Hello, fellow Spartans! Today, we’re talking about something that’s sure to get you all nostalgic—Assault mode is back in Halo Infinite. Originally making its debut in Halo 2, this twist on the classic Capture the Flag has players sneaking into enemy territory to plant a bomb instead of grabbing a flag. It’s like flipping your favorite recipe upside down and discovering a whole new dish!
The update introduces two flavors of Assault: One Bomb and Neutral Bomb. So, what’s the difference? Great question! In Neutral Bomb, both teams fight over a bomb that starts off neutral—think of it as a tug-of-war for explosives. Once someone grabs it, they’ll need to infiltrate the opposing base and plant it. On the other hand, One Bomb takes turns between offense and defense; one team tries to plant while the other does their best to thwart them. It feels familiar yet fresh—like returning home after a long trip.
Bomb Armed
Assault comes in multiple flavors and the two being introduced with Operation: Frontlines are:
- One Bomb
- Neutral Bomb
Some of you might be wondering… “What’s the difference?” Thank you for asking!
Neutral Bomb starts with the bomb in a neutral position on the map (usually the middle) and each team fights for control of the bomb. Once you have the explosive in your possession, your objective is to infiltrate the enemy base and plant it.
One Bomb is a one-sided objective mode that alternates with each team taking turns being on offense and defense. If you’re on offense, the bomb will spawn in your zone and it’s up to your team to mount the assault on the enemy’s base. If you are on defense, your goal is preventing that bomb from being planted in your area.
Those of you that played Halo 2/3 know that One Bomb on Zanzibar/Last Resort was the classic One Bomb experience. So classic that we’ve got not just 4v4 Assault available, but also Squad Battle Assault pitting 8v8 in the battle of the bomb! After all, Assault is not only a really great 4v4 objective mode, it also plays very well in larger teams.
The 4v4 Battlegrounds
Some of these maps should tickle the nostalgia bone. You can bookmark the modes here:
Neutral Bomb Maps
Absolution
Credits: Anvil Prime 52
A mashup with some familiar Halo 2 (Sanctuary) and Halo 3 (Guardian) map feels, you’ll feel like you’re right at home on Delta Halo.
Aquarius
The grass isn’t always greener but the hydroponics sure make the scenery nice and verdant.
Catalyst
One misstep could be the catalyst you need to swing the outcome in your favor.
Fortress
Credits: MikRips, Ethan Hibbs
The battle for the castle will happen on this map with a beautiful vista to take in as you watch for the bomb.
Origin
Credits: HilmMike
If you’re thinking, “Hey this looks a lot like Coliseum from Halo 5!” then you’ll be pleased to know that this is, in fact, Coliseum from Halo 5!
Serenity
Credits: UneeQ, Mr Greencastle, MikRips
Find inner peace on this sanctuary.
One Bomb Maps
Curfew
Credits: Sikamikanico, Whos Blaze
Keep it clean on this ODST inspired map. That means tidying up any shards left behind after the bomb explodes.
Forest
Pack your sandwich lunch and don’t get lost on your way to grandmother’s house the enemy’s base.
High Ground
Credits: UneeQ, Mr Greencastle, Azwilko1997, Artifice7285
The classic Halo 3 One Bomb experience returns. Stand your ground and don’t let the enemy into the base! After all, you do have the high ground.
Launch Site
It’s the final countdown…but will it be a victory or a failure to launch? That’ll depend on you and your fireteam.
Recharge
Looking for a break? You won’t find it here. Be prepared, the fighting is sure to be (hydro)electric.
Squad Battle(Grounds)
Grab the modes and then your favorite maps!
Neutral Bomb Maps
Harvest
Credits: Scrubulba, Tiiiiiiim 7, MikRips, LudoHT, Mr IncrediJON, Handsome Huber, lackhoves
Bookmark
You reap what you sow in the great harvest of assault.
Rats Nest
Credits: MastermetaleX
Another classic throwback map with many different ways to get the bomb into the enemy’s base. Are you going to convoy it in vehicles? Run it in on foot? So many options, so little time.
Rendezvous
Credits: THE SLAMMERSS, h8yse
You, your teammates, the bomb, and a rendezvous with destiny.
Timberland Evolved
Credits: D0ctorSmurf, Virus11010, Micheal B 2K8, Mr IncrediJON, MikRips, Okom1, Darth Draius
Keep your eyes peeled for Spartans advancing through the forest. Was that a player or just a branch…?
One Bomb Maps
Kusini Bay
Credits: Mr Kwatz
High Ground is to 4v4 One Bomb as Kusini Bay (aka Zanzibar aka Last Resort) is to 8v8 One Bomb – classic and iconic.
Refuge
Credits: Cousin Tim, InfiniteForges, NightAvenger01, Micheal B 2K8
Is there anything you can’t play on Refuge? One Bomb joins the pantheon of other modes playable on this map.
One other housekeeping note is that the Infection playlist is being added to Action Sack and Castle Wars is being added to Squad Battle. Both will be available via Match Composer so fear not, you can still find and play your favorite modes.
And with that, it’s time to return the bomb to the enemy. Good luck.
