The March Update for Halo Infinite will soon be releasing, bringing with it a range of weapon balance adjustments. These updates aim to address community feedback and improve the competitive settings used in Ranked matches.
One of the exciting new features being tested for the highest level of players in Ranked is the Deterministic CSR Payouts. This experiment aims to address feedback from top-tier players who have found the grind of Ranked matches to be unrewarding. Currently, the number of CSR points players win or lose is based on various factors such as their performance and rankings compared to other players. However, with Deterministic CSR Payouts, the only thing that will matter is whether the team wins or loses. Players with 1800 CSR and above will receive 7 CSR for a match win and lose 7 CSR for a match loss.
This experiment poses potential risks, one being CSR inflation. If players reach new CSR levels that haven’t been achieved before, it might impact matchmaking and overall perception of the game. Players may experience matches where lower-ranked players are matched once morest those with significantly higher CSR due to the Deterministic CSR Payouts. This might create a perception that matchmaking is broken, even though it may be a result of intertwining systems and specific circumstances.
As this feature is released, close monitoring of CSR distribution and player feedback will be essential to determine if any future tweaks are needed or if the feature should be removed entirely.
The Bandit EVO and M392 Bandit have been performing well since their launch in Season 5, but certain changes were needed based on feedback. The reload speed was addressed to make it feel smoother and faster. Additionally, changes were made to align the spawn logic more closely with that of when the Battle Rifle was the starting weapon for Ranked Arena, aiming to create more consistent spawn behavior. The fire volume of the Bandit EVO was also adjusted, allowing players to hear surrounding environmental and player audio while using the weapon.
The Heatwave, known for its impact in mid-long range scenarios, received minor tweaks to reduce its overall effectiveness. Auto aim angle, range, and falloff range were decreased to require more precise timing and aim at the highest level of play.
The Plasma Pistol, a critical weapon in Ranked and social gameplay, received adjustments to balance its functions. The rate of fire for the single shot trigger was decreased, as well as the time for the trigger to fully charge, while the overheated threshold was also reduced.
The Stalker Rifle, a powerhouse weapon in the hands of highly skilled players, underwent changes to ensure it doesn’t have an overwhelming advantage without impacting other players. The number of shots required to overheat the weapon was decreased, and the venting rate per second was made slower, providing less room for error and requiring more time spent venting.
The VK78 Commando, which had been struggling to find its place with the Bandit EVO as the starting weapon, was adjusted to have better handling and more consistent damage output. The goal was to make it a more viable choice on the map, especially in comparison to the Bandit EVO and Battle Rifle.
The March Update for Halo Infinite brings a range of adjustments and experiments aimed at improving the gameplay experience for players, especially in Ranked matches. The introduction of Deterministic CSR Payouts aims to address concerns regarding the grind not being rewarding enough for top-tier players. While this experiment may have potential risks, careful monitoring and player feedback will guide future decision-making.
As the community eagerly awaits the update, players can look forward to experiencing the changes firsthand at the HCS Major Arlington hosted by OpTic Gaming. The event offers an opportunity to try out the upcoming balance updates and witness the impact on gameplay. Make sure to tune in to Twitch.tv/Halo and YouTube.com/@HCS to catch all the action!
