Halo Infinite is dialing back the clock with Operation: Legacy, a fresh event that turns the game into a Halo 3 throwback for a whole month. This means classic maps, old-school gameplay changes, and even the fan-favorite mode Grifball are back, serving a big nostalgia hit for longtime players and a fun twist for newer ones.
Last year, Halo Infinite threw a similar party celebrating Halo 2’s 20th anniversary, but this time it’s all about Halo 3—the golden age many of us remember fondly. The game’s multiplayer was a revelation back then, introducing features like Forge, which let players create their maps and modes. That creativity helped Halo stay fresh for years.
One of the coolest modes from that era, Grifball, is included here. If you haven’t heard of it, think of it like American Football, with gravity hammers and energy swords. It’s chaotic and hilarious. The Infinite version tweaks physics, adds ten new arenas, and even lets you play some matches in third-person. Plus, the gravity hammer cooldown is reduced to keep the action nonstop.
Operation: Legacy also includes a retro Delta Arena playlist with 11 classic Halo 3 maps like Guardian, Narrows, Cold Storage, and Ghost Town—some making their debut in Infinite. The gameplay changes are pretty strict to match the old-school vibe:
- Sprint disabled
- Clamber disabled
- Jump height increased to 120%
- Starting weapons limited to MA5K Avenger or BR75 Battle Rifle
- No secondary weapons
- Friendly player collision enabled
The playlist offers a variety of modes under the “Legacy” banner: Slayer, King of the Hill, Oddball, Capture the Flag, One Flag, Assault Neutral Bomb, and Assault One Bomb.
It’s interesting because last year 343 Industries rebranded to Halo Studios and announced plans to switch to Unreal Engine for future projects. According to studio head Pierre Hintze, Halo Infinite was the last of the old recipe, and they’re changing things up going forward.
Still, Halo 3’s formula clearly has a lasting charm. Halo Infinite has grown into a solid game after a rocky start and keeps that 2000s shooter energy alive, especially with events like this. The Legacy event runs until July 8, so there’s plenty of time to jump in and relive some epic moments.
What do you think about Halo Infinite turning into Halo 3 for a month? Are you hyped to try out Grifball again or revisit classic maps? Drop your thoughts below—I’m Mihaela and stay tuned for more!
