Halo Infinite has received a surprise update, even though the game is already in maintenance mode. The new update focuses on co-op players and brings a fresh Firefight experience called Firefight: Gauntlet.
This is a free update and is already live on Xbox consoles and PC.
Firefight is Halo’s co-op horde mode, and this new version changes how matches play out. In Gauntlet, four players enter a run that includes five different arenas. The order of these arenas is random each time, so no two runs feel the same.
Enemy types, champions, and even weapons are also randomized. This adds more replay value, especially for players who already spent a lot of time in Firefight earlier.
Each arena throws waves of enemies at players. You can only move forward by defeating the arena’s champion. If you take too long, things get harder, and stronger enemies like the Harbinger can join the fight.
Between arenas, players get a short break in a hub area. Here, you can upgrade your Spartan. You can improve damage, shields, speed, and other stats. These upgrades carry forward during the run, which makes later arenas more manageable.
You can also pick up power weapons and equipment before heading into the next fight.
The update adds a new “AI Aggro” system. This shows which player enemies are targeting at any moment. The target changes based on performance during the match. If you are getting too much attention, you can reduce it using tools like the Shroud Screen. This adds a bit of strategy to team play.
The Gauntlet mode is available on two new maps, Munera Platform H6 and Munera Platform W4. These maps include different environments like a volcanic UNSC base and a Flood-infested facility.
For now, the mode has its own featured playlist in matchmaking until May 19. After that, it will move into the regular Firefight playlist.
This update is unexpected because Halo Infinite has already stopped major content updates. Still, this shows that Halo Studios is willing to drop new content occasionally.
There are some known issues with this update, so more small patches could follow.
