Halo 5 REQ System Explained Further!

[VinWarrior]

343 Industries has cleared up a few things about the REQ system in Halo 5: Guardians, as well as shown a few pictures of new REQ Armours, Assassinations, and more!

 

It has been clear over the past few months that the REQ system plays a large part in the gameplay of Halo 5: Guardians, but some people were still very confused by the concept, so 343 decided to clear a few things up. A HaloWaypoint.com blog post showed off the two classes of REQ, which are Permenant and Single-Use. Permanent REQs are as the name says, permanent, and single-use REQs are once-per-game. All of these can be earned through REQ points after Arena and Warzone matches. REQ packs can be bought with real world money as well, but that is an optional feature. Items are grouped into five categories from rarest to least rare, as an example, Linda's sniper is a high tier weapon, and the SMG is a lower tier weapon. The three possible REQ packs come in three categories from most rewarding to least, and in different prices. You also get REQs from commendations and Spartan Rank-ups. Each week 343i will tease some new REQ cards in these blogs. If that isn't enough, they released a comedic video where Mister Chief (voiced by Nick Offerman) explains the system in a comedic manner, on YouTube.com.

 

 

Images and information sourced from 343 Industries and the Xbox YouTube.

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[Yoshi1176]

This looks infinitely fun, the video was also quite enjoyable. One thing I'm worried about is campers at the req stations. Whats to stop me from camping a req station with a shotty?

[RedStarRocket91]

I'm so disappointed with what we've seen of this system so far. As a very goal-oriented player, I really like the idea of being able to look at a piece of armour or other specific item, decide that I want it, and then start working toward it: whether it's a really nice system like Halo 3 in which I have to complete specific tasks in order to unlock certain things, or a less pleasant one like that found in Halo Reach and Halo 4 where some items have to be purchased via in-game currency, at least there's a sense of progression, and of getting closer to accomplishing something. Putting everything in the hands of RNG boxes is, quite frankly, incredibly frustrating. I hated them in Mass Effect 3, because I inevitably never got the weapons and characters I actually wanted, I hated them in Gears of War: Judgement for the same reasons, and I'm fairly certain I'm going to hate them in Halo 5, too.

 

And, honestly? I can't decide whether I'm more mad that they're locking cosmetic stuff behind this RNG crap, which is just petty, or that it includes things which actually have an effect on gameplay, which is horrendous. A big part of the reason why I've started avoiding PVP games in recent years is precisely because we're increasingly moving toward systems where this stuff happens, with more experienced players getting advantages in terms of mechanics rather than just because of their skills and familiarity, and I'm really disappointed to see this creeping into Halo too. I'd been really excited for Warzone up until now, but as apparently I'm going to be forced to give up actual gameplay options and advantages in order to unlock things as basic as customisation, unless things change or I'm understanding this wrong I can't see myself playing a lot of Warzone.

[Twinreaper]

^^^ I never thought I would see the day where RSR get's ticked enough by a change in halo to escalate him to sub Twinreaper ranting status!  Way to go mate!!!

 

I hate to say I told you all so...BUT I TOLD YOU ALL SO!  The pay to win model has finally crept into Halo for console as it was first shown to work and be incorporated into Halo: Online.  It would appear that Microsoft has had a small taste of fruits from the p2w tree in Russia and decided to have 343i add a semi same system into H5.  Surfice to say....regardless of what they "choose to show you" or "choose to leak", Halo 5 is NOTHING at all anything that ressembles Halo anymore.

[Caboose The Ace]

Red just stole the words out my mouth and just did it much better.....
 
I mean look at this "Permanent REQs are as the name says, permanent"

 

I don't care what you say, that's pay to win and its disgusting. I mean why does Halo need this?

 

I get it, they don't have a season pass this time around and I don't mind temporary req's being a thing that you have to work towards in game too.So it only gives you a tiny advantage.

 

But this is too far, its locking off content such as assassinations animations, helmets and weapons. I know its only for one gamemode but its going to ruin that gamemode for a lot of people and it is entirely unneeded.

 

Maybe I'd even prefer a season pass if it means this is future of gaming. Micro transactions should not be in these types of micro transactions should not be in games!

Edited September 18, 2015 by Caboose The Ace

[ISJTrigger]

_{Disclaimer: This is my opinion, there are many like it, but this one is mine.}
This is my first post so I am just going to say what is on my mind:
This isn't pay to win, nor is it a bad system.

 

I have honestly heard to many people call it that, and if someone honestly believes that they can blow 200$ on REQ packs, go into Warzone, and win for sure, they are out of it. It is a good way to raise funds for competitions and it keeps the DLC free.

 

I am okay with the aspect of RNG. People might say "HEY THIS AINT HALO 3!!!1!" and they would be right. It is Halo 5. It has RNG because they are playing with a new system, and trying new things. Change isn't always bad. Would I prefer a Reach style customization system, sure. Am I gonna talk trash about a system I haven't partaken in yet because it doesn't shove nostalgia down my throat, no.

 

I love the idea of special weapons and skins. I love the idea of "burn cards." I don't know how many of you had played Titanfall, but it was a fun system that worked. Also I see REQ Packs as a good way to introduce new DLC later on.

 

Perhaps maybe a better system would have been credits for permanent cosmetics and keep the REQ system solely for Warzone.

Honestly, IMO; this is a good system that I am excited to try, it is refreshing for Halo as a series and even if the concept wasn't 100% original it has original aspects too it. Good job 343!​_​

[Unease Peanut]

The way REQ packs are implemented don't bother me that much. They only affect Warzone gameplay wise and the rest is just cosmetic stuff you could unlock by level or in-game currency in the earlier Halo's. 343i has assured us that it won't be hard to earn these REQ packs.

It's something new and I'm excited to try it out. If it turns out to be a crappy feature (like ordnance in Halo 4) I bet we'll never see it again in future Halo titles.

 

Opening these packs might turn out to be quite addictive to me

 

I'd recommend checking out the YT video as it explains everything in a comedic fashion

[Caboose The Ace]

^

^
 
Good system?
 
Are you insane? This is far, very far from being good.
 
They are locking off content and making the game pay to win by having permanent req's.

"200$ on REQ packs, go into Warzone, and win for sure, they are out of it"
 
You probably can, you will be able to spawn a few vehicles, get some power weapons quicker etc. That is pay to win now doubt.

"It has RNG because they are playing with a new system, and trying new things" This isn't new, stuff like his has been happening for years and has been done before.

 

This is just horrible. Its pay to win in a Halo game, when did stuff get this bad?!

Edited September 18, 2015 by Caboose The Ace

[Unease Peanut]

@@Caboose The Ace

Permanent REQ's are limited to cosmetic and loadout weapons.

 

The advantage you gain from spending $200 is negligable as you'll get acces to those cards no sooner or later everyone else because of the REQ level and energy. Yes they might have a Scorpion, but these's a good chance you'll have one too if the REQ packs are as generously awarded as they say. That Scorpion could turn the tides of battle, or it'll just get blown up by a laser instantly. Yes that Sniper Rifle might be powerful, but there's a good change you'll get shot down before you're able to put it to good use.

What I'm trying to say is that buying REQ packs isn't a guaranteed win, there's plenty of stuff you could use against the yields of them.

 

Let's just see how this works out before we start drawing conclusions.

[Caboose The Ace]

^

It still give you a huge advantage, able to spawn vehicles and weapons at will at the req stations.

And that is sadly pay to win.

 

Plus loadout weapons being permant is a pretty big thing.

 

Now I know only time will tell but I get the feeling these req cards are going to be harder to get than they are telling us.

Edited September 18, 2015 by Caboose The Ace

[Unease Peanut]

@@Caboose The Ace

Did you even read or watch the video?

You can't spawn everything in at will, you'll need the required REQ level and energy in order to spawn in something. The bigger it is, the more levels and energy you need.

 

And how's loadout weapons being permanent a big thing? I dread to think all of my REQ's from hard earned REQ packs are going to be mere basic BR's and Pistols.

[Axilus Prime]

I don't get all the fuss. It gives you the option to get cosmetic stuff and weapon reskins.

 

Apparently, choosing to spend your REQ points on a yellow-brown sniper rifle instead of a regular colored one will break the game.

[Caboose The Ace]

^
^

 

That still kinda breaks it, I mean theoretically you can spawn like five scorpions in a row or something, and that is certainly pay to win.

 

Btw I did watch the video.

[Guts]

I don't get the outrage. RNG makes it fair eg the more experienced player gets more REQ packs yet the less experienced player gets much less and can still get the same as the experienced player.

 

Besides people who spawn Scorpions can have them stolen as soon as they are spawned, well I hope they are stealable.....

[Fishy]

@@Caboose The Ace Not really. You're trying to imply every individual who spends money on a damn REQ pack is GSD-slaying level; or better.

 

I highly doubt a player would even last long in a vehicle. It doesn't matter. As far as we know. The Scorpions could be the bulky terrible Halo 4 variant.

 

As for their stance, they definitely will not last long. This isn't Halo 3, or Reach. But 343 has debuffed the HP on vehicles ever so slowly. They didn't last long in Halo 4, they were even worse in Halo 2A (Banshees guaranteed you 0-1 kills on Zenith).. Who knows what Halo 5 will be like... If they went lower, you could destroy that Scorpion with an entire clip of a freaking magnum.

 

So no, the system is not broken if you know the flaws... Just don't run like a little boy who knocked down a hornets nest, and you'll be fine.

[Unease Peanut]

@@Caboose The Ace

 

Then you obviously didn't listen as you cannot spawn in 5 Scorpions in a row! A Scorpion tank is one of the highest tier vehicles and does not only require a high REQ level but also a lot of REQ energy which takes a long time to regenerate back to the amount for which you can deploy another one.

 

It is theoretically and practically impossible.

[Caboose The Ace]

^^

"The Scorpions could be the bulky terrible Halo 4 variant" But then they couldn't be? And then the player is op.
 
^
"It is theoretically and practically impossible"

 

I bet somebody could spawn 5 scorpions in a single match....

 

Regardless its still pay to win. You can win yourselves power weapons and vehicles, and those can make all the difference in a Halo game.  

[Guts]

@@Caboose The Ace Yeah its is pay to win. They pay money to get power weapons early then you steal them and kill them with it to win.

[Caboose The Ace]

^

 

That presuming far too much, power weapons in the right hands can change the course of a game.

[Guts]

@@Caboose The Ace Well power weapons have been in the game since Halo 1. I think everyone will be well used to them. If you gang up on a power weapon hoarder, it's easy to kill them

[Caboose The Ace]

^

 

True, but that also works in reverse, that means everyone is also good with them.

 

Regardless its still pay to win and it depends on the skill of the player, but I mean, its pretty easy to use a power weapon, just spawn in a rocket launcher and boom its like four free kills.

 

 

[Twinreaper]

I have heard this old "but they are giving DLC free" argument a hundred times and it sickens me to no end.  So what if DLC is free?  They are just simply covering the cost by instituting microtransactions in order to cover the cost of the DLC.  Had they decided to NOT give DLC away fro free, the cosmetic changes and RNG's would be free and simply follow the Destiny drop method by making it luck/probability that you get powerfull items or stuff.  The system is nothing more than them (M$/343i) using RNG paid content to pay for DLC.  Do I believe that you should get DLC for free if you never buy a RNG item?  No.  That would be no different than you going to welfare, and getting benefits for doing nothing your whole life, why everyone pays for the benefits you enjoy.  It's socialism almost.

 

Any time a game decides to shift towards a microtransaction based system, it is NOT good for the player overall.  And before you start talking about issues you know nothing about, pay to win is this system in all it's glory.  It doesn't matter what gamemode it is tied to or what length of time these perks last, the point is it breaks the basic loadout balanced starts that everyone has been crying for.

 

The system DOES NOT in any way reward good players over bad players or vice versa.  Everyone has equal access to these packs but not at the same time.  If a player wished to spend $200 on the RNG, said player would have access to the items a great deal ahead of the rest.  And since microtrans are creeping in, I'm sure there will be a way to pay for extra energy or levels in order to use gear before others.    This system shifts multiplayer balance to those who can afford to play hard.  It negates skill at every turn.

 

Look at how MMO's are layed out.  Sure you can get that really cool legendary weapon by grinding and luck, but what happens when someone sinks down $50 for the limited time sale and you can't?  You get owned going into battle against said player and you are put at a disadvantage.  I don't like nor will I ever stand up for anything microtransaction.  Anyone with half a brain who can clearly see the bigger picture about this system would NOT try to say that this isn't a "pay to win" situation.  If you think it isn't, you are delusional at best.

Edited September 19, 2015 by Twinreaper

[Buns]

I'm going to start this long counter debate by saying I absolutely adore the REQ system. I love the idea of variations on weapons and vehicles and I love that Warzone REQ weapons are separate from Arena Halo. 343i is doing a wonderful job of catering to the original Halo audience with Arena(and if you're not a fan of the new mechanics you can turn them off in custom game settings and host legacy Halo matches!) and to the Halo 4/Casual audience with Warzone 

 

 

I hate to say I told you all so...BUT I TOLD YOU ALL SO!  The pay to win model has finally crept into Halo for console as it was first shown to work and be incorporated into Halo: Online.  It would appear that Microsoft has had a small taste of fruits from the p2w tree in Russia and decided to have 343i add a semi same system into H5.  

Halo: Online has barely even been in public alpha(I got my key last week and I signed up the second day it was revealed). Your conspiracy theory would be correct but the REQ system was most likely already in place and being tested far before Halo: Online was ever shown. It would be illogical to think otherwise because such a system would require a great deal amount of time before even being shown at the state it is now(Thats a lot of art assets and variable tweaking!) This was always the plan with Halo. This is the current trend of the entire gaming industry and it isn't 100% consumer friendly in cases making games are expensive and selling them for $60 is already selling them at a loss unless total sales numbers reach high enough to surpass the development cost of the game. Micro-Transactions and DLCs are a method of gaining more profit and potentially increasing revenue(and it works. Thats why companies do it.)

 

 

 

 

I bet somebody could spawn 5 scorpions in a single match....

Actually impossible sorry buddy. 5 Different people can summon a scorpion but not a SINGLE player. I watched a LOT of Warzone gameplay and so far 343i has done a pretty good job with the pacing and how often players are able to summon power vehicles. I plan on doing the math once we get our hands on Halo 5 to see if something like this would be possible on a theoritical level but based on the public Warzone footage people recorded at games conventions this doesnt seem possible at all. Remember you're acquiring items. All players must PLAY in order to get the energy to summon those items(Keyword: play not pay)

 

And since microtrans are creeping in, I'm sure there will be a way to pay for extra energy or levels in order to use gear before others.

 

Look at how MMO's are layed out.  Sure you can get that really cool legendary weapon by grinding and luck, but what happens when someone sinks down $50 for the limited time sale and you can't?  You get owned going into battle against said player and you are put at a disadvantage. 

You said two very important things here I would like to address.

 

For the first one 343i has made it very clear that you will not be able to pay for energy levels or early access to the gear. You could argue "oh but for Halo 6!" but the answer will remain a solid no. Enough people are angry enough with the REQ system I don't think they would want to escalate the PR mess any further. Regardless of how you want to insult the intelligence levels of 343i they're still a group of talented developers even if you don't agree with their systems or decisions. Based on current evidence they are not dull enough to let something like "early access to gear" be part of the micro-transactions. 

 

The second is a very good point and one that is something we need to look out for. Just because I love the idea of the REQ system doesn't mean it is going to be perfect. As a community we must remain vigilant and see if the REQ system will deliver the supposed balance 343i is telling us it will. The case very well could be someone spends X amount of money and earns Legendary Shotgun and uses it to wreck havoc. Until the game is released we cannot say for certain.

 

 

Also REQ system explained video if you haven't watched it already: 

 

 

[Twinreaper]

Again, 343 does NOT dictate all transactions or the system it is part of.  if Microsoft would want players to be able to access the gear or perks because a large portion would pay hefty for it...they WILL make it happen.  343 may be the team behind the game, but they do not call the shots and are not the final word on the game mechanics or systems.  MGS does that for them.  And from a historical stand point, the only games that really profited and excelled from micro transactions are MMO's and RPG's...not FPS titles.

 

People can keep citing Titantfall as a benchmark for trans systems, but the game flopped.  It was over-hyped and utilized an overreaching system for the FPS genre.

 

Going back to my first response here, how many times have we seen or heard a solid no on an object or item...only to later see at retail that things are completely 180 from what we were told or saw?  I lost count in the gaming market when it comes to this stuff.  And to add onto that remark, there is literally no hefty development time in making an item RNG or "paid for unlockable" versus the content already being there.  It's a simply tick box for them in their Guerilla style editor for tags and compiling.  They could decide and make everything in the game unlockable a week before shipping to disc printing and they could do it all in half a day.

 

Point is, the art and assets were there long before any system was decided unpon for if they are unlockable, paid or obtainable otherwise in gameplay.  And for the sake of arguing, most or all DLC or unlockables are cutting room floor material that simply either didn't meet or exceed quality control purposes, or were placed on hold pending a proper inclusion.

 

Finally I want to touch on something you said earlier.  Games are NOT sold at a loss.  The only items sold at a loss are hardware, aka consoles.  Microsoft does not lose or sell games at a loss.  Now yes a single studio that produces a title does sell games at a small loss initially and relies on DLC to make up the difference, but this is Microsoft, not a studio like Bethesda, Blizzard, Crytek, etc.    Microsoft makes back every penny + around 15% on the initial sale of games to the retailers.  The additional funds are what is made from their owned/operated virtual/brick stores.

Edited September 19, 2015 by Twinreaper

[Fishy]

@@Caboose The Ace Have you ever considered you just suck? Cause that's the only answer I can find and your only comparison is yourself, but you're using 3rd person terms.

 

If you think that the REQ system pay to win is incredibly unbalanced, then stop playing war games, git gud somewhere else and then comeback. Nobody is forcing you to play Warzone.