Colossus (map)

This article is about the multiplayer map. For the powered exoskeleton, see Colossus.

Colossus
Map overview
Game:	Halo 2
Map file name (?):	colossus
Lore information
Map designation (?):	War Games Map_Set/: 201-7
Location:	Forerunner gas mine, Thresholdian satellite
Gameplay overview
Terrain:	Forerunner architecture
Map layout:	Symmetrical
Recommended number of players:	4-14
Recommended gametype(s):	Slayer CTF Assault Territories

“

Numerous scientific expeditions have failed to reveal what the Forerunners intended with all this damn gas.

”

Colossus is a symmetrical multiplayer arena map in Halo 2.

Universe and lore

Colossus is set within a Forerunner gas mine orbiting Threshold. While similar to the gas mine occupied by Sesa 'Refumee and his followers in the wake of the Battle of Installation 04, this facility is entirely separate. Scans of the facility were collected by the UNSC Red Horse in its survey of the area, and later corroborated through dialogue between allied humans and Sangheili. Scans of the facility were eventually utilized for Spartan War Games training simulations. The environment's symmetry, scalability, and obstacles presented unique challenges for Spartans, becoming a favorite of fireteam leaders, particularly for objective-based combat simulations.

Overview

Layout

Colossus is a symmetrical map that consists of four primary areas with a high degree of verticality. The first area is the long corridor in the middle of the map. Here, players can find an Overshield on the far wall opposite the gravity lift. This long corridor acts a gorge between the Red and Blue sides of the map. Both sides along with the central corridor in the middle lead to the fourth part of the map, an area consisting of several ramps and elevated platforms. Here, players can find a shotgun at the bottom of the ramp and a beam rifle at the top of the lift that propels players from the lower corridor to the upper part of the ramp area.

• 

  The loading screen for the map in Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

Territories

The following are locations on the map that are identified as zones in the Territories game mode:

• Command Deck
• Trench
• Red Base
• Blue Base

Tactics

1. Colossus is an oversized map, but there isn't much breathing room. Snipers will most likely camp on the opposite side of the map and pick you off, either with a distanced weapon, battle rifle, Covenant carbine or long-ranged sniper rifles. Don't let this happen. Know the course, and know the paths that will block their fire, or at least let you get your shields up before dying.
2. The walkway near the gravity lift is a popular battle spot. Check around corners and prepare for the worst anytime you're near there, and make sure to watch your back/each other's backs.
3. The mid-sized windows near each ramp to the aforementioned walkway can be jumped through, for surprise or quick maneuvering.
4. On the previous note, expect grenades to be thrown through them, and do so yourself. If there's a blip on your radar, or if there's someone that just went up a ramp, don't hesitate to toss a grenade or two up through them; it could mean the difference between full shield and no shield.
5. Sniper rifles are commonly used on this map. Don't hesitate to grab them, as they're infinitely useful.
6. Use the explosive containers to your advantage; shoot them when enemies are close to them.
7. Utilize the overshield, which can mean a win or loss and is invaluable for games CTF and Assault.
8. The overshield is in a bad spot near the two holes at the end of the conveyor belt. A person can sneak up and knock a player in to the Abyss leaving the overshield useless.
9. Pushing a gas can into the gravity lift can score you an occasional kill.
10. A good trick is to collect as many plasma grenades as you can, then hang in one of the two huge windows near the bottomless pits (where the gas canisters drop into) and blast everyone who shows up. The gas canisters provide a high advantage, if you see a filled one and somebody standing near it, simply by firing at the canister can cause it to explode and kill anyone near it.

Production notes

• At the beginning of the map's development process, its internal name was "Cloud City," presumably in reference to the location of the same name in the Star Wars universe.
• Early in the map's development, Colossus was concepted to be an underground storage facility on Installation 05 with large amount of open space and bins of materials like dirt, gravel, and lumber spilling onto the floor. It was also intended to feature the ATV (later called the Mongoose).
• Colossus was made using many assets from the campaign levels The Arbiter and The Oracle.
  • Looking through the various windows throughout the level reveals a swirling storm much like that which is visible on the aforementioned levels.

Gallery

Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

Development images

• 

  The first layout of Colossus. The map design was eventually scrapped and the name repurposed to what would be seen in the final release.

• 

  A design document of Colossus from the development of Halo 2.

• 

  A closer view of floor plan of the map from the previous image.

Screenshots

• 

  The map's central gravity lift.

• 

  A view of Colossus from the top of the map.

• 

  A view of one of the sides of Colossus, as seen from over the central trench.

• 

  A view of Colossus from the bottom of the map.