343 Industries' upcoming Halo Infinite is one of this year's biggest releases. Originally marketed as a launch title for Microsoft's shiny new Xbox Series X/S consoles, the game has now been delayed a whole year to fall 2021. Fans are eager to have another look at the game, and with E3 2021 right around the corner, they won't have to wait a lot more.

A finale to 343's Reclaimer Saga, many fans are curious to know about Master Chief's age in Halo Infinite, and whether if it holds any huge ramifications for the future of the franchise. Halo Infinite will be taking place in 2560, making Master Chief biologically 49 years old. Fans may be forgiven to think that Halo Infinite might be Master Chief's last adventure, but there's a multitude of reasons as to why this might not be true.

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Master Chief, alternatively known as John-117 was born on the planet of Eridanus 2 in 2511. John-117 was illegally abducted by Dr. Halsey at a very young age for her SPARTAN training military program, wherein he was genetically modified to become a super-soldier with a single purpose of being humanity's last line of defense against Covenant forces.

It's known that these mutations gave him sharp reflexes and robbed him of emotions, but fan theories suggest that it might also entail preventing aging to some extent. When Master Chief isn't fighting, he can usually be found in cryosleep which also dramatically slows down the aging process.

Thus, even if Master Chief is "biologically" 49 years old, he has been in cryosleep at least three times in the mainline entries leading up to Halo Infinite, which puts him around the 42-43 age mark. That being said, it's no miracle that he can perform the most dangerous feats even at this age, given his experience on the battlefield as well as the genetic mutations.

From the aforementioned lore, it's quite clear that Master Chief's age shouldn't affect his efficiency on the battlefield in, and even after, Halo Infinite. But with the game serving as a finale to the 343 Reclaimer Saga, should Master Chief now retire?

Many fans might be furious at the prospect of shoving Master Chief away in favor of any other Spartan for future entries, but it might just be for the best. Halo 4's legendary ending showcases a glimpse of Master Chief's wrinkly old face, and Master Chief should now be allowed to have his well-deserved rest. Of course, there's also the fact that Master Chief knows nothing except war, having been stripped away of family and emotions from a very young age.

However, that doesn't rule out the fact that Halo can experiment with a brand new protagonist in the future. Despite Master Chief being a beloved figure, it's debatable that his character has developed alongside entries in the franchise to warrant any deep connections. Furthermore, entries like Halo 3: ODST and Halo Reach remain great without Master Chief in the equation, so a potential retirement down the line might keep things fresh for this long-running franchise.

Halo Infinite is scheduled to release this fall for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

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