Six new Halo PC online MP maps: Timberland, Death Island, Gephyrophobia, Danger Canyon, Ice Fields, and lastly, Infinity.

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Description: Daytime level with varied terrain based in a forest setting. Terrain features include large tall trees, foliage, rocks, fallen trees, small ponds and streams. The general layout and terrain is relatively symmetric with asymmetric features such as tree cover and foliage being more common towards the center of the level. Such asymmetric features will provide game play variation and strategies and provide unique landmarks for player navigation.

Number of players: 8 – 16

Default vehicles: Ghost
Warthog
Rocket Launcher Warthog

Game types: The design of the level accommodates CTF and Team Slayer with the central pond area and wooded valley offering points of contention that will be used for control point scenarios (King of the Hill modes including Crazy King). The rolling hills, streambeds and gullies that are designed for vehicle traversing will provide connectivity to support the vehicle racing modes. The varied terrain features and ample cover will complement the other more free-form game types such as standard Slayer, Oddball and its variants.

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General Description: Takes place on a large island. The texture set and overall look will be similar to the beach landing in the Silent Cartographer level. Team bases will be located to the north and south of the main island. These will act as flag stations and will be the primary spawn points for players. As the layout of this map is an island, the map's main geometry will be relatively symmetrical with the only differences being hill and rock locations.

The main island, which gradually slopes upwards, will be the primary battleground on the map. Unique features will include a land bridge that extends over a cove and building ruins scattered about for cover. The map will be designed so that controlling the high ground will be the key to victory.

Since this is the first Halo MP map to be surrounded by water, extra attention will be placed on keeping the action on land. The overall shape of the map will be a diamond so players will not be able to approach a base under water. A significant number of rocks and debris will also be placed in the deep water to the east and west of the main island to prevent players from circling the outside of the map.

Number of players: 8 – 16

Default vehicles: Warthog x2 per team (MG and RL variant)
Banshee x1 per team

Game types: Team-based modes will utilize the smaller islands as bases. Control Point scenarios will be primarily concentrated on the main island. Race modes will utilize the entire map.

Additional Death Island Screenshots

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General Description: A misty, murky nightmare of exposed dashes for cover. The enormous 3-lane suspension bridge (note the "tiny" Warthog at the left edge of the image provided) offers excellent attack points ... against players on the lower levels. The balconies on either side of the chasm in turn offer still-better sniper's nests.

At either end of the bridge, intermediate-size networks of tunnels afford base positions and respawn points.

Number of players: 2 – 12

Default vehicles: Warthog
Rocket Launcher Warthog
Banshee

Game types: The bridge offers a natural series of waypoints for race games, while the tunnels provide excellent opportunities for CTF base placement. The series of contrasting exposed and protected points make free-for-all gaming a natural; such widely exposed lands make this map not for the trepidatious.

Additional Gephyrophobia Screenshots

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General Description: Hummocky daylight canyon of intermediate width. Uneven terrain makes even a crouch in open land an effective (if highly temporary) tactical option against foes at the same altitude. Periodic access to indoor cover and a suicidal valley floor make this a map low on opportunities for stealth until the high ground is controlled. With a sniper rifle and the high ground, the rich get richer. For a time.

Number of players: 4 – 16

Default vehicles: Warthog x2 per team (MG and RL variant)
Ghost x2 per team

Game types: The somewhat linear canyon structure makes CTF matches particularly intense; traversing the length of the canyon and negotiating the parapets and other temporary defense points makes for a grueling run with the flag. Free-form games and even races can benefit the patient tactician on this map - hampering others is especially satisfying when there's so far to fall.

Additional Danger Canyon Screenshots

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General Description: Twisting ravines with vehicle and foot tracks up the walls, leading to both indoor cover and outdoor sniping points. Warthog control leans toward the unpredictable at times, especially during rapid changes of direction.

High ground includes points atop hills as well as a key vehicle bridge.

Number of players: 4 – 16

Default vehicles: Warthog
Rocket Launcher Warthog
Banshee

Game types: Tightly niched base points within the ravine structure allow for natural allies in base defense, but the sheer number of blind corners and small hiding places make this map ideal for free-for-all gaming. The timbre of King matches will change dramatically depending on the location of the hill to be controlled.

Additional Ice Fields Screenshots

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General Description: Daytime level with varied terrain. The general layout and terrain is relatively symmetric with asymmetrical trees, rocks, and such. Such asymmetric features will provide game play variation and strategies and provide unique landmarks for player navigation.

Number of players: 8 – 16

Default vehicles: Warthog
Rocket Launcher Warthog
Banshee
Ghost

Game types: The design of the level accommodates CTF with two bases. The figure eight is designed to provide a strong race track to support the vehicle racing modes. The varied terrain will compliment the other more free form game types such as standard Slayer and Oddball and its variants.

Additional Infinity Screenshots