Halo Infinite features an extensive armor customization system, allowing players to personalize their Spartans with a high degree of detail. The system is built upon several core components, offering a wide array of aesthetic choices.
Armor Cores: The Foundation
The basis of Spartan customization lies in Armor Cores. These are distinct foundational armor sets or "kits," each with its own unique silhouette, design philosophy, and compatible set of attachable armor pieces. Players select a Core as their starting point. Notable Armor Cores include:
- Mark VII: The default, versatile core representing the latest generation of Mjolnir armor.
- Mark V [B]: A faithful recreation of the iconic armor from Halo: Reach, beloved for its classic design.
- Yoroi: A samurai-themed core, introduced through the "Fractures: Tenrai" limited-time event series.
- Rakshasa: A rugged, asymmetrical core designed for scouting and survival, introduced in Season 2.
- Eaglestrike: A dieselpunk, alternate-history WWI/WWII themed core from the "Fractures: Entrenched" event.
- SPI (Mirage IIC): Based on the Semi-Powered Infiltration armor, known for its sleeker, more covert appearance.
- Hazmat: A bulky, sealed armor core designed for hazardous environments.
While armor pieces are generally locked to their specific core, an increasing number of helmets, attachments, and coatings are becoming cross-core compatible, offering more flexibility.
Customizable Armor Pieces
Once an Armor Core is equipped, numerous individual pieces can be customized. The available slots typically include:
- Helmet: The most prominent piece, with a wide variety of designs for each core.
- Helmet Attachment: Additional components that can be affixed to specific helmets, further altering their look.
- Chest Gear: Modular attachments for the torso, ranging from extra armor plating to utility pouches.
- Shoulder Pads: Separate customization for both left and right shoulders, allowing for symmetrical or asymmetrical looks.
- Gloves: Modifies the appearance of the Spartan's gauntlets and hands.
- Wrist Gear: Attachments or modifications for the Spartan's forearms.
- Utility: Items typically mounted on the hip or thigh, such as extra ammunition or equipment.
- Knee Pads: Distinctive protective gear for the knees.
- Visor Color: Allows selection from a palette of colors for the helmet's visor.
Armor Coatings
Halo Infinite utilizes Armor Coatings instead of the traditional primary, secondary, and tertiary color selection system. Coatings are pre-set combinations of colors, materials, patterns, and wear-and-tear levels that apply to the entire armor set. Some coatings also extend to weapons and vehicles.
This system provides highly detailed and specific aesthetics but initially limited player freedom in color choice. However, the availability of cross-core coatings has significantly expanded, allowing many coatings to be used across different Armor Cores.
Further Personalization Options
Beyond the physical armor pieces and coatings, Spartans can be further personalized through several other cosmetic categories:
- Armor Effects: Special visual effects that can be equipped, such as ambient trails, kill effects, or unique armor glows.
- Mythic Effect Sets: Comprehensive themed effects that often include custom armor glows, kill effects, and transmat effects.
- Emblems: Customizable icons that can be applied to armor, weapons, and player banners. These consist of a symbol, background, and color scheme.
- Stances: Unique poses your Spartan adopts in the lobby, pre-match cinematics, and post-match scoreboards.
- AI Model & Color: Customization for your personal in-game AI, affecting its appearance and voice lines.
- Body Type & Prosthetics: Options to select different body types and equip various prosthetic limbs.
- Spartan ID: Includes a player nameplate, backdrop, and stance.
Acquisition of Armor Customization Items
Cosmetic items in Halo Infinite are primarily obtained through several avenues:
- Battle Pass: Each season introduces a new Battle Pass containing a tiered progression of free and premium cosmetic rewards, including armor pieces, coatings, and effects.
- In-Game Shop: A rotating selection of individual items and bundles available for purchase using Credits (premium currency).
- Events: Limited-time in-game events frequently offer unique themed rewards, such as complete armor sets or specific pieces, unlocked by completing event-specific challenges. "Fractures" events are a key source of non-canon Armor Cores.
- Campaign Unlocks: Mjolnir Armory Lockers found within the Halo Infinite campaign reward specific multiplayer cosmetics.
- Weekly Ultimate Rewards: Completing all weekly challenges and the subsequent Ultimate Challenge grants a specific cosmetic reward, which rotates weekly.
- Promotional Offers: Occasionally, cosmetics are available through external promotions or partnerships.
