The Halo series has never really been designed to allow for campaign DLC as it usually uses a level-based campaign structure. Most fans never seemed to mind, since campaign DLC is a topic that often breeds controversy, with many considering it to be nothing more than a cash grab. However, if it is done well, it can help expand a story and reveal new parts of the game's world. Halo Infinite could be the first game in the franchise to do just that.

Halo Infinite stepped away from the more traditional level design of its predecessors, instead using an open world design that allowed the player to freely explore the world. This allowed the game to showcase the surface of Halo in a way that hadn't been done before, as well as opened up new gameplay possibilities. These changes were generally well-received, but there is more that developers could do with the title.

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Open world games have a considerably easier time fitting DLC into their campaigns for one simple reason. Essentially, creating a new faction, landmass or questline is much more doable when the map gives players more freedom and variety. The Elder Scrolls' Shivering Isles expansion is a great example of this. Players of any level would be told where the entrance to the new world could be located and then they could choose when to visit. This exploratory freedom meant that the developers didn't need to shoehorn in new plot reasons for the player to suddenly need to divert course to enter the new area. It also allowed the world to be expanded and lore added while not taking away from the main plot.

One of the biggest confusions regarding Halo Infinite was the fate of other characters that the series had introduced. 343 Industries' run with the franchise has introduced fans to new characters such as Jamerson Locke, Sarah Palmer, and Captain Lasky. None of these characters make a physical appearance in Infinite, although there are mentions made of the battles and adventures in which they took part. While Halo Infinite had its own story to tell, it was still a shame to get no real resolution for the characters players had come to know. This misstep could easily be solved by the implementation of DLC. This could be done by telling these characters' stories in different parts of the Halo ring. Each of the characters could play differently and also have very different experiences from one another. This would help to add more content to Halo Infinite's story, as well as add more variety to the gameplay.

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A frigate battles the Covenant in Halo

New campaign DLC could add not only new areas, but also new factions of the Banished, while engaging the player with different gameplay styles. These differences could be very familiar for fans of the game and help to combine Infinite with the larger Halo franchise gameplaywise. For instance, Locke could be in a snow area and have to use stealth to complete his mission while making use of his ONI skills. Another could focus on Lasky leading large squads of marines to engage the Banished in larger battles on the ground. Both of these options add to the lore of the game and implement things that fans felt were missing from the main campaign.

DLC is always a risky move and is often hard to implement into games without feeling jarring to the player. However, the design change of Halo Infinite leaves the option open. Adding DLC to Halo is one that has to be done correctly and for the benefit of the player. If done right, it could help push the game to further greatness.

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