Halo 5 trailer, release date & update: gameplay allows 16-player vehicle battles

Halo Waypoint reveals the details on Halo 5: Guardians' new update. Labeled as the 'Battle of Shadow and Light,' this new update is set to offer players new armor, reqs and a new battle mode.

A total of 48 new Reqs are also included with this new update. This includes the Rare Shinobi Armor Set, the Legendary Dying Star Light Rifle and even a Shove-It assassination move among others.

Gotta Be Mobile says players can also try out a number of camouflaged skins for the Mantis, Warthog, Mongoose and Scorpion vehicles. These new looks are suitable for use in snow-covered areas and the woods.

Check out the image to see what is included in the first major update:

Another new feature is the addition of the Big Team Battle. This mode allows a total of 16 players to get into their Warthogs and battle it out on four maps: Basin Deadlock, Guillotine and Recurve.

This new 8 on 8 team battle mode can be accessed via the Arena. See the Legendary Tundra Mantis in action on this video:

Gotta Be Mobile says 343 Industries, the company that developed the Halo series, developed the Req system to customize and enhance the gaming experience for players. Xbox One owners can purchase Req cards which allow them to purchase upgrades that they can use for a single game or make lasting changes to their chosen character.

The 'Battle of Shadow and Light' offers updates for both types of Req cards. Some of the more permanent items players can access include the Tracer and Shinobi armor sets.

Unlike previous versions of the game, Halo 5 aims to entice and keep players interested by producing fresh content.

In the past, purchasing the title only came with few basic maps and game modes. Players could avail of additional maps and player modes by purchasing them via the Xbox Store.

What makes the first update significant is that all players can access the new maps and the Big Team Battle feature. This allows both online and offline players to enjoy and play the same environments.

However, players will need to buy the Req cards to access the character upgrades.

The game developer promises to offer monthly updates on the game as well as launch new maps on the regular basis. With such a major upgrade released on the first update, players hope that the 343 Industries can keep it up while Halo 5 is still around.