheili (Elite) Blademaster serving Escharum, known for his stealth, cybernetic enhancements, and prowess in hunting Spartans. A recurring boss character.
High-ranking Banished officers that Master Chief confronts as mini-bosses or key targets during the campaign. Each has unique weaponry and combat styles.
Cortana (Flashbacks / Echoes): Former AI Companion / Antagonist (Halo 5) / Key Lore Figure
Master Chief's former AI partner. Her actions in Halo 5 and her subsequent destruction by Atriox are central to the backstory and The Weapon's creation. She appears through flashbacks and data echoes.
Various UNSC Marines & Survivors: Allies (Contextual)
Scattered UNSC Marine forces that Master Chief can rescue on Zeta Halo. Once rescued, they may assist in local skirmishes or can be called in as support at liberated FOBs.
Aiden Caldwell: Protagonist (Pilgrim)
An infected survivor with exceptional parkour and combat abilities. He travels to The City searching for his sister, Mia, from whom he was separated during GRE experiments as a child. Aiden is resourceful, determined, and his choices shape the fate of Villedor.
Lawan: Ally / Potential Romantic Interest
A strong, independent, and cynical survivor in The City, driven by a desire for revenge against Colonel Waltz. She becomes a crucial ally to Aiden and is skilled in combat and parkour. Voiced and motion-captured by Rosario Dawson.
Hakon: Ally / Nightrunner
An experienced Nightrunner who helps Aiden navigate The City early in his journey. He is knowledgeable about survival and the city's factions but has his own hidden agenda and complex allegiances.
Colonel Lucas Waltz: Main Antagonist (Former GRE Scientist / Renegade Leader)
A brilliant but ruthless scientist formerly with the GRE, now the leader of the Renegades. He is obsessed with finding a cure for his own condition and is connected to Aiden and Mia's past experiments. He possesses superhuman abilities due to self-experimentation.
Frank Marwey: Supporting Character / Former Nightrunner Leader
The former leader of the Nightrunners, now a disillusioned and alcoholic owner of the Fish Eye Canteen. He possesses valuable information and contacts within The City.
Major Jack Matt: Faction Leader (Peacekeepers)
The stern and militaristic commander of the Peacekeepers in the Central Loop. He seeks to impose order and security through strict control and military might.
Sophie: Faction Figure (Survivors - Old Villedor)
A key figure among the Survivors in the Bazaar in Old Villedor, trying to protect her community. Her brother, Barney, often causes trouble.
Carl: Faction Figure (Survivors - Central Loop)
One of the leaders of the Survivors faction operating from the PK Floating Fortress in the Central Loop, advocating for a more communal and less authoritarian approach.
Various other supporting characters: Quest Givers, Faction Members, Survivors
Numerous other characters populate The City, offering quests, information, and representing the diverse struggles of those living in the post-apocalypse.
Example Missions
Main Story Missions (Campaign)
A series of linear narrative missions that advance the primary storyline of Master Chief fighting the Banished on Zeta Halo, uncovering the mystery of The Endless, and his evolving relationship with 'The Weapon' and 'The Pilot'. These missions often take place in specific Forerunner structures, Banished fortresses, or unique environmental set pieces within the larger open world zones.
Forward Operating Base (FOB) Liberation
Capture Banished-controlled Forward Operating Bases scattered across Zeta Halo. This typically involves defeating all Banished forces at the location. Liberating a FOB reveals nearby points of interest on the Tac-Map (world map), provides a fast travel point, and allows Chief to spend Valor to call in weapons, vehicles, and Marine support.
Banished Outpost Destruction
Assault and destroy larger Banished facilities and strongholds (distinct from FOBs). These often involve multiple objectives like sabotaging key structures, eliminating commanders, or rescuing captured UNSC personnel. Rewards Valor and clears a significant Banished presence from an area.
High-Value Target (HVT) Elimination
Track down and eliminate specific named Banished leaders or elite warriors designated as High-Value Targets. These are optional mini-boss encounters found in the open world, often with unique weapon variants or abilities. Defeating them rewards Valor and unlocks their modified weapon at FOBs.
UNSC Marine Rescue
Locate and rescue squads of UNSC Marines captured by the Banished or pinned down by enemy forces. Successfully rescuing them rewards Valor and often adds those Marines as temporary AI allies in the immediate vicinity or to FOB garrisons.
Propaganda Tower Destruction
Find and destroy Banished propaganda towers broadcasting messages across Zeta Halo. This involves disabling their power source, often requiring some platforming or combat. Rewards Valor.
Exploring Forerunner Structures & Archives
Discover and investigate ancient Forerunner installations, spires, and data archives to uncover lore about Zeta Halo, the Forerunners, the Flood, and The Endless. Often involves light puzzle-solving or navigating complex environments.
Systematically explore Zeta Halo to find all hidden collectibles. Spartan Cores for suit upgrades, Mjolnir Lockers for multiplayer cosmetics, Audio Logs for lore, and Skulls for gameplay modifiers.
Main Story Quests (Aiden's Search for Mia)
A series of narrative-driven missions that follow Aiden Caldwell's journey to find his sister Mia, unravel his past with the GRE experiments, and navigate the faction conflicts within Villedor. These missions involve critical choices that shape the city and its inhabitants.
Side Quests (Citizen Requests & Stories)
Numerous optional quests given by various NPCs throughout The City. These offer diverse scenarios, from helping survivors with personal problems and investigating mysteries to undertaking dangerous tasks for factions or individuals. They provide XP, rewards, and further insight into the world.
Key missions where Aiden must secure and assign control of vital city infrastructure (Water Towers, Electrical Stations) to either the Peacekeepers or the Survivors. This choice permanently alters the zone, adding faction-specific parkour aids (e.g., PK traps, Survivor ziplines/airbags) and changing NPC presence.
GRE Anomaly Fights (Revenants)
Night-time boss encounters against powerful, unique infected called Revenants found at specific GRE Anomaly sites. Defeating them rewards Combat XP, valuable loot, and often Inhibitors.
GRE Quarantine Buildings & Dark Hollows
Daytime-infested or night-time high-risk indoor locations that contain valuable loot, crafting materials, and Inhibitors. GRE Quarantines are multi-level challenges, while Dark Hollows are smaller but often guarded by Volatiles at night.
Windmills & Metro Stations (Safe Zone Activation)
Activate windmills by completing parkour challenges to power them up, creating new Survivor safe zones. Clear out infected and restore power to Metro Stations to unlock them as fast travel points and larger safe zones.
Airdrops & Military Convoys
Locate and loot valuable supplies from GRE airdrops (often on rooftops or in dangerous areas) and abandoned military convoys. These contain high-tier gear, crafting parts, and Inhibitors.
Parkour Challenges & Combat Challenges
Timed challenges that test Aiden's parkour skills (reaching checkpoints within a time limit) or combat abilities (defeating waves of enemies). Award medals and XP based on performance.
Story DLC Missions (e.g., 'Bloody Ties')
Self-contained narrative expansions with new storylines, characters, locations, and rewards. 'Bloody Ties' focuses on a brutal arena tournament.
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Multiplayer
Multiplayer Details
Halo Infinite's free-to-play multiplayer offers a wide range of modes: Arena (4v4 competitive modes like Slayer, Capture the Flag, Oddball, King of the Hill on smaller maps), Big Team Battle (12v12 objective-based modes like Slayer, CTF, Total Control, Stockpile on larger maps with vehicles), Ranked Arena, Bot Bootcamp (vs AI), Custom Games, and limited-time event playlists. Forge mode allows for extensive user-created maps and game modes.
Features a 4-player online cooperative mode, allowing players to experience the entire main story campaign and most side activities together. Players can join a host's game, and progression is largely tied to the host, though players retain their character progression and inventory. Co-op enhances combat and exploration with team tactics.
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Editions & DLC
Available Editions
The Halo Infinite Campaign was sold as a standalone purchase or included with Xbox Game Pass. The Multiplayer component is free-to-play. A Collector's Edition was available with physical items like a SteelBook case, art prints, plasma pistol bottle opener, and in-game bonuses. Various cosmetic bundles are sold in the multiplayer store.
Available in Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate Editions. Deluxe Edition included digital artbook, soundtrack, exclusive weapon charms, wallpapers, comic, and the first story DLC ('Bloody Ties'). Ultimate Edition included all Deluxe content, plus the second story DLC (yet to be released as of mid-2024), 2h Night XP Boost, crafting items, and two more outfit/weapon skin packs. A Collector's Edition with physical items was also available.
Post-Launch Content / DLC
The multiplayer component has received ongoing support through seasonal content updates, including new maps, modes, weapons, armor customization, battle passes, and limited-time events. Campaign co-op (up to 4 players online) and Forge mode (map editor) were added in major post-launch updates. No major paid story expansions for the campaign have been released as of mid-2024, but 343i has mentioned future 'story drops'.
Techland has committed to 5+ years of post-launch support. The first story DLC, 'Bloody Ties' (arena combat themed), has been released. A second major story DLC is planned. Numerous free updates have added new content, features (like transmog, new parkour challenges, graphics options), seasonal events, and cosmetic packs (Chapter Agents, skin bundles).
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Halo Infinite's campaign open world? A: Halo Infinite's campaign features a 'semi-open world' or 'wide-linear' design for a large portion of Zeta Halo. Players can freely explore large, interconnected regions, tackle main missions, and engage in numerous side activities like liberating FOBs, destroying Banished strongholds, and hunting High-Value Targets. However, it's not a fully seamless single open world; progression to new major landmasses is often tied to story advancement.
Q: Is Halo Infinite's multiplayer free-to-play? A: Yes, the multiplayer component of Halo Infinite is entirely free-to-play on Xbox consoles and PC. The campaign is a separate purchase or included with Xbox Game Pass.
Q: What is the Grappleshot? A: The Grappleshot is a new piece of equipment for Master Chief in Halo Infinite. It's a wrist-mounted grappling hook that allows him to quickly pull himself towards surfaces, enemies, or objects. It can be used for traversal, stunning unshielded enemies, grabbing weapons or fusion coils, and even hijacking vehicles. It can be upgraded with Spartan Cores.
Q: Does Halo Infinite have campaign co-op? A: Yes, online campaign co-op for up to 4 players was added to Halo Infinite in a post-launch update. Players can experience the main story together, with shared progression for the host.
Q: What is Forge mode in Halo Infinite? A: Forge is a powerful map and game mode editor that allows players to create and share their own custom Halo experiences. It was added to Halo Infinite in a major post-launch update, offering extensive tools for building unique environments, scripting game logic, and designing new modes.
Q: Who are The Banished? A: The Banished are a mercenary faction, primarily composed of Jiralhanae (Brutes), but also including other former Covenant species like Sangheili, Unggoy, and Kig-Yar. They splintered from the Covenant Empire and are led by Atriox (though Escharum leads their forces on Zeta Halo in Infinite). They are known for their brutal tactics and salvaged, heavily modified weaponry.
Q: What are Spartan Cores used for? A: Spartan Cores are collectibles found in the Halo Infinite campaign. They are used to upgrade Master Chief's five equipment abilities: Grappleshot (e.g., reduced cooldown, electrification), Shield Core (e.g., increased shield strength), Threat Sensor (e.g., increased radius), Drop Wall (e.g., increased strength), and Thruster (e.g., reduced cooldown).
Q: Is Dying Light 2 a direct sequel to the first Dying Light? A: Yes, Dying Light 2 Stay Human is set approximately 20 years after the events of the original Dying Light and its 'The Following' expansion. While it features a new protagonist (Aiden) and setting (The City of Villedor), it exists in the same universe and references past events and characters like Spike.
Q: How important are choices in Dying Light 2? A: Choices are a significant gameplay mechanic. Aiden's decisions during main quests and some side quests can have major consequences, affecting faction control over city districts (which changes the environment with faction-specific parkour tools or traps), the fate of characters, and the overall narrative outcome. The game features multiple ending variations.
Q: What is the Day/Night cycle like? A: The Day/Night cycle is a core feature. Daytime is generally safer for exploration and completing objectives, with fewer aggressive infected. Night-time is extremely dangerous, with more powerful infected like Volatiles roaming the streets. However, night offers increased XP gain and access to specific locations (like Dark Hollows and Forsaken Stores) that contain valuable loot but are heavily infested during the day.
Q: How does the infection mechanic work for Aiden? A: Aiden is infected with the Harran Virus. He wears a biomarker that tracks his immunity levels. When in darkness or away from UV light sources for too long, his immunity drops, and if it reaches zero, he will turn into a Viral. Players must manage this by using UV lamps, UV shrooms, inhibitors, or returning to safe zones before turning.
Q: Are there firearms in Dying Light 2? A: The base game is heavily focused on melee combat and bows due to a story premise that firearms and ammunition became extremely scarce after The Fall. While some makeshift firearms like the 'Boomstick' (a craftable shotgun) exist, and more traditional firearms were added in later updates (like the 'Firearms Update' in early 2024), melee remains the primary combat style.
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Technical Details
Graphics & Visual Fidelity
Developed on the new Slipspace Engine, Halo Infinite showcases detailed environments on Zeta Halo, from lush forests and Forerunner structures to Banished fortifications. It features dynamic lighting, weather effects, and detailed character/weapon models. While the initial campaign visuals received mixed reactions, subsequent updates and the multiplayer's art style have been generally well-received. Ray tracing for sun shadows was added to PC and Xbox Series X post-launch.
Powered by Techland's C-Engine, the game showcases a detailed and dilapidated urban environment. It features advanced lighting, dense geometry, volumetric fog, and detailed character/infected models. Ray tracing options (Global Illumination, Shadows, Reflections, Ambient Occlusion) are available on PC and current-gen consoles, significantly enhancing visual fidelity but also being very demanding.
Audio & Soundtrack
Original score composed by Gareth Coker, Curtis Schweitzer, and Joel Corelitz, featuring a blend of classic Halo orchestral themes with new, more atmospheric and emotional pieces that reflect the open-world setting and narrative tone. Sound design includes iconic Halo weapon sounds, distinct alien vocalizations (Banished taunts, Grunt screams), vehicle effects, and immersive environmental audio. The classic Halo 'monk chant' theme is prominently featured.
Original score composed by Olivier Deriviere, featuring a dynamic system that adapts the music to gameplay intensity and player actions (e.g., during parkour sequences or intense combat). Sound design emphasizes visceral melee impacts, distinct infected vocalizations, and the atmospheric tension of night-time exploration. The Biomarker's ticking sound adds to the infection mechanic's urgency.
User Interface (UI/UX)
Classic Halo first-person HUD displaying shields, health (when shields are down), ammo count, grenade count, equipped weapon, and radar (motion tracker). Objective markers and threat indicators are present. Menus for multiplayer customization, campaign map (Tac-Map), upgrades, and database (lore) are accessible. The Tac-Map in campaign is crucial for navigating Zeta Halo.
First-person HUD displaying health, stamina, infection timer (biomarker), equipped weapon/tool, and objective markers. A compass aids navigation. Crafting and inventory menus are accessible. Skill trees are visually represented. The day-night cycle and infection status are prominent UI elements.
Accessibility Options
Offers a range of accessibility options, including full controller and keyboard/mouse remapping, extensive subtitle and caption customization (size, background, speaker names), colorblind modes, options for aim assist strength, options to change hold actions to toggles, UI narration, text-to-speech and speech-to-text for chat, and various visual/audio adjustments.
Offers a range of accessibility options: customizable controls (key remapping on PC), subtitle customization (size, background, speaker names), colorblind modes, options to change QTEs from taps to holds, aim assist, adjustable FOV (PC), motion blur toggle, head bob toggle, and various audio/visual cues.
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Mobile (8GB, Max TGP) / RTX 4070 Mobile (8GB, Max TGP). **An RTX 3080 Mobile or RTX 4080 Mobile would provide a more stable high RT experience.**
layersRAM: 16 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 60 GB NVMe SSD
1080p (Full HD) - Recommended (Targets 1080p, High settings, ~60 FPS)(High Preset, 1080p resolution, Ray Tracing Low/Medium (if enabled))
CPU: Official recommended desktop CPU for a good 1080p/High experience.
CPU (Laptop): Estimated mid-to-high range laptop CPUs for solid 1080p performance.
GPU: Official recommended desktop GPU for 1080p High settings. 8GB VRAM is important.
GPU (Laptop): Performance-focused laptop GPUs. Ensure high TGP for RTX 30/40 series. RTX 50 series mention is speculative.
RAM: 16GB RAM is recommended for a smoother experience at high settings.
Storage: SSD is strongly recommended for this tier.
memoryCPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X or Intel Core i7-9700K
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP) / RTX 4050 Mobile (6GB, High TGP). **An RTX 3070 Mobile or RTX 4060 Mobile would be significantly better for RT.**
layersRAM: 16 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 60 GB SSD
1080p (Full HD) - Minimum (Targets 1080p, Low/Medium settings)(Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution, Ray Tracing OFF (or low if supported by GPU))
CPU: Official minimum desktop CPU for Halo Infinite.
CPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop CPU equivalent for minimum playability. Modern 4-core/8-thread or 6-core CPUs are preferable.
GPU: Official minimum desktop GPU. 4GB VRAM is essential.
GPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop GPUs. Ensure TGP allows performance comparable to desktop counterparts. RTX 50 series mention is speculative.
RAM: 8GB RAM is the minimum. Dual-channel configuration improves performance.
Storage: HDD is absolute minimum; expect long load times. SSD is highly recommended.
memoryCPU: AMD Ryzen 5 1600 or Intel Core i5-4440
developer_boardGPU: AMD Radeon RX 570 (4GB) or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (4GB)
laptop_macCPU (L): AMD Ryzen 5 2500U / Intel Core i5-8250U (for very low settings) or Ryzen 5 3550H / Intel Core i5-9300H for a more stable experience.
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile (4GB), RTX 3050 Laptop GPU (4GB/6GB, ensure adequate TGP), RTX 4050 Laptop GPU (6GB). (A hypothetical future entry-level RTX 50 series laptop GPU would also significantly exceed this).
layersRAM: 8 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 50 GB HDD (SSD Recommended)
—
1080p (Full HD) - Recommended (1080p ~60 FPS, High Preset, No Ray Tracing)(High Preset, Ray Tracing OFF)
CPU: Recommended desktop CPU for 1080p/60FPS without RT.
CPU (Laptop): Estimated mid-range to high-end laptop CPUs.
GPU: Recommended desktop GPU for 1080p/60FPS High without RT.
GPU (Laptop): Estimated performance-focused laptop GPUs. 6GB+ VRAM crucial.
RAM: 16GB RAM strongly recommended.
Storage: SSD strongly recommended.
—
memoryCPU: Intel Core i5-8600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP) / RTX 3060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP) or AMD Radeon RX 6600M. **An RTX 3060 Mobile (High TGP) or RTX 4060 Mobile is a good target for 1080p High 60FPS.**
layersRAM: 16 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 60 GB SSD
1080p (Full HD) - Minimum (1080p ~30 FPS, Low Preset, No Ray Tracing)(Low Preset, Ray Tracing OFF)
CPU: Minimum desktop CPU for 1080p at lower settings without RT.
CPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop CPU equivalent. Newer i5/Ryzen 5 H-series recommended.
GPU: Minimum desktop GPU for 1080p at lower settings without RT.
GPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop GPUs. 4GB VRAM is absolute minimum.
RAM: Minimum RAM requirement.
Storage: HDD is absolute minimum, expect long load times.
—
memoryCPU: Intel Core i3-9100 or AMD Ryzen 3 2300X
developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (4GB) or AMD Radeon RX 560 (4GB)
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile (4GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5500M. **An RTX 3050 Mobile or RTX 4050 Mobile would be a much better entry point for stable 1080p Low/Medium.**
layersRAM: 8 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 60 GB HDD
1440p (QHD/2K) - High RT (1440p ~60 FPS, High RT Preset with DLSS/FSR Performance)(Ray Tracing High Preset, DLSS/FSR Performance)
CPU: Desktop CPU for 1440p/60FPS with RT.
CPU (Laptop): Top-tier laptop CPUs.
GPU: Desktop GPU for 1440p/60FPS with High RT.
GPU (Laptop): Flagship laptop GPUs needed. 12GB+ VRAM essential.
RAM: 32GB RAM strongly recommended.
Storage: NVMe SSD required.
—
memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-11700K or AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti (12GB) / RTX 4070 Ti (12GB)
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Mobile (12GB, Max TGP). **An RTX 4090 Mobile would be better. Even then, fine-tuning settings and upscaling will be essential.**
layersRAM: 16 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 60 GB NVMe SSD
1440p (QHD/2K) - High (Targets 1440p, High/Ultra settings, ~60 FPS)(High/Ultra Preset, 1440p resolution, Ray Tracing Medium/High (if enabled))
CPU: Strong desktop CPU for 1440p gaming, ensuring smooth framerates.
CPU (Laptop): High-performance laptop CPUs needed to avoid bottlenecks at 1440p.
GPU: Desktop GPU capable of delivering a solid 1440p experience at high settings. 8GB+ VRAM essential, 12GB+ ideal.
GPU (Laptop): Upper mid-range to high-end laptop GPUs. Max TGP versions are crucial. RTX 50 series mention is speculative.
RAM: 16GB is generally fine, but 32GB is recommended for very high settings, ray tracing, and multitasking.
Storage: NVMe SSD recommended for best loading and streaming performance at 1440p.
CPU: Desktop CPU for 4K/60FPS with RT.
CPU (Laptop): Flagship laptop CPUs absolute necessity.
GPU: Top-tier desktop GPU for attempting 4K/60FPS with RT, heavily reliant on upscaling.
GPU (Laptop): The absolute best laptop GPU available, and will still struggle without aggressive upscaling and optimized RT settings.
RAM: 32GB RAM essential.
Storage: NVMe SSD required.
—
memoryCPU: Intel Core i9-12900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Mobile (16GB, Max TGP). **Achieving stable 4K/60FPS with high ray tracing settings on a laptop is extremely challenging. A hypothetical next-gen flagship (e.g., RTX 5090 Mobile or AMD equivalent) would be required for a more comfortable experience at this level. (Highly Speculative)**
layersRAM: 32 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 60 GB NVMe SSD
2160p (UHD/4K) - Ultra (Targets 2160p/4K, High/Ultra settings, ~60 FPS with potential upscaling)(High/Ultra Preset, 2160p (4K) resolution (Upscaling like FSR may be needed for 60FPS), Ray Tracing Medium/High)
CPU: High-end desktop CPU to support 4K gaming and minimize bottlenecks.
CPU (Laptop): Flagship laptop CPUs required for attempting 4K on a laptop.
GPU: Top-tier desktop GPUs. 12GB+ VRAM is critical, 16GB+ ideal for 4K Ultra. Significant GPU power needed, especially with ray tracing.
GPU (Laptop): The most powerful current (RTX 40 series) laptop GPUs are needed; even then, 4K Ultra at 60FPS might require compromises or upscaling. Hypothetical RTX 50 series laptop GPUs are speculative for future improvements.
RAM: 32GB RAM is strongly recommended for a smooth 4K gaming experience, especially with high texture settings and ray tracing.
Storage: A fast NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen4 or better) is highly recommended to handle the demands of 4K textures and fast loading.
Spec: 50 GB available space (SSD Highly Recommended, NVMe for best experience) Note: An SSD is strongly recommended for all tiers for faster loading times and smoother texture streaming. An NVMe SSD is ideal for the best performance. Required space may increase with updates. Type: NVMe
Spec: 60 GB available space (SSD Recommended). Note: An NVMe SSD is recommended for the best experience due to asset streaming and fast loading. Type: SSD
desktop_windows Operating System
Spec: Windows 10 (October 2018 Update or newer) or Windows 11 (64-bit versions only) Explanation: A 64-bit version of Windows 10 (RS5/1809 or later) or Windows 11 is required.
Spec: Windows 7 (No longer officially supported post-launch updates), Windows 10, Windows 11 (64-bit versions only) Explanation: 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 is recommended for ongoing support and best performance.
gamepad DirectX Version
Spec: DirectX 12 Ultimate Explanation: DirectX 12 is required. DX12 Ultimate support is beneficial for features like ray tracing (e.g., for sun shadows, ambient occlusion) and Variable Rate Shading (VRS).
Spec: DirectX 11 (DirectX 12 recommended for ray tracing and potentially better performance on compatible hardware) Explanation: DX11 is minimum, DX12 offers advanced features.
info_outline Other Game Notes
OFFICIAL AND EXTRAPOLATED SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS for Halo Infinite. This information is based on official minimum/recommended specs and common hardware targets for higher resolutions, adapted to the provided JSON structure. Laptop GPU mentions for RTX 50 series are speculative as of May 2025.
Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs require comparable performance, which is heavily dependent on TGP (Total Graphics Power) and cooling. Halo Infinite can be demanding, especially at higher settings and with ray tracing enabled.
Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Maximum TGP for the laptop GPU is critical for achieving target framerates.
Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance and to prevent thermal throttling during extended Halo Infinite sessions.
Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: High sustained CPU power limits are beneficial, especially for maintaining stable minimum framerates.
Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended for optimal performance by reducing latency and ensuring the dedicated GPU drives the display directly.
Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR 2.2 reported). Features an in-game dynamic resolution scaler ('Minimum Framerate' setting). Support for other technologies like DLSS or XeSS is not officially confirmed but could be implemented by this date.
Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, Shadow Quality (especially Ray-Traced Sun Shadows), Ambient Occlusion, Geometry Detail, Reflections, Volumetric Fog, and Anti-Aliasing significantly impact performance. Using the dynamic resolution scaler or FSR is recommended for balancing visual quality and framerates, especially at higher resolutions or with ray tracing.
Game Name: Halo Infinite
Official system requirements from Techland. Performance can vary significantly depending on specific hardware, settings, areas in-game (especially dense city areas), and background applications. An SSD is strongly recommended.
Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs may work if their performance is comparable, but TGP (Total Graphics Power) and cooling are extremely critical. **Dying Light 2 is a demanding title, especially with ray tracing enabled. High-end laptop hardware is necessary for higher settings and resolutions.**
Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Maximum TGP is crucial for performance.
Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Excellent cooling is essential to prevent severe thermal throttling.
Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Laptops with sustained high CPU power limits will perform better.
Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended for optimal framerates.
Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR (1.0 and 2.0), and Intel XeSS.
Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Ray Tracing Quality (Global Illumination, Shadows, Reflections, Ambient Occlusion), Shadow Quality, Contact Shadows, Fog Quality, Particle Quality, and Texture Quality heavily impact performance. Using upscaling is highly recommended for higher settings/resolutions, especially with ray tracing.
Game Name: Dying Light 2 Stay Human
build Optimization Details
Upscaling Tech: Supports AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR 2.2 reported). Features an in-game dynamic resolution scaler ('Minimum Framerate' setting). Support for other technologies like DLSS or XeSS is not officially confirmed but could be implemented by this date.
Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, Shadow Quality (especially Ray-Traced Sun Shadows), Ambient Occlusion, Geometry Detail, Reflections, Volumetric Fog, and Anti-Aliasing significantly impact performance. Using the dynamic resolution scaler or FSR is recommended for balancing visual quality and framerates, especially at higher resolutions or with ray tracing.
Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR (1.0 and 2.0), and Intel XeSS.
Key Settings Impact: Ray Tracing Quality (Global Illumination, Shadows, Reflections, Ambient Occlusion), Shadow Quality, Contact Shadows, Fog Quality, Particle Quality, and Texture Quality heavily impact performance. Using upscaling is highly recommended for higher settings/resolutions, especially with ray tracing.
laptop Laptop Considerations
G P U T G P: Maximum TGP for the laptop GPU is critical for achieving target framerates.
Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance and to prevent thermal throttling during extended Halo Infinite sessions.
C P U Power Limits: High sustained CPU power limits are beneficial, especially for maintaining stable minimum framerates.
M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended for optimal performance by reducing latency and ensuring the dedicated GPU drives the display directly.
G P U T G P: Maximum TGP is crucial for performance.
Cooling Thermals: Excellent cooling is essential to prevent severe thermal throttling.
C P U Power Limits: Laptops with sustained high CPU power limits will perform better.
R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended for optimal framerates.
