Unstoppable force, meet immovable object. (At least, if you’re on defense you really hope you can embody that immovable object spirit.) It’s tactical, it’s intense, and it’s got just enough Halo: Reach DNA to make longtime fans feel right at home… Invasion has arrived!
Whether you’re storming the gates or desperately trying to keep them shut, Invasion turns every match into a showdown of Spartan grit and glorious chaos.
OBJECTIVE OVERDRIVE
At its core, Invasion is an asymmetrical, one-sided objective mode pitting two teams of 8 against each other. Each team will get the chance to attack and defend for a total of two rounds. Each round is broken into 3 phases, and if you complete each phase, you get a point. The modes available for each phase are identical to those found in Reach, plus one new addition:
Capture the Zone
As the name implies, this is a zone control style mode and your goal is to capture it before time runs out
Assault
Much as the normal Arena mode, you are bringing a bomb to the zone and aim to detonate it before the enemy team stops you
Core Delivery
If you played Reach, this is going to be a familiar objective where you are literally delivering the core to the enemy team’s base. In Infinite, this will be a Flag you are running to plant
Deliver the Payload
New to Invasion with Halo Infinite, delivering the payload will have you escorting a payload along a set trail to the end destination. When the enemy is contesting the payload, forward progress halts so keep that path clear! And don’t leave the payload behind or else it won’t progress. The more Spartans on the payload, the faster it progresses along the path.
Worth noting that you can earn TWO points for delivering the payload to its final destination: One at the very end, naturally, but you’ll also earn a point when you reach the checkpoint.
LOADOUT LOGIC
The setup will be UNSC vs. Banished-affected Spartans, very similar to the experience in Banished Slayer. Each phase will have multiple options to select from, so choose wisely.
Spartan Setups
Phase 1, UNSC Scout
MA5K Avenger
Frag Grenades
Threat Seeker
Phase 1, UNSC Sentry
MK50 Sidekick
Frag Grenades
Drop Wall
Phase 2, UNSC Warrior
MA40 Assault Rifle
MK50 Sidekick
Frag Grenades
Drop Wall
Phase 2, UNSC Operator
CQS48 Bulldog
Frag Grenades
Quantum Translocator
Phase 2, UNSC Skirmisher
VK78 Commando
MA5K Avenger
Frag Grenades
Thruster
Phase 3, UNSC Headhunter
BR75
VK78 Commando
Frag Grenades
Shroud Screen
Phase 3, UNSC Healer
CQS48 Bulldog
MK50 Sidekick
Frag Grenades
Repair Field
Phase 3, UNSC Marksman
Bandit Evo
MA40 Assault Rifle
Frag Grenades
Grappleshot
Phase 3, UNSC Sentinel
VK78 Commando
MA5K Avenger
Frag Grenades
Thruster
Phase 3, UNSC Heavy
MLRS-2 Hydra
MA40 Assault Rifle
Frag Grenades
Overshield
Banished Battle Kits
Just like the UNSC side, the Banished side also has loadout options that update each phase.
Phase 1, Banished Sentry
Mangler
Spike Grenades
Thruster
Phase 1, Banished Scout
Needler
Plasma Grenades
Active Camo
Phase 2, Banished Marksman
Vestige Carbine
Plasma Pistol
Spike Grenades
Repulsor
Phase 2, Banished Hunter
Heatwave
Spike Grenades
Drop Wall
Phase 2, Banished Sapper
Ravager
Needler
Plasma Grenades
Thruster
Phase 3, Banished Headhunter
Bandit Evo
Pulse Carbine
Spike Grenade
Grappleshot
Phase 3, Banished Warrior
CQS48 Bulldog
Mangler
Spike Grenade
Threat Sensor
Phase 3, Banished Sentinel
Sentinel Beam
Vestige Carbine
Spike Grenade
Repulsor
Phase 3, Banished Medic
Pulse Carbine
MA40 Assault Rifle
Spike Grenade
Repair Field
Phase 3, Banished Dark Assassin
Duelist Energy Sword
Disruptor
Plasma Grenades
Active Camo
SAFE SPAWNING
One of the more unique features Invasion introduced was Buddy Spawning. This allowed you to spawn on your buddy directly rather than at the default spawn location. It’s not required but who doesn’t love options? Your buddy is randomly assigned during the match and you cannot change or swap. Once the game starts, you are together for the full match. Yes, this means if your buddy abandons the match that you no longer have the ability to Buddy Spawn. The caveats to Buddy Spawning:
Buddies are reciprocal (If they are your buddy, you are theirs)
Your Buddy must be alive to spawn on them
They must have been alive for at least five seconds to spawn on them
They must have full health and shields to spawn on them
They must be clear of engagements or have no enemies nearby to spawn on them
If your Buddy is in a vehicle, there must be an empty seat to spawn on them
When you spawn on your Buddy, you will be facing the way they are facing
If you don’t want to spawn on your buddy, you can choose to spawn at the other zones: Left, Middle, or Right spawns.
VICTORY VARIABLES
So…how do you win an Invasion match? Each phase you “win” or progress will net your team a point. So if you are attacking first and you make it through all three phases and you complete them, you will have earned three points total. If you are on defense and you stop the team at the second phase, the attacking team only has one point.
It is possible to tie so if both teams successfully make it through all three phases and earn three points, everyone goes home a winner.
IMPRESSIVE INTSALLATIONS
There are six new maps coming to Invasion which means plenty of variety for you to engage with. Let’s check them out! Grab the mode here, and then grab the maps below!
Breakpoint
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Credits: Okom1, Virus11010, Scrubulba, Mr Kwatz, Igrizhar, spartan blood 1, JoValiant, Mr IncrediJON, THE SLAMMERSS
A classic returns from Halo: Reach. Don’t let it push you to your breaking point.
Crashout
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They said it was a crash. We called it a tactical arrival.
Exhumed
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Credits: Mr IncrediJON, Scrubulba, spartan blood 1, Virus11010, Mr Kwatz, Igrizhar, JoValiant
You came looking for glory but you found a grave.
Last Road
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Credits: Mr Kwatz, MikRips, Scrubulba
Last Road: where the only traffic is incoming fire.
Recovery
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Credits: Okom1, Virus11010, Scrubulba, D0ctorSmurf, spartan blood 1, Mr IncrediJON, Mr Kwatz, Cousin Tim, JoValiant
They terraformed Reach, now it’s your turn to reshape the battlefield.
Wavelength
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Broadcasting live from the edge of chaos.
EXIT ENGAGEMENTS
Now, it’s time to invade the battlefield. Whether you’re storming the gates or holding the line, Invasion’s better with buddies (and a few well-placed grenades), so squad up and hit the ground running!