Halo Infinite has dynamic weather and open-world freedom

But no dual-wielding.

Halo Infinite will feature dynamic weather and the opportunity to chart your own course within its open-world, a new blog post and video have revealed.

The Halo Zeta ring that will feature in Infinite has been completely 3D rendered and will take advantage of dynamic weather, meaning players will encounter snowstorms, thunderstorms and a day and night cycle. While developer 343 Industries confirmed that the Pacific Northwest — to mountains, fir and maple trees and the like — will be the Zeta ring’s primary biome, it will also feature swamps and an area called the “Deadlands”.

While there is a little linear story baked into Infinite, players will also be able to engage with content however they choose.

“What’s different this time is that you have more freedom than ever before to choose your path through the world,” 343 explained. “Follow a hidden cave system into a well-guarded fortress, wind your Warthog through a fog-filled mountain pass, capture a Banshee and fly to a floating ring fragment across a gap of stars. A strong narrative remains at the heart of the Master Chief’s adventure, and your journey between story missions is entirely up to you.”

The new Halo Infinite content has also confirmed that players will not be able to dual-wield weapons, will not be up against any hostile wildlife and won’t be able to play as an Elite.

Halo Infinite is planned for a late 2021 release on Windows PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series S & X.