Map Strategy: Backwash

"There are strong indications that beneath the shroud of mist drowning this swamp on Delta Halo lies a powerful intelligence."

The first time you fire up a match on Backwash, it seems like you've been dropped off on the Wookie planet Kashyyyk by accident. Towering, twisted trees loom overhead, but do little to shield your suit from the constant splatter of raindrops. Ambient sounds of swamp wildlife convince you that you're not alone in this muddy refuge. In fact, was that noise the muffled musings of floating Forerunner bots? It's dark, damp, and just a bit chilly out here.

Find weapons inside the central structure.

Deliverance … from Safety
Near the spawn point, a rusted industrial structure—a water treatment plant, perhaps—begs to be investigated. Float to the second floor and discover an active camo power-up along with some weapons. After a short drop to the moist ground, it's time to explore a little. The coveted Energy Sword perches atop a fallen log. Some fancy footwork and a steady hand is all it takes to grasp the hilt.

At opposite ends of the map are large covered structures. Additional weapons are inside each one, with grenades peppered about the landscape connecting them. It's not a huge arena by any stretch, but more of an "up close and personal" stage for you to unleash your inner space gladiator with a handful of bloodthirsty fighters.

You won't find any Wookies here.

Expect some intense conflicts in this environment: It's large enough to sneak off and find shelter to recharge your shields, but tight enough to create some static. There's so much atmosphere to soak up, it's hard not to get distracted in the wilds of Backwash!

Backwash is one of five new maps included in the appropriately titled Maptacular Map Packfor Halo® 2. Hardened warriors can purchase these playgrounds of destruction in one of two ways. For a paltry $11.99, Xbox Live®subscribers download the pack to their Xbox® hard drives. Unlucky offline gamers (non-subscribers) who can't take their consoles online can get the new content on DVD in a deluxe edition called the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack, which includes five Maptacular Maps, both Killtacular Maps, two Bonus Maps, the Halo 2 1.1 update, and some extra goodies—all for $19.99.

By Nino Mann