Chasms

Chasms is a multiplayer map for Halo Wars.

Set on a frozen region on Harvest, surrounded by mountains and mysterious Forerunner structures, Chasms features two starting bases on opposite sides, and bonuses on each of the four corners of the map. There are two Forerunner Supply Elevators and two additional Rebel Bases, both being guarded by several rebel squads.

Some of the terrain is Forerunner architecture, such as metal floors with smooth textures with Forerunner patterns, much like the designs on the outer side of the Halo Installations, and Forerunner walls on the edges of the map. There are also many chasms present in the map, hence the name.

Strategies

 * Each base has five possible paths to attack, with two flanklable sides on either side of the starting bases, so it is good to rethink the direction of attack from time to time.
 * Setting up defensive perimeters at the multiple deployable lookout towers can help control crucial areas of the map.
 * Remember to send a scout to pick up extra resources.
 * If playing Standard mode, as the UNSC, build up five Marine squads or three flamethrowers (which would be cheaper) would be sufficient to attack the rebels near the supply elevator and the two sniper towers.
 * Because of the short distance between the two starting bases, rushes are especially viable on this map. Gradually build up base and upgrade units while sending waves of 10 infantry squads would buy time.

Trivia

 * Chasms was the first Skirmish map released to the public as it was the only map available to play in the Halo Wars Demo.
 * Like many screenshots released by Ensemble Studios, a screenshot on the back of the Halo Wars disc box show the Covenant having Spirit dropships in the middle of the map, even though it is not available in Skirmish.
 * Some of the areas were heavily modified for the creation of the advanced tutorial.
 * This map was named "Cross" in the Halo Wars Alpha.