Halo Infinite has received an unexpected free update months after Halo Studios moved the game into maintenance mode. The update adds Firefight: Gauntlet, a new co op mode with roguelike inspired structure, random elements, and persistent upgrades during each run.
Firefight is Halo’s cooperative horde mode, and Gauntlet gives it a more replayable setup. Four players enter a mission made of five battle arenas, but the order of those arenas changes each time. Enemy types, champion targets, and weapon choices are also randomized.
Firefight: Gauntlet adds upgrades and randomized runs
Each arena has endless enemy waves, and the only way to stop them is to defeat the arena champions. If the team takes too long, the Harbinger can enter the fight, making the run more dangerous. Enemy AI also gets tougher as the squad moves through all five arenas.
Between arenas, players get 30 seconds in a hub area. This is where you can upgrade Spartan attributes such as damage, shield recovery, health recovery, speed, and damage resistance. Those upgrades carry forward for the rest of the run.
| Firefight: Gauntlet feature | What it adds |
|---|---|
| Four player co op | Team based horde survival |
| Five battle arenas | Structured mission runs |
| Random arena order | More replayability |
| Random enemies and weapons | Different runs each time |
| Persistent run upgrades | Spartan improvements carry through the mission |
| AI Aggro system | Shows who enemies are targeting |
The new AI Aggro system is also useful. It shows which player enemies are focusing on with a visual effect. That target can shift depending on performance, and players can reduce attention by using a Shroud Screen.
Halo Studios has added Firefight: Gauntlet as a featured matchmaking playlist until May 19. After that, it will move into the standard Firefight playlist.
The update also adds two new maps: Munera Platform H6 and Munera Platform W4. These include arenas built around a volcanic UNSC base, a Flood infested Forerunner facility, a Banished excavation site, and other combat spaces.
The surprise is not only the mode itself, but the timing. Halo Infinite had already ended regular content support as Halo Studios shifted focus to future Halo projects. Getting a fresh co op mode now gives remaining players something meaningful to try, especially if they enjoy Firefight more than competitive multiplayer.
Firefight: Gauntlet is live now on Xbox consoles and PC.
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