Scorch Palace is a 4v4 asymmetrical map that supports slayer, strongholds and capture the flag. It is themed after the buried city in the Destiny universe although I have taken liberties for my own artistic vision. I worked hard to capture that mars look while also trying to make unique gameplay in halo 5.

The gameplay is different than traditional halo map design with the highest points of the map located in the center instead of the traditional pit. I tried hard to make each area to be distinct with visual callouts and routes that counter vantage points in the middle; the top middle offers the best sightlines and quickest route around the map however it is very exposed from many angles that offer more safety. Slayer is definitely the best game type for Scorch Palace with strongholds and capture the flag playing competently enough. I have rigorously play tested the map in different playtest lobbies and the map has evolved to what it is now which I believe is a unique map.

The art is also unique for halo with towering skyscrapers that offer a backdrop for the map. I strive to make my maps feel new and different. I put in so many hours messing around with light bake and lighting to make my map feel like its own universe.

The lore of the map is that the weather systems in place failed and sandstorms buried the city. Only those that took refuge inside the buildings are alive. Hundreds of years have passed and the Scorch Palace is the entrance into the buried city. Secrets and myths surround the buried city as the inhabitants seemed to have evolved into something else. All that is known is that guardians protect the Scorch Palace; the only entrance into the buried city.

Weapons on the map: 2x boltshots, 2x Battlerifles, 2x SMG’s.

Power Weapons: 1 Sniper rifle, ! Rocket Launcher.

Also I am new to the community but I have been forging since Halo Reach.

Special Thanks to:

The AmazingE 123

Duke of Mearl

Xdemption

And all the people who have playtested my map and offered me feedback. I hope that all of you enjoy my map and thank you all for your time.

I made updates to the map that include fixing lighting and adding aesthetics to different areas to differentiate the areas for call outs and player orientation. I have also made changes to the weapon layout in order to meet matchmaking requirements.
Update 2. A new art pass was done to meet my expectations as I felt that this map was lacking. I also cleaned up geometry.