Alleged Halo Infinite 120 Hz free-to-play multiplayer could be next nail in the coffin after the reveal fiasco

Irish retailer Smyth’s recently posted details about Halo Infinite on their Xbox Series X page, which have since been taken down. The retailer claimed that the game will feature a free-to-play multiplayer component and action at up to 120 Hz. 

In the aftermath of a widely derided gameplay trailer showcasing visuals that some claimed were worse than Halo 4 on the Xbox 360, the announcement of free-to-play mechanics in Halo Infinite is likely to further stoke the flames. Based on what we know about the title so far, Halo Infinite is a full-fledged premium Xbox Series X outing and free-to-play mechanics could upset players who spent the full retail price on the game, especially if they upset multiplayer balance in any way.

However, there is one possible approach that 343i might take here to mitigate controversy or possible balance issues. This would be releasing the multiplayer component as a standalone free-to-play experience, possibly separate from premium game servers. Halo Online, a multiplayer-only version of Halo 3 actually did something similar a couple years ago, prior to its cancellation. 

The claim that Halo Infinite will support 120 Hz gameplay is another potential cause for concern. Unless 343i enables this as an option paired with a lower resolution frame buffer, it might significantly constrain headroom to improve Halo Infinite’s visuals. While the Xbox Series X certainly features a powerful GPU, there simply is no single-GPU solution - either in the console space or on PC - that can run AAA titles at 120 Hz without some severe cutbacks to visuals. 

It’s relevant to note that neither Microsoft nor 343i studios have confirmed these claims and that Smyth’s has since removed them. Here’s to hoping Halo Infinite delivers a genuine, premium experience and gets a Sonic-like overhaul to its visuals before launch.