Microsoft Reveals Halo’s Biggest Map Yet (Using… Mega Bloks?)

You may have already heard about Halo 5‘s Warzone mode, the abandoned Halo 2 multiplayer concept that’s being ressurected for Guardians. Warzone is a Battlefield-esque gametype featuring 12v12 PVP, additional AI controlled enemies, vehicle combat, and points to capture. It’s Halo‘s biggest multiplayer mode yet, and as a result, it’s going to need some big maps.

Today, Microsoft unveiled a mock-up of one of those maps–the biggest Halo map to date. The model is of a map called “Raid on Apex 7,” and they made it out of Mega Bloks.

That’s right, Mega Bloks. You know… not-Legos.

Raid on Apex 7 is 343’s re-imagining of Halo: Combat Evolved‘s “The Silent Cartographer,” a campaign level that still feels pretty big by FPS standards. Utilizing the setting’s existing geography and background to their advantage, 343 has transformed the classic Halo map into a very practical addition to the Warzone gametype. 

The forerunner spire at the center of Apex 7 is populated by Covenant forces, which must be cleared out before the point can be captured. Don’t consider the covenant down for the count just because you’ve taken the spire, either; they’ll fight to recapture it, forcing players to defend themselves from covenant and spartans alike. 

The spire can be taken by land, sure. Or you can do the cool thing and infiltrate the base via the island’s network of tunnels and caves, but be wary; from the sound of Microsoft’s official description for the map, something sinister lurks in the depths beneath Apex 7.

“Continue the push for control of the island and take out the opposition’s core… before you awaken something much worse.”

I’m no expert, but that sounds like the Flood to me.

Take back the spire on October 27th later this year, when Halo 5: Guardians is officially released.