Summary
Another classicHalogametype has finally returned inHalo Infinitewith the debut of Headhunter in multiplayer playlists. Ever sinceInfinitewas released in 2021, 343 Industries have slowly added new and old gametypes to the game’s multiplayer, including Firefight, Infection, and Survive the Undead, among others. Most of these have remained inInfinite’s multiplayer playlists or could be played in custom games or through the content browser. While the return of Headhunter and other classicHalogametypes are a welcome sight inHalo Infinite, there are still more gametypes 343 Industries should strive to add beforeHalo 7’s eventual release.
Halo’s Headhunter Gametype Explained
Back inHalo’s Bungie days, many gametypes were tested in earlier games but never saw official releases until later titles. This was the case with Headhunter, which was originally tested forHalo 2andHalo 3’s multiplayer but wouldn’t be playable untilHalo: Reach’s Beta in 2010. Famously, Headhunter was one of the many new gametypes showcased inReach’s multiplayer trailer alongside Invasion and Arena. InHalo: Reach, Headhunter could be played in either Free-For-All or Teams consisting of four players per team. Headhunter did not return inHalo 4orHalo 5: Guardians,but did make a resurgence onceReachwas added toHalo: The Master Chief Collectionin 2019.
WhileHalo Infinite’s Headhunter gametypedoesn’t offer team matches, the two versions of the gametype are still remarkably similar. The objective of Headhunter is to kill any hostile Spartan and collect flaming skulls that pop out of their head once slain. Each player has one skull equipped when spawned but can collect a maximum of 10 skulls from slain enemies. These skulls have to be delivered to rotating zones throughout the gametype’s maps in order to score. The player who delivers 25 skulls or the most skulls by the end game’s time limit wins. Skulls can disappear if not picked up fast enough, so players will have to grab them as soon as they can.
Halo: Reach’s Headhunter skulls resemble the collectibleHalo 3skull with orange flames, whileHalo Infinite’s Headhunter skulls are the same black-marked, blue-flamed skulls found inInfinite’s campaign.
Classic Gametypes’ Potential in Halo Infinite
Halo Infinitelaunched with only a few gametypes, mostly featuringHalostandard gametypes such as Big Team Battle, Slayer, and Capture the Flag. Over the course ofInfinite’s near three-year-long lifespan, several new and old gametypes returned, such as Fiesta, Attrition, Last Spartan Standing, Extraction, Ninjanaut, Sentry Defense, and more. While these additions, as well as player-madegametypes including Battle Royale, Survive the Undead, and the upcoming Helljumpers by The Forge Falcons, have keptInfiniterelatively fresh and diverse with its gameplay, there’s still room for 343 to add more classic gametypes.
Rumors have suggested that the fan-favoriteGrifball may officially return toHaloInfinite’s playlistsin the near future. Grifball became a hilarious staple ofHalo’s multiplayer ever since it was added inHalo 3,but it only saw a brief return inGuardiansand has never been officially incorporated into newHalomultiplayer since then. WithRed vs. Blue: Restoration, RVB’s final season, releasing on Blu-ray in early October, 343 Industries could use this opportunity to officially bring back Grifball inHalo Infiniteas a nice send-off for the beloved Machinima series. 343 could simply incorporate The Forge Falcons’ Grifball and Super Grifball gametypes inInfinite’s multiplayer playlists via the Combat Workshop.
More Classic Gametypes that Need to Return in Halo Infinite
If Grifball were to make a return inInfinite, 343 Industries could tweak that gametype’s structure to bring back another classic gametype: Ricochet.Ricochet was introduced inHalo 4as a more sports-themed gametype which allowed players to throw balls into goals similar to football and rugby while still permitting players to use firearms. 343 Industries could use Ricochet’s return to bring back the football gear-inspired Ricochet armor inHalo Infinite’s shop or the Exchange. Another gametype that should return is Race, which saw individuals or teams race in warthogs around maps to reach checkpoints. With the vast number of coatings available for players to customize their warthog, players should be able to show off their racing skills in their hogs in competitive races.
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.
