Ever since players started building blockades on Foundation in Halo 2, the Halo Infection mode has been a fan favorite. A unique mixture of free-for-all and team play, this fan-created side mode is back once again for Haloween 2018. We get both a set of new maps and modes in Halo 5: Guardians and a full Infection playlist in the newly updated Master Chief Collection. So, whether you enjoy Clamber and Ground Pound or keep your boots on the ground, Haloween has you covered.
In Halo 5, the infection playlist gains three new modes. Speed Demons is an old favorite from the Halo 3 days taking place on Viking, Halo 5‘s interpretation of Valhalla. You start with a Battle Rifle, a shotgun, and access to vehicles. The zombies can run at ludicrous speeds and pack a Gravity Hammer in addition to the normal Energy Sword. Otherwise, this works just like the Infection you’re used to.
"This is not your grave… but you are welcome in it."
Halo 5's Infection playlist has been updated with new maps and modes, and will feature Double XP through Halloween! https://t.co/kvEUWHjd4f pic.twitter.com/nM4fmF6Sz4— Halo (@Halo) October 18, 2018
Castle Raid is basically an undead version of Assault. Within the zombie’s titular castle, a prized skull is waiting. It’s the Spartan’s job to invade, grab the skull, and then set it aflame across the map. Zombie players are in their natural habitat here, so they have high stealth capabilities. Thankfully, Spartans have scoped Assault Rifles and Threat Marker SMGs, letting them pick out the opposition if they get close.
Contingency is the most intricate of the new modes. Deriving from Survive the Underground and other community modes, Contingency feels like a Halo-style adaption of Call of Duty Zombies. Maps are linear experiences where the survivors must fight through each room to get to the end. Each of the four maps gives you a completely different set of challenges, which is pretty unique in Halo 5‘s Arena multiplayer.
'Tis the season for spooky shenanigans – Infection is back in Halo: The Master Chief Collection for a limited time! pic.twitter.com/uXF04XYJQ0
— Halo (@Halo) October 17, 2018
Finally, if you want to go back in time, Halo: The Master Chief Collection also has plenty of Infection fun. Modes derived from Halo 3 and Halo 2 Anniversary mix together with Halo 4‘s thematic Flood variants. If you do take the plunge here at some point before Haloween is over in November, you’ll get an Infection themed nameplate for your troubles. Nothing will strike fear into a Halo veteran’s heart like the sight of those little popcorn Infection Forms.
Both flavors of infection will linger until the end of the month. The Halo 5 variants are permanent, but they’ll give you double the XP for playing all throughout October. Halo: The Master Chief Collection will see its Infection list rotate out come November, but it should rise from the grave sooner rather than later.
