Halo 5 tiny transactions not all bad

Halo, easily Microsoft’s most popular franchise is set to steal the show this October with Halo 5 Guardians on the Xbox One. While Halo campaigns almost always deliver, it’s the multiplayer that really keeps us going back for more.

Halo 5 Guardians had an immensely successful multiplayer beta back in January of this year, however some news regarding micro transactions has emerged since then that has caused a lot of concern among gamers. Thankfully, Microsoft has cleared it up and it’s not all that bad. Microsoft has called these little boosts, Req Packs, short for Requisition Packs. They are basically points you can earn to get new boosts, animations and of course weapons and tanks!!

You earn Req points for doing almost anything in multiplayer, these can be traded in for Req Pack after reaching a minimum threshold which will yield a usable card that will be either cosmetic, single use or permanent. The cosmetics range from new visors, stances, executions; basically nothing that affects core gameplay. Then there are the permanent cards which unlock weapon loadouts and single use cards for tanks and other vehicles in Warzone, the massive 12v12 multiplayer mode.

Now while these Req packs can be earned easily in game, they can also be purchased in game with real money; game breaking right? Not really. While you can buy and

unlock Req Packs you still need to ‘earn’ them in that specific match by earning Req points and increasing your Req Level before you get to enjoy their benefits. While that’s a good way to balance the game it does seem like it will ruin the ‘core’ Halo multiplayer experience. Well Microsoft and 343 agree as well and that is why only cosmetic Req items carry over to Arena Multiplayer, though everything goes and works in Warzone.

So basically while Microsoft has added these ‘microtransactions’ to Halo 5’s multiplayer, they have made it rewarding and for now it does seem like they have taken the necessary precautions to ensure the game remains fun but balanced for everyone.Halo 5 Guardians is set to launch on October 27, exclusively on the Xbox One.