343 Industries promises that Halo 5: Guardians‘ Warzone multiplayer mode will feature environments several times bigger than any previous map in the series, as well as 12-on-12 matches that still manage to feel like classic Halo. In keeping with the tradition of extravagant promotional and marketing events for the series, the studio has unveiled the latest Warzone map at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con … and it’s made out of Mega Bloks.
“Raid on Apex 7,” which Microsoft and 343 say is the “largest Warzone level to date” and the successor to the original Halo‘s “Silent Cartographer” map, was made out of roughly 90,000 Mega Bloks over a period of 16 weeks in preparation for Comic-Con. For reference, the $250 “Forward Unto Dawn” spaceship set from 2012 contained less than 3,000 pieces. Assuming the price would be based on piece count, this would make a potential retail cost of this set about $7,500.
The new map mixes the UNSC and Forerunner installations — including a Spire near the center — with more natural elements like palm trees and a clear blue sea. The artificial structures appear to have been built with stealth in mind, barely visible underneath the rocky caves and mountains. The Spire emits the classic Forerunner blue glow, possible through a series of “interactive LED lights.” The aforementioned “Forward Unto Dawn” set also featured lights, although they were limited to a small Cortana figure inside the ship.
The announcement also suggests that the Warzone maps might be more dynamic than originally thought, stating each team’s goal will be to “push for control of the island and take out the opposition’s core … before you awaken something much worse.” The Covenant remain a threat throughout the match, but could a massive, two-team boss fight make its way into Warzone? We’ll find out when Halo 5: Guardians launches exclusively for Xbox One on October 27.
