In Halo Infinite’s latest update, Operation: Blue Team, the legendary Master Chief makes a triumphant return alongside his squad, bringing with them the Firefight Classic playlist—a beloved mode for any die-hard fans. Inspired by the thrilling survival scenarios from Halo 3: ODST, the game also reintroduces several classic maps meticulously recreated to reignite your nostalgia.
Master Chief, known as John-117, has become a staple as the poster character for the UNSC and a flagship figure for the Xbox brand. But let’s not forget his team, who add depth to his character. Debuting on March 11, this update marks Master Chief’s squad’s first appearance since the 2015 release of Halo 5: Guardians. While John’s talents are predominantly luck and leadership, his companions Linda-058, Kelly-087, and Fred-104 excel in their sharp accuracy and speed. Players can earn Kelly-087’s HERMES-class Mjolnir armor through a free 20-tier battle pass, while the remaining gear of the squad is made available in the in-game store.
What truly excites the long-time Halo enthusiasts is Firefight Classic’s return, a mode designed to rekindle the heart-pounding experience that fans first fell in love with in 2009. In this PVE mode, squads of four face relentless waves of progressively more challenging enemies. Each round consists of five enemy waves, and each set contains three rounds. Players have the choice to retreat with dignity or keep battling The Banished until they succumb. Iconic maps such as Alpha Site and Security Zone from Halo 3: ODST and the Courtyard from Halo: Reach make a comeback, beautifully reincarnated for this edition.
Highlights of Operation: Blue Team for Halo Infinite:
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Free 20-Tier Battle Pass: Enjoy the exclusive Kelly-087 HERMES-class Mjolnir armor.
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New Store Bundles: Acquire armor for Linda-058, Fred-104, and John-117.
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New PVE Mode: Dive into the adrenaline-packed Firefight Classic.
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Fresh PVP Maps: Navigate Alpha Site, Courtyard, Forest, and Security Zone.
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Exciting Hot Swap Mode: Offers a PVP experience where weapons and abilities change every 30 seconds, always ensuring balanced skirmishes with others.
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New Forerunner-themed Map: Explore the new Nemesis battleground.
- Optimized Playlists: Faster matchmaking with reduced search times and improved stability.
For multiplayer aficionados, the introduction of Hot Swap in Operation: Blue Team brings an evolution of the 4v4 playlist that first appeared back in Halo 4. Here, everyone starts with the same loadout, rotating every 30 seconds, guaranteeing balanced and ever-changing battles. Alongside the familiar, a brand new Forerunner-themed map, Nemesis, offers more terrains for competitive exploration.
The update also revamped the Store and Exchange with fresh bundles, refining matchmaking by enhancing search speeds and stability. Operation: Blue Team remains active until April 8 with a promised patch for server stability scheduled for March 12. Shortly before this expansion, Halo Studios announced the upcoming Halo Infinite Extraction mode and a Forge Map Contest with a $20,000 prize pool, hinting at yet more exhilarating content.
In Halo Infinite’s expansive universe, limitless opportunities await. Step back into the armor of humanity’s greatest hero, explore, strategize, and join forces. From frantic ranking runs to cooperative victories in survival modes, Master Chief’s legend continues to inspire and challenge the warriors among us.