Sanctuary

Sanctuary is a multiplayer map in Halo 2. It is set in a complex of Forerunner ruins, similar to those in the campaign level Delta Halo. Sanctuary was remade as Asylum in Halo: Reach and as Shrine in Halo 2: Anniversary.

Overview
"More ancient than even the Halo itself, these crumbling structures may have been moved, brick by brick, from a Forerunner homeworld..."

One data set acquired by the was the peculiar site dubbed ‘Sanctuary.’ In addition to advanced Forerunner architecture, Delta Halo also housed a number of stone ruins. Some have speculated these are not Forerunner structures, but were instead transported here for other species that were temporarily housed on the ring. The layout of the site indicates its purpose was more cultural than practical; possibly a memorial or cenotaph. As a bright alien star illuminates these temple grounds, its peaceful lawns and elegant structures present a perfect picture against a backdrop of beautiful waterfalls and aqueducts. The walled grotto that defines the center point of this habitat would be a quiet and solitary place for meditation were it not for the contrasting cor currently afflicting the immediate surroundings.

Sanctuary is a symmetrical map, making it ideal for Slayer, Territories, and CTF gamemodes. Both bases contain the battle rifle, a turret, and a flag spawnpoint to the rear of each base. A walkway connects each base with a smaller structure that contains the sniper rifle. Under the structures is a tunnel that holds the shotgun and can provide a good escape route if you're overrun by the opposing team. Under the walkway that connects the bases and the structures is where the Warthog spawns. The center building connects to the smaller structures via two more elevated walkways that spawn plasma pistols and two ramps that lead to the side of the map that each hold a Covenant carbine. The center building spawns the map's only energy sword above the pond on the bottom floor.

Being set on Installation 05, the architecture is similar to the structures seen in the campaign. Sanctuary features an aqueduct system that feeds into the pond in the center. Waterfalls are also seen feeding into the pond that surrounds the Blue base, while the pond around Red base is dry. Large boulders and ruined pieces of the structures litter the open areas of the map.

Territories

 * Center
 * Blue Base
 * Red Base
 * Knoll
 * Crack

Production notes

 * During the development of Halo 2, the team at Bungie spent a considerable amount of time in crunch developing the level Delta Halo, and many assets and area developed for the mission were scrapped for time. In creating Sanctuary, the team was able to reuse many of these assets.
 * Designer Steve Cotton and artist Eddie Smith were responsible for creating Sanctuary. In discussing ideas for the level, they wanted to give the location a real sense of purpose, and settled upon the idea of a Forerunner aqueduct.

Trivia

 * There are various places with text on the map. First, go to the top of the principal structure with a sniper rifle (the structure with the sword) and see the top of the two bases. In the Blue Base, there is text in capital letters that says CMV. The rock wall in the left of the Red Base says "Sid was here". An unidentified drawing is to the right. "Sid was here" can also be seen on Coagulation.
 * On Bungie.net, the images for Sanctuary are placed in the /deltatap/ directory. "Delta" is obviously a reference to this level being on Delta Halo. "Tap" could possibly a reference to a water tap or faucet, as the map contains water that flows to the center through aqueducts. The maps codename before its official release was called "Aqueduct," which somewhat provides evidence to this theory.
 * In early pictures of Sanctuary, you can see tall thin structures all around the map. These were going to be some sort of antennae that were also going to be destructible, but were later removed as they served no purpose on an ancient structure.
 * Marathon symbols can be seen on the broken pillars that are scattered throughout the map.