Expanding on a Crucial Aspect of Halo Infinite

Highlights

Halo Infinite introduced a fully explorable open world, with side activities and rewarding unlockables, making it a solid first attempt at going open-world.

The game is filled with Easter eggs and references, but 343 Industries needs to provide additional explanation for a specific reference to Jameson Locke's helmet.

Fans eagerly await answers regarding Locke's location and how Hyperius obtained his helmet. It would be unfair to both the character and the fans if his fate remained unresolved.

Halo Infinite presented the series' first genuine endeavor at an open-world concept, and while it wasn't flawless, it was a commendable initial attempt. The game's single-player mode immersed players in an expansive open world, complete with various side activities that complemented its universe quite well. With satisfying rewards and a highly enjoyable grappleshot traversal system, exploring Halo Infinite's world offered hours of fun, heightened by its numerous Easter eggs.

Among these Easter eggs, ranging from the notorious Craig Brute meme to hidden buttons that unlock rewards like the Rockethog and aerial bombardment, one particular mystery stands out—the significance of Locke's helmet and whether the character's demise, as implied by the reference, is indeed true. Despite the fans' curiosity, 343 Industries has yet to provide any definitive answers on this matter.

Halo Infinite's Locke Reference Still Needs to be Explained

Shortly before Halo Infinite's release, Halo Mega Construx sets hit store shelves. These sets were meant to coincide with the game's launch, but due to delays, they came out before fans could play the campaign. One particular set featured a figure of a Brute leader named Hyperius, who had Agent Jameson Locke's helmet on his shoulder. This leak sparked plenty of fan theories about Locke's role in Halo Infinite and whether he would meet his demise in the game. When Halo Infinite finally debuted, players encountered Hyperius in the campaign, confirming the truth of the Mega Construx leak. However, the game left fans without any definitive answers.

Jameson Locke's absence in Halo Infinite remains unconfirmed by 343 Industries. The means by which Hyperius obtained Locke's helmet and chestpiece also remains unknown. Speculation among fans suggests that Locke may have survived Hyperius' attack by feigning his death and escaping without his armor. However, fan theories alone can only provide limited answers.

It is crucial for 343 Industries to provide a clear answer to this question. While Locke may have been a divisive character in Halo 5: Guardians, his presence in subsequent novels has garnered him a growing fan base. If 343 neglects to address Locke's fate, it would do a disservice to both the character and the fans, as it would mean denying him an on-screen death. Leaving things unresolved would be perceived as lazy and unsatisfying, further weakening the overall narrative of Halo Infinite, which has already been criticized for its retcons and changes. Ideally, Locke would receive a definitive conclusion in future DLC or a sequel to Halo Infinite.

Halo Infinite is out now for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.