Gameplay

Cliffhanger

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki

This article is about the multiplayer map. For the medal, see Cliffhanger (medal).
Cliffhanger
Screenshot of Cliffhanger.
Map overview

Game:

Halo Infinite

Lore information

Location:

ONI Ilex Facility[1]

Gameplay overview

Terrain:

Rocks, snow, ice, human structures[2][3]

Map layout:

Asymmetrical[2][3]

Recommended number of players:

8 (4v4)[2]

Recommended gametype(s):

 
High altitude. Highly classified.

Cliffhanger is a multiplayer arena map that was included in Halo Infinite's Season 03: Echoes Within.[2][4][3]

Universe and lore[edit]

Cliffhanger is set in and around the Office of Naval Intelligence's Ilex Facility,[1] a black site atop an ice-covered mountain on an unknown planet.[2][3] This ONI facility was established as early as 2555 with the launch of the Zeta Halo project and it is dedicated to the study and analysis of UNSC findings brought back from Installation 07. Particular attention has been invested in attempting to reverse engineer Forerunner architectural structures, as well as construction and remediation techniques utilized within the species various facilities. However, in order to replicate such systems, it would require immense amounts of power and creative solutions on an equally immense scale.[5][1]

Another Halo Infinite map, Illusion, is set in the same facility as Cliffhanger.

Overview[edit]

Layout[edit]

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Callouts[edit]

The following are locations on the map that are so named on the player's heads-up display during gameplay:

  • Cliffside Trail
  • Platform
  • Antenna
  • Deck
  • Pipes
  • Hex Roof
  • Horseshoe
  • Enclave
  • Icicles
  • Tanks
  • Hex Basement
  • Radiator
  • Sanctuary
  • Creek
  • Red Hallway

Production notes[edit]

  • Biome diversity was a major consideration for the art team when designing Cliffhanger. The team wanted it to feel different from other maps based around human structures.[3]
  • Cliffhanger was first designed with zone control modes like King of the Hill and Strongholds in mind, which led the design team to ensure that each "zone" has a unique look and feel.[3] Another goal when designing the map was the emphasis of environmental control and ownership of power positions.[2]

Easter eggs[edit]

  • Several cave paintings can be found on the map.
    • In the tunnel between Tanks and Radiator, a cave painting can be found depicting a stick figure of John-117 defending a herd of sheep from two wolves.
    • At Cliffside Trail across from the power weapon spawn pad, a cave painting can be found depicting two pigeons rendered in the style of the Nazca Lines. The left pigeon features the symbol representing the mysterious organization SEELE from the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise, possibly intending to draw connections between SEELE and ONI. The right pigeon wears a hard hat and a safety vest, referencing the pigeon-themed art on the map Streets.
      • In one of the concept arts for Cliffhanger, it shows one of the pigeons screaming "Zenkoku na tenshi no you ni", this being the first line of "Zankoku na Tenshi no These" ("A Cruel Angel's Thesis"), Neon Genesis Evangelion's theme song.
  • On the ledge with the sleeping bag on Cliffside Trail, pixel art of a pigeon wearing a MJOLNIR Mark VI helmet can be found. This pixel art was originally created for the map Streets.
  • At the top of the central spire, there is a weather vane in the shape of a rooster.

Gallery[edit]

Concept art[edit]

Screenshots[edit]

Easter eggs[edit]

Sources[edit]