Halo Infinite free-to-play multiplayer launching with campaign late 2021

A multiplayer gameplay reveal trailer for Halo Infinite was released at the E3 2021 Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase.

The game's developer 343 Studios confirmed the multiplayer elements will be free-to-play and launch with the single-player campaign in the Holiday season of 2021 - meaning November and December - for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC and Xbox One.

It was also announced the game will support crossplay, so players on PC and console can play together.

"Our goal has always been to bring players together and for the first time we're thrilled to offer our entire multiplayer experience to all players across Xbox and PC with no barriers," Bonnie Ross, Head of 343 Industries, said during the showcase.

"Halo Infinite multiplayer will be free to play and invite more of you than ever before to become a Spartan hero."

The two-minute clip showcases classic Halo red versus blue multiplayer combat, albeit with state-of-the-art graphics that is only possible with the new-generation consoles.

The game appears to have undergone visual upgrades from when it was showed off last year, widely criticised and subsequently had its release delayed beyond the initial plan of November 2020.

As well as the multiplayer trailer, a new story trailer was also released at the E3 showcase, showing Master Chief meeting and inserting a new AI construct similar to Cortana.

Halo Infinite was one of 30 games highlighted during the showcase, 27 of which will be available through Xbox Game Pass.