Halo Infinite Delayed to Fall 2021

It makes sense, but we’re still sad.

Halo Infinite was initially delayed to 2021, but we recently got an update that gives a better idea as to when in 2021 we might be able to expect the game’s release. For those holding out for a Spring or Summer 2021 release, we’ve got some bad news, as it’s been confirmed that Halo Infinite has been delayed until Fall 2021.

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Halo Infinite Delayed to Fall 2021

It’s not surprising to hear that Halo Infinite is being delayed as long as it is — until Fall 2021 — but it is sad. Halo Infinite, a game that was initially supposed to release with the Xbox Series X, then delayed until 2021, now won’t release until Fall 2021.

The reasons behind this delay make complete and total sense, and ultimately, it’s better to take that extra time to make sure the game is the best it can possibly be upon release. In a recent news post, Joseph Staten, Creative Director at 343 Industries, elaborated upon the delay and what to expect from team updates moving forward. 


“We aren’t making this game for us. We’re making it for you. Starting with this update, we’re going to be sharing more about what we’re doing and, most importantly, why we’re doing it. So here are a few things I’d like to share:

My first week on the job, I played the entire Infinite campaign. Twice. I was, in a word, stunned — in the best possible way — by what the team had done. Infinite is, by far, the most expansive and vertical Halo world, ever.

Why did the team do this? Because they understand that wonder and freedom are key to the Halo experience. I could feel the classic Halo ’30 seconds of fun’ beating at the heart of Infinite’s world. But I had never felt more powerful, more mobile, more in command of a rich set of tactical choices.

This was the Halo we imagined back in 2000, finally come to life, after 20 years of technical and creative innovation. Sure, there were bugs in the build and clearly more work to do. But this concept art by Martin Deschambault (one of the many incredible pieces he’s made for the game):

It encapsulates all the excitement and curiosity and joy I felt on my first journey through Zeta Halo, the most mysterious, dangerous, and possibility-rich place in the entire Halo universe. Everywhere I looked, I saw choices:

Do I explore off the golden path? Assault that Banished war base guarding the valley pass? Follow a flight of Forerunner Sentinels into that unexpected cavern? Rescue a squad of marines dug-in and desperate halfway up that mountain? Or do I keep pulling the mainline story thread that feels epic and intimate at the exact same time?

Truly, Halo Infinite is a world in which I love spending time and that I’m thrilled to return to, both as a designer and a player. On behalf of the entire team, thank you for your patience and your passion. We can’t wait for you to join us on the Halo Infinite adventure, first with Insider flighting later next year, and then when we ship in Fall 2021.

In the meantime, I hope all of you have a restful Holiday season. We’ll catch you in the new year!”


The news post also includes lengthy details about art and graphics updates to Halo Infinite, along with some new WIP screenshots.

One thing that’s likely fresh on the mind of gamers is what was shown of the Campaign back in July, footage that sparked heated discussion and an endless supply of Craig memes.

Addressing this specifically, Neill Harrison, Director of Art Management at 343 Industries, explains: 

“The primary goal for the Campaign demo in July was showing Halo Infinite gameplay for the first time. While that aspect generally landed as we wanted, the reality is that the art and visuals weren’t at the bar we hold for Halo — even in a work-in-progress state.

Much of the feedback we heard from the community aligned with our own views and work we were already committed to doing around things like indirect lighting, material response, foliage and tree rendering, clouds, level-of-detail transitions, and character fidelity.

Still, the feedback was humbling, and it also pushed us to look at additional opportunities for improvement. It really is a privilege to work on a Halo game, we have such a strong community who care so deeply about the Halo franchise and who we can always rely upon to provide valuable feedback on every aspect of our products.

It’s not always easy to hear, but we truly appreciate the community’s passion which drives us to do better.”

Related: Original Halo Veteran Joseph Staten Returns to Halo Infinite Team

For more on the art and graphics updates being made to Halo Infinite, and the direction moving forward with a new release window of Fall 2021, be sure to check out the full news post over on Halo Waypoint.


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Morgan Shaver
Morgan is a writer, metalhead, horror lover, and indie game enthusiast. When it comes to games, they love nothing more than to wax poetic about all the latest and greatest indies to anyone who'll listen. They're also a Tetris fanatic who's fiercely competitive in games like Tetris 99... and all games in general. But mostly Tetris. You can follow Morgan on Twitter @Author_MShaver