Halo Infinite has taken a different approach to the ranking system compared to the previous entries in the series. Ranks are only earned through Ranked play in Halo infinite this time around. Today we will go through everything you need to know about the new ranking system in Halo Infinite.
Most agree that one of the best ranking systems was from Halo: Reach, which, sadly, the MCC doesn’t recreate at all. The Halo: Reach system was a straightforward rank system that showcased a title emblem next to your name for those who weren’t aware. 343 industries would go on to imitate Reach’s style in Halos 4 & 5. Yet, they have completely changed Halo Infinite’s ranking system.
While it’s a different change, it’s interesting that 343 has implemented a similar system to the Master Chief Collection but not to Halo Infinite. In Halo Infinite, you only obtain an account ranking if you play in Ranked Area. Progressing any battle pass doesn’t accumulate any account level progression like previous games; only your rank shows in Ranked Area. With that being said, let’s get into the ranking system for Halo Infinite.
Ranks For Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite’s Ranked Area system is like Halo 5’s ranking. It requires you to complete ten placement matches before putting you into a score rating system.
From low tier to high tier ranks are as follows:
- BRONZE (1-6)
- SILVER (1-6)
- GOLD (1-6)
- PLATINUM (1-6)
- DIAMOND (1-6)
- ONYX
After your initial ten placement matches, the highest rank you can achieve is Diamond 5. However, one majorly reported difference is that players have found out through Halo Infinites rocky first season. Your score rating is tied to your K/D and performance in the match, primarily over winning or losing. Of course, winning still matters for climbing, but if you racked up many kills and medals in that match, you would still climb the ranks quickly. This has brought players to play for kills rather than for the objective in the first season of Halo. This system is still highly likely to occur in Halo Infinite’s second season, Lone Wolves, but is subject to change.
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Playing Ranked
When playing Ranked in Halo Infinite, 343 Industries has brought the more competitive aspect from Halo Esports and implemented similar settings that the professionals play on. You’re playing in a 4v4 arena, and your initial starting loadout is just a Battle Rifle and grenades with no sidearm. Minimap and grenade hitmakers are disabled, and friendly fire is enabled.
You can queue for Ranked Arena with cross-play enabled or controller or keyboard & mouse only. There is also a solo/duo option whenever you select a different input option. Otherwise, if you want to play with an entire four-person party, you can only choose open cross-play no matter what. Both solo/duo and open Ranked Arena have different ranked placements.
You will have to grind for two different ranked placements if you constantly switch between playing by yourself or a friend to a whole party. If you decide to play with friends, you can only queue Ranked Arena if they are within a close ranking to yours. This prevents Onyx players from having a silver player in their team to keep skill levels more balanced.
The current modes you can expect to play in Ranked Arena are:
- Slayer
- Capture the Flag
- Oddball
- Strongholds
- King of the Hill
How Often Do Ranks Reset in Halo Infinite?
Ranks are scheduled to reset at the end of every season. You can find how many days are left in the season in the preview menu for the battle pass & weekly challenges. Halo Infinite’s second season, Lone Wolves, ends on November 8th, with over 150 days left in the current season. There was one early rank reset in the final three months of Halo Infinite’s first season.
Yet, the reason for the early reset was global rank adjustments. We cannot judge if another early reset will come about during the second season, but we wouldn’t count on it. If you obtained a high ranking by the end of the season, your next set of placement matches should help elevate you back to your previous ranking, so high-ranking players don’t have to climb up from silver or bronze again.
Final Thoughts on Halo Infinite Ranks
That was our rundown about Halo Infinite’s current Ranked Arena system. In contrast, the community missed the accommodation ranking from past Halo games for casual and competitive players alike. The new ranking system still has some adjustments to be made, but focusing on using competitive settings while playing Ranked Arena is a welcome addition to the game. You can find them here if you want to see all the new game modes and changes made for Lone Wolves. Good hunting, Spartans!