Halo Infinite Early Access Might Let Players In Before Release Date

A Halo Infinite early access release might be planned by Xbox, as reference to a "Halo Infinite Early Access Digital Bundle" has been spotted on Microsoft Store. Following a pair of playtests for its free-to-play multiplayer component and a positive response to Halo Infinite's graphical improvements online, anticipation for the December release of the next Halo is running high - and it now appears some players may not have to wait as long as others to get started.

The Halo franchise's history spans 15 games, ranging from the classic FPS titles to mobile and RTS games. While the first five games in the franchise were originally developed for Microsoft by Bungie, the main franchise has since been handed over to 343 Industries, a studio founded by Microsoft to focus entirely on the series. Halo Infinite is shaping up to be 343's most ambitious game to date, with a Halo Infinite campaign gameplay trailer showing large, open levels and plenty of the vehicular combat that has come to define the series.

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According to a tweet by prominent leaker ALumia_Italia (via VGC), the Microsoft Store appears to have revealed a Halo Infinite "Early Access Digital Bundle" prematurely. The listing offers no additional information based on a screenshot, but the page heavily implies buyers will be able to access the game before its planned December 8 release. ALumia_Italia also discovered as many as four listings for Halo Infinite DLC, all of which have yet to be officially announced at press time.

Despite the growing public excitement for the Xbox Series X/S flagship game, Halo Infinite's 2020 delay is evidence that its development hasn't been entirely smooth. The initial response to the title's announcement was enormously positive, but a subpar-looking trailer and high-profile staff departures brought 343's ability of bringing Halo to a new console generation into question. Its two previous entries to the series, Halo 4 and Halo 5: Guardians were met with most positively acclaim, ultimately failed to live up to the reputation Bungie's earlier entries. However, pundits' expectations and players' hopes have been raised by recent showings, such as the multiplayer technical previews and tangible proof of Halo Infinite's major graphical upgrades in the recent campaign gameplay trailer.

Halo Infinite is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of the holiday season, if not all of 2021. Luckily for those already planning to purchase the title, it appears the wait for Halo Infinite's release date might be shortened, and details may be shared soon with launch only one month away.

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Halo Infinite will be available for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC on December 8, 2021.

Sources: ALumia_Italia/Twitter, VGC

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