Halo Infinite is stepping into the realm of tactical shooters by introducing a brand-new mode: S&D Extraction. Scheduled for release in 2025, this round-based competitive format draws inspiration from classics like Call of Duty’s Search & Destroy. The excitement builds as the Halo team announced the mode and a thrilling $20,000 contest for map creators.
S&D Extraction is an intriguing addition to the game, resembling mechanics in titles such as CS2 and VALORANT. The full name, Seek and Deploy, hints at its bomb plant/defuse roots, echoing the tactical gameplay players have come to love in these genres.
In this mode, teams of four will alternate between offense and defense. The offensive side aims to initiate an extraction by planting a bomb at one of two designated sites. At the same time, the defending team strives to thwart their efforts either by eliminating all opponents or defusing the bomb. Each match consists of 11 rounds; the first team to secure six victories takes the win.
A fascinating aspect of S&D Extraction is its economy management system. Players earn credits not just for planting or defusing bombs but also for taking out opponents. There are opportunities to gather extra credits from “neutral devices” scattered throughout the map. Between rounds, players can purchase weapons, grenades, equipment, and power tools like Active Camo or Threat Sensors, adding layers of strategy to each match.
An intriguing twist is the buy-back mechanic that allows players who have been eliminated during a round to respawn if they have accumulated enough credits. While details are still emerging, this feature will require careful credit management over several rounds before it becomes feasible.
The $20,000 map contest Halo Studios and ForgeHub organized adds another layer of excitement. Notably, Halo Studios has enlisted talented community mapmakers Artifice and Mikrips to craft custom maps for this mode. Players can get their first glimpse of S&D Extraction during the FaZe Kaysan Invitational on March 29, which will be streamed live on Halo’s official Twitch channel.
