The top 5 best Halo maps of all-time

Hamza Khalid
Best Halo maps of all time

Halo has some of the most popular multiplayer modes of all time, with many different and unique maps for players to duke it out on. Some of these stand out more than others, and we’ve gone over the best Halo maps.

After a series of delays, we’ll see the official release of the highly-anticipated Halo Infinite during fall 2021, and fans are tremendously excited. Halo players have differing opinions regarding which games are the best, but they’re still eager about its release.

While the franchise also gets love for its story, gameplay, and characters, Halo’s multiplayer maps are some of the most iconic and popular ones in video game history. Many of them offer unique scenarios for competition, and some are more beloved than others.

This is why we’ve gone through every title in the franchise to decide our picks for the 5 best Halo multiplayer maps of all time.

Master Chief in Halo Infinite

The best Halo maps of all-time

The entire Halo franchise is filled with a wide selection of multiplayer maps that are suited for different types of combat, with many standouts like Warlock and Midship that have received wide acclaim.

We’ve put together this list by judging them based on a variety of factors like their overall popularity among fans, the versatility of combat, how iconic they’ve become in the series over the years, and our personal preferences.

5. Hang ‘Em High (Halo: CE)

This iconic Halo map is well remembered by many fans and often finds its way onto lists like this for good reason. If you want to battle your buddy in a 1v1 fight, then this is the perfect map to settle the score.

The area has a giant open space in its center, with a series of tunnels and walkways for you to make your way through during close combat situations. This makes the map perfect for playing with both small and large groups of players.

Hang ‘Em High’s versatility has made it commonplace for objective game types, especially Capture The Flag. This is because the towers in the area are difficult to reach, which makes them an ideal hiding spot for the flag.

Hang ‘Em High in Halo: CE

4. Guardian (Halo 3)

Halo fans often engage in game modes like Oddball and Team Doubles on Guardian. This is because the map has consisted of multiple levels with a variety of different narrow and tight spaces in which you can battle your opponents.

As you make your way through the different hallways and levels, you’ll encounter enemies around every corner and will have to respond quickly. That’s a recipe for an intense and fast-paced match of Halo, in which you must constantly check your corners.

There is even a circular arena in the center of this map, and a few Gravity Lifts that you can use to get across the area quickly. Plus, you can get yourself out of an ambush by using any of the various escape routes that available.

Not to mention, you can find the Gravity Hammer and active camouflage when exploring Guardian, which adds incentive to play more competitively. That solidifies it as one of the best Halo multiplayer maps of all time.

Guardian in Halo 3

3. Zanzibar (Halo 2)

Zanzibar is another iconic location that players fondly remember from Halo 2. You’ll find wide-open spaces, vehicles, and a giant spinning wheel in the middle that is visible from almost anywhere on the map.

This is one of the most interactive locations in the game as you can ride the aforementioned wheel and gain access to the Energy Sword and Rocket Launcher, which are two of the best Halo weapons. You can also press several buttons to alter the map’s environment.

You’ll find opportunities for intense mid-range combat due to the wide-open spaces and vehicles. Some players will spawn at the beaches and others will chase objectives during defend and attack game modes.

Halo 2: Anniversary introduced an improved version of this area which is called Stonetown, but most players still consider Zanzibar to be the superior location.

Zanzibar from Halo 2

2. Blood Gulch (Halo: CE)

This entry isn’t surprising in the slightest, as you’ll find Blood Gulch in many other lists. It’s one of the most easily recognizable maps in entire the Halo series and is one that many fans would frequently visit.

The reason this map is so memorable is because of its simplicity and open spaces. While many other areas are filled with complex machinery, terrains, and tight corners, it’s refreshing to play in a location that doesn’t bother with that.

You can enjoy the simplistic but beautiful scenery while driving around the spacious grounds in your vehicle. The map’s overwhelming popularity even led to its recent inclusion in Fortnite Season 5 as a playable location.

Overall, this map makes up for its simplicity with its memorability, and it has definitely earned this spot on our list of the best Halo maps of all time. Hopefully, we’ll see it return in Halo Infinite.

Blood Gulch in Halo: Combat Evolved

1. Lockout (Halo 2)

The number 1 spot on this list goes to Lockout, which is one of the most revered maps among the Halo community at large, and for good reason. While this isn’t the largest area to compete in, it has the versatility and an added element of danger.

It’s easy to fall off the edge of the map if you’re not careful, and other players can also knock you off when you’re not looking. You can also take advantage of the location’s narrow corners to engage in close-quarters combat.

You should get your hands on the Energy Sword as soon as you can since it will help you absolutely dominate your enemies during close-quarters encounters, and you will find Swords-only Slayer to be ridiculously fun.

Lockout was remade in Halo 3 as Blackout, but it doesn’t hold a candle to its predecessor. Lockout is not only the best Halo map of all time, but it’s also one of the best competitive FPS multiplayer maps of all time.

Lockdown in Halo 2

That covers our picks for the best Halo multiplayer maps of all time. This series is filled with some truly amazing locations to battle on, with a few other close contenders like The Pit and Midship almost making this list.

Hopefully, you agreed with some of the maps we picked. Keep in mind that this was simply our opinion. If we’ve missed any map that you would put on your own list then be sure to let us know!

Image Credits: Bungie / 343 industries

About The Author

Hamza is a Content Creator & Publisher at Charlie INTEL, who graduated from Bahria University with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. He's spent the past few years covering news and guides for various video games, including Call of Duty and Apex Legends. He loves digital art, movies, and comic books. You can contact Hamza at [email protected].