Halo is a franchise that is loved by millions worldwide. It does not require much of an introduction, as this franchise has been synonymous with gamers for two decades. With an iconic soundtrack, gripping storyline, and immersive multiplayer, there is something for everybody. Recently, books and a TV series have been released. This is a testament to the global popularity of the franchise.
Aside from it’s worldwide fame, it has a large multiplayer and competitive scene. This is an aspect which is paramount to the developers, and has led to advancements in tournaments, rankings and how the game is played. For these reasons, we decided to break down the ranking system, detail all ranks, and highlight action from the 2022 HCS esports circuit. This information will allow players from all backgrounds a chance to go up the ranks.
In the current version of Halo Infinite, we haven’t yet seen the return of the much-demanded Halo Reach ranks system, which is a progression-based system instead of a competitive ranked system. These ranks were based, up to a certain point, on real life military ranks, and unlocked cosmetic items as you advanced.
Winning would make it go faster, but you’d progress at some speed win or lose.
What we do still have are the Halo Infinite ranks, which form the competitive side and esports scene for Infinite. There are six different Infinite ranks, but it doesn’t end there. On top of ranks, there are different tiers within ranks as seen below.
Just like every other competitive video game, players need to win games in the ranked mode to climb. It is pretty straight forward, but it may take some time and talent to reach Onyx. There are many different tiers that include many talented players. There are different game modes that can be played in the ranked mode, which include Slayer, Capture the Flag, Oddball, and Strongholds. After initially finishing 10 games, the game will grant you a starting rank, that means your journey has started.
Image Credit: HaloTracker
When a game has been won, progression on tiers are made. If you keep up good performances, but lose a game you can still experience a gain in points, however 2023 overhauls of the system now prioritise winning as the main way to climb. Infinite delivers unique ranked mode gameplay with players spawning with just a Battle Rifle and two grenades. Additionally, there won’t be a gadget. Friendly fire is on and that includes grenades. If you want to climb and reach higher Halo UNSC ranks, get along well with your teammates and try not to hurt them.
The old army style rankings of before were discarded in Halo 5, and maintained this more industry standard ranking system for ranked gameplay. To climb the Halo UNSC ranks like before, Season 4 would add in Career Ranks which follow the army system. Separated into 3 tiers per rank, climbing would come as a result of general career progression, with good performers rising the ranks quickly. Notably, the EXP required to raise this rank goes up with your ranked rating. This means Bronze rank players will have an easier time of climbing to the General tier than a Gold player. However, if one truly wants to achieve the final rank of Hero, reaching the tallest towers of Onyx rank are a must. The full lists of ranks are as follows:
Additionally, it is recommended that you play with teammates. Call-outs can be made and alerts can be voiced to where a player is and how damaged they are. Also, keep adjusting sensitivity as this will allow you to find your movement barriers. With the game having been out for two years, it is the small advantages that make the biggest difference between veteran players.
For a franchise as large as Halo, it also has one of the largest esports scenes for a console game. Spanning across five regions, which include NA, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa, the game is highly competitive. Each region has its own championship series, but they can compete against each other in international competitions, such as HCS Majors and the World Championships.
Initial 2022 results had North America having had the strongest showings. Sentinels had won previous international HCS tournament in Kansas City, but the likes of OpTic Gaming, Cloud 9 and eUnited not far behind. As the year shifted to 2023, two teams would largely trade first place positions, FaZe Clan, and OpTic Gaming. These two would take the Charlotte (OpTic), Arlington (FaZe) and Fort Worth (OpTic) Majors, being the favorites going into the World Championship finals.
While they weren’t always picking up 2nd when they weren’t winning, the fact that these two teams denied all other teams a 1st place finish had them as the ones to watch. And the Grand Final did not disappoint, with OpTic and FaZe clashing one last time in 2023, with FaZe Snakebite, Frosty, Renegade and Royal2 coming out on top. 2024 has already has its next season confirmed, with all eyes on the defending champions.
As a precursor, competitive matches are played in a 4v4 format. Alternatively, there are free-for-all tournaments that can viewed. This will allow players and content creators a way to experience first-hand what competition can bring. Ninja is a former Halo professional player, but made a transition to other games. It is not impossible to join the ranks, but now you have information on the ranking system, go and take a chance.
2024 went by, and the competition in the Halo Championship Series (HCS) continued to heat up, with several teams aiming to dethrone FaZe Clan. Notably, new contenders like Team Envy and G2 Esports made significant strides, securing top-three finishes in multiple tournaments.
The intense rivalry between FaZe Clan and OpTic Gaming persisted, but the gap began to narrow as other teams proved worthy with more strategies and skills. The London Major saw an unexpected upset with Team Envy clinching their first-ever HCS title, setting the stage for a thrilling World Championship.
Now, taking us to 2025, the landscape of competitive Halo is more dynamic than ever, with both veteran and rising teams in position to give us a more dramatic year of esports. Will FaZe Clan defend their championship successfully?
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