Halo Infinite is now available worldwide for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC but its multiplayer has been live since mid-November. Since then, a number of big changes have happened with regards to its progression system. Originally, the only way to gain XP and level up was to complete Challenges, which could either be infuriating or very straightforward. Since then, 343 Industries has added a Challenge that constantly provides 50 XP upon completing a match.
It then made another slight change – the first five matches completed in a day would provide extra XP, starting 300 XP (first match), then going to 200 XP (second and third matches) and finally 100 XP (fourth and fifth matches). Players would then earn 50 XP from each subsequent match completion afterwards. In the most recent update, new playlists like Free-For-All, Team Slayer, Tactical Slayer/SWAT and Fiesta have been added, allowing players to target specific Challenges more easily. New Challenges have also been introduced like earning a certain amount of Player Score in a specific playlist so it’s good for those who want some kind of performance-based XP.
XP Boosts have also been buffed to work for an hour instead of 30 minutes. Currently, Ranked-focused Challenges give double XP so if you’re willing to bite the bullet, then you can net a decent amount from played Ranked modes. Just keep in mind that they’re only available till the end of today and some Challenges – like playing Strongholds – still depend on you getting that mode (since there aren’t any separate playlists for Ranked yet).
However, even if you’re not interested in Ranked, it’s best to wait till tomorrow. Ranked Challenges currently can’t be swapped out for normal Challenges. Once it’s over, activate an XP Boost and complete your first five matches in a day (Quick Play, Fiesta and Team Slayer are the fastest modes). This will take an hour and can easily net three Ranks worth while leveling up along with potentially completing some other pending challenges. Note that the XP Boost stays active even while you’re not playing a match so check that the servers are available before using one.
Next is to check any Challenges that ask you get a specific number of kills or complete a certain number of matches. Look for those that don’t specifically say “in PVP” – these can be completed against Bots. Look for easier Challenges and try to target those for completion. If you don’t have the Battle Pass, then feel free to swap out any annoying Challenges – you’ll be getting a lot of free Challenge Swaps after all. Otherwise you’ll need to wait until they expire for that week.
As such, you could also invest in the Battle Pass for $10 since that will give access to more free XP Boosts (otherwise they have to be purchased separately) along with unlocks and an extra slot for Challenges. Honestly, the most time-efficient way to earn XP is by actually not grinding. It’s better to come back the next day when the bonus XP on the first five completed matches is available.
Despite the rewards in the current Season Pass not being amazing (both free and otherwise), it’s really the only thing worth grinding XP for. There aren’t many cosmetics outside of the Battle Pass, Event Pass or in-game store that can be unlocked for free. 343 Industries is still working on additional progression systems, per-match XP and performance-based XP that isn’t tied to Challenges but you’ll have to wait for the same.
