TOP 7: Halo Maps

With one day to go, it’s time to look at and appreciate the arenas that we’ve spent countless hours shedding the blood of our friends and complete strangers in. I know I have been a little late with the articles, but I hope to have the last three up by tomorrow.

7) Forge World 

Halo: Reach

I personally feel the maps in Reach were lacking when compared to those of the previous games, but I did thoroughly enjoy Forge World, simply because of the near infinite versatility when designing maps.

6) Foundry 

Halo 3

Similar to me picking Forge World, Foundry in Halo 3 could be whatever you wanted it to be, and it was used for Onslaught, which is one of the best MLG map variants of all time.

5) Zanzibar/ Last Resort 

Halo 2/3

This map from Halo 2 and Halo 3 was fantastic for multiple reasons, firstly, the one sided objective games were extremely balanced, and secondly, and more importantly, it had the giant turbine in the centre that was really fun to ride. 

4) Midship/ Heretic 

Halo 2/3

A very slick design coupled with good team play in a symmetrical arena and an abundance of plasma grenades? What’s not to love? Plus, it’s very purple.

3) Battle Creek 

Halo CE/2/Reach

Another symmetrical map, this one is a classic, seems especially well suited for CTF games. Has plenty of power weapons in the center which leads to some really interesting firefights in the centre of the map. Can’t say much more for this one.

2) Lockout/ Blackout (Inspired Guardian) 

Halo 2/3

This is THE asymmetrical map. Lockout and Blackout, and the spiritual successor Guardian will be the standard for all free-for-all maps in Halo forevermore. The multi-leveled and distinct quartered design of the map makes for good team games too. 

1) Blood Gulch/Coagulation/Hemorrhage

Halo CE/2/Reach (3/4) 

Probably the map everyone thinks of when they think Halo, Blood Gulch is a  symmetrical box canyon in the middle of nowhere, and it makes for some of the best damn multiplayer available in shooters. OK, it’s way too big for FFA, but it’s perfect for team games from 4v4s to 8v8s. No matter what play style you adopt, there’s something you can do to help your team in a Blood Gulch map. The abundance of vehicles ensures that you never have to walk if you don’t want to, although more anti-vehicles weapons would be nice. It’s especially rewarding for a sniper as the sides of map have cliffs that overlook most of the map. Even though it may have you wondering why anyone would ever want to fight over the seemingly worthless piece of land, it’s damn fun to fight for it.

Honourable Mention:

The Pit – Halo 3

Narrows- Halo 3

Wizard/ Warlock – Halo:CE/2

Riley D.