The Halo franchise has long been defined by its first-person shooter (FPS) roots, with Halo: Combat Evolved debuting in 2001 and becoming a genre-defining classic. Over the years, the series has built a legacy of immersive combat and thrilling multiplayer modes. Yet, with Halo Infinite introducing an official third-person mode recently, the game is poised to redefine how players experience customization—a feature that could take center stage in this bold evolution.
Cosmetics have played a prominent role in Halo Infinite and a plethora of other modern multiplayer games over the years. Infinite's free-to-play model thrives on offering players various armor sets and skins. However, in first-person gameplay, these customizations are rarely seen by the players themselves. A shift to third-person gameplay changes that entirely, making personalization a far more prominent and rewarding part of the Halo experience.
The Third-Person View Highlights Halo's Cosmetics
The third-person perspective does more than expand the field of view; it fundamentally transforms how players connect with their Spartans. In first-person mode, carefully chosen armor sets, visors, and coatings are often relegated to post-match screens or brief glimpses during gameplay. In contrast, a third-person view places these customizations front and center, letting players admire their unique Spartans as they sprint, jump, and battle across the map.
This change aligns with trends seen in other major games like Fortnite and Apex Legends, with skins and cosmetics driving both player engagement and revenue. By allowing players to fully appreciate their characters during gameplay, Halo Infinite could see an uptick in interest in its customization options.
Personalization Becomes Part of the Halo Experience
Customizing Spartans has long been a draw for Halo fans, dating back to Halo: Reach, where crafting a unique identity felt integral to the multiplayer experience. Third-person gameplay breathes new life into this tradition.
In Halo Infinite, players already have access to a wide range of cosmetics, from sleek armor coatings to battle-ready stances. Third-person gameplay ensures these options are no longer just for show—they become part of how players express themselves in the game world. This enhanced visibility fosters deeper player engagement and makes multiplayer battles feel more personal.
Furthermore, third-person gameplay could encourage a more social atmosphere within the community. Players are more likely to share clips, screenshots, and stories of their custom Spartans when those designs are an integral part of the gameplay experience. This builds not only individual pride but also a sense of camaraderie among players.
Cosmetics and Monetization in Halo's Future
In the age of live-service gaming, monetization often hinges on optional purchases that add aesthetic value rather than gameplay advantages. By showcasing skins and armor in third-person mode, Halo Infinite creates a stronger incentive for players to invest in its battle pass, bundles, or store items.
Games like Fortnite have mastered this model, turning cosmetics into a cultural phenomenon. Just looking at the impressive amount of celebrity-inspired content the game has tells all. While Halo Infinite won’t need to replicate Fortnite's cartoonish style, it can take cues from its ability to make customization feel meaningful.
A New Era for Halo Multiplayer Awaits
The introduction of a third-person mode in Halo Infinite is more than just a new camera angle—it’s a transformative shift for the franchise. By spotlighting customization, the mode capitalizes on one of the most lucrative and engaging aspects of modern multiplayer gaming. Players can now fully immerse themselves in their Spartans’ designs, merging personalization with gameplay in a way that revitalizes the series' multiplayer appeal.
While purists may remain loyal to first-person gameplay, the toggleable nature of this mode ensures that Halo Infinite caters to both traditionalists and those seeking a fresh experience. For those who’ve dreamed of fully inhabiting their custom Spartans, this is the update that could make Halo Infinite truly infinite in its possibilities.
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
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- File Size Xbox Series
- 90 GB (November 2023)
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
