It seems pretty fair to say that the hype surroundingHalo Infiniteisn’t going to die out anytime soon. Regardless of how the campaign turns out,Halo Infinite’s multiplayer is receiving a largely positive reception from both new players and long-time fans alike, with the only major criticism being the grindy progression system.
By all accounts,Halo Infinite’s multiplayer is a huge successand the return to form that fans had been longing for. However, there’s plenty of room to grow, and adding classic maps to the game is a sure-fire way for 343 Industries to earn more brownie points from fans.
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Ascension
Halo 2’s Ascension mapcontains everything a goodHalomap should: There’s two towers opposite each other, giving snipers an overview of the map. There’s a large spot of open ground in the middle, forcing players into a mad dash to reach one of the towers before they’re picked off. Lastly, there’s a series of underground pathways that connect all three corners of the map and provide cover from the carnage above.
Some simple bases and a handful of open areas make this one ofHalo’s most rudimentary, yet memorable maps. There’s plenty of room for player agency and tactics on this map, with many veterans of the series knowing to use the underground bridges to sneak up on unsuspecting snipers in the towers. The Banshee in the corner of the map are also a great way to shake up the sniping dynamic; launching a few Banshee bombs into the tower usually gets rid of any opponents currently supressing teammates.
Ascension seems like the perfect fit forHalo Infinite, giving players a map that really hones in on the tight gunplay of the game. Both the new long/mid-range andclose-range weapons ofInfinitecould be implemented well into Ascension, giving players new sniping opportunities while also giving players more means to counter it.
Headlong
Another staple map ofHalo 2, Headlong, puts an emphasis on vehicle combat, giving playersGhosts, Banshees, Warthogs, and Scorpions to mess around with. Headlong features a large ramp in the middle of the map, plenty of vertical space, and a few winding roads at the back of the map. For players who love frantic close-quarters vehicle combat, then Headlong is the ideal map.
On-foot combat is also quite varied on this map, with multiple skyscrapers and construction sites providing players with someverticality and vantage points. The entry points into each building also act as chokeholds, forcing players to either stand their ground or find another way in. A few turrets and some Overshields and Active Camo are sprinkled around the map to add even more variety.
Headlong’s inclusion inHalo Infinitewould make a lot of sense. The new Wasp aerial vehicle is perfectly suited to darting around the construction sites while the new Razorback can make the run to and from the Capture Point much more intense and enjoyable.The Grappleshotis also destined to be used on this map, with players finally being able to scale the tall walls of the skyscrapers within seconds, as opposed to having to climb their way up from the ground level.
Zanzibar
A final entry fromHalo 2,Zanzibar would be a perfect addition toHalo Infinite’s multiplayer. This is yet anotherHalomap that gives players multiple fronts to fight on: There’s the open beach area, where vehicles spawn, the central rotating wheel which can be climbed on, and the interior of the factory at the back of the map. Either side of the wheel there’s a small base, and there’s a walkway leading up to the top of the wheel, all of which can be used for strategic sniping. The Active Camo and the Energy Sword in the middle of the wheel gives one lucky player the ability to wreak havoc on those hiding in the bases.
Halo Infiniteis the perfect new home for Zanzibar, with the new Equipment abilities like theRepulsor and the Drop Wallgiving players some unique new ways to deal with threats on the walkway, or those trying to get to the power weapon goods in the center of the wheel.
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Sword Base
One of themost well-regarded maps inHalo Reach, Sword Base, is a fairly simple map in premise, with it just being two rows of interconnected rooms. But it’s this simplicity that makes the map so memorable. Players would often be sniping from the higher walkways while shotgun-wielding teammates were sat huddled in the one room with the vent. There was a unique frustrating charm that came with every match on Sword Base.
Halo Infinite’snew close-range weaponssuch as the Bulldog, the Mangler, and the Heatwave would all feel right at home on Sword Base. It’s time for a new generation to feel the rush of going up that vent and trying to take on the entire enemy team camping in there.
Haven
Halo 4may not have been every players' cup of tea, but its Haven map harkened back to original maps ofHaloin a delightfully simple, yet effective way. Haven is essentially just a two-story ring, joined by a ramp at the back of the map. This simple layout leads to some pure Slayer action, where a player’s skills are really at the forefront, as opposed to any vehicles or Power Weapons.
Haven is an excellent map to showcaseHalo Infinite’s new balance tweaksand innovations to arena combat. As well as including the aforementioned new close-range weapons, Haven can giveInfiniteplayers a simple and stripped down Slayer experience.
Blood Gulch
Blood Gulch, is the definition of the term “classicHalomap.” Two bases at either end of a canyon, with a long stretch of open ground in between, and a few caves and cliff edges to snipe from. At this point, everyHalofan has played on at least one version of this map, whether that’sHalo 2’s direct remake, “Coagulation,” orHalo 3’s own unique spin on it, “Valhalla.” Even the RTSHalo Warshad its own version of this iconic map.
If not just for tradition, Blood Gulch should make an appearance inHalo Infinite. WhileInfinite’s “Fragmentation” map is quite similar toHalo 3’s Valhalla andHalo 4’s “Ragnarok,” it’s quite a far cry from thatoriginal Blood Gulch map, andInfinite’s wide range of vehicles, weapons, and equipment could make Blood Gulch more intense and memorable than ever.
Halo Infiniteis available now on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
