When Operation: Frontlines kicks off the Spring Update at the start of February, you’ll be getting your hands on a new weapon (a new take on an old favorite), an overhauled and expanded premium Operation Pass with four unique sets of armor to acquire, the return of the fan-favorite Assault mode, balance updates, and much more.
Updates & Operations
As a reminder, Halo Infinite has a new update format.
At the end of last year, we released the Winter Update from November 2024 through January 2025, which included Operation: Great Journey (November), Operation: Snowbound (December), and Operation: Brute Force (January).
The 2025 Spring Update for Halo Infinite has the same format—three new Operations are on the way, starting with Operation: Frontlines on February 4.
Here’s how the update format works: Since the first Operation is paired with the launch of an Update (in this case, the 2025 Spring Update kicks off with Operation: Frontlines), it will contain a larger offering of content. This is where you can expect a Spartan-sized delivery of things like a new sandbox weapon, new modes, and so on, while the next two Operations will offer smaller updates.
So, what upcoming Operations have you got to look forward to in the Spring Update?
- Operation: Frontlines (February 4)
- Operation: Blue Team (March 11)
- Operation: Forerunner (April 8)
And then, looking even further ahead, once Operation: Forerunner wraps up, we’ll have the next “seasonal” release with the Halo Infinite Summer Update and three new Operations. We’ll have more details to share on what that entails at a later date.
New Weapon: Fuel Rod SPNKr
It’s not just old Covenant technology that the Banished ravenously repurpose and reforge into their own tools of domination, but the UNSC’s as well.
Introducing the Fuel Rod SPNKr, a rocket launcher that has been heavily modified by the Banished and fires Venezian-repackaged fuel rod munitions.
The Fuel Rod SPNKr works great against vehicles—its six-shot magazine makes it effective against a wide range of targets.
You will be able to find the Fuel Rod SPNKr as a power weapon on maps, but if you want to get to grips with this new take on a Covenant classic you can jump into the Academy’s Training mode—or spawn it in Forge for some custom games.
As noted in the above section, the first Operation in each major Update offers heftier additions like new sandbox weapons. As we look ahead, we can indeed confirm that the Mutilator—a Banished-themed shotgun—is actively being worked on by the team and is targeting the Summer Update.
Operation Pass
Halo Infinite’s Operation Pass is evolving.
We have been listening to and tracking community feedback about Halo Infinite’s Operation releases over the last year, as we are looking to improve this experience for players.
Thus far, each Operation Pass has offered 20 tiers of rewards, typically including a themed set of armor, additional customization elements (such as emblems), Spartan Points to spend in The Exchange, and bonus items for those who purchase the Pass.
This year, we want to expand our offering to players, so here’s what you can expect to see when Operation: Frontlines arrives on February 4.
Free Operation Pass
For those enjoying the free Operation Passes each month, that experience will remain largely unchanged.
Playing Halo Infinite during the active window of the Operation lets you unlock 20 reward tiers as you complete matches and earn XP. However, if you’re unable to finish all or part of it during the month, the free customization content will be available to acquire with Spartan Points (earned simply by completing matches) via The Exchange as part of Infinite’s next major update (the Summer Update in this specific case).
Play during the month when an Operation is live and mop up all the customization items in the free Pass, or seek them out at your leisure when they hit The Exchange later down the line.
Premium Operation Pass
The Premium Operation Pass is receiving an extensive overhaul, including an increase in size, bringing greater value for players who decide to upgrade.
This expanded pass will be available in the first Operation of each Update. The second and third Operations will offer the traditional 20-tier Operation Pass offering.
The Premium Pass supports the usual perks: It makes the Operation Pass durable (it will not expire), offers bonus XP during the Operation’s live window, and provides an extra Challenge slot while your Pass is equipped.
But where previous Operation Passes have featured one armor set—one particular “look” for your Spartan—the new incarnation of this Premium Pass will now offer four full armor sets. These will be unlocked as you progress through 50 tiers of rewards.
The price of the Premium Operation Pass has been slightly adjusted for this offering, providing the following options:
- 1,000 Credits: The Operation Pass is durable, offers bonus XP, provides an extra Challenge slot, and immediately gives you multiple bonus items. Provides the ability to earn four full armor sets.
- 2,500 Credits: All of the above, and instantly unlocks the first 20 levels out of 50.
Players must purchase Premium Passes during the time the Operation is live, as it will not be available for purchase once that month-long window has closed. If you miss out on purchasing any Premium Operation Pass going forward but want the armor it offered, you will be able to find it in the Shop during the next seasonal update (and at an adjusted price).
But the best value really does come with the Operation Pass. For just 1,000 Credits, you will gain the ability to earn FOUR full armor sets—one free, three premium. As noted, the free armor will flow into The Exchange, while the other three armor sets will later return in the Shop. So you’ll definitely want to make sure you grab all four armor sets while the Premium Pass is available as you will secure them early for a steep discount before they enter the Shop.
Obviously, these are some significant changes to the format, and we are eager to continue listening to feedback from players as you get your hands on Operation: Frontlines and this updated experience. Let us know what you think!
Secure the Premium Pass for access to all 50 tiers and instantly unlock the BR75A2 Hammer weapon model for the BR75 Battle Rifle, Xenothreat weapon coating, Sequence Assembly weapon charm, and Pattern Seeker visor.
Mode: Assault
The Assault mode—a fan-favorite since Halo 2—is en route to Halo Infinite!
Each team defends their bomb site as they battle over a neutral bomb in the center of the map, aiming to escort the intrepid and heroic bomb carrier to the enemy base to arm and detonate it.
Of course, Assault is a mode that comes with multiple variants as well. When it arrives with the Spring Update, you’ll be able to play both Neutral Bomb and One Bomb.
The bombastic action will be available in both 4v4 and Squad Battle’s 8v8 modes. So, if you’ve been jonesing for some One Bomb on High Ground or Kusini Bay, the wait ends soon.
For more information, be sure to check out the Assault Playlist Blog when it launches next Tuesday.
Sandbox Updates
Weapons
Heatwave
Previously, the vertical fire on the Heatwave was set in a custom position providing a consistent close to long range damage output making this a deadly shotgun-like weapon from all ranges. To address player feedback about the Heatwave being too effective at longer ranges, we’ve made changes to how its projectiles behave while using its vertical shot.
In addition to a slightly slower rate of fire for the weapon all-up, the vertical fire projectiles will now slowly spread out as they travel further distances. This spread now matches the characteristics of the horizontal fire, helping to reduce its performance at range.
- Distribution Function: Custom Position >> Custom Direction
- Rounds per second: 1.54 >> 1.34
Stalker Rifle
The Stalker Rifle has been emerging as an extremely powerful weapon in Arena gameplay, especially after the Bandit’s rate-of-fire was decreased. To keep the Stalker Rifle’s power in check relative to the Bandit, it will also be getting a rate-of-fire decrease.
The Stalker Rifle should still be an important on-map pickup, but it shouldn’t feel like a one-sided fight when going up against it anymore.
- Rounds per second: 2.3 >> 2.2
Disruptor
The Disruptor, which is part of the Pistol class of weapons, has been overperforming outside of its intended range, much like previous iterations of the Mk50 Sidekick. The damage output at close range feels like it’s in a good place, but its ability to deal that damage at mid-to-long range—specifically against enemy Spartans at those distances—was proving to be too much.
To minimize the effectiveness at long ranges against Spartans, the bloom properties are getting an update. It’s also important to note that while we wanted to reduce its impact on Spartans at range, it’s critical that the weapon retains its ability to EMP vehicles over long distances in larger battlefields.
When the update launches, the Disruptor will take longer to have its bloom reset and have increased error angles, resulting in less impact on smaller targets at range.
On Ranked maps, the Disruptor will also have its initial ammo reduced to ensure its total kill potential can remain in check.
- Min error angle
- (Low) 0.125 >> 0.2
- (High) 0.125 >> 0.35
- (Low) 0.35 >> 0.35
- (High) 0.8 >> 1
[*] Upper bound deceleration time: 0.365 >> 0.43
[*] Reduced starting ammo amount on Ranked maps: 12 | 36 >> 12 | 12[/list]
CQ248 Bulldog
Similar to the Stalker Rifle, the Bulldog also had started to emerge as an extremely impactful weapon after the Bandit’s rate-of-fire reduction. To ensure players have a more balanced fight when going up against the Bulldog, its rate-of-fire will be slowing down slightly, and its headshot multiplier will be removed. These adjustments should help the Bulldog’s power better align with the rest of the sandbox.
- Rounds per second: 1.67 >> 1.55
- Headshot damage multiplier on health: 2 >> 0
Shock Rifle
The Shock Rifle has demonstrated greater effectiveness at longer ranges than anticipated when used in hip fire. To encourage zooming in for long-range engagements, the range at which aim magnetism kicks in will be brought in a bit. Since no-scoping was also proving to be a little too easy at high-skill levels, the auto-aim angles have been adjusted to make each shot more skillful when firing from the hip.
- Reduced autoaim angle: 0.5 >> 0.2
- Reduced magnetism angle: 3 >> 2
- Reduced magnetism range: 25 >> 20
- Reduced magnetism falloff range: 14 >> 12
MA40 AR
In a previous update, the MA40 AR received a tuning pass that adjusted its bloom properties. While it increased the consistency of the weapon at full bloom, we heard the feedback that it bloomed out too quickly, with many stating that they missed its accuracy on the first few shots. In response to that feedback, we’ll be bringing those initial shots back to their previous state.
To help balance out the feel of this initial buff, the AR’s max bloom state when going fully-auto will be expanded more and its headshot multiplier will be removed.
- Initial accuracy improved [list]
- Lower bound deceleration time: 0.3 >> 0.22
- Deceleration time: 0.24 >> 0.17
- (Low): 0.25 >> 0.25
- (High): 1.3 >> 2.1
[*] Reduced starting ammo amount on Ranked maps: 36 | 108 >> 36 | 36[/list]
Grenades
Frag Grenade Physics
Frag Grenade Physics
The “bounciness” of Frag Grenades has been increased, allowing players to make creative, skillful plays. This will bring the bounce physics a little more in line with previous titles, while also reducing instances of grenades feeling stuck to the ground or not having successful bounces.
- Perpendicular friction (between 90-80 degrees): 0.825 >> 0.78
- Perpendicular friction (between 50-80 degrees): 0.8 >> 0.78
- Perpendicular friction (between 20-50 degrees): 0.75 >> 0.72
Grenade Cast Time
Halo Infinite’s grenade cast time—aka the time it takes for a player to throw a grenade and reset—was the fastest in the franchise by a pretty large margin.
For example, here are some average rates (grenades per second) from previous games:
- Halo: CE: 1.07
- Halo 2: 1.13
- Halo 3: 1.07
- Halo: Reach: 0.99
- Halo 4: 0.89
- Halo Infinite (before): 0.79
While grenades are a key element of Halo gameplay, we felt that the ability to throw multiple grenades at such a rapid rate or throw a grenade and then shoot quickly after was having a negative effect on the core combat loop.
To help improve the feel of the Halo combat dance, we’ll be bringing the grenade throw rate more in line with previous titles. This should both reduce the feeling of “grenade spam” and increase the intentionality of each grenade thrown.
- Halo Infinite (updated): 0.92
Movement
Strafe Acceleration
It’s happening!
Strafe acceleration values are being updated to improve the feel of gameplay engagements across the board. This adjustment will help address community feedback on topics such as jiggle-peeking behind cover and reduce instances of opponents changing directions at seemingly unnatural speeds when strafing.
The adjustment to these strafe scalars should bring the overall “feel” of Halo Infinite’s combat even more in line with previous Halo titles.
- Acceleration strafe scalar: 1 >> 0.78
- Acceleration forward scalar: 1 >> 0.78
Ranked Updates
New Ranked Map & Ranked Map Refresh
A new map has arrived in Ranked!
Origin
Credits: Karmaplex, DarkMaiming, HiImMike
A fan-favorite returns as Origin, a remake of Coliseum from Halo 5: Guardians makes its way into Halo Infinite’s Ranked playlists. Remade in Forge, you’ll get to see the map with Halo Infinite’s Forerunner aesthetics.
Origin will be playable in Ranked Arena, Ranked Slayer, and Ranked Doubles when Operation: Frontlines drops. It will also appear in regular matchmaking playlists as well.
New Mode
We’re excited to add a new mode to Ranked: Assault! The legacy game mode is just how you remember it—plant the bomb in the enemy team’s base to score a point. Ranked Arena will feature Assault:Neutral Bomb Ranked on both Aquarius and Fortress. The score to win is 3 points.
New Ranked Rotational Playlist – Ranked Squad Battle
Feeling in the mood for some competitive action but with a larger number of players, more spacious maps, and wider sandbox variety? Ranked Squad Battle will be your next destination!
Get the squad ready, it’s gonna get sweaty—8v8, Bandit Evo starts, and a variety of modes to compete on, including our new mode Assault.
Assault will be available in Ranked Squad Battle in two forms: Neutral Bomb and One Bomb! Assault: One Bomb Ranked makes its debut on two iconic maps: Kusini Bay and Refuge, remakes of Halo 2’s Zanzibar and Headlong respectively.
Ranked Map Updates
With a new Ranked season incoming, it’s time again for a sandbox refresh to our Ranked maps. Below, you will find the changes we’ve made to sandbox items and their locations on Ranked Arena maps.
Aquarius
- Camo replacing Overshield top middle
- Threat seeker replaced the plasma grenades on Hydro
Emyprean
- Assault Rifle and Commando Rifle swap locations
- Plasma Pistol moved to Alley
- Repulsor moved to Terminal
- Overshield moved to Underpass
Forbidden
- Battle Rifles to the front of Bases
- Thrust replaced the Threat seeker at Big Door
Live Fire
- Battle Rifle added to Turbine
Recharge
- Shock Rifle has been placed on a power weapon pad to align with the properties of Solitude
Solitude
- Commando Rifle replaced Bandit at Bottom Mid
- Added Battle Rifle to Blue Ramp
Streets
- Bulldog replaced with a Sidekick at Commercial District
Additionally, to keep the experience fresh and address points of feedback we’ve received from Ranked players, we are adding some new geometry to a few of the maps. Specifically, we’ve added new jumps to some of our core maps in Ranked to improve map flow and create new routes for players. These new jump routes will only be available on the “Ranked” versions of Aquarius, Forbidden, Recharge, and Streets. Stay tuned for more details on these.
Matchmaking Rank Reset
It’s that time again. All Ranked playlists will have ranks resetting with the release of Operation: Frontlines!
New playlists, new map, new modes, new sandbox balances, map pool changes and more. There are a lot of changes coming to Ranked and there is no better time to start fresh and jump in. We’ll see you out there. Good luck, Spartans!
Forge Updates
The Fuel Rod SPNKr and Bomb object have been added to Forge as objects which should allow for some explosive opportunities to create new experiences.
In addition to these new sandbox objects, Forge will also be getting some improvements to better support mode creation. These additions should unlock more power—and add more polish—to modes across the board, all while helping to bridge the gap between Forge and our internal tools.
- Increased Nav Marker functionality for fine-tuned control, including when a player takes damage, is sprinting, or is in another player’s line of sight
- Added the ability to Set Object Team for multiple generic objectives, with more on the way
- Improved control of Generic Objective objects when entering Kill Volumes
- Enhanced physics controls for objects through Set Object Physics Mode (Normal, Zero Gravity, and Fixed)
- Inclusion of Damage Source Object input pin allows for better kill attribution by selecting a player to be the source on the Apply Damage node
For a more detailed look at these Forge additions, be sure to read the Patch Notes on February 4!
That’s a wrap on our overview for the 2025 Spring Update in Halo Infinite.
We’re incredibly excited for you to get hands-on with all the new offerings, so keep sending your feedback our way. We’ll catch you on February 4 when Operation: Frontlines arrives!
