Halo could be on track to be a top esport in years to come.

The surprise launch of Halo Infinite’s multiplayer has gone down extremely well, with fans loving the game and pumping in hundreds of hours already. Many have linked it to classic Halo titles, with online gameplay that compares to classic Halo 3 matches and some new additions that really bring it up to par with other online shooters, which many are saying will finally give Halo the esports boost that it has been struggling to find over the last few years. 

Go back 10 years and Halo was still one of the top esports in the world, the classic shooter was a staple of the esports scene for years. But recently it has fallen off, with other shooters such as Overwatch taking its place in the top tier of first-person shooter esports. However, according to some former pro players, Halo Infinite could be the game that brings Halo back to the top of shooter esports. 

“Initially, the game felt a bit sluggish, but after some graphic setting adjustments it was smooth and I loved the fact that I could jump straight into ranked mode on day one,” says Alex “BUK20” Buck, a former Halo Pro player and European Champion. “The return to more traditional Halo alongside some new ability pick-ups has already made for some interesting movement from players too. From playing and watching early scrims, Halo Infinite seems to have a good pace to it and with the combination of Slayer, Oddball, Capture The Flag and Strongholds game modes, we’ll definitely have some exciting games in tournament situations.” 

“Overall, I'm really enjoying it,” adds Will “BUK57” Buck, brother of Alex and also a former Halo pro and European Champion. “I’ve been playing on PC and it’s great to have the option to switch from controller to keyboard and mouse on the fly. It definitely feels new and fresh vs. Halo 5 but still has those “Halo moments” present in the gameplay. I’ll have to keep playing to fully understand the new mechanics and get a feel for how it can play competitively but definitely a promising start.” 

The Bucks probably wont return to pro play, but they are loving Halo Infinite.

While these two Halo veterans admit a return to true competitive play is unlikely, even if they do “still fancy our chances in Europe with the right roster,” they seem impressed with Halo Infinite and how it could work out as an esport. Compared to the games they made a name for themselves in, it feels like it will be up there in terms of entertainment and epic moments right from the first tournaments, which are already taking place. 

“In terms of watchability, I think there will be some great Halo moments pop up as highlights from esports as well as just general matchmaking and custom games,” says Will. “I’ve already seen a few clips go somewhat viral on Halo Twitter in the short time the game has been available to the masses. It definitely looks like they’ve hit the ground running for esports features by including observers and esports team skins from day one. With various tournaments and cups starting as early as this weekend, it’s going to be very interesting to see how they play out.” 

In fact, the only major complaints either of the Bucks had with Halo Infinite so far was with the cosmetic systems and battle pass. But with those issues already being identified and addressed by the development team, there isn’t all that much to complain about, which is a good sign when two experts of the franchise are saying that from a gameplay point of view, Halo Infinite is pretty much spot on. 

The Bucks are former European champions in Halo, so they know their stuff!

“The differing spartan colours in-game just feels strange, I miss red vs blue team but presume the decision is linked to in-game cosmetics and also HCS franchised team skins,” says Alex. “Oh and the progression system as it is feels a bit too tough, but I’ve seen statements that this is being investigated.”

It has been a fair few years since Halo esports has been really relevant in the very top tier of competitive gaming, but according to the Bucks, Halo Infinite seems to be the best chance Halo has had in years in having a truly massive esports scene. Add in the day one support for esports features, and the HCS customisation options already in the game and it really does look like 343 is doing everything it can to make sure the esports scene succeeds. We still have a while to truly see just how the very best players make it work, but the early impression seems to be that Halo Infinite will be a top esport for years to come.