Boarding Action

Boarding Action is a multiplayer map in Halo: Combat Evolved. It is set in space above the Soell system.

Layout

There are two parallel human battleships, possibly Cruisers, which have had the exterior bulkhead removed and a good portion of the interior exposed to space. There are four teleporters on both ships, two on the first level and two on the fifth level, which are the only means of transportation between the two ships. This map is usually picked by hosts for its extremely exciting sniper and rocket battles. Other hosts may turn off sniping to force players to board the other ship. This usually results in a frenzy of explosions and gunfire near each teleporter as each team frantically tries to stop the other team on their ship. The ships are in fact not that far apart, in truth it is simple to throw a grenade to the other ship.

There are five symmetrical floors on each side, and are exact mirror copies of each other. Teleporters are found on the 1st and 5th floor, each leading into the exact same place on the other side. On the top right corner of each base (looking out), there is a small indent with a power-up.

Learning the layout of this level is more important than most other maps, as the level can be very confusing to inexperienced players, similar to Chiron TL-34.

Tactics

General

An interesting way to simulate ship-to-ship combat is to have 16 players, eight per team, loaded with all Rocket Launchers.
It is not at all uncommon in any game type to find yourself standing directly above or below an enemy as the ships have several floors, with each floor number marked on the wall. Often times, one player will come through a teleporter and run right into another player without warning.
Another popular game type on Boarding Action is all snipers, in either Team Slayer or CTF, because of how many parts of the map are remote to each other, the fact that you can see half of the map from almost any area, and that close range weapons can't reach to most parts of the map. It is possible, however, to headshot an enemy player using the pistol when the shooter and the target are on opposite sides of the map, but this is rare due to the massive distance.
There is an ideal sniper location to the left of the sniper rifle, where it is arduous to locate someone unless you already know of the place. After sniping, though, to avoid giving up your hiding place, back into the corridor and out of sight. If you’ve been spotted, then you can simply jump between the pillars to land on an overshield.

Capture the Flag

If you wish to be the flag carrier, the most direct method is to go through the teleporter on Level 5 and then proceed down to the enemy base. First, you should spawn within close proximity to the flag. Then, go to the left of the flag and go up the first ladder you reach. You should grab the flag, as it will deter any pursuing enemies and offer a quick getaway. If it is vacant, though, don't panic. There is also the Fuel Rod Gun for similar purposes (in Halo PC only). Note: do not grab the flag if you intend to score; eventually, the enemies will simply overwhelm you, grenade you or fire from a relative distance. Run the moment you come within contact of the flag and then scram. However, don't follow this unless you have set up a plan. Position snipers and escort for the getaway. Usually, the first scoring will be the simplest, as the opponents are usually composed of disorganized hassles, unless you are facing a large group of players. However, when you are past the wall and almost at the wall, don't celebrate yet, as you are in an exposed area and are prone to enemy sniper fire.
If you have the sniper rifle, a good idea is to try and take out opponents on the enemy ship while the flag carrier of your team tries to capture the flag or escape back to your base.
You can use close-quarters weapons, such as the Shotgun, or flamethrower (in Halo CE) to defend you base, or your flag from being captured by the enemy team.

Trivia

Miscellaneous

Boarding Action is one of eight space-based multiplayer maps in the Halo franchise, along with Derelict, also in Halo CE, Elongation and Midship in Halo 2, Orbital and Heretic in Halo 3, and Zealot and Anchor 9 in Halo: Reach.
This map is one of the few multiplayer maps which includes all the weapons and power ups.
If the levels model is extracted it can be noted that both sides of the maps are actually of the exact same model ship but on opposite faces of the ships (from above, one side red and one side blue). In addition, the model used in the level was actually copied right next to the original facing the opposite way. This can only be seen if the levels model is extracted from the file.
By spawning a banshee you can explore the top of the ships. They are completely flat and the opposite sides do not have anything on them.

Easter Egg

When examining levels\test\boardingaction\bitmaps\deckdecals.bitmap, you will find a photograph of an unknown woman hidden inside the mesh.

Gallery

Boarding Action Egg.png

The woman in the mesh