[Image via Halo Waypoint]The upcoming Halo 5 Hammer Storm update is solving the issue of one notable absence in the Xbox One exclusive’s collection of multiplayer gametypes. Grifball returns and it is bringing a few changes to the classic mode as shown in a Twitch livestream on Tuesday.
The dynamic of Grifball is already changing based solely on the movement mechanics added to Halo 5. Abilities like Thrusters and Ground Pound introduce new strategies, such as launching in the air and using the Ground Pound as the ball carrier to dunk the ball home. It’s not a guaranteed score though as opposing players can still kill the carrier before he scores.
The basic Grifball gameplay of mechanics are still present though. Players are equipped with Energy Swords and Gravity Hammers, added with the Hammer Storm update. Meanwhile, the player that picks up the ball turns Grif yellow and can melee with the ball while trying to score.
The big gameplay change for Halo 5 is what happens when the ball carrier scores. Previous Grifball versions had the ball explode to celebrate the score while players and the ball reset to their starting positions. The new edition has no explosion and only resets the ball to the middle of the court and play continues.
This keeps the game moving, but also leaves the scoring team open to a quick counter-attack.
343 Industries is wrapping up the Hammer Storm update and it is expected to launch for Halo 5 by the end of this week. It includes the new Torque map plus Grifball and Assault gametypes, along with another large collections of REQs.
[Image via Halo Waypoint]
