Halo Infinite: Winter Update 2024 (New Gun, 7 New Maps, 3rd-Person Mode, and more)

Halo is back, again, again, again, but like for real this time.

Halo Studios released the "Winter Update 2024" today alongside the Halo 2 Anniversary "Great Journey" operation, Here's what's new:

A new weapon? In this economy?

The brand new MA5K Avenger is a 60-Round Full-Auto SMG being added to Halo Infinite. Based off of the MA5k from the Ghost of Onyx book and taking gameplay inspiration from the Halo 2 SMG, the MA5K SMG is the first fully new weapon since the bandit back in March 2022 with Season 3.

It plays like a Halo 2 SMG that just kept going for a few extra rounds, the range is short and it's effective range is close to the OG shotty.

Classic Gameplay, Classic Maps, Modern Halo.

A new playlist has been added called "Delta Arena" including 7 remastered classic halo maps. This new playlist includes no sprint, no clambering, increased jump height, and friendly player collision. Modes are classic variations of Slayer, Oddball, CTF, and KOTH.

NEW MAPS:

*Boulevard (from Halo 2, formally known as Turf)*

*Canopy (from Halo 2, formally known as Lockout)*

*Conjurer (from Halo 2, formally known as Warlock)*

*Inquisitor (from Halo 2, formally known as Midship)*

*Serenity (from Halo 2, formally known as Sanctuary*

*Beaver Canyon (from Halo 1/2, formally known as Beaver Creek)*

Gears of Halo: Infinite

Third-Person Firefight is the first mode to use the new "Third-Person" setting, now available to all forgers. While every halo game since Halo 3 has had third person in vehicles and turrets, Halo Infinite is now the first game to have a third-person always option. This isn't a user setting option however, so no peeking around ranked corners with third-person.

The ultimate sand-castle.

Fortress is new map coming to 4v4 and Ranked.

Ranked is also getting the Guardian remake from the Delta Arena playlist.

You know how expensive this gear is, son?

The Mark 6 Gen 1 armor is coming to Halo Infinite. If you've forgotten, this is the armor Master Chief wears in Halo 2 and 3. (it's in the store)

Sandbox and Minor Updates

Improved Forger Attribution:
They have updated multiple areas of the game to highlight the gamertags and more easily allow players to bookmark their creations.

Match intro camera
Pause menu
Scoreboard
Post-game carnage report

VK78 COMMANDO

Increased maximum bullet spread.
Removed “donut bloom.”
Faster bloom expansion.

MK50 SIDEKICK

Removed “donut bloom.”
Increased base bullet spread.

ACTIVE CAMO

When holding a flag with Active Camo, the flag object will now remain visible while it's being carried.

THRUSTER

When Thrust is activated by a player, they will no longer be able to shoot at the same time.

Soon the Great Journey shall begin.

Halo Infinite's latest Operation pass is the "Great Journey", featuring a free Arbiter - Themed armor set. The premium bonus is the Halo 2 Sniper Rifle.

Lastly, Halo Studio announced another 5 operations (on top of this one), leading into the spring of 2025. Honestly, I'm surprised they're still supporting infinite like they have been. If you asked me in January I would've said the game was on life support and would've been unsure if it'd make it through the year. Great to see nonetheless, keep it up guys. (they will realize infinite's greatness one day)