Halo games are known for having some exciting campaigns, but what keeps most fans coming back is the classic multiplayer. With the launch of Halo Infinite last month, 343 Industries looked to keep the multiplayer gameplay fresh for new and returning fans. Besides adding several new weapons to the series, such as the Heatwave and Shock Rifle, the developers crafted a selection of new maps for players to experience. One of these new maps introduced in Halo Infinite was Behemoth.
A 4v4 multiplayer map, Behemoth is set in a desert on the Halo ring Installation 07. Large Forerunner structures serve as the main bases for teams while towers are positioned on opposite sides of the map. In addition, there is a bottom passage that connects the 2 bases together. While this desert map might look aesthetically pleasing, many fans are frustrated about its playability for Capture the Flag (CTF) in ranked Arena playlists. Fortunately for those unsatisfied with the design, it appears that 343 Industries has heard the complaints of fans.
Recently, John ‘Unyshek’ Junyszek, Community Manager for 343 Industries, posted an update on the Halo Waypoint forum about the status of the controversial Behemoth map. In the message, he revealed that Behemoth was being disabled from ranked Arena playlists in Halo Infinite for the foreseeable future. According to Unyshek, one of the main issues was that the map was “creating a more frenetic match pace than desired.”
While the map was temporarily removed from ranked matchmaking, the update from Unyshek revealed that the developers intended to return it to the Arena playlist in the future. However, if it returned, it would be in a significantly modified form. The update from 343 Industries noted that changes were needed in regard to spawning and map cover. Based on data from the developer, spawning often seemed too random. In addition, the game studio found that not enough cover was given to players when trying to reposition around the map. The update pointed out that the long-range Battle Rifle made this problem even worse.
Following this announcement from 343 Industries, many gamers celebrated the removal of CTF on Behemoth. Many notable figures from the Halo Infinite competitive scene were among those that were pleased to see the map be removed from ranked. The Halo eSports team known as eUnited jokingly sent its condolences to the map. “From the entire Halo community: So long, Behemoth,” the tweet read. In addition, Royale 1, the coach for the Sentinels Halo team, simply said, “W.”
It will be interesting to see what changes the developers at 343 Industries make to map if and when it is eventually reinstated into the ranked Arenas playlist. Hopefully, these decisions from the studio make the multiplayer in Halo Infinite more enjoyable for gamers.
Halo Infinite is available now on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: Dexerto