Earlier this week Microsoft debuted the long-awaited next entry in its Halo first-person shooter franchise, titled Halo Infinite. Almost three years since the launch of Halo 5: Guardians, the title is set to continue the "reclaimer saga," diving deeper into the Master Chief's relationship with Cortana.
Although the initial reveal sparked more questions than answers, one keen-eyed Reddit user may have unearthed more surrounding the game's setting. Breaking down morse code broadcasting on a walkie-talkie, the trailer appears to contain a hidden message, "SOS ZETA HALO GRD." This likely refers to "Zeta Halo" – one of seven remaining Halo ringworld in existing lore, named Installation 07. This installation has been mentioned extensively through the books, but is yet to make be featured in the games themselves.
Diving into its background, Installation 07 appears to house an Earth-like ecosystem, with rich flora and fauna on its surface. As highlighted in the trailer, the world is packed with grasslands, forests, deserts, and an abundance of animals similar to those on Earth. The "Halo: Hunters in the Dark" novel even makes reference to "deer-like animals," which are likely those featured in Halo Infinite's opening trailer.
Installation 07 also appears to feature heavy ties to Forerunner heritage, with Flood and infected Forerunners supposedly left on the ring when most life was relocated to the Ark. The location is home to proto-Graveminds and other Flood organisms – potentially laying foundations for their revival after Halo 3. Whether or not they survived the original activation of the rings by the Forerunners remains unclear, though we'll hear more leading up to launch.
Deeper dives into Installation 07 and its history can be found throughout Halo novels, though roundups of most specifics can be found online. Although not confirmed by Microsoft, the ringworld is expected to feature in some capacity for Halo Infinite. What are your opinions on the game so far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
