Summary
- The Endless in Halo Infinite may be more powerful than the Flood, adding a new level of danger to the franchise.
- 343 Industries faces a challenge in showcasing the power of the Endless while preserving the established lore.
- The potential interaction between the Endless and the Flood could have significant consequences for the Halo universe.
Halo Infinite has come a long way since its initial launch. After a series of updates and the return of fan-favorite features, like Forge and Campaign co-op, Halo Infinite has eventually found solid ground to stand on. However, developer 343 Industries has backed itself into a corner when it comes to the franchise's lore.
Since Halo: Combat Evolved kickstarted Microsoft's long-running exclusive series, the lore of Halo has expanded to even greater lengths. Not only has the franchise continued via video games, but book spin-offs, a live-action television show, and graphic novels have explored deeper into the series' compelling world. One of the most anticipated features of Halo Infinite was the Endless, an advanced alien race. However, there hasn't been much of the Endless featured in Halo Infinite. A compelling aspect of the race that many have been intrigued by is that they are apparently even more powerful than the Flood, but this could shake up the franchise's established lore.
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The Endless in Halo Infinite Have Big Shoes to Fill
Being More Powerful Than the Flood is No Small Feat
The whole premise surrounding Halo is focused on the existential threat of the Flood. The titular rings in Halo, known as the Halo Array, were constructed specifically by the Forerunners to destroy all life, including the Flood, because they are just that dangerous. The Flood was long considered the biggest threat in the Halo franchise, but the inclusion of the Endless raises some questions about their danger level. If the Endless are more powerful than the Flood, then it will be incredibly difficult for Halo Infinite to prove that in a meaningful way.
The Endless will likely play a larger role in the next Halo campaign, as the ending of Halo Infinite teased the potential release of this sealed-away race. Locked away by the Forerunners, who were afraid of their ability to survive the Halo Array, the franchise has only scratched the surface of this mysterious race. Of course, being able to survive the Halo Array is nothing to take lightly. The ability to survive the destruction of the Halo Array most certainly makes them the most powerful race in the galaxy, but there has yet to be a clear answer to how this is possible.
One of the abilities the Endless is known to possess is the power to control time, which terrified the Forerunners. The power of time manipulation definitely makes them a formidable species, but their true danger may actually be intertwined with the Flood after all.
The Endless and the Flood Could Go Hand in Hand
At the moment, it seems as though 343 Industries has a tricky situation with addressing how the Endless are more dangerous than the Flood. However, it could be that the Endless are such a threat specifically because of the Flood. As a parasitic organism, the Flood takes over any sentient life it comes in contact with. If the Flood manage to infect the Endless, then the Halo Array will become null and void. This is certainly one good reason why the Forerunners locked the Endless away on Installation 07: if they ever came in contact with the Flood, it would be game over.
The future of the Halo franchise is currently a mystery, but further exploration of the Endless seems highly likely. Of course, only time will tell, but it would be disappointing for 343 Industries to set up such a powerful antagonist just to not fully explore it in a follow-up. The Endless and the Flood potentially coming in contact with one another is a frightening concept, but it's one that should be experimented with.
Halo Infinite
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 94%
- Released
- December 8, 2021
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Mild Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- 343 Industries
- Publisher(s)
- Xbox Game Studios
- Engine
- Slipspace
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- PC, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
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.
- Cross Save
- yes
- Franchise
- Halo
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- First-Person Shooter
- How Long To Beat
- 12 Hours
- File Size Xbox Series
- 90 GB (November 2023)
