Is the Halo Infinite campaign open world?
Halo Infinite devs have stated that the game is “somewhere in between” an open world and the traditional campaign, so we’re breaking down what that might mean.
After years of waiting, sci-fi FPS fans will soon get their hands on Halo Infinite when it releases in December 2021. The launch will come with the campaign, and a free-to-play multiplayer experience, with Forge and co-op, said to arrive later.
Halo Infinite’s campaign will shake up the classic formula, with the game often being described as a “spiritual reboot.” This new formula will allow players to explore open areas and collect loot as they work through the campaign.
This begs one question.
Is the Halo Infinite campaign open world?
While there hasn’t been a clear answer, it appears that Halo Infinite will not feature a traditional open world. Instead, 343’s Paul Crocker said in 2020 that “it’s somewhere in between” an open world and a traditional Halo campaign.
Speaking to Destructoid, Crocker elaborated on this. He said that “The simple answer is that it takes place in a huge world that is open and expansive. We have a storyline that pulls you through it, which is effectively unlocking certain areas. But, as you progress through it, you have the ability to backtrack and explore to your heart’s content. There is a lot to find out in the world.”
Jerry Hook, 343’s Head of Design, also commented on Halo Infinite’s exploration. “Chief, as he explores the ring, he’s gonna find more equipment,” explained Hook.
“He’s always gonna find ways to upgrade that equipment. And, it’s not all about power, but it’s about options for the player. We want to ensure that players are able to make the choices to be successful in the way that they want to play the game.”
So, it appears that the game will take you through new areas in the traditional Halo manner, but then they open up for you to backtrack and explore.
It sounds like by the end of the game, the map will be almost entirely open world, similar to the Metroidvania style.
Once the game releases on December 8, we’ll fully understand how the somewhat Halo Infinite open world will truly work.
For more Halo, you can check out Infinite’s minimum and recommended PC requirements.
Image Credit: 343 Industries
