Microsoft and 343 have elaborated how multiplayer, ranks, and ranking systems work for Halo 5 Guardians.
Halo 5 Guardians will be the first in the series to have a ban system like it has. Bans are progressively punitive, so that every instance and increasing severity of offense extends the ban period. These will be factored in when 343 decides to ban you:
- Quitting matches
- Betrayals or team killing
- Idling (AFK)
- Intentional suicides
- Excessive disconnects
Also in the works are seasons, competitive skill ranking, and a new matchmaking algorithm. The first time you jump in, you ranking will be determined after playing a series of matches. The algorithm, meanwhile, will be based on ‘quality above all else’. This language is unclear but it’s implied it will match you with other players of the same rank as much as possible.
You will not be able to join any matches in progress, save for warzone. Warzone happens to need drop in considering it’s over 30 minutes long, but otherwise it avoids placing you into matches midway or close to ending.
At the top of the mountain, reaching Onyx rank gives you a CSR score. Once you get there, subsequent wins will go purely to increasing that score. On another end, you can earn Champion Rank by ranking in the top 200 players in a playlist.
Commendations and medals are also coming back, giving you extra incentives to level up. There are 5 tiers of commendations , with each tier increasing EXP awarded. At tier 3, you get a bonus REQ pack with single use REQs and boosts. At tier 5, you get a pack for a specific emblem, just so you can brag about earning that emblem.
Medals return with some small changes. Now they will earn REQ points, help you earn objectives, and award you for accomplishing incredible feasts. Visually, the medal icons received an update that honors the spirit of the original medals.
Halo 5 Guardians will be released on October 27 exclusively on Xbox One.
