Assembly

Purple Reign is the nickname (or codename) for a map that was announced in the Bungie Weekly Update: 10/26/2007. This map was originally planned to be in the Legendary Map Pack, but was replaced by Blackout due to the fear that it wouldn't be finished on time, but will now be included in the following map pack that will come out in August of 2008. It has been stated that it will be symmetrical or semi-symmetrical with the middle of the map being higher than the rest. According to the Bungie Weekly Update: 1/4/2008 the map will be an entirely new map. The map is supposed to be full of mid to long range weapons, and from what the update states it appears there will be multiple floors. This map is either based outdoors or inside a Covenant ship

Design
Due to the name, possible origin, and structure of the level, some fans have speculated that this map will be set on a structure of Covenant origins, with the map possibly taking place on the ship similar to the Unyielding Hierophant or the Pious Inquisitor. According to the May 30th Bungie Weekly Update, this is going to be a brand-new map, squashing rumors that Purple Reign might be a remake of Halo 2's multiplayer map Midship. It is said to be nearly perfectly symmetrical, with the mid section being higher than the rest of the map. It is also said that it based outside with "some excellent line of sight and well thought-out verticality problems and opportunities. Bridges make short work of long open sections and a central hub is sure to be fought over".

The map is focused on competitive playing, as it multi-story arena styled map. It features two "somewhat enclosed" bases, with one-way mirrors on the second floor (like those in interrogation rooms), where players will be able to look out, but players outside will be unable to see what's inside.

The arena is designed like a bowl, with the floor slightly concaved and dotted with columns for cover. Four elevated walkways converge in a small bi-level center structure that sports a cache of important items.

The map is originally intended for Slayer based games, but objective games works well, but is described as frantic

Mystery
Before Purple Reign was removed from the Legendary Map pack, it was stated that one of the maps would expand upon the Scarab-Hunter mystery. In a recent Weekly Update, it was stated that, "One base of this open-air arena could end up getting called 'Energy side' and another call-out could end up 'Hunter side'," so it's probable that this was the map they were referring to.

Tactics

 * The map is too confined for cat and mouse activity at the chokepoints; and a warren of claustrophobic lower areas makes high ground and control essential.
 * There are several ways to get up top of the middle section, from careful jumps to spiraling ramps.
 * The map is said to be a perfect map for Battle Rifle duels, and for sticking people hundreds of yards away.

Trivia

 * This map may be Halo 3's second Covenant-based map after Snowbound.
 * The map's name seems to be a tongue in cheek reference to the song by Prince.
 * A screenshot has been found in a NY Times blog that some thought was a Bungie employee working on a 3D model of Purple Reign, however, some people think that the structure is, in fact, a structure from High Charity and can be found on the Halo 2 levels Gravemind and High Charity.
 * The news for the NY times is in October, which is after the game's release date so the that level must be Purple Reign.
 * This map bears a similarity with one of the areas in Halo 2's Level, High Charity.
 * It is rumored that Purple Reign is set on High Charity.
 * Bungie has stated that this map is not a remake.
 * Some people think that this map, Cold Storage, and Moonbase Alpha might not be released together in the next map pack because of something said by Bungie staff member Lukems on the Bungie.net forums.