Halo 4’s second map pack, Majestic, adds three new maps designed for close-quarters, fast-paced combat. They’re small in size, densely-packed, and great for 8-player matches. They also feature some of the best backdrops in the entire game, but don’t get caught staring! The kills come fast and hard in the Majestic maps, so you’ll want to be ready. Here’s your guide to survival…
Skyline
The first thing you’re going to want to do on Skyline is load it up in a custom game by yourself and stare at that backdrop for a few minutes. The actual map is pretty bland, but the city backdrop is stunning. Don’t get caught staring when the action is happening. Testing the water is a good idea anyway, because Skyline’s layout is a bit confusing at first. It’s a symmetrical map, but it’s sort of like a square split diagonally and inverted on one side. That’s something that you won’t be able to get a handle on in a normal match because Skyline gameplay is so hectic.
Skyline Tips & Tricks
- Skyline is a tiny map, so you’ll want to spec out your Spartan accordingly. The Assault Rifle, Suppressor, and Repeater are your friends on this map. Also choose AA that works well in close quarters; Jet Pack and Thruster Pack are solid choices. The SAW is brilliant on this map, and you can get it if you…
- Use Ordnance Priority! Seriously, the kills come fast enough on this map that you’ll be dropping ordnance in no time. Step it up a notch with Ordnance Priority and you’ll be able to get the Callin’ in the Big Guns achievement too.
- Try to limit your backpedaling on this map. Play aggressively, even if that means aggressively running for cover. Keep moving forward, because it'll prevent you from running into a freshly respawned opponent.
Monolith
Monolith is probably about as close to a tournament-style, Haven-esque map as you can get while still being interesting. Haven is bland, Monolith is brilliant. It manages to feel dense and busy, while being small and still offering really good sightlines. You may be thinking Assault Rifle here, but you’re honestly going to have more success with a precision weapon. Bring your Battle Rifle or DMR.
Monolith Tips & Tricks
- Despite this map’s size, you’ll want a long range weapon because you can often see enemies clear across the map. That said, don’t discount all the crevices you can use to avoid snipers. Learn the low roads and outer edges of the map and you can maintain an advantage with any weapon.
- Many Halo maps have offered skilled players some platforming aspect to work with. Monolith is absolutely a map you’ll want to practice your parkour on. There are obvious paths that can only be enjoyed with well-timed jumps. Experiment with unconventional paths to get the drop on opponents.
- Two man cannons on the map propel you from one side to the other, but take care in checking your intended destination. I can’t tell you how many times I thought I was gaining an edge using it when I would have been better off sticking to the pathways along the outskirts of the map.
- Pulse Grenades, largely considered a waste, actually get some practical use on Monolith and the rest of the Majestic Map Pack. Use them to block paths and wear down shields, and use the Grenadier package so you can carry two!
Landfall
Like Skyline, Landfall requires a little bit of time in a solo custom game before you go into real matches. Depicting a Covenant invasion from the past, this map features the kind of backdrop that makes me wish Halo 4 didn’t take place entirely on a Forerunner installation. The sad thing is that in practice, the action-packed skybox is barely visible in this map’s most contentious areas. Landfall feels bigger than Monolith and Skyline, but you’ll be surprised by how quick and close the combat remains.
Landfall Tips & Tricks
- The first order of business is to get a feel for Landfall’s high traffic areas. While it can vary from gametype to gametype, in Infinity Slayer you’ll find that the central interior areas are where most of the fighting happens. Learn those in and out, and use the outskirts to circle around and flank opponents.
- Both precision and close quarters weapons work well here. As for AA, Jetpack is a good option because there’s space for it and plenty of catwalks to leap up to. Open areas with sightlines into the center make the Auto Sentry a dominant AA option on this map as well.
- Power weapons can turn the tide more so than on most other maps in Halo 4. Keep an eye out for Rocket Launchers and SAWs. It’s almost like oldschool Halo map control!
- Classic Halo explosive barrels make their return here, so if you see an enemy run past them, blow them up for a quick and easy kill.
- Almost every spot on Landfall has a high ground and a low ground. Learn to use your motion tracker’s indicators to assess whether someone is above or below you.
And there you have it. The Majestic Map Pack offers three small maps that keep the combat fast and intense. Experiment with your loadouts, learn to play more quickly and aggressively, and abide by the tips above. Questions, comments? Share them in the comments section below.
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