The Halo series has introduced a huge number of maps over the years, many of which have become iconic and memorable for many fans.
This list takes a look at the best maps the Halo games have to offer, and dives into just what makes these maps so special to players.
So without further ado, here are the top 10 multiplayers maps in Halo!
10. Guardian (Halo 3)
We’re starting things off with one of Halo 3’s best 4v4 maps, Guardian. It’s kinda weird this map has never been remade – it’s a fan favourite, and it’s easy to see why.
It has a cool aesthetic, and the gameplay is top-notch. It’s not the most inventive map, but it’s very enjoyable and manages to strike a nice balance between fun and competitive.
9. Avalanche (Halo 3)
One of Halo 3’s best 8v8 maps, Avalanche, takes spot number nine on the list. I’m a sucker for a good snowy map in video games, and Avalanche definitely stands out as a great wintery map to get stuck into.
There’s a large array of vehicles to pilot, and the map quickly turns into a chaotic battlefield with rockets, snipers, wraiths and hornets on both sides. It’s a great map for CTF, and manages to surpass its Halo: CE predecessor Sidewinder.
8. Sword Base (Halo: Reach)
Sword Base is a map you either love or hate.
It can be easy to get tunnel vision and file into the grav lift over and over, and there’s often someone camping at the other end ready to ruin your day. For me though, I love the choice of power weapons and the layout of each floor.
Once you learn how to play it, it becomes a lot more enjoyable. The bridges connecting both sides of the map allow for good long-range gameplay, and the corridors and rooms are perfect for cutting through a team with the sword or shotgun.
7. Sanctuary (Halo 2)
I’m not a super competitive Halo player, but in my opinion, few maps in the Halo series are as balanced as Sanctuary. There’s room for tons of skill expression due to the map’s design, and the placement of the power weapons is perfect.
It never feels unfair, and there’s plenty of cover unlike some of Halo 2’s maps. Sanctuary has been remade multiple times, but the classic version still holds up today as one of Bungie’s best.
6. The Pit (Halo 3)
The Pit is everything you could want from a competitive Halo map.
There’s an opportunity for players to truly show off their skill here, and the weapon placements are perfect for encouraging players to take risks to gain an advantage.
The map tells a cool story too – it’s a training facility attached to an aircraft hangar where Spartans take part in live combat training, and there are Brute and Jackal targets in various places which you can shoot. It’s just a great map overall.
5. Spire (Halo: Reach)
Some might be surprised to see Spire so high, and there’s one simple reason for its placement here. Spire is the perfect Invasion map.
Invasion was one of Reach’s best game modes, and it saw a team of Spartans facing off against a team of elites in 6v6 objective-based combat. Spire was pretty much built for it, and the feeling of fighting up into the Covenant spire itself was unmatched. If any multiplayer map came close to replicating the feeling of taking part in the Human-Covenant war, it was this one.
4. Lockout (Halo 2)
I have no doubt that Lockout would be number one on a lot of Halo 2 player’s lists, but for me it doesn’t quite reach the top spot. It’s still a great map though, and one of Halo 2’s best.
Just like Sanctuary or The Pit, Lockout is the perfect blend of casual and competitive. If you’re good enough, you can totally take over the map with the sniper, but it rarely feels impossible for a team to fight back. Definitely a classic.
3. Ivory Tower (Halo 2)
There’s a lot of competition between the best 4v4 maps in Halo, but Ivory Tower just has something special about it. I don’t know if it’s the creative layout or the great visual design, but Ivory Tower just stands out among Halo 2’s map selection.
It has a balcony overlooking the central area, rockets hidden among the water features and a cool ramp area with a huge window overlooking the city. And most importantly, it’s fun as hell. It even has a gorgeous remake in Halo: Reach.
2. Sandtrap (Halo 3)
Not all maps need to be competitive to be top tier, and Sandtrap is the perfect example of that.
This map is delightfully chaotic. There’s a huge number of vehicles and wide open spaces to use them in, and it has an impressive sense of scope. However, the best part of it is the Elephant, which is a vehicle exclusive to Sandtrap. These hilariously slow transport vehicles are absolutely incredible in CTF games or just for messing around in general.
I’m still waiting for them to make their triumphant return in a new game, but until then I’ll be driving at 3mph on Sandtrap.
1. Blood Gulch (Halo: CE)
Blood Gulch is simply one of the most iconic maps in video game history.
Nothing matches those mad Warthog dashes across the canyon with the enemy flag in tow. It’s perfect for large-scale objective gameplay and it has a brilliant open layout, which is why it’s been remade and re-imagined in almost every Halo title.
You could argue Halo 2’s Coagulation or Halo 3’s Valhalla did the “canyon with two bases” concept better, but sometimes we have to appreciate the originals, and Blood Gulch is just an absolute classic.
(Honourable mentions: Ascension, Terminal, Haven, Valhalla, Last Resort, Countdown)
What are your picks for the best Halo maps? Let us know on social media!
Shop with GameByte!
Don’t forget, you can find some of these great games and more through the new GameByte Shop! The GameByte Shop is stocked up with the latest games, merch and accessories. We might even have a new-gen console or two! Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of our console drops. Please note the GameByte Shop is available for UK customers only.
[Featured Image Credit: Microsoft]