The legendary Master Chief and his team have made a triumphant return to the Halo Infinite universe with the introduction of Operation: Blue Team. This latest addition brings back a beloved feature—the Firefight Classic playlist, reminiscent of the intense survival mode from Halo 3: ODST. Fans of the series will relish exploring re-creations of classic maps, faithfully restored from ODST and Halo: Reach, enhancing the nostalgic experience.
Even though John-117, or Master Chief, is the emblematic hero of the UNSC and a central figure of the Xbox franchise, his accolades wouldn’t be as prominent without his trusty squad. Released on March 11, the Operation: Blue Team update introduces these Spartan comrades into the game for the first time since 2015’s Halo 5: Guardians. While they might not share John’s extraordinary luck or leadership qualities, Linda-058, Kelly-087, and Fred-104 are renowned in the Halo universe for their precision and speed as Spartan-II warriors. Players can get their hands on Kelly-087’s HERMES-class Mjolnir armor through a 20-tier battle pass available at no cost, with more of Blue Team’s iconic gear available for purchase in the Store.
For fans who’ve followed Halo’s journey, the ultimate throwback is perhaps the introduction of Firefight Classic. This PVE mode brings the thrill of the original Firefight from 2009’s Halo 3: ODST back to life, challenging teams of four to face endless enemy waves that steadily increase in difficulty. Each round comprises five enemy waves, and a full match includes three of such rounds. A unique feature in Halo Infinite allows players to either exit gracefully by heading to a recovery zone after finishing each set or bravely continue battling until The Banished inevitably overpower them. To heighten the nostalgia, three iconic maps are showcased, including the ONI base at New Mombasa, the Security Zone from Halo 3: ODST, and the Courtyard of SWORD Base from Halo: Reach.
The latest update also packs some treats for PVP enthusiasts. Introducing Hot Swap, a fast-paced 4v4 mode that pushes players to adapt quickly to Halo Infinite’s varied sandbox. Everyone begins with the same gear, which changes every thirty seconds, ensuring that every match remains both fair and dynamic. A fresh battlefield, boasting a Forerunner theme and named Nemesis, is ready for players to explore.
Beyond these exciting modes, Halo Infinite’s Store and matchmaking system have also received some attention. The store is packed with fresh bundles, and playlists have been reorganized to cut down search times, ensuring smoother gameplay. Running from March 11 through April 8, Operation: Blue Team also promises a forthcoming patch on March 12 to tackle server stability on Xbox and PC platforms. All this unfolds amidst anticipation as Halo Studios recently teased an upcoming Halo Infinite Extraction mode and launched a Forgehub Map Competition with a tantalizing $20,000 prize.
When all hope seems lost and humanity’s fate dangles by a thread, stepping into the armor of the Master Chief gives players a chance to confront fierce foes in a vast, open-world adventure that defines the experience of Halo Infinite. This installment offers an amazing range of multiplayer experiences now free-to-play, with over 70 maps, billions of customization options, and a rich tapestry of player-created content. Whether teaming up for strategic survival in Firefight or diving into whimsical chaos in Custom Games, Halo Infinite promises endless engagements filled with teamwork, tactics, and epic victories.
