Update 12/12/23: While it doesn't change my overall 50-50 view and I still lean no overall, the December major update was a nice step forward for the multiplayer, bringing back Firefight (PvE) and adding some more fun FFA PvP. But until more cariety in Firefight is added and they GET RID OF THE BATTLE PASS/GEAR SHOP PAYWALLS, I still will not recommend.

This is a game that again demonstrates why a mixed/neutral option for reviews is needed on Steam instead of thumbs up/down. I am absolutely 50-50 on this game but gave it thumbs down because I probably would not recommend it.

Most of my playtime shown has been on Campaign, which is single player but has some co-op, and is more open-world instead of just straightforward stages like prior Halo games. There is a lot to do and some noce character development, but there's almost too much and it really doesn't feel necessary. And it's not infinite-you could speedrun through in a few hours or still 100% in maybe 20-25 hours. The multiplayer is free here but it's not completely free-and here is the big problem. Want to unlock all the cool gear, items and more via Battle Passes? You have to pay because it requires in-game currency. And IAP is the only way to get it. The gameplay is okay but lacks the variety of modes that MCC had (I do miss those Grifball weeks). And where the hell is Firefight/co-op PvE?

The multiplayer being free as well as some limited single player also being free (mostly tutorials and practice games against bots) at least make it worth trying, but only get Campaign when it's on sale for 50% off because it's not worth $60. Yes when it's at $30 but the way the IAPs and greed by the developers are here clearly make this game a huge disappointment. Just download it when you're ready to buy Campaign and stay away from multiplayer even though it's free (you still need an Xbox Live ID though).

Update 12/12/23: While it doesn't change my overall 50-50 view and I still lean no overall, the December major update was a nice step forward for the multiplayer, bringing back Firefight (PvE) and adding some more fun FFA PvP. But until more cariety in Firefight is added and they GET RID OF THE BATTLE PASS/GEAR SHOP PAYWALLS, I still will not recommend. This is a game that again demonstrates why a mixed/neutral option for reviews is needed on Steam instead of thumbs up/down. I am absolutely 50-50 on this game but gave it thumbs down because I probably would not recommend it. Most of my playtime shown has been on Campaign, which is single player but has some co-op, and is more open-world instead of just straightforward stages like prior Halo games. There is a lot to do and some noce character development, but there's almost too much and it really doesn't feel necessary. And it's not infinite-you could speedrun through in a few hours or still 100% in maybe 20-25 hours. The multiplayer is free here but it's not completely free-and here is the big problem. Want to unlock all the cool gear, items and more via Battle Passes? You have to pay because it requires in-game currency. And IAP is the only way to get it. The gameplay is okay but lacks the variety of modes that MCC had (I do miss those Grifball weeks). And where the hell is Firefight/co-op PvE? The multiplayer being free as well as some limited single player also being free (mostly tutorials and practice games against bots) at least make it worth trying, but only get Campaign when it's on sale for 50% off because it's not worth $60. Yes when it's at $30 but the way the IAPs and greed by the developers are here clearly make this game a huge disappointment. Just download it when you're ready to buy Campaign and stay away from multiplayer even though it's free (you still need an Xbox Live ID though).