Guardian (map)

Guardian is a Halo 3 multiplayer map.

Discovery
"Guardian" was first seen as a reference in the hexadecimal code of the Halo 3 Beta. Later, it was confirmed to be in the final game of Halo 3 when it was detailed in an issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly magazine and an article in the Japanese magazine Famitsu. Bungie has stated that it is a "spiritual successor" to Lockout, a multiplayer map from Halo 2.

Although it bears a vague similarity to Sanctuary in aesthetics, the layout recalls a mixture of Lockout and Ascension. Although, it could also be seen as a happy medium between the two: while it retains the central area and size of Ascension, its layout and weapon spawns are very reminiscent of Lockout.

Layout
Rather than being set in desolate and snowy mountains as Lockout was, Guardian takes place in what appears to be an ancient Forerunner complex surrounded by lush, dense jungle. This is easily seen throughout the whole level as there is a green-tinted mist or fog created by the jungle's humid atmosphere. Players can also look up, and view the tall trees stretching up to the sky blocking off the majority of sunlight. The large trees of the jungle have grown up around this Forerunner complex, creating a looming feeling. As such, the map is multi-leveled, with walkways, and paths connecting all areas of the map. The map is split into four key areas, with the center acting as a la grange point between them all.

Sniper Tower
At one end of the map players can find the SRS99D-S2 AM Sniper Rifle, an Overshield a Mauler and a Needler- the "Sniper Tower". The Sniper Rifle sits on the bottom level, in the hallway leading to the center. Here, players have a clear view to the opposite site of the map and the Yellow Lift. Above the Sniper sits an Overshield and a Mauler which adds to the deadly arsenal of the Sniper.

There is a small winding ramp on the tower that leads up to higher ground, and gives players a view of the entire upper portion of the map. To balance the tower out and prevent camping, a Plasma Battery has been placed at the top. Players have access to the Center Platform from above and below, as well as the Green Area via a walkway some players have labeled as "The Elbow," due to it's "L" shape.

Blue Room
The "Blue Room" is properly named due to the soft blue lights giving the room an ambient look. This room is adjacent, but slightly off center from the Yellow Lift and the Center Platform. Like the other key areas, it can be accessed from multiple directions. Inside the room, players will find a Mauler, Flare, and Plasma Batteries. A archway allows players to jump into the Yellow Lift, either above or below. As players move from the Blue Room to the center, there is an impenetrable glass wall allowing players cover from enemy fire. Players may also travel downward to the lower level. Next to the archway is an L-shaped hallway that leads directly to the Yellow Lift's upper level, and contains Power Cores built into the wall. Players may also drop to the "shotgun hall" from here.

Below Blue Room
Below the Blue Room, or "Below Blue" there is a whole new subsection. Players will find the Shotgun in a short hallway reminiscent of the "Green Hallway" in Lockout. However, the hallway is shorter, and can be approached from more angles. Walkways and paths lead to the Yellow Lift's lower level. Moving in the opposite direction, players can take a small gravity lift up to the "Sniper Tower" to catch any players off-guard.

Yellow Lift
The "Yellow Lift" is directly opposite the Sniper Tower, and is on the other side of the Center Platform. Modeled after the "Blue Lift" from Lockout, players can travel upwards from the lower level. Players may also drop down from the upper level via two "holes" on either side of the lift. There is a small walkway that connects the lower levels of the Yellow Lift and Center Platform. On the upper level, players can move in 4 main directions (or retreat into the "holes" on the side of the lift).

A Battle Rifle spawns on the top level giving players some range against snipers. The player can choose to go to their left, pick up a Active Camouflage power-up and a Mauler around the ledge. If the player travels to their right, they can jump into the Blue Room via a crouch-jump, or drop on enemies below. They can also take the longer way around by the power cores; this route adds more safety and discretion.

Green Area
Not much action occurs in the Green Area, partially because the only weapon that spawns here is the Brute Shot. Like the Center Platform, this area is essentially another means of connecting all areas and walkways together. In the center sits an old dead tree stump in which players can grab a Bubble Shield and then jump to the Center Platform. The Green Area is connected to the Sniper Tower by means of "The Elbow" walkway. In addition, players may take a small gravity lift jump up to the Yellow Room's ledge (by the camouflage). This area also leads underneath the Center Platform, and is a more discrete route.

Center Platform
The Center Platform is the main area of Guardian, and the main means of player transportation. While no weapons spawn on the upper level, a Gravity Hammer does spawn in the room underneath, making it a key area. Since this area is a transportation zone, it sees a lot of action. Players can reach the Center Platform from all the key areas by means of walkways or jumping. Above players can see a Forerunner style structure, but cannot reach this in regular matchmaking. It is possible to reach this area in Custom games by using a gravity lift.

Trivia

 * The September 2007 issue of EGM stated that that Guardian is the map "Jub-Jub" that Bungie referred to numerous times in their weekly updates.
 * Guardian probably has something to with the mysterious entities that can inexplicably kill you in Multiplayer. You can also hear voices whispering in the background.
 * Many short cuts, hiding spots, and jump tactics have already been found on this map.
 * The Dinosaur Birds can be seen on this map and can be closely examined by Forge or theater. They can also be shot and killed with any long range weapon.
 * If you listen closely you can hear characteristic drone screeches and the green fog would hint at this world being Palamok, the home world of the Drones.
 * This map is similar to the home of the Ewoks on the forest moon of Endor from Star Wars: Return of The Jedi. Also, "Jub-Jub" is similar to a saying the Ewoks have, which is also often used as a taunt (Yub, yub, Commander.)

Matchmaking Adjustments
For reasons not yet disclosed by Bungie, this map has been slightly altered when playing in Matchmaking playlists.

As of the December 11, 2007 update, all three of the Maulers that were in the level have been removed. Also, in an earlier Matchmaking update, the Flare was removed as well.

It is believed that this change was caused by near-constant complaints regarding the large number of Maulers in many levels combined with the Mauler's ability to nearly-instantly kill an opponent at very close range. Many people felt that the weapon was unbalanced because of the close-quarters prowess of the Mauler, especially in CQB-style levels; this is a misconception.

The problem was a combination of the somewhat large number of Mauler spawn locations, the fast recharge time on a lethal close-combat weapon, and players not changing their play style to compensate for a number of camping and / or charging Mauler wielders.