By Halo Infinite’s newest patch has delivered a beloved playlist that is sure to spark nostalgia for Halo: Reach.
Indeed, Invasion has arrived in Halo Infinite, landing precisely for the 15-year milestone of Bungie’s final Halo title on September 14. The lopsided, single-direction objective variant first featured Spartans and Elites pushing or protecting goals across phased maps. Objectives shifted with each stage, and squads accessed distinct arsenals depending on whether they fought as Spartans or Elites, underscoring the playlist’s unequal design.
According to a Halo Waypoint post, the Infinite rendition plays out almost identically to memories—except Sangheili aren’t selectable. Instead, one side controls Spartans corrupted by a hostile Banished AI and wields heavier Covenant/Banished weapon sets reminiscent of Reach’s Elite gear. The classic “buddy spawn” system, which let teammates drop beside one another, is also restored for this release.
Six Invasion arenas have been forged by the community, including two direct recreations—Breakpoint and Recovery—lifted straight from Halo: Reach.
Invasion debuts inside Halo Infinite’s Warpath patch, which simultaneously launches a fresh Operation Pass stocked with the Lancer armor kit plus extra firearm cosmetics. The pass can be progressed at no cost until October 7; its premium tier never expires and can be completed afterward.
During the previous month, Halo Studios slipped the Falcon into Infinite via Fall Update 2025, the first time the VTOL craft has appeared since Reach. The same patch delivered the Vestige Carbine, a firearm reminiscent of Reach’s Needle Rifle.
Looking ahead, Microsoft has verified that numerous Halo projects are cooking, though specifics remain under wraps. Halo Studios (once 343) announced last year that upcoming entries will be constructed in Unreal Engine 5. The team has hinted at a significant reveal before the calendar flips, yet the nature of that news is still unknown.
June’s closing moments of the Xbox Games Showcase featured Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer teasing a Halo revival in 2026 for Xbox’s 25-year celebration, promising “the comeback of a legendary franchise staple.” Observers widely interpreted this as confirmation of a long-rumored Halo: Combat Evolved remaster.
Have a tip or need to reach our news desk? Email news@gamespot.com