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Halo Alpha
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“
Even untold centuries of abandonment and neglect failed to stall the smooth operation of this ancient relay station.[1]
”


Pinnacle is a map variant of Forge World. It is a remake of Ascension from Halo 2, built into the Pillar. Some Forge items such as the center dish and "Tower of Power" were created specifically for, but not limited to, Pinnacle. Pinnacle appears in matchmaking in a variety of playlists. The playlists that Pinnacle is located in are Team SWAT, Team Slayer, all objective game modes and is also featured in the recently introduced living dead playlist

Layout[]

There is a huge 'radar' dish in the center of the map that acts as the center point for travel (and conflict), consequently, it is also the least safe area to travel through. Platforms and a few structures that can barely be classified as 'buildings' cling to the edges of the mountaintop, and the provide transit around the edges of the level. Because of the open nature of the level (only the lower platforms on the Rocket Launcher and Sniper Rifle sides of the map are out of sight), Sniper class weapons are highly effective, and any Armor Abilities that can shield or defend against long range weapons fire are quite useful.

If we treat the DMR structure as northwest, there is an open platform on the southwest, a sniper perch in the east, and on a lower level, the Rocket Launcher platform to the 'south'. You can also walk north to reach the Needler, or down the northeast through a very small structure that houses the Shotgun and an teleporter exit. The southern platform holding the Rocket Launcher has both a machine gun and a teleporter egress, because both are static, forced exit routes, it pays to monitor their exit locations if you know someone has just gone for the rockets.

There are two Sniper Rifles present on this map, both on the north side of the level, both also conveniently located with nearby access to either of the two sniper perches on the northwest or east sides of the level. You need to be constantly vigilant for snipers making use of those perches, as they command a clear view of most of the map, and they will rack up a substantial frag lead if you let them.

Other weapons (and medkits) are distributed roughly evenly around the map, but we recommend you avoid the pathway the western platform and the northwestern DMR structure, as you are very exposed on it, and there are no significant key weapons anywhere along the pathway. If you can't get your hands on one of the Sniper Rifles, you can secure a DMR from the northwest or west structures, or on the ground to the south of the center platform. Keeping your distance and picking off targets with the DMR is quite effective, given the open layout of the level.

The Needlers and Shotgun have varying effectiveness. Burn off Needler ammo on targets in the open center, and if you take the Shotgun, try to confine your fighting to the lower northeastern platforms, or the structure to the northwest, both areas where you can force a close range engagement. Grenades are useful for flushing targets out of the eastern or northeastern structures, but don't try to do an open approach simply to throw grenades - just make use of them once you are actually in range.

Sprint is helpful here for moving around quickly, though because all parts of the map are connected to the central section, it isn't absolutely vital for reaching Power weapons quickly. Jetpack is downright dangerous here, you're hugely exposed almost anywhere on the map, and there are very few vertical areas that need to be accessed quickly, the 'finesse' Armor Abilities are all quite useful here. Active Camo, Hologram, Armor Lock, and Drop Shield can all be put to good use. Drop Shield is a bit more useful than Armor Lock for saving yourself from snipers, while camo or Holograms can be used for tricky shenanigans anywhere on the level.

Locations[]

  • Dish
  • Landing Pad
  • Base
  • Sniper Nest

Tactics[]

  • During Infection gametypes, it may be a good idea to for the humans to take the sniper tower and hold the position with ranged weapons (Assault Rifles and DMRs work well here. Use anything but a shotgun or sword, or anything low-powered, like a Plasma Pistol). This will allow the humans to quickly kill the infected with minimal risk (the infected spawn with Energy Swords and no grenades, forcing the infected to have to get up the tower to infect the humans).
  • Moving around on this map is recommended, given there are few fully-covered hiding spots for the player to stay.
  • The DMR is invaluable on this map, given its open nature. Getting to the DMR is relatively easy, and it is well worth the effort to do so.
  • Team SWAT is not recommended for this map because if you control the high ground, the South tower, and the North sniper tower, you can easily snipe people below, but that can be countered on the West platform.

Changes from Ascension[]

  • The tripod-like structure no longer moves, as it is a forge piece.
  • Many small tactical jumps are no longer possible, such as the one from the rock near the needler spawn to the top of the island.
  • The tower opposite the rocket spawn is now standing alone; there is no taller tower behind it.
  • Being forged, the theme and setting has completely changed; it is now grassy, and it is now set on Forge World rather than Installation 05.

Videos[]

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