Halo Infinite has had an attention retention problem pretty much since launch back in late 2021. 343's latest Halo title has the best core mechanics that the team has ever produced, but there's just something missing when it comes to keeping me hooked and wanting to play for hours on end.
I don't seem to be alone in that thought either. One of the community's biggest concerns as the game's live service has grown is the lack of player progression outside of the battle pass system. Brilliant core gameplay is one thing, but with tons of multiplayer live service titles on the market, we all need a reason to keep jumping back into Halo Infinite each week.
So, are our prayers about to be answered? I certainly hope so! The development team has finally revealed that a proper career ranking system is on the way for Halo Infinite - arriving on June 20th alongside Season 4. We've been waiting a while as Halo fans, but a proper progression system is coming!
And, well, I'm using this soapbox as a way to just voice my feelings on how much I want this to be a success for the team, and how much I want to get properly hooked on Halo Infinite again. This game's mechanics deserve to be enjoyed by many, and for years to come - it's just felt like we've always needed that extra something to keep us all coming back for more.
Part of the reason that this has been on my mind today is Call of Duty's own Season 4 reveal from yesterday. I've been playing a lot of Modern Warfare 2 since the game dropped last November, but I think my patience with the multiplayer over there is coming to an end - I'm just done with CoD until the next game I reckon! I sincerely hope that Halo Infinite's new ranks can establish the game as my go-to live service FPS for the time being. I need a break from Call of Duty!
I'm liking the sound of 343's new system as well. The game's progression will simply be tied to playing the game — with bonuses for performing well in matches — so, there's no silly random-challenge-nonsense where you're forced to play in a certain way. Just good old time-based ranking that'll hopefully lead to a 'one more game' feel with Halo Infinite.
Season 4 arrives on June 20th, and here at PX we're expecting 343i to show off the new content that's coming (alongside the ranking system) at the Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday. Will you be joining us in tuning in for news on Halo Infinite this weekend?
Are you planning on giving Halo's upcoming progression overhaul a whirl? Let us know down below!
Comments 11
if you need Progression System to Keep you Hooked maybe there is something wrong with the game
I remember times when games got us with nothing but gameplay...
@Lurkes i largely agree with you, but features are a big part of the games experience. Not more important than gameplay. But definitely an important hook that keeps players engaged. I am excited for anything good for the Halo series. So i hope this is a plus for it.
@Lurkes You are partly right, but times have changed and there is more and more competition in this space. It isn't the same as when Quake, Goldeneye, Halo or a few others had a lot of space to themselves and we'd be happy to play the same thing again and again and again because there was little else like it.
However I do lament the death, or at least massive decline, of the shorter lived multiplayer game, that we enjoyed for a season or two and then naturally moved on with everyone happy. Everything now wants to be a live service and take over your life, and wallet, for the next X years. F**k that!
@themightyant regarding you last point I never enjoyed the yearly or every couple of years releases. I guess you’re referring to CoD? Halo and Battlefield usually had a few years to grab your attention.
I’m happy with games being around for a good while but it’s how they do it is the problem. Engine updates never happen and you have to accept even with updates at certain aspects of the game won’t change. Unless it’s Fortnite, which deserves is criticism but it has an evolving game engine.
I played Infinite last weekend for the first time in ages and I had a lot of fun with it. Seeing the progression system get revamped is wonderful news. I certainly won’t be level maxing like I last did for Halo 4 (I was unemployed when Halo 4 came out and young, so that was a time when I sort of just had the ability, time, and desire to become a masterclass player for a period of time before growing up shortly after doing that), but I always liked how Halo games progressed through 4, so I take this kindly. Playing last weekend was playing just for fun, which Halo is still so good at. I was surprised to still be able to have a positive k/d, but it still feels so good to win.
@ParsnipHero Just any pre-live service multiplayer game that knew it had a shelf life and was happy to occupy just SOME of your time for the next X months, or X years if they were very lucky. Perhaps until a sequel arrived, but if not there were other games to play.
Now everything has to have in game economies and psychology driven battle passes designed to appeal to your FOMO, designed to try and stop you never playing with dailes, weeklies etc. all to make as much from you as possible - you always pay whether it's in time or money. It's just all so cynically designed now. (edited)
The progression isn't what broke me from the game.
Desync, BTB being constantly ignored, player outlines(why was this even considered?), and a smattering of other things is what did.
That my problem with FPS games now since CoD died. No FPS game gives me the sense of progression that games like Black Ops 2, and even WWII did. Everything is tied now to how much money you are willing to throw and the devs and publisher. Want that new gun no, you don't need to do anything for it, just give us 19.99 for it. Want that awesome skin that will be 5.99.
I am looking at XDifiant now as that seems it will be closest to CoD and from what I have heard brings progression back to FPS games.
@Lurkes The gameplay is solid. It is people today who need trivial bait.
@Lurkes EXACTLY!!!!!!!!
So sad to need a virtual sticker in form of a skin you never see or an achievement.
Gamers today are like they never grew out of getting that sticker for being such "a good boy" at the dentist or doctor. Just play the darn game cause you enjoy it. If not get a sticker aren't playing.
@themightyant yea, can’t argue there.
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