Halo Infinite Season 3: Echoes Within goes live! Discover the new maps, game modes, equipment, and narrative encapsulating Halo Infinite Season 3, launching on March 7, 2023!
Halo Infinite Season 3: Echoes Within Trailer
After numerous delays, Halo 3 Infinite Season 3 is now live! Players have been rewarded with the most significant multiplayer update, which includes new maps, game modes, gear, a new weapon, and a continuation of the story.
Halo Infinite Season 3: Echoes Within Features
Echoes Within Maps
According to Sean Baron, who is the Head of Performance at 343 Industries, they have recently released three new maps for Halo Infinite: two arena maps named Chasm and Cliffhanger, as well as a battle map called Oasis.
Cliffhanger is an arena map with a man cannon that can transport players across the map. The map's design is inspired by Halo: Reach and features a mix of elevated areas, long sightlines, and interior spaces well-suited for close-quarters combat.
Chasm is a smaller map that is heavily influenced by the Forerunner art style and is based on one of the campaign missions in Halo Infinite. The map is designed to be more chaotic and fast-paced and ideal for players who excel at movement and parkour. It works best for game modes like Free-For-All and Fiesta.
Finally, Oasis is a BTB (Big Team Battle) map that gives an advantage to vehicle combat but strategically not too much disadvantage on players on foot. Although the map is large with indoor spaces where players can avoid being ambushed by vehicles. The map is reminiscent of Standoff from Halo 3, and its design provides many opportunities for epic battles between teams.
Game Mode: Escalation Slayer
Halo Infinite's version of gun game mode, In the Arena variant, the starting weapon is the SPNKR, and the ending is the Oddball, the skull. In Arena, you'll work your way through 11 total levels of weapons, and the team with the player who gets the kill with the Oddball wins. It's a race to level up and get to the last gun and kill the opponents.
In Escalation Slayer mode, players progress through different weapons and get another secondary weapon as they level up. This adds to the variety of gameplay and makes it feel like the Fiesta mode, where players are randomly given weapons to use.
Players have new options and strategies to consider with each new weapon and secondary weapon combination. This creates endless possibilities for gameplay and encourages players to experiment with different weapon combinations to find what works best for them. Overall, Escalation Slayer mode offers a fun and exciting way for players to experience Halo Infinite's multiplayer.
Shroud Screen and M392 Bandit Rifle
Let's talk about Shroud Screen. This gear is the futuristic version of a smokescreen. While this can have advantages and disadvantages, the players can use it strategically to work in their favor. It can obscure the enemies' vision so that players can prepare for the next attacks, it can be a diversion of sorts for a good ambush, and the strategies can differ per team. It gives the game an element of surprise, making the gameplay more exciting.
The M392 Bandit Rifle has been added to the roster of weapons with a precision semi-automatic kinetic gun. This weapon is analogous to Halo 5 Magnum's timing and DPS perspective.
The Bandit offers a more effective range than the Assault Rifle but with a little less range than the Battle Rifle. That is like getting into the suitable range of both weapons. As a result, players can have an exciting combat dynamic between a ranged player using a Shock Rifle with a more effective range and scope and a player holding a Bandit.
Continuation of Narrative
The storyline in Halo Infinite continues from where it left off in the Lone Wolves. The protagonist in this narrative arc is Spartan Dinh, one of the Lone Wolf Spartans, who is grappling with an infected mind due to the presence of the Banished AI called Iratus.
As the story unfolds, players will discover that many secrets have yet to be revealed. The narrative elements in the story tie into some of the new gameplay features, such as the Bandit weapon that Dinh hands over to the player's Spartan and the appearance of elements from the Oasis map. Some user interface (UI) features also reflect the story's themes.
Despite the narrative connections to the new gameplay and UI features, players can still enjoy the game without having prior knowledge of the Lone Wolves storyline. In other words, having knowledge of the previous storyline is optional to fully enjoy and immerse oneself in the Halo Infinite gaming experience.
Battle Pass and Spartan Cores
The Battle Pass offers instant unlocks, such as the Red Steel Splinter Armor Coating and 1,000 cR. The 100-level Battle Pass is designed for core players, who can work through the levels at their own pace since it never expires.
There are also two new free armor cores: the “Mirage” and “Chimera.” The service offers multiple options for players, including those who prefer a more military aesthetic and those who like more unique items like cat ears on their Spartan. The service aims to explore what players want and offer various options to appeal to everyone.
Seasonality of Halo Infinite
No More Long Seasons for Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite's approach to delivering content is becoming more consistent, which could positively impact the game's overall experience for players. By finding a balance between adding new content and not making it too drawn out, 343 Industries is trying to keep players engaged and interested.
Additionally, 343 Industries is also seeking a closer partnership with the players, which could lead to better communication and more feedback on what players want from the game. This approach could create a healthy relationship between the developer and players, where the players' voices are heard and considered in future updates and improvements.
