View source for Multiplayer

{{Status|Gameplay}}
{{Wikipedia|Multiplayer video game}}
[[File:H5G - Dispatch 6.jpg|thumb|300px|Players in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' fighting on the map [[Dispatch]].]]
{{Quote|Two men enter. The better man leaves. The lesser man is respawning. And that's ''Halo''.|[[Luke Smith]]}}
'''Multiplayer''' is a feature of a video game allowing more than one person to play a game at the same time in a non-[[campaign]] setting. Multiplayer can be conducted using [[split-screen]] (with the exception of ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''), [[System Link]], or [[Xbox Live|online]]. In the ''[[Halo series|Halo]]'' games, multiplayer has been regarded as a core element of the game's design and an important part of the success of the ''Halo'' franchise.

Since ''[[Halo 4]]'', multiplayer has been integrated into the [[Halo universe|''Halo'' series]] canon as a [[SPARTAN programs|Spartan]] training simulation known as [[War Games]].{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/canon-fodder-3-21-15-marching-on/bbac6734-f6bb-449e-8c79-0098a02c7884/posts?page=2|ArchiveURL=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210182359/https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/canon-fodder-3-21-15-marching-on/bbac6734-f6bb-449e-8c79-0098a02c7884/posts?page=2|Site=Halowaypoint.com|Detail=Canon Fodder 3-21-15|D=21|M=3|Y=2015}}

== Background ==
Multiplayer matches in ''Halo'' tend to focus on the completion of an objective, with the objective in question being determined by the [[gametype]] being used. Players use [[weapons]], [[equipment]], and [[vehicles]] to advance toward the objective while inhibiting their opponents' progress. These items are commonly used, as one might expect, to score kills. Scoring kills can be helpful even in non-[[Wikipedia:deathmatch (gaming)|deathmatch]] games, as a killed opponent will often respawn away from their objective and without their preferred weapons.

In more recent games in the series (from ''[[Halo 3]]'' onwards), modes of play are accessed through lobbies. While in lobbies, players can organize themselves into groups called 'parties'.{{Ref/Note|In-game parties are not the same as Xbox Live Parties. In-game parties are groups of people playing together whereas Xbox Live Parties are groups of people using the voice chat to communicate.}} Each party has one party leader, who controls the lobby that the party will play in and the settings that they will use. Party leaders can leave the party open (allowing other players to join at any time) or restrict it to an invite-only status (other players must be invited by members of the party in order to join). They can also promote another player in the party to the party leader.

Though some ''Halo'' games with support for online multiplayer have used (user-established) dedicated servers, most games in the franchise rely on a distributed networking model. In such a model, the players' consoles connect to each other directly, with one console acting as a [[Connection Host|server]].

As is the case with virtually every competitive activity in human society, people have tried to [[cheating|cheat]] while playing ''Halo''. Numerous arguably-unfair practices, such as [[camping]], [[Betrayal|team-killing]], and the [[Noob Combo]], are used for the same reason. A multiplayer map can take as many as sixteen players.

=== Profiles ===
Each ''Halo'' [[first-person shooter]] allows players to create [[Wikipedia:User profile|profiles]], which are used to store information about players. ''Halo'' profiles store both a player's game settings and some customized visual details to distinguish the player. In ''Halo'' games made for Xbox Live, profiles are bound to gamertags; all gameplay is conducted with a profile, and players without gamertags are granted [[temporary profile]]s for the duration of their session.

The profile creator in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' was very basic. Players had the ability to create a unique name, customize their armor color, and change the game controls and settings. ''Halo PC's'' settings were more intricate, including various sound and video settings as well as the ability to create custom control schemes (as opposed to picking preset control schemes).

With the addition of online multiplayer through Xbox LIVE, the profile creator in ''Halo 2'' was redesigned and altered. ''Halo 2'' introduced additional armor colors and the ability for a player to use two colors for their armor. Major additions included the ability to play as a [[Sangheili]] in multiplayer and the additions were notable for allowing players to identify teammates at a glance—a sharp contrast to the unmarked waypoints shown in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.

The updated profile creator in ''[[Halo 3]]'' kept those settings and added more. Players could create a Service Tag consisting of a letter and two numbers; Service Tags are now shown over waypoints instead of Emblems. Additional Emblem designs, colors, and features were added. [[Bungie]] also added a gender option, which changes the player's voice. The most notable addition, however, was the [[Armor Permutations|armor permutations]], which allows players to change the models used for their helmets, shoulders, and chestplates.

==''Halo: Combat Evolved''==
[[File:Chiron.jpg|thumb|300px|Multiplayer action in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' on [[Chiron TL-34]]: two Blue Team players attack a Red Team player.]]
The multiplayer component of the ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' Xbox version was limited to split-screen and System Link play. Five core gametypes existed: [[Slayer]], [[Oddball]], [[Capture The Flag]], [[King of the Hill]], and [[Race]]. Various stock variants with altered settings existed, and players could create their own.

Though the game did not support online multiplayer, [[Wikipedia:HTTP tunnel|network tunneling]] programs, such as [http://xbconnect.com/ XBConnect] and [[Wikipedia:XLink Kai|XLink Kai]], could be used to coerce the game into running online. However, the game tends to freeze and stutter while it works to keep things synchronized—today's internet connection speeds come nowhere close to the 100 megabit connection that the game expects.

===''Halo PC''===
The [[Halo: Combat Evolved (PC port)|PC version]] supports online multiplayer, and can run games with custom gametypes and up to sixteen players. Six additional maps were also added to the game: [[Danger Canyon]], [[Death Island]], [[Gephyrophobia]], [[Ice Fields]], [[Infinity (Halo: Combat Evolved map)|Infinity]], and [[Timberland]]. Two additional weapons—the [[M7057 flamethrower|Flamethrower]] and the [[Unidentified fuel rod gun|Fuel Rod Gun]]—became usable in the PC version as well.

Players can host both [[Wikipedia:Game server#Types of game servers|listen servers]] and [[Wikipedia:Game server#Dedicated game server|dedicated servers]]. A [[Wikipedia:Game server browser|server browser]], provided by GameSpy, comes with the game, though players can also use a LAN browser to find servers. (Alternatively, the [[Wikipedia:IP address|IP address]] or [[Wikipedia:domain name|domain name]] of a server can be accessed directly.) Unfortunately, the game lacks any kind of stat tracking, standardized rules, [[ban]]lists, or cheat detection past what server administrators provide; this complicates competitive organization and the prevention of [[cheating]] and [[Wikipedia:Griefer|griefing]].

===''Halo Custom Edition''===
''[[Halo Custom Edition]]'', a multiplayer-only expansion of ''Halo PC'', allowed players to run [[Modding|user-created maps]] and gametypes online. Such maps could be created using the [[Halo Editing Kit]]. Amongst these maps were a number of ''[[Halo 2]]''-based maps, such as [[Zanzibar]] and [[Coagulation]].{{Ref/Site|URL=http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=1153|ArchiveURL=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524151707/http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=1153|Site=Hce.halomaps.org|Detail=Halo Custom Edition: H2 Zanzibar Updated|D=23|M=7|Y=2005}}{{Ref/Site|URL=http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=3108|ArchiveURL=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414035616/http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=3108|Site=Hce.halomaps.org|Detail=Halo Custom Edition: Z Coagulation H2 pb2|D=13|M=8|Y=2007}} In addition, there are a vast number of non-canon maps set in ''Halo''-inspired locations using only ''Halo'' assets, as well as many other maps which incorporate [[Tags|custom weapons, vehicles, locations, and player models]].

==''Halo 2''==
[[File:H2 Tombstone Slayer.jpg|thumb|300px|Multiplayer action in ''[[Halo 2]]'' on [[Tombstone]]: An ongoing [[Free-For-All]] battle.]]
{{quote|They say all good things must come to an end. Well, we say that totally sucks! Thanks for treating our old gal right for all these years. And thanks a million for playing.  <3,| [[Bungie]]'s farewell message}}

''Halo 2''<nowiki/>'s multiplayer functionality was completely redesigned to work with [[Xbox Live]]. [[Matchmaking]] allowed players to search for games in a variety of different [[playlists]], such as [[Team Objective]], [[Team Doubles]], and [[Rumble Pit]]; players could find each other quickly, relatively anonymously, and without having to sort through their friends list. Players could also create and host their own [[Custom Games]], and could invite other players to join them. The lobby system was also introduced; each form of multiplayer was given a lobby, so that players in a party could stick together after a match.

Putting [[Microsoft]]'s [http://research.microsoft.com/mlp/apg/Details.aspx Trueskill] system to use, Bungie employed a ranking system that displayed a level (1-50) based on how well a player played in a particular playlist. [[Ranking]]s were for individual playlists, and players who would continually win games in a certain playlist would rank up in that playlist. Bungie also split their multiplayer component into two major categories; ranked and un-ranked. While the ranked playlists offered players a chance to display skill, the un-ranked playlists were more social and relaxed, and allowed guests.

''Halo 2'' introduced the concept of awarding [[medals]] to players for various accomplishments during a match, such as multikills and sprees, as well as kills caused by certain weapons or vehicles. Medals are shown on [[Bungie.net]]'s game viewers and in the Postgame Carnage Report. The Race gametype was removed due to a lack of popularity, and three new gametypes were introduced: [[Juggernaut]], [[Assault]], and [[Territories]].

Since Microsoft discontinued Xbox LIVE support for the original [[Xbox]] on April 15, 2010, ''Halo 2'' is no longer playable online. Due to Xbox LIVE for original Xbox games being disabled, a glitch has occurred in which users that possess DLC for Halo 2 are no longer capable of accessing it due to there being no existing connection in order to confirm and verify the purchase of the said DLC tiles; rendering them useless.

===''Halo 2 Vista''===
''[[Halo 2 (Windows Vista)|''Halo 2'' for Windows Vista]]'' utilized the ''Games for Windows LIVE'' service, but in a much different way from its [[Xbox]] counterpart. Rank-based [[Matchmaking]] was done away with, and, like its predecessor, ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved (PC port)|''Halo: Combat Evolved'' for PC]]'', ''Halo 2 Vista'' added a server browser and allowed players to join games in progress. Servers ran a map cycle in the form of a playlist, where players would congregate in a lobby until the game starts, play the game, then go back to the lobby to review the Postgame Carnage Report and chat with other players until the next round started. LIVE Gold users could filter out servers not matching their interests, and quickly jump right into a game in progress by selecting a "Quick Match" option.

''Halo 2 Vista'' did not feature [[Tombstone]] or [[Desolation]]. It instead offered [[District]] and [[Uplift]], as well as the ''Halo 2 Map Editor'', which allowed players to create custom ''Halo 2 Vista'' maps.

On July 27, 2008, the Gold-only limitations were removed, and all LIVE subscribers, regardless of membership level, could use all aspects of ''Halo 2 Vista'' multiplayer without restriction.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.developmag.com/news/30211/Games-for-Windows-Live-now-free-to-developers|ArchiveURL=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619054736/ttp://www.developmag.com/news/30211/Games-for-Windows-Live-now-free-to-developers|Site=Developmag.com|Detail=Games for Windows Live now free to developers|D=19|M=6|Y=2017}}

==''Halo 3''==
[[File:Halo-3-legendary-map-pack--20080408000155827.jpg|300px|thumb|[[Spartan-II]]s in close-quarters combat in ''Halo 3'']]
''[[Halo 3]]'' introduced many new features to its multiplayer experience. Custom gametypes were given a whole new level of customization. Numerous settings, including a player's weight, were added. Spawn-time specific attributes could also be assigned; these attributes would last for a set number of seconds after a player spawns. This can be helpful for preventing [[Camping#Spawn camping|spawnkilling]]. Two new core gametypes, [[VIP]] and [[Infection]], were added.

[[Matchmaking]] was enhanced with many under-the-hood features to help get better player matches and reduce wait time. Two very useful features were added to the pre-game and post-game lobbies: in the former, players can vote to veto gametype-map combinations that nobody wanted to play; in the latter, players could "Party Up", so that players could continue playing together. The number of [[Medals]] increased drastically, including Medals for killing sprees with certain weapons, the [[Linktacular]] medal for getting matched with nothing but [[Bungie.net]] members, and the [[Steaktacular]] medal for winning a [[Slayer]] game by more than twenty points.

Finally, custom games were enhanced with the addition of [[Forge]], a multiplayer map editor. Forge allowed players to manipulate [[Forge objects|various objects]] in maps. Altered object configurations could be saved as ''map variants'' and uploaded to a player's [[File Share]]. [[Glitch]]es have been used to create particularly interesting map variants.

===Ranking, EXP, and Skill===
The ranking system introduced in ''Halo 2'' was redone in order to balance out Matchmaking even further. The [http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/projects/trueskill/default.aspx Trueskill] system was still present on ranked playlists, but a new 'Experience (EXP)' stat was added to player profiles. Whenever a player plays a match without quitting and is in the top position or on the winning team, the player gains 1 EXP. Players who enter a playlist, but disconnect or quit early lose 1 EXP for desertion. Players who end up in a losing position or team do not gain or lose EXP. In theory, this helps with player matching and balancing by finding players who have been playing the game as much as the player has based on his EXP level.

Auto Update 2, which went live on August 1, 2008, added another layer of EXP to further balance out players. EXP is now tracked for each individual playlist, in addition to the player's Trueskill ranks and overall EXP. When in a Matchmaking playlist, players' Trueskill ranks (if a ranked playlist) and playlist-specific EXP are shown. When in a custom game, or viewing a player's details or service record, overall EXP is shown.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=14994|ArchiveURL=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205214541/http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=14994|Site=Bungie.net|Detail=Bungie Weekly Update: 8/01/08|D=1|M=8|Y=2008}}

==''Halo Wars''==
[[File:HW TheDocksBattle.jpg|thumb|300px|Multiplayer in ''Halo Wars''.]]
{{main|Skirmish}}
''[[Halo Wars]]'' allows players to battle in a variety of multiplayer arenas. Players can choose from three different commanders from both [[UNSC]] leaders ([[Captain Cutter]], [[John Forge|Sergeant Forge]], or [[Ellen Anders|Professor Anders]]) and the [[Covenant]] leaders (the Arbiter [[Ripa 'Moramee]], the [[Avitus]], or the [[Prophet of Regret]]). Each leader possesses various abilities and exclusive units, providing incentives for certain characters on certain maps, rather than being purely aesthetic.

Multiplayer matches are limited to six players and may be organized in evenly-matched teams. Computer-controlled players may be used. ''Halo Wars'' also uses a ranking system similar to that of ''Halo 3'' aesthetically, but the ranks are assigned based on players' scores in completed games, acting as a method of progression over that of a measure of skill. The game uses a trueskill system to find matches, ranging from 1 to 50.

The ''Halo Wars'' [[Strategic Options Pack|Strategic Options DLC pack]] gives players three more skirmish game modes to play for 800 Microsoft Points. The game types include [[Keepaway Mode|Keepaway]], [[Tug of War]], and Reinforcements. A DLC pack called the [[Historic Battle map pack]] introduced four new maps for the same price.
{{Clear}}
==''Halo 3: ODST''==
[[File:H3ODST Firefight SecurityZone3.jpg|thumb|300px|Teamwork is essential in ''Halo 3: ODST''<nowiki />'s Firefight]]
{{Main|Firefight}}
''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' features a new [[Firefight]] mode. In Firefight, up to four players fight against waves of [[Covenant]] forces and try to survive as long as possible with a set amount of lives, while the difficulty gradually increases by changing the currently active [[H3:Skulls#List of Gold Skulls|Skulls]]. Firefight lacks any sort of matchmaking system or game browser; players must join lobbies through the [[Xbox Live]] guide (recent players with open parties, friends lists, invites), via System Link, or all play locally, on the same console.

''Halo 3: ODST'' also contains the ''[[Halo 3: Mythic]]'' disc, which is a multiplayer-only version of ''[[Halo 3]]''.
{{clear}}

==''Halo: Reach''==
[[File:Condemned 2.jpg|thumb|300px|Spartan-IIIs vs Sangheili in ''Halo: Reach'']]
''[[Halo: Reach]]'' has a collection of new multiplayer features. Players are able to view in-depth statistics for their friends' matches. The veto system used in ''[[Halo 3]]''<nowiki/>'s Matchmaking is replaced by a voting system, whereby players are given an assortment of three gametypes and maps, as well as the option to vote 'none of the above' to be given a new list of three gametypes. The gametype with the most votes wins.

New game modes include [[Arena]], [[Headhunter (Game Variant)|Headhunter]], [[Stockpile]], and [[Invasion]], with [[Race]] making its first appearance since ''Combat Evolved''. Arena is a ranked, skill-based playlist in month-long seasons, of which there are five divisions: Onyx, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Iron. Ranked and social playlists have returned as well. In ''Halo: Reach'', the 'Party Up' system is now the 'Opt-Out' system. Players will automatically be placed together but they have the option to leave. The player can also set advanced settings for finding matches. If, for example, the player relies heavily on teamwork or in-game chat, the player can choose to find people with similar settings.

Queue-joining is a brand new feature in ''Halo: Reach''. This allows the player to join their friend automatically after they finish playing their match.

[[Firefight]] is available to play in ''Halo: Reach'' with a matchmaking feature. Additionally, players are able to customize every aspect of Firefight, from what type of enemies they fight to what type of weapons appear on the map.

==''Halo 4''==
[[File:H4-Wraparound-3.jpg|300px|thumb|Players take control of Spartan-IVs in ''Halo 4''.]]
Referred to as ''Infinity'', the multiplayer component of ''[[Halo 4]]'' consists of ''[[War Games]]'', the competitive multiplayer mode, and ''[[Spartan Ops]]'', the episodic cooperative campaign. The multiplayer features a canon explanation of why the red and blue teams compete with one another: the Spartans are actually training against each other in simulations aboard the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}. The player models are [[SPARTAN-IV program|SPARTAN-IV]] soldiers with customizable armor.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6UL63Zo-uo&feature=player_embedded '''YouTube''': ''Making Halo 4: First Look'']</ref>

Of the gametypes featured in ''Reach'', only Slayer, Oddball, Capture the Flag, and King of the Hill return. Infection has been replaced by a successor, [[Flood (gametype)|Flood]]. Four new gametypes make their debut: [[Dominion]], [[Regicide]], [[Extraction]], and [[Ricochet]]. Although Assault is discontinued its progeny, [[Grifball]], returns as its own unique gametype, now with elements of Oddball incorporated in its mechanics. Ricochet in turn is also very similar to Assault.

Matchmaking features a voting system similar to ''Reach''{{'}}s, however it no longer includes the "none of the above" option, and players cannot change their vote once they have placed it. The most significant change to matchmaking is that players can now join matches in progress. Players joining matchmaking may find themselves entering games already in progress; matches which have players leave or disconnect will have their numbers supplemented by new players.

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.<ref name="Official Site">[http://halo.xbox.com/halo4#!halo-evolved/gameplay/31afe32b-0e07-45c0-9424-3adc6e1eadca '''Halo 4 Official Site:''' ''GAMEPLAY'']</ref> Players are able to customize their [[loadout]]s,<ref>[http://www.gamefront.com/halo-4-demo-report/2/ '''Gamefront.com''': ''Halo 4 Demo Report'']</ref> 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]],<ref name="venture">[http://venturebeat.com/2012/03/05/11-things-learned-about-halo-4/ '''Venturebeat.com''': ''11 new things we’ve learned about Halo 4 (with video)'']</ref> and players are able to call in ordnance drops, containing power-ups or weapons, during matches.{{Ref/Reuse|Official Site}} Power-ups available in Infinity Slayer include [[Overshield]], [[Damage Boost]], and [[Speed Boost]].<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/07/06/The-Halo-Bulletin-7612.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Halo Bulletin: 7.6.12'']</ref>

==''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''==
[[File:HTMCC Battle Creek.jpg|300px|thumb|''Halo: Combat Evolved'' in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''.]]
''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' allows players to play ''Halo: Reach'', ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', ''Halo 2'', ''Halo 3'', ''Halo 4'', and ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' matchmaking and custom games. The game features a unified user interface, allowing for the player to drop into a playlist featuring ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' through to ''Halo 4'', to find a game across the four title's maps and gametype setups. Playlists for individual games were also set up, and featured a [[Rank (Halo: The Master Chief Collection)|ranking]] system akin to ''Halo 2'', whereas ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 4's'' progression and ranking systems were dropped entirely.

With the release of 2018's overhaul update for ''The Master Chief Collection'', a new matchmaking function called the "Match Composer" effectively replaced social playlists. The Match Composer allows the player to choose a game preset to search for games in, some of which include Slayer, Infection, or Objective. Conversely, the player can choose individual games, gametypes, and player counts to search for, meaning that rather than searching solely for ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' in a single playlist bound with multiple potentially unwanted gametypes, one could search for ''Anniversary'', and ''Halo 4'' specifically, while limiting the gametype selection to just Capture the Flag.

Like earlier games' multiplayer customization includes [[Nameplates/Halo: The Master Chief Collection|nameplate]]s, service tags, [[armor permutations]] for both Spartans and Sangheili, and [[emblem]]s. New features to customization include clan tags and in-game [[avatars]].<ref name="Teambeyond.net">[http://teambeyond.net/halo-the-master-chief-collection-customization/ '''Team Beyond.net''': ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection Customization'']</ref> Clan tags are 15 character tags seen on a player's nameplate, and avatars function in the same vein as ''Halo 4's'' stances did, showcasing a character from the franchise. 

With the release of the remaster for ''Halo: Reach'', 343 Industries introduced a new progression system into ''The Master Chief Collection''. XP gains were based on medals gained in the match, and ranking up would allow players to unlock "[[Season points]]" that could then be used for the unlock system, enabling them to progress through tiers akin to the popularized "battle passes" of other titles like ''Fortnite'' and ''Call of Duty''. The first season was dubbed "[[Season 1: Noble|Noble]]". 

===''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
[[File:GamescomH2AShotguns.jpg|300px|thumb|Players engaged in combat in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer.]]
''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' multiplayer is a highly modified version of the ''Halo 4'' experience, having been developed on the same engine. Large tweaks to the prior title were made, including the re-addition of descoping, and the removal of sprint and flinch. Six maps were remade for the game, and [[Certain Affinity]] president [[Max Hoberman]], one of the multiplayer design leads on the original ''Halo 2'', helped 343 Industries design and create the remastered multiplayer component.<ref name="SDCC panel">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUGrnvdo8Ok&list=UU7NCg0venpKJg3kuJojKlbQ&index=1 '''YouTube''': ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection Dev Panel - SDCC 2014'']</ref> Many of the added features in the remastered maps were proposed for the original game but ended up being cut; thus, 343 Industries considers the remastered component a "Director's Cut" of sorts.<ref name="RTX 2014">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1a1FzQ3bdQ '''YouTube''': ''RTX 2014 - 343 Industries panel'']</ref>

The developers' stated goals for the remastered maps were to expand upon the core ''Halo 2'' experience, create the definitive version of each of the remastered maps, and to approach the remastering as more of an upgrade than a remake. Multiple aspects of the sandbox were tweaked to both improve and "modernize" the gameplay, although the goal is to remain faithful to the original experience. Some of these improvements include a boost to player speed, making the [[M6C magnum|magnum]] more powerful and the addition of the [[MA5D assault rifle|assault rifle]] as a mid-range weapon option, something the developers found lacking in the original.{{Ref/Reuse|RTX 2014}} The [[M7S SMG|silenced SMG]] has also been added along with the newly introduced [[M274 Mongoose#M274-M Gungoose variant|M274-M Gungoose]].{{Ref/Reuse|RTX 2014}}

As an added feature, players are able to choose their weapon set upon spawning, similar to the [[loadout]] system in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''. According to Max Hoberman, this feature was originally designed for ''Halo 2'' but was ultimately cut. Hoberman hesitated to call the weapon sets "loadouts" and underscored that the system is designed to be more evenly balanced; e.g. [[Lockdown]]'s weapon sets include a choice between the [[M7 SMG|SMG]], {{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}} and [[M6C magnum|magnum]]. The human weapon sets equip the player with two [[frag grenade]]s while the Covenant ones have the player spawn with {{Pattern|Anskum|plasma grenade}}s.<ref name="ign GTK">[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/10/24/get-to-know-halo-the-master-chief-collections-lockout-remake-lockdown-ign-first '''IGN.com''': ''Get to Know Halo: The Master Chief Collection's 'Lockout' Remake, 'Lockdown' – IGN First'']</ref> Ultimately, the game would mostly utilize an equal starts setup based around one weapon set.

Though most of the map geometry—including "skill jumps"—remain intact, the remastered maps contain a number of gameplay tweaks (such as additional cover) along with new "dynamic features", some of which Max Hoberman proposed to be added in the original ''Halo 2''.{{Ref/Reuse|RTX 2014}} These include the addition of a large energy shield in the center of [[Zenith]], the remake of [[Ascension]], which can be triggered by three panels across the map,<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt-i0y35bxw/ '''YouTube:''' ''Halo 2 Ascension Anniversary Walkthrough'']</ref> and three stalactites which can be dropped on players on [[Lockdown]], the remake of [[Lockout]]. Most of these new features can be disabled via [[Forge]] for an experience closer to the original game.<ref name="PAX">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGn4YXXZyDo '''YouTube''': ''Halo and the Journey of the Master Chief- PAX Prime 2014'']</ref>

Other additions to the remastered multiplayer include the name of the segment of the map that the player is currently in being displayed near the [[motion sensor]] as in ''Halo: Reach''. Gametypes such as [[Infection]], [[Race]], [[Ricochet]] and [[Team SWAT]] have been added to the remastered multiplayer.
{{Clear}}

==''Halo 5: Guardians''==
[[File:H5-RvB-BacktoBack.jpg|300px|thumb|[[Arena]] in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.]]
Following in the footsteps of ''Halo 4'', ''Halo 5: Guardians'' multiplayer component consisted of Arena, consisting of 4v4 to 8v8 activities, and [[Warzone]], which are 12v12 games. Initially, only Slayer and Capture the Flag returned for ''Halo 5'', with many being left out upon the game's launch. Eventually, through the game's monthly updates, many gametypes, including ball-based gamemodes like Assault and Grifball returned, as did King of the Hill, Oddball, Race and Infection, which was more in line with the original first two incarnations of the gametype, than ''Halo 4's'' Flood.
Along with Slayer and Capture the flag there were 4 new game modes; [[Breakout]], [[Strongholds]], [[Warzone]] and Warzone Assault.

''Guardians{{'}}'' matchmaking system dropped the voting and veto system brought into the series by ''Reach'' and ''Halo 4'', and instead opted for an automatic queue, where the gametype and map are chosen by the game over the lobby. Join in progress has been removed for ranked gametypes, whereas social gametypes like Warzone and Warzone Assault feature it.

343 Industries also refined the polarizing armor abilities, altering them from one-note abilities that varied by player, to a clearly defined set of abilities known as [[Spartan abilities]]. These include Thruster pack, Ground Pound, Spartan Charge, Clamber, Slide, Smart Scope, Stabilizer, and the returning Sprint ability. All of these abilities are native to every player, over being chosen individual traits. Additionally, loadouts were removed from the game in any capacity, with an emphasis being placed on ''Halo's'' traditional equal starts. 

In 2016, 343 Industries added a "Customs Browser" to ''Halo 5'', enabling users to set up and search for custom games with other players in a similar manner to ''The Master Chief Collection's'' then unimplemented Match Composer.
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==''Halo Wars 2''==
[[File:BanishedGameplayBetaFighting.jpeg|300px|thumb|Banished and UNSC forces clash in ''Halo Wars 2'' multiplayer.]]
''[[Halo Wars 2]]'' multiplayer is largely similar to ''Halo Wars'', taking its predecessor's gameplay and refining it. Like ''Halo Wars'', leaders are able to be chosen prior to the game's start, with each character having distinct units and powers. ''Halo Wars 2'' takes this a step further with its leader power wheel, which is a selection of 10 powers that vary by leader, unlike ''Halo Wars'' which had only one distinct ability per leader. As more leaders were released in DLC packs, more powers became available over time. 

''Halo Wars 2'' features the same player count as the previous title, being a 1v1, 2v2 or 3v3 affair, with no free for all gametype present. 

The prior progression system of ''Halo Wars'' was revamped, featuring a new rank 1 to 100 setup. A rank based on performance does exist, with a ranking system identical to ''Halo 5: Guardians'' being in effect for many playlists within the game. 
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== ''Halo Infinite'' ==
[[File:HINF - PvP banner.png|thumb|Players engaged in combat in ''Halo Infinite''.|300px]]
''[[Halo Infinite]]'' is the first multiplayer to be free to play. Like ''Halo 5: Guardians'' ''Halo Infinite'' multiplayer focuses on equal starts arena gameplay and features an automatic queue for map selection. Spartan abilities have been removed in favor of a refined [[equipment#Halo Infinite|equipment]] system. ''Infinite'' is the first first-person shooter multiplayer to feature bots in multiplayer, with bots being represented as other players whose names start with "343" followed by a variety of names. Bot slayer is an ideal testing ground for new players. If a player quits or disconnects in a match they will be replaced by a bot, though the same or another player can replace the bot and this does not apply to BTB or Ranked. New modes in ''Infinite'' include [[Total Control]], [[Attrition]], a refined [[Stockpile#Halo Infinite|Stockpile]], and [[Last Spartan Standing]].
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== Trivia ==
*The maximum number of players that can play the original ''Halo'' trilogy in multiplayer is 16.
*In ''Halo 3'', Bungie offers a "[[Double EXP Weekend]]" playlist making it easier for players to level up during weekends.
*In ''Halo 3'', Bungie offers a "7 on the 7th" playlist dedicated to getting [[achievement]]s based on DLC maps around the [[Seven|7]]th of every month.
*During the last days of the Xbox LIVE service for the original console for ''Halo 2'', the "Did you know?" box in the search screen of the matchmaking section displayed messages, predominately in a comical style about ''Halo 2'' features and exploits.
*The multiplayer announcer is voiced by [[Jeff Steitzer]].

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Bungie.net goodbye.jpg|Statistics of Multiplayer Matchmaking data by Bungie, recorded from September 4, 2009 to March 31, 2012
File:Halo 4 Gametypes.gif|A gif of gametypes in Halo 4.
</gallery>

== Notes ==
{{Ref/Notes}}

== Sources ==
{{Ref/Sources}}

==See also==
*[[Xbox LIVE]]
*[[Matchmaking]]

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[[Category:Multiplayer]]
[[Category:Game modes]]