Halo 4 ‘Castle Map Pack’ announced for April

343 Industries has announced the third War Games Map Pack for Halo 4, the Castle Map Pack. Launching on Monday, April 8, the Castle Map Pack — designed by Certain Affinity — focuses on team objective and vehicular combat with the addition of three new "medium-to-large" maps and a new 6 vs 6 playlist. In addition to the new gameplay strategies introduced, the Castle Map Pack will offer nine new Achievements for a total of 250 Gamerscore.

Right now, though, we care only about the new maps. Below are the full descriptions of the new maps and modes, along with a trailer for the map pack.

New Battlegrounds: Castle Map Pack

Daybreak: Two UNSC bases oppose each other in this large asymmetrical map. Teams must split focus between attacking the enemy base while playing close defense to their own. Claim your team’s sniper rifle to cover the central Man Cannon, or grab a Warthog to push through the side channels and flank the enemy base. The Rocket Launcher and Banshee both spawn in positions diagonal to the starting bases; claiming their firepower early is crucial to land the first flag cap or take an early lead in kills.

Outcast: Controlling vehicle paths is critical in this circular map set in a desert environment. Outcast features frequent Mantis vs. Wraith battles, so teams must keep their drivers informed with constant communication to get the drop on enemy vehicles. While driving the Mantis, you can target fusion coils in tunnels to flush out camping opponents directly into your rain of fire, or cover your flag runner’s dash to a friendly Warthog. If you find yourself without a vehicle, race to the secondary bases to secure a power weapon or drop on enemies for a game-changing hijack.

Perdition: Blending long sightlines, vehicles, and close-quarters combat, Perdition caters to nearly any gameplay style. Wheelmen and gunners will be right at home in this urban environment as a well-placed Warthog can lock down a quarter of the map, securing valuable ordnances for the team. Learning the interior routes is essential to both escaping danger and finishing off ranged kills. Be sure to look for the Gravity Hammer in Power Station 3 – an ideal revenge weapon against a pesky sniper or a big surprise for an enemy Warthog.

New Playlist: “Castle DLC”

The Castle Map Pack brings a new playlist to the War Games experience called “Castle DLC,” a six-versus-six playlist that focuses on both team play and coordinated objective gameplay.

The new maps will also be integrated into existing Infinity Slayer, Big Team Objective, and Dominion playlists. DLC maps will appear in a playlist if all members of the match have the content purchased or the War Games Map Pass.

The Castle Map Pack will be available on Xbox LIVE for 800 Microsoft Points. Those who already have the Halo 4 Map Pass will be able to download the new add-on for free. If you don't already own the War Games Map Pass or Halo 4 Limited Edition, you can buy it today and receive all three Map Packs (Crimson, Majestic, and Castle) for a 15% discount versus purchasing them each individually.