Halo Infinite has reintroduced Grifball, the fan-favorite arena sport born from a Red vs Blue joke, now fully playable with both classic and fast-paced Octane variants. Players can expect frantic matches armed with Gravity Hammers, Energy Swords, and a ball that’s more like a bomb, all set across a variety of new custom courts.
Originally a throwaway gag from the legendary Red vs Blue series, Grifball was brought to life by Rooster Teeth using Halo 3’s Forge. The concept is simple: smash enemies and score goals. Grab the ball in the middle of the arena to gain an Overshield and turn orange, a tribute to Grif himself. But don’t get too cozy—friendly fire still hurts.
The gameplay revolves around a rock-paper-scissors style weapon balance:
- Gravity Hammer beats Energy Sword
- Energy Sword beats Ball
- Ball beats Gravity Hammer
Success depends on timing and movement, which the developers cleverly describe as a “dance” of forward strikes and evasive sidesteps. For example, retreating from a sword swing might open a window to counterattack. It’s a chaotic ballet of brute force and quick reflexes.
Grifball players fall into two roles:
- Tanks wield Gravity Hammers or Energy Swords with sprinting, hammer jumps, teammate launches, and ball deflections.
- Runners carry the ball, can’t sprint but move faster than tanks, have an Overshield, and can pass the ball.
Both classic Grifball and Octane Grifball modes are available in first and third person, so you can choose your preferred perspective when jumping into the action.
Want to bookmark these modes? Here are the links:
Grifball courts are generally simple, boxy arenas, but the new collection offers plenty of variety and style. Some maps even carry nostalgic weight, like Winter League 2008 which brings players back to the Foundry map, complete with a forklift.
Here’s a quick look at the new battlegrounds you can throw down on:
- Aquario – Make a splash today! (Credits: Aspence, Deathcrawller)
- Coliseum – One of the grandest stages. (Credits: Deathcrawller)
- Gridiron – Chain gang ready to roll. (Credits: ArturBloodshot, Deathcrawller)
- High Charity Court – By the prophets! (Credits: Deathcrawller, Fame28)
- Neon Night – Feels like smooth jazz is missing. (Credits: Deathcrawller, UneeQ TV, MikRips, Mr Greencastle, ArturBloodshot)
- Nexus – Watch those lights, focus on the goal. (Credits: ArturBloodshot, Deathcrawller)
- Way Up There – A blast from the past! (Credits: runNOKYARDrun, ArturBloodshot, Deathcrawller)
- Scarry – Competition burns bright. (Credits: runNOKYARDrun)
- Sigma Stadium – For those casual strolls that turn intense. (Credits: Deathcrawller, ArturBloodshot)
- Winter League 2008 – Back to Foundry roots. (Credits: Deathcrawller, UneeQ TV, Mr Greencastle, MikRips, ArturBloodshot)
New to Grifball? You’re in luck. The community is thriving with custom games and leagues. An upcoming tournament on June 15th at 1pm ET is hosted by the long-running American Grifball League of America (yes, that’s the real name). You can check out more info and sign up here.
So, what do you think? Ready to grab a Gravity Hammer and bash your way to glory? Or maybe you prefer zipping around in Octane mode? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below—are you Team Classic or Team Octane?
