Ghosts of Meridian update for Halo 5 Guardians is now live, Infection mode coming soon

Halo 5: Guardians' beefy new update Ghosts of Meridian is now live and incorporates two new maps, a series of weapons and vehicles and visual customisations, in addition to a number of tweaks and balance changes. Developer 343 Industries has been consistently rolling out additional multiplayer modes to its popular multiplayer shooter since its release in October 2015. Released on 6 April, Ghosts of Meridian is the title's fifth free update.

The 8.5 GB update includes two new maps – Skirmish at Darkstar (Warzone) and Tyrant (Arena). It also features new vehicles and weapons, including three different Gravity Hammers – Tartarus' Gavel, Grinder and Corpse Maker – each of which have their own unique advantages. It also adds new Hannibal customisation options for the Scorpion and Mantis.

There are also a series of multiplayer updates and fixes besides adjustments to gameplay and map-making. New weather and sound effects have also been added to Forge.

Developers have also announced in a livestream that the Xbox One exclusive title will be getting a version of Infection, the fun zombie-themed multiplayer mode that was seen in Halo 3 and Halo: Reach. Players will start off with an Alpha Zombia and try to stay uninfected for as long as possible. When a player is killed by a zombie, they get infected and must join the hunt for other players.

According to Microsoft, Halo 5 was the biggest Halo launch to-date earning more than $400m (£284m) in global sales.

Previous updates from developer 343 Industries included modes like Grifball, Big Team Battle and Forge. Halo 5's next free expansions – Memories of Reach and Hog Wild – are set to release later this year. The series of updates highlights publisher Microsoft's efforts to extend the game's longevity and compete with rival online multiplayer shooters. In March, the company announced plans to launch a new Halo Championship Series: Pro League just after its recently-concluded Halo World Championship.

The title's upcoming Warzone Firefight mode will enter beta on 14 April and run through 18 April before releasing this summer.