War Games

Commander Palmer and Fireteam Jackknife inside the simulation deck.

War Games is a combat training simulation where SPARTAN-IVs are pitted against one another in the advanced combat deck of the Template:UNSCship. It serves as Halo 4's competitive multiplayer mode.

Overview

The War Games facility uses millions of pneumatic risers and holographic projectors to generate realistic environments, most of which are recreated from actual locations around the galaxy, in which combat simulations are initiated. SPARTAN-IV Fireteams routinely train inside the facility to hone their strength and skills. Upon reaching a Spartan rank of level 50, they are given the option to enlist in a specialization in their field of choice, should they wish, they may also apply for multiple specialist rankings.

As a multiplayer mode

Introduction to Spartan career in War Games.

"This unparalleled, revolutionary battle simulation is where Spartans go to hone their skills in competitive combat."

— Halo Waypoint.

Unlike previous multiplayer modes, War Games is tied with an in-universe explanation, introduced for the first time. In this case the SPARTAN-IVs (controlled by the players) are training in the Infinity's combat simulation deck by fighting each other to stay constantly battle-ready. The player progression system is more extensive, allowing players to choose between various modifications which have an effect on gameplay, in addition to aesthetic armor permutations similar to the prior games. Players are able to customize their loadouts, being able to choose between various armor abilities as well as new customizable features, known as Support Upgrades and Tactical Packages. Multiplayer gameplay is more fast-paced than in the prior games. Weapon pickups on maps are marked on the player's heads-up display, and players are able to call in ordnance drops, containing power-ups or weapons, during matches. Power-ups available in Infinity Slayer include Overshield, Damage Boost, and Speed Boost.

Gametypes

The following is a list of gametypes which are known to be included in War Games.

• Infinity Slayer
• Capture the Flag
• Grifball
• Oddball
• Regicide
• Flood
• Dominion
• King of the Hill
• Team Slayer Pro
• Big Team Infinity Slayer
• Extraction
• Ricochet

Trivia

• As its name suggests the War Games most likely take their name from the 21st-century counterpart. The War Games of the 21st-century is a war simulation program to evaluate, train and to simulate actual war situation.
• In a fictional context, the multiplayer announcer from previous games (voiced by Jeff Steitzer) is actually Infinity's War Games-coordinating AI. Sarah Palmer, the commander of the ship's Spartan contingent, has a low opinion of the AI.

Gallery

• 

  An early concept art of a War Games map.

• 

  Another early concept art for a multiplayer map.

• 

  Sarah Palmer participating in a game of Invasion.