Halo Infinite’s Surprising New Mode Brings Back One Of The Series’ Best PvE Game Types

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A recent update to Halo Infinite introduced a new PvE mode called “Gauntlet.” It’s a co-op mode where players team up, similar to the popular Firefight mode from games like Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach. Players are finding Gauntlet surprisingly challenging and fun, and many are wondering why it wasn’t added to the game earlier.

The most recent significant update for Halo Infinite arrived in November 2025, and it was initially believed to be the final update the game would receive. However, a new Gauntlet mode was unexpectedly released in May 2026, even as development continued on Halo: Campaign Evolved and Xbox experienced changes in leadership. With Xbox also working on the Project Helix console and potentially a new Halo game, this addition has surprised many fans.

Halo Infinite Adds PvE “Gauntlet” Mode As An Homage To Firefight From Past Games

As part of the “Gauntlet Update,” Halo Infinite’s Firefight: Gauntlet mode is a fresh take on the classic Firefight experience, while also paying tribute to past versions. Up to four players can team up to test their skills in challenging, fast-paced arena battles. Like previous Firefight modes, you’ll face wave after wave of increasingly difficult enemies. However, Gauntlet introduces new elements that make it unique and different from past iterations.

If players take too long to beat bosses in battle arenas, a nearly invincible enemy called the Harbinger will appear, pushing them to either move forward or face defeat. As players advance, the arenas become more challenging, requiring them to learn new strategies, adapt quickly, and cooperate with teammates. Enemy focus will also shift frequently based on player actions, with certain players becoming primary targets, clearly signaling who is attracting the most attention.

Shroud Screens can lower how much attention a player attracts, particularly if they’re getting a lot of eliminations. The Gauntlet goes on until all players are defeated, but teammates can bring each other back to life by using Revive Orbs dropped when a player goes down. Repair Fields can speed things up, and even if a player is defeated, they’ll respawn after 30 seconds, so staying alive is key. Winning requires successfully completing all five battle arenas in the Gauntlet, which is a significant challenge.

This Surprising Update Adds A New Co-Op Experience With Layers Of Challenge

Gauntlet mode is challenging because you and your teammates need to adapt quickly to each new arena. After defeating the enemies in one arena, you only have 30 seconds to get ready for the next one. You’ll need to restock your weapons and equipment in the hub area. As you learn about the upcoming enemies, you’ll become faster at preparing with your team, making the whole process much more efficient.

The central hub lets you spend points at terminals to temporarily increase your character’s stats. In each round of Firefight, every character has the following stats: Gauntlet:

  • Damage
  • Recovery
  • Resistance
  • Speed

Increasing your damage boosts both your weapon attacks and hand-to-hand combat. Speed boosts make everything you do faster, including moving, reloading, and recovering after attacks. Recovery buffs help your health and shields recharge more quickly after taking damage. Improving Resistance lets you withstand more damage before being defeated. Because the arenas and enemies in Gauntlet change every round, it’s best to plan a specific strategy, or “build,” to maximize your chances of winning.

Arena power-ups like Active Camo and Overshield can really shake up a Gauntlet run for your team. Powerful weapons that sometimes appear in the central hub can also rescue a struggling run, potentially giving you the boost you need to complete all five arenas. It shares similarities with raids in Destiny 2 or the challenging gameplay of a roguelike like Elden Ring Nightreign, making Gauntlet easily one of the most addictive modes in Halo Infinite.

Gauntlet Match Type Expansions Might Suggest Further Support To Halo Infinite In The Future

Players are incredibly impressed with the unpredictable challenges in Halo Infinite’s Gauntlet mode, and many are actively playing it. Despite the game no longer receiving major updates after November 2025, fans are requesting continued support and improvements for this new cooperative experience. While the game’s competitive multiplayer wasn’t perfect, Gauntlet appears to be fostering a stronger sense of community than ever before.

I really like Gauntlet in Halo Infinite, but it’s just a bit too hard right now. That’s what’s keeping it from being as popular as Firefight, in my opinion. The maps feel a little limited, and honestly, we need more variety in the boss fights – the ‘Champions’. Even on the easiest setting, enemies feel super tough, almost like they’re on Heroic difficulty from the main campaign. If they could just tweak the balance a bit, I think it would open things up for a lot more players. I think Gauntlet has a really solid base, and with some more bosses and a little polish, it could really take off – maybe even lead to its own spin-off game someday! I’m hoping they continue to support it.

Have you checked out the new Gauntlet mode in Halo Infinite? Share your thoughts in the comments or discuss it with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-05-09 21:11