Here's everything you need to know about all the new things coming to Halo 5 multiplayer!
343 Industries revealed new details about the Halo 5 Multiplayer Beta during last night's HaloFest stream. New modes and Spartan abilities were at the forefront of the presentation, and we also got to watch a full multiplayer match. Your first chance to play Halo 5's multiplayer will be on Dec. 29 when the beta opens (if you purchase Halo: The Master Chief Collection, you'll get full access to the beta).
The first thing you'll notice is the new and improved mobility. It really seems like the flavor of the year. Games such as Titanfall, Destiny, and Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare all focus on mobility on the battlefield. Halo 5 is definitely up on the trends.
First, take a look at a full multiplayer match:
It's a very level playing field. Every player has the same mobility abilities as you. You don't have to choose a jetpack, thrusters, etc. from a loadout. The goal is undoubtedly to make Halo 5 a more competitive and faster online shooter. It's not clear if any (or all) of these abilities will be available in the single-player campaign.
Here's a breakdown of all the new Spartan abilities:
You'll also notice that players now have infinite sprint, which is great except that your health won't regenerate as long as you're doing it. You'll have to find cover to build your shield back up -- which sounds way more deadly than usual now that all your enemies can get across the map with thrusters.
There's a new energy sword called Prophet's Bane, which is a slightly more effective version of the energy sword we all know and love. All guns now have a "smart scope" system. If you're shot while aiming through your sights, you'll be knocked out of smart scope.
If you're not interested in joining in on team chat, you can still get status updates during matches. The other avatars on your team will alert you when they've been hit, when new weapons are available, etc.
XP will once again play a major part in the multiplayer experience, although they will only continue to unlock cosmetic upgrades for your Spartan. At least everything you get in the beta will transfer over to the full release next year.
Finally, there's a new multiplayer mode called Breakout. In this match type, you must rush to a point on the map and fight the other team for control. There are no respawns and your shield has been lowered. Situations can come down to 1v1, for example. That should get the blood pumping. The ame is played in rounds. The first team to win 5 rounds is the victor.
There are a lot of new things in this multiplayer experience and some welcomed upgrades. We'll be able to judge all of this more clearly once the beta begins in December.
For more Halo, check out our coverage hub.
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