1f:T7a9,Pioneer

By Squally DaBeanz

"Construction of refineries and other industrial sites is a vital step in early colonization efforts of hostile terrain."

Pioneer is a large asymmetrical BTB map themed as an industrial site in the edge of a desert, and is heavily based on the Halo Reach firefight map "Unearthed". The map mainly consists of the large refinery compound, the pipeline running through it, and the surrounding dunes and smaller structures around it.

The goal was to take the basic layout and idea of Unearthed and apply that to a BTB map that could effectively support Scorpion tank gameplay. This was achieved by giving the Scorpions plenty of wide open space and rolling cover. Due to its slower speed and inability to shoot targets at close range, the Scorpion requires larger areas between it and any incoming attackers. The rolling dunes allow the Scorpion driver to see any approaching threats with enough time to react, while also providing cover from long sightlines and other vehicles. There are, however, several choke points for the Scorpions on the map. Drivers are still required to play cautiously with the Scorpion, and are better suited to locking down various areas of the map and supporting teammates.

The map itself has a large variety of weapons and spaces to interact with. Power weapons include turrets, a Rocket Launcher, a SAW, a Gravity Hammer, A Hydra, A Sentinel Beam, Needlers, and more. The Strongholds on the map are located on the tower toward the end of the pipeline, in the armory just outside of the main facility, and the load zone on the side of the facility opposite the armory. Red team spawns in a garage in the back of the facility, while blue team spawns on a landing pad out in the dunes.