Halo 5: Guardians Dev Clarifies How Microtransactions Work in Multiplayer

During E3 2015, Halo 5: Guardians developer 343 Industries revealed that the upcoming shooter will have microtransactions. These purchases come in the form of REQ Packs, which contain cosmetic items, vehicles, and other gear.

343 already promised that only cosmetic items would be allowed in the game's Arena multiplayer mode, but some fans questioned the inclusion of gear and vehicle REQ Packs in the Warzone mode. In a community question and answer on the Halo Waypoint website, the developer has clarified that there are systems in place to prevent Warzone from becoming pay-to-win.

When asked about the packs, designer Josh Holmes explained that these items will not be immediately deployable in a multiplayer match. Rather, players have to kill enemies and achieve objectives to gain enough "energy" to use them.

"Deployment of REQ items is limited by the REQ Level and Energy systems that govern the Warzone experience," Holmes wrote. "Each REQ item costs a certain amount of Energy to deploy. Everybody starts at REQ Level 1 at the beginning of each match and you gain levels based on your actions in the game."

He continued: "Capturing bases, killing AI, taking out AI Bosses and killing enemy players will help you level up within the match. The more powerful the REQ, the more energy you need to deploy it--so, for example, you can spend two energy points to deploy a Warthog or save up until you reach REQ Level 5 and spend all of your energy to deploy a more powerful Banshee. Energy replenishes at a set rate over time, and you gain a bonus energy point every time you level up."

He also clarified the different tiers of REQ Packs available to purchase. "Players will be able to redeem Requisition Points for three different tiers of REQ Packs in the game: Bronze, Silver and Gold. We also offer Premium tier packs as part of the [special editions] of the game. Each level of REQ Pack determines the quality of the REQs inside. For example, a Gold REQ Pack has a chance of including Legendary requisitions, while a Bronze REQ Pack does not."

Halo 5: Guardians launches on October 27 for the Xbox One. You can read our E3 impressions of Halo 5 here. You can also read about the Halo 5 special edition and the Halo HoloLens demo.