Over the last 20 years, Halo has been a sci-fi video game staple. In that time, players have been able to explore all 106 maps available within the game series. Out of these, there are plenty that are iconic.

Mercy (Halo 5)

From newest to oldest, we’ll start with one of the most beautiful maps available in Halo 5: Mercy. This elaborate Sanghelios map hosts vesper bells, scriptoriums, and oracular pools that were sealed away for two millennia. Players can enjoy the smoothly sculpted architecture best while playing games like Slayer and Free-For-All.

Abandon (Halo 4)

Going back to 2012, Halo 4 holds a smaller creepier map called Abandon. This map is an ONI research facility on Erebus VII. It holds strange tubes with Eiyaa-Mahtuhaa specimens inside. This map offers a scarier space to play games like Slayer, Flood, and Regicide from the dark forest, to cramped hallways.

Guardian (Halo 3)

Halo 3, which arrived in 2009, has several classic maps available to players. One of the larger and more interesting options is the Guardian. This concrete jungle-type map offers several different areas including the sniper tower, dead-end hall, lift, catwalk, and much more. The best games to enjoy within this map include Slayer, Team Slayer, Oddball, and King of the Hill.

Stonetown (Halo 2 Anniversary)

Halo 2 Anniversary and earlier tend to have several memorable maps, but we’ll cut it down to some of the absolute favorites. Stonetown was a revision of Halo 2’s Zanzibar, one of the larger favorite maps. This wind-powered station offers tons of space to hide and run from adversaries. One of the most nostalgic maps to play Slayer, Assault, and Capture the Flag.

Ascension (Halo 2)

Ascension, also known as Zenith in Halo 2 Anniversary, is one of the more open maps. Featuring large sniper towers and an underground labyrinth for players to get lost chasing each other in. Some of the best games to play here are Slayer, Team Sniper, Capture the Flag, and Oddball.

Blood Gultch (Halo: Combat Evolved)

Taking it all the way back to 2001, Blood Gultch, also known as Coagulation in Halo 2, is one of the most nostalgic maps within the series. Consisting of a valley between mountain peaks, players can chance traveling across the plain between the two stations, or hideout in the mountains to snipe unsuspecting players. This map works best with Slayer, Capture the Flag, and Team Slayer.

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