Warlock

Warlock
Map overview
Game:	Halo 2
Lore information
Map designation (?):	War Games Map_Set/: 405-2.
Location:	Installation 05
Gameplay overview
Terrain:	Forerunner stone ruins
Recommended number of players:	2-8
Recommended gametype(s):	Slayer CTF Oddball

“

Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, some stubbornly maintain that this structure was once a Forerunner arena.

”

Warlock is the remake of the Halo: Combat Evolved multiplayer map, Wizard, added to Halo 2 in the Bonus Map Pack. It was remade as Warlord in Halo 2: Anniversary.

Setting

"This ancient ruin lies forlorn and forgotten- its purpose lost to the ages- Be it temple or prison-. Warlock may be another key to the mystery of the Forerunners-"

Encountered by long-range survey remotes exploring Delta Halo, this looming and majestic set of structures is comprised of strange stonework that appears to have been transported from another location entirely. Its origins remain open to speculation. As glittering drops of rain fall from rapidly dispersing clouds, sunlight-drenched Warlock hides its original purpose in the moss and ruin of unknowable age. Both Covenant and human troops have passed through here, but an unmistakable sense of foreboding soon drives both from its grim and questionable shelter.

The Forerunner temple in which Warlock is set is a shrine to the four elements - fire, earth, water and sunlight.

Gameplay

Warlock is similar to a dungeon, dark and gloomy. A small level, it has four bases close to one another, teleporters on all four sides, transporting the player to the opposite side of the arena. In the central cavity is an active camouflage inside a mid-column bulge. The outer edges are used in each base as a housing for turrets at each base's ledge, accessible by a fan propelling upward.

Warlock features the same weapon lineup as Wizard, except for some minor changes: the assault rifle, which didn't appear in Halo 2, has been replaced by the battle rifle, the addition of the SMG and the removal of the overshield.

Territories

• Blue Base
• Yellow Base
• Red Base
• Green Base
• Center

Glitches

• Super Bounce: Go to the Blue Base and crouch under the ramp. Then run up jump to the center and jump to the corner of the ramp. Then you should jump really high and get out of the map.

Tactics

• Shotgun: As with all small levels, the shotguns that spawn by the teleporters are highly valuable to you. Keep them close and surprise the enemy. Pair it with the battle rifle to make a better combo.
• Plasma rifle + SMG: Though not an original idea, this combo works and will cause most foes a headache, save for skilled battle rifle wielders who will drop you in a heart beat with just a few careless bursts. On another note, do not attempt the shotgun wielders, as they will normally win when you charge them.
• Battle rifle: Here, the battle rifle is surpassed by combos, plasma grenades and shotguns, but don't fret, as it will score a good amount of kills and force enemies to try and counter you by chasing you when you have to reload or your shields are low. Pair it with the shotgun and a quick reaction time and most enemies can't touch you.
• Dual SMGs: These have a strong advantage over most other weapons because of their long range and ability to wipe out enemy shields extremely quickly. Use them while taking cover by the bases.
• Plasma grenades: If you're ever out of ammo, or low on ammo, be sure to have a couple of these in your pocket to guarantee safety while you find some much needed ammo, though thanks to the small area of the map, unless you're camping, you should not run out of ammo. If you're good at sticking, you'll live for a long time with these.
• Needlers: These pack a tremendous punch when used at close, long, and medium range because of one simple fact: they home in. They're also very powerful when single-wielded, though far more-so when dual-wielded.

Trivia

Production notes

• The design work on Warlock was mostly done by designer Max Hoberman, who wished to bring Wizard from the original game to Halo 2 due to its four-way symmetry, a trait it shares with Foundation. This kind of symmetry makes maps more fun to play with multi-team games, and Hoberman thought it might be interesting to play on Wizard.
• Artist Vic DeLeon was responsible for the art pass on the level. Upon seeing the original layout of Wizard, DeLeon was immediately reminded of a cathedral, and used this to show an evolution of different Forerunner architectural styles.

Trivia

• It is said that Warlock is haunted by hanging bats; however, it is not.
• You can get on top of the map simply by using plasma grenades. Hop on the wall that protects the flag and use a plasma grenade to jump up on a ledge nearby. From there, you can use another plasma grenade (make sure to recharge your shields) to hop up on another ledge and you can walk around above the map. This can be a great sniping spot if no one notices you.

Gallery

Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

• 

  Warlock Map.

• 

  An alpha screenshot of the work-in-progress Warlock.

• 

  Another view of Warlock.

• 

  Overhead view of Warlock.