Halo Infinite is the latest edition of Halo, one of the most popular game series to date. Launched by 343 Industries and Xbox Game Studios, it entered esports with its multiplayer launch in November and aims to become an esports staple.
It already has an extensive pro circuit planned, with its first big event, the Kickoff Major, taking place in December, paving the way for an exciting esports scene.
If you want to learn more about the game and even start wagering on it, then here’s everything you need to know about Halo Infinite.
Halo Infinite Gameplay Basics
Halo Infinite is a first-person shooter game, somewhat similar to Call of Duty. However, it’s instead based in a futuristic sci-fi setting and features a few core gameplay differences.
The game features multiple maps and game modes, giving it a lot of variety and shaking things up from match to match. Unlike other FPS titles, it doesn’t have an economy; instead, players can find weapons and upgrades that spawn in predetermined positions around the map.
Halo also has a relatively higher kill time, meaning fights can take longer than you may be used to in other esports titles, although some upgrades and grenades can kill almost instantly.
When it comes to esports, Halo matches are played in a best-of-three or best-of-five format. This means teams usually pick and ban maps from a set map pool, until there are three or five left, then the team that wins the majority first wins the series. Every map also has a set number of possible modes, with the two teams playing just one of those modes.
Let’s take a look at the different game modes in Halo Infinite.
Slayer
Slayer is a Halo classic. This game mode is by far the most popular in the game and is often synonymous with the Halo series. If you’ve played other FPS games, it’s the same as team deathmatch.
The two teams battle it out on a map, fighting to see who can reach 50 kills first by eliminating the opposing team’s players. After players die, they respawn and Slayer matches usually see non-stop action, although there is also a time limit of 12 minutes.
Capture The Flag
Capture the flag is another classic, not just in Halo but in a lot of shooters. Each team has a set location for their flag on a map and they must travel across the map, take the enemy flag and bring it back to their flag.
Again, there is a time limit of 12 minutes in this game mode and it can come in handy. It’s not uncommon to see both teams lose their flag, then be stuck in a back and forth of attempting to recapture their flag, while also defending the flag they stole from their opponents. A team must capture their opponent’s flag five times to win, or be in the lead when the timer runs out.
Strongholds
Halo features another FPS classic in Strongholds. In this mode, there are three areas on the map known as control points. Players can capture control points by standing in them for a few seconds and if a team controls at least two of the three points, they gain points.
There is no time limit in Strongholds and teams battle it out until one reaches 250 points. This is usually a fast-paced mode with a lot of back and forth, although it’s not unheard of to see teams dominate. If you’ve played shooters before, you might know this as domination.
Oddball
Last but not least is Oddball. This is the most unique game mode in Halo, where players fight over control of a skull, which is known as the ball. If a player is holding the ball, their team gains points and a team wins a round once they reach 100 points.
Oddball is played in a best-of-three format, meaning each Oddball match sees at least two rounds. It features the unique twist that a player holding the ball cannot use their weapons (they can only attempt to bludgeon opponents with the ball or drop it), meaning there’s always a tactical element of choosing to hold onto the ball, or dropping it and sacrificing points to do battle.
Understanding Halo Betting Odds
Halo Infinite odds are often shown in American odds. These are displayed as numbers in relation to -100. These numbers differ completely depending on how likely it is a team will win, with the minus (-) sign showing the favorites, while the plus (+) shows the underdogs.
For example, the odds of a Halo Infinite match could look like this:
Optic Gaming -125
Vs
Oxygen Esports +111
This would mean that Optic is the favorite for the match and the number after the minus sign shows how much you would need to bet to win $100. In our example, betting $125 would net you a profit of $100.
Meanwhile, Oxygen Esports is less likely to win, making it the underdog, as shown by the plus sign. This time the odds are showing how much you would win if you bet $100. Therefore, betting $100 would get you an extra $111.
Odds change very frequently and differ depending on which Sportsbook you use. If you’re unsure of where to place Halo wagers, or are just looking for a new sportsbook, check out our list of the best esports betting websites.
Types of Halo Bets
As Halo Infinite is still very new, the number of betting options is likely to be quite limited. However, a betting staple, the moneyline (betting on the match Sportsbook), will always be available, but you may find some of the other options to be lacking, especially in lesser matches.
With that being said, you’re still likely to be able to place bets on things like spreads, totals and futures on most of the games. Let’s take a look at how these work for Halo Infinite.
Moneyline
Moneyline wagers are the go-to betting market. A moneyline is simply choosing the team that you think will win the series and the end result is all that matters. As Halo Infinite series are played in a best-of-three or best-of-five format, all that you’d need to worry about with a moneyline bet is who will win at the end. Although, it’s usually also possible to bet on individual maps.
Spreads
With all Halo Infinite matches being played over multiple maps, spreads are a good choice for a bettor who wants to change things up a bit.
Spreads, also known as handicaps, essentially alter the starting score of a match. For example, a best-of-three match between Optic Gaming and G2 Esports may see the former be -400 favorites, meaning not much money can be made from a moneyline bet.
This is where spreads come in. You could also see an option like a -1.5 game spread for Optic at +100. This spread means that for this bet, Optic starts the match at a -1.5 map score, and would then have to win the series 2-0 for the bet to win. Spreads are riskier, as Optic could still win the series 2-1 and in this case the spread bet would lose, but there is also more reward.
Totals
Betting on totals in Halo Infinite means choosing how many games will be played in a series. It’s a good alternative for bettors who don’t want to choose a specific team in a match.
Totals are usually represented by OVER or UNDER, signifying a choice of whether a match will have more or fewer things. In Halo Infinite’s case, an option like OVER 2.5 would suggest that three maps will be played in a series, while UNDER 2.5 would signify only two maps will be played.
You can think of this as a similar bet to spreads, but from a more neutral point of view, as it doesn’t matter which way the result goes.
Futures
Futures are another simple bet. They are generally only open before an event starts and allow bettors to choose the overall Sportsbook. A futures bet for Halo Infinite could look as follows:
FaZe -140
Optic +165
Cloud9 +450
G2 Esports +650
There will be an option for every team at the event. In this example, FaZe is the favorite, while G2 is the biggest underdog.
Prop Bets
Prop bets, also known as proposition bets, are wagers based on certain events in the game that may not even affect the outcome of the match. As Halo Infinite is still very new, there may not be many prop markets available.
But once more matches are played and Sportsbooks are able to create a solid database, props may start popping up. We can expect to see Halo props like:
Map Sportsbook
Map Spreads
Correct Map Score
Will A Map Go To Overtime?
Special Weapon Kills
Ready To Make Your First Bet
Now that you understand the basics of Halo Infinite and some of the many bets you can place, you are prepared to make your first wager. The next step is to make sure you are going to the right sportsbook to place your bet, which we have sorted out for you.
Once you find the best book for you, turn on some Halo, relax and watch the money flow in.
