Halo Infinite Multiplayer Makes Grappling Hook A Pickup

[Update: 343 Industries has since clarified that four-player split-screen support does not apply to the campaign mode. This will support two-player split-screen and four-player online cooperative gameplay.]

Halo Infinite's gameplay debut at the Xbox event was focused exclusively on showcasing the campaign, which features open-world elements and some new tools for Master Chief to play with. Chief among them is the grappling hook, known as the grappleshot, which stands to have a major impact on gameplay. However, while it is included in Infinite's multiplayer, it will not be something you have access to at all times.

The briefest of insights into Infinite's multiplayer component was shared as part of a 343 Industries blog post. It confirms that new weapons and equipment (including both the grappleshot and Drop Wall, the deployable energy shield seen in the gameplay demo) will be available in multiplayer. But in order to use them, you'll need to first pick them up on the map. It's unclear if they'll have a limited number of uses once you do so--the grappleshot operates on a cooldown timer in the campaign--and it seems like we'll need to wait for more information. 343 says it'll be "talking more about multiplayer details soon."

Also confirmed is four-player split-screen support for Halo Infinite. This is a feature first announced back in 2018, but given how things can change, there was perhaps some question of whether it would indeed make the final cut. Luckily, 343 told GameSpot that it will be included with Halo Infinite. This is a reversal from Halo 5: Guardians, which cut split-screen. However, only two players will be supported for campaign split-screen, while competitive multiplayer will support four.

It's unclear how split-screen will impact the resolution or frame rate. 343 promises "near-instant" load times, as well as 4K and 60 FPS support in the campaign, on Xbox Series X, but those figures may only be accurate when playing with a single person on the system. 343 also says it's "designing Halo Infinite to grow and evolve over time so we can continue to deliver experiences to our players well beyond launch." Given the focus right now is on the campaign, this evolution involves that side of the game, with new stories being added over time. But it seems safe to assume Infinite's multiplayer will also expand with new content post-launch.

Halo Infinite is an Xbox Series X launch game and releases sometime this holiday. It's also set to launch on both Xbox One and PC, with a Steam release planned for the latter platform.