Summary
The latest multiplayer operation inHalo Infinitewill center around the relatively unknown Anvil Initiative and presumably its space station of the same name. The operation is expected to launch in July 2024.
Initially called Spartan Surplus, the Anvil Operation is expected to finally release the primarily Banished-manufactured Assailer, Cutthroat, Negotiator, and Okonom armor among several other new cosmetics. However, more new armor sets could be released inHalo Infiniteto coincide more closely with the Anvil Initiative, a project dedicated to cooperation between the United Nations Space Command (UNSC) and the Swords of Sanghelios (SoS).
The Origins and Mission of the Anvil Initiative
First introduced in 2015 with the announcement of the now-canceledRussian exclusive multiplayer gameHalo Online, the Anvil Initiative was made tobolster the UNSC’s and SoS’ relationshipfollowing the end of the Covenant War. The Swords of Sanghelios is the dominant governing body of the Elites’ homeworld of Sanghelios after the Covenant War. Inspired by an ancient order of Elites, the modern SoS wasestablished by Arbiter Thel Vadamwith the intent of ensuring his people’s sustainability without the Covenant. While the SoS would continue to fight against hostile Covenant remnants, they often sought to create peaceful relations with other extraterrestrial species, most notably the Grunt Unggoy, the Hunter Lekgolo, and humanity.
The Anvil Initiative was created in 2555, two years after the fall of the Covenant empire, with the mission of training Spartan 4’s and SoS Elites together. Anvil worked in concourse with Project: CRUCIBLE, a project designed to createjoint Spartan-Sangheili task forcesand develop new technologies with SoS technicians. Both programs were located atthe classified Anvil Stationwith personnel only allowed onto the station via invitation. Similar to the UNSC Infinity, Anvil Station houses a War Games simulator, allowing both Spartans and Swords to train together in realistic battle simulations.
Tech Developed and Tested by Anvil
Anvil is known to have tested and developed several new Spartan and Sword armor sets. The Anvil Spartan armor sets range fromHalo 4’s Warrior armor toHalo Infinite’s Deadeye. The Anvil Elite armor sets range from the primarily human-designed Accord armor to Scion worn typically by female Sword warriors. Elite Anvil armor first debuted inSeason 7 ofHalo: The Master Chief Collectionin 2021. It’s additionally suspected Anvil personnel helped develop the Anubis, Helioskril, and Freebooter mjolnir armor sets alongside UNSC-rifle integrated holoscopes and the Sword Needler Warthog vehicle seen inHalo 5: Guardians.
The Anvil Initiative’s symbol is directly inspired by the handshake between the Arbiter and Admiral Lord Terrence Hood at the end of the Covenant War inHalo 3.
Anvil’s Potential in Halo: Infinite and Beyond
It’s currently unknown why 343 Industries changed the next operation inInfinitefrom Spartan Surplus to Anvil, especially with most of its armor being made by the Banished. The Banished is an enemy to the Swords, the Arbiter having faced off against Atriox for the acquisition of a Guardian-destroying weapon before the events ofInfiniteinHalo: Outcasts. 343 Industries could use these Banished Spartan armor sets as a way to detail a possible conflict between theBanished-allied Spartans and the Swords-allied Spartansat Anvil Station. After the destruction of Doisac by Cortana, it wouldmake sense for the Banished to seek out any and all UNSC forces, especially those allied with the SoS, as they could be a potential threat to remaining Jiralhanae.
For many fans, the reintroduction of Anvil could appear to be a tease for the return ofplayable Elites inHalomultiplayer, but this seems unlikely due to the large amount of work it would take to create a whole new playable avatar with unique armor sets inInfinite. Instead, 343 could reintroduce some classic Sangheili-inspired Spartan armor such as Helioskrill, alongside some new armor based on SoS designs. If the Anvil Operation proves to be popular, this could influence 343 to create even more Covenant species-focused events and possibly lead them to feature playable Elites inHalo 7.Halo 7’s multiplayer could even be set on Anvil Station while Infinity remains MIA after the events ofHalo Infinite.
Halo Infinite
WHERE TO PLAY
When all hope is lost and humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, the Master Chief is ready to confront the most ruthless foe he’s ever faced. Step inside the armor of humanity’s greatest hero to experience an epic open-world adventure and explore the massive scale of the Halo ring.With Network Campaign Co-Op and Mission Replay, you can relive your favorite moments, rediscover collectibles and explore the wonders of Zeta Halo on your own or with up to three other fireteam members.Experience Halo’s celebrated multiplayer reimagined and free-to-play! With over 70 maps in matchmaking, billions of customization configurations, and countless community Forge creations to experience, Halo Infinite is the franchise’s most expansive multiplayer offering to date.Enjoy an unprecedented variety of gameplay experiences, ranging from fast-paced intense ranked modes to whimsical mayhem in Custom Games, or even co-operative coordination in the wave-based survival mode Firefight: King of the Hill. Assemble your Fireteam and conquer every mode – Halo offers endless opportunities for teamwork, strategy, and unforgettable victories.
