As Infinite Halo leads the charge for the Xbox Series X lineup, the next chapter in Master Chief's adventures is kind of a throwback. The leader's armor is the classic MJOLNIR, we fight on one of the titular apocalyptic devices, and the bad guys are, once again, the Suit. Except 343 Industries doesn't use the same Pact from the classic Bungie trilogy. Rather, this sect of alien antagonists is the Banished, a decidedly more vicious and menacing offshoot of the religious fanatics who went into business during the war between men and the Covenant in Bungie's Halo games.
This is the group's first appearance, having been featured for Halo Wars 2, and thanks to this game and a few spinoff reading material, we already know enough about them and the type of threat they pose.
Who are the banished?
Image via 343 IndustriesEssentially, the Outcasts are a separatist group of former Covenant soldiers who have become their own formidable organization of mercenaries and raiders who terrorize the galaxy. During the war between the humans and the Covenant, several Jiralhanae - known as the Brutes - were frustrated by the increasing use of certain clans within the Covenant as cannon fodder and formed a splinter faction. Over time, what started out as a small group of soldiers turned petty criminals evolved into something much larger, under the watchful eye of its leader, Atriox.
A crafty military commander, the story of Atriox was told in the Halo Wars 2 level "A New Enemy". He explains that the Atriox clan was continually sent to the frontlines to die, and his anger at the mistreatment of his people engendered a fervent resentment towards the leaders of the Covenant. His superiors tried to have him executed, but he managed to escape, inspiring several others to join him in standing up against the alliance and the UNSC.
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Atriox's ability to negotiate and convince others has been key to turning the outcast into the pervasive threat they presently pose. Over the years, he has been successful in convincing other murderous groups to become allies or to integrate fully with the outcasts. He trusted the highest ranking human worlds in the Covenant, creating a network of information and recruits. The Outcast as found in Halo Infinite have a robust selection of weapons, ammo, vehicles, and tech, many of which are redesigned versions of Covenant. They also have the wherewithal to develop their own Unggoys (Grunts), which gives them a
