Rumor: Halo Infinite multiplayer may launch on Nov. 15 [Update]

What you need to know

• Rumors are circulating that Halo Infinite's multiplayer will release earlier than expected on Nov. 15, 2021.
• Notably, this is the 20th Anniversary of Halo: Combat Evolved, the original Halo game.
• Nate the Hate, an influencer that frequently discusses Nintendo Switch-related leaks and insider info, has independently confirmed the multiplayer's early release.

Update Nov. 14: Nate the Hate, the original source behind news of an early release, has stated that the early Nov. 15 launch of Halo Infinite's multiplayer is back on track.

While the full release date for Halo Infinite is officially listed as Dec. 8, 2021, rumors that Halo Infinite's free-to-play multiplayer suite will be shadow-dropped early on Nov. 15 are circulating throughout the gaming community. Nate the Hate, an influencer that frequently covers and discusses leaks and insider details about Nintendo and the Nintendo Switch, has even gone as far as to independently confirm that Halo Infinite's multiplayer will launch on Nov. 15.

"What better way to celebrate the anniversary of the Xbox than with a birthday surprise," he said in a recent Tweet. "I can independently confirm & share with you today that Halo Infinite multiplayer will be made available on Monday, November 15. Suit up, Spartans."

It's hard to say whether or not Nate the Hate's confirmation is credible, but releasing Halo Infinite's multiplayer early on Nov. 15 as a surprise would make sense due to the fact that Nov. 15 is the 20th Anniversary of Halo: Combat Evolved, the original game that kicked off the franchise and propelled the Xbox brand into the limelight.

Halo: Combat Evolved (and Halo in general) is often credited as one of the most important shooters ever made, as innovations such as the two-weapon loadout system and online matchmaking on console have their roots in Halo's 20-year history. Therefore, we wouldn't be shocked if Microsoft and 343 Industries wanted to release the multiplayer for the latest Halo game on such a special date. Ultimately, though, we'll have to wait and see if the rumors are true.

Officially, the full Halo Infinite experience is slated to release on Dec. 8, 2021 on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One consoles, and Windows PCs. The multiplayer will be free-to-play, but the campaign costs $60. Halo Infinite preorders are available now if you want to reserve your copy early.

Update Nov. 14 — Early release is "back on track"

The original source for this story, Nate the Hate, has independently stated that the issue that caused Microsoft and 343 Industries to delay the early launch of Halo Infinite's multiplayer has been resolved. Therefore, Nate believes that the game will launch early on Nov. 15.