Valhalla: Difference between revisions
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The map is similar in shape to [[Blood Gulch]] but has unique elements of its own. Valhalla is not a remake of [[Coagulation]], nor is the downloadable [[Standoff]] either. Valhalla also has features from the ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' level, [[Halo (Halo: Combat Evolved Level)|Halo]]. The most obvious feature is both the river and the bases themselves. The river starts in the mountains behind the blue base, and comes out as a waterfall. The river then flows in front of the base, under an outcrop, then down between the two prominent hills on which players find the [[M6 Spartan Laser|Spartan Laser]] and the [[AIE-486H machine gun|machine gun turret]]. Finally, it bends around the base, and empties into a large lake. Also, there are two caves in the map: one that goes through the hill between the crashed [[D77H-TCI Pelican|Pelican]] and blue base, and another that goes through the hill between the Pelican and the red base. Do note that if weapons are dropped into the river, they might drift downstream. | The map is similar in shape to [[Blood Gulch]] but has unique elements of its own. Valhalla is not a remake of [[Coagulation]], nor is the downloadable [[Standoff]] either. Valhalla also has features from the ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' level, [[Halo (Halo: Combat Evolved Level)|Halo]]. The most obvious feature is both the river and the bases themselves. The river starts in the mountains behind the blue base, and comes out as a waterfall. The river then flows in front of the base, under an outcrop, then down between the two prominent hills on which players find the [[M6 Spartan Laser|Spartan Laser]] and the [[AIE-486H machine gun|machine gun turret]]. Finally, it bends around the base, and empties into a large lake. Also, there are two caves in the map: one that goes through the hill between the crashed [[D77H-TCI Pelican|Pelican]] and blue base, and another that goes through the hill between the Pelican and the red base. Do note that if weapons are dropped into the river, they might drift downstream. | ||
The distinguished beam emitter bases are Forerunner technology. They are similar to the structures seen in the [[Halo: Combat Evolved (PC port)|''Halo: Combat Evolved'' for PC]] multiplayer map [[Infinity]], [[Timberland]] and in the campaign level Halo, while the lower portion is reminiscent of the bases in Blood Gulch. There are three entrances to the inside of the base; two on the sides as seen in many screenshots, and another located behind that dips down into the base. Replacing the [[teleporters]] are the [[man cannon]]s. The largest one, on the front of the base, will send you out a third of the way out into the main battle area, while the smaller ones on the side of each base send you a short distance to the nearby cliff for a quick getaway. The bases feature a shiny glass floor on the interior, allowing players on opposite sides of the floor to see each other. | The distinguished beam emitter bases are Forerunner technology. They are similar to the structures seen in the [[Halo: Combat Evolved (PC port)|''Halo: Combat Evolved'' for PC]] multiplayer map [[Infinity (Halo: Combat Evolved map)|Infinity]], [[Timberland]] and in the campaign level Halo, while the lower portion is reminiscent of the bases in Blood Gulch. There are three entrances to the inside of the base; two on the sides as seen in many screenshots, and another located behind that dips down into the base. Replacing the [[teleporters]] are the [[man cannon]]s. The largest one, on the front of the base, will send you out a third of the way out into the main battle area, while the smaller ones on the side of each base send you a short distance to the nearby cliff for a quick getaway. The bases feature a shiny glass floor on the interior, allowing players on opposite sides of the floor to see each other. | ||
As previously stated, there are two similar hills on either side of the river. On the higher one spawns the Spartan Laser, while the lower hill holds a machine gun turret. Each base holds a [[SRS99D-S2 AM sniper rifle|sniper rifle]] inside the rear entrance, a pair of [[Fragmentation Grenade]]s, and a pair of [[ | As previously stated, there are two similar hills on either side of the river. On the higher one spawns the Spartan Laser, while the lower hill holds a machine gun turret. Each base holds a [[SRS99D-S2 AM sniper rifle|sniper rifle]] inside the rear entrance, a pair of [[Fragmentation Grenade]]s, and a pair of [[Anskum-pattern plasma grenade|plasma grenade]]s. Numerous [[BR55HB battle rifle|battle rifles]] spawn around the map: two on top of the base next to the smaller man cannons, two underneath the base alongside each entrance along with two [[Type-25 plasma pistol|plasma pistols]], two on the terrain where you land after taking off from the man cannons, and one that spawns in each cave. A [[M90 shotgun|shotgun]] spawns inside each of the caves as well, and [[Paegaas Workshop Spiker|Spikers]] spawn on the top of both bases near the [[LAU-65D/SGM-151 missile pod|Missile Pod]]. A pair [[M7 SMG|SMG]]s also spawn on each base and are located next to the plasma grenades. Valhalla is a very good sniper map since you can snipe opponents clear across the other side of the map, and when players take the bases' man cannons for rapid transportation, they become easy targets for experienced snipers. | ||
The Missile Pod spawns on top of each base to provide initial anti-vehicle defense. The [[vehicle]] set per base is a [[Banshee]], [[M12 Warthog|Warthog]], [[Wraith]], and two [[Mongoose]]s. However, in the [[Matchmaking]] [[playlists]] the vehicles are limited to a Warthog, a pair of Mongooses, and a Banshee per base (in 4v4 matches, most notably in Team BRs, the Banshee is sometimes removed). The [[power drain]] spawns on top of each base next to the Missile Pod, while the [[Z-4190 bubble shield|bubble shield]] spawns at the neutral Mongoose near the Forerunner wall. | The Missile Pod spawns on top of each base to provide initial anti-vehicle defense. The [[vehicle]] set per base is a [[Banshee]], [[M12 Warthog|Warthog]], [[Wraith]], and two [[Mongoose]]s. However, in the [[Matchmaking]] [[playlists]] the vehicles are limited to a Warthog, a pair of Mongooses, and a Banshee per base (in 4v4 matches, most notably in Team BRs, the Banshee is sometimes removed). The [[power drain]] spawns on top of each base next to the Missile Pod, while the [[Z-4190 bubble shield|bubble shield]] spawns at the neutral Mongoose near the Forerunner wall. | ||
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*Pelican | *Pelican | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File: | File:H3 Valhalla PelicanCrash.jpg|The crashed dropship Victor 398. | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
*Pelican Rear Cave | *Pelican Rear Cave | ||
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*For [[Territories]], sticking together is the best way to win; usually, an offensive team will stay in one large group moving from territory to territory, making it hard for a team to defend all of the territories at once. For defense, move up to the bases that will be easiest for the attackers to capture (the crashed Pelican, the shotgun-spawning points) and try to protect those with a larger group, and keep a few of the back ready to move to another territory while the rest deal with other attackers. | *For [[Territories]], sticking together is the best way to win; usually, an offensive team will stay in one large group moving from territory to territory, making it hard for a team to defend all of the territories at once. For defense, move up to the bases that will be easiest for the attackers to capture (the crashed Pelican, the shotgun-spawning points) and try to protect those with a larger group, and keep a few of the back ready to move to another territory while the rest deal with other attackers. | ||
**As a note, Territory 4 is a very dangerous Territory due to the fact it is in a cave, and multiple grenades can be thrown in to kill the attacking force. Try to always bring a bubble shield and/or regenerator. | **As a note, Territory 4 is a very dangerous Territory due to the fact it is in a cave, and multiple grenades can be thrown in to kill the attacking force. Try to always bring a bubble shield and/or regenerator. | ||
*If your flag gets stolen, guard the primary man cannon, as that is where the carrier is most likely to go after they | *If your flag gets stolen, guard the primary man cannon, as that is where the carrier is most likely to go after they steal the flag. | ||
*An interesting tactic to do on [[Capture the Flag|CTF]] is to drop it on top of the [[Fusion coil]] at the stump on the base and shoot it. This will launch the flag at least halfway across the map, making the trip a lot less hectic. | *An interesting tactic to do on [[Capture the Flag|CTF]] is to drop it on top of the [[Fusion coil]] at the stump on the base and shoot it. This will launch the flag at least halfway across the map, making the trip a lot less hectic. | ||
*The crashed Pelican provides a great place to snipe, since the player has a decent view of both bases. It is also recommended because of a regenerator that spawns under the wing, should the sniper be in trouble. | *The crashed Pelican provides a great place to snipe, since the player has a decent view of both bases. It is also recommended because of a regenerator that spawns under the wing, should the sniper be in trouble. | ||
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*The Missile Pod is surprisingly effective inside the lower area of the base. | *The Missile Pod is surprisingly effective inside the lower area of the base. | ||
*In CTF, if you manage to kill the carrier in a Wraith, park it on top of the carriers corpse and destroy it. Just melee the back engine a few times; this puts the flag underneath the wreckage and makes it nearly impossible to retrieve, depending on your parking job. Be careful, however, because if you stand too close, the flag will respawn at your base. The wreckage will disappear after a while. | *In CTF, if you manage to kill the carrier in a Wraith, park it on top of the carriers corpse and destroy it. Just melee the back engine a few times; this puts the flag underneath the wreckage and makes it nearly impossible to retrieve, depending on your parking job. Be careful, however, because if you stand too close, the flag will respawn at your base. The wreckage will disappear after a while. | ||
*Sometimes, some weapons will float down the river; players can pick up shotguns, Spartan Lasers, and even Missile Pods or extra ammo, though this isn't a strategy you should count on. | *Sometimes, some weapons will float down the river; players can pick up shotguns, Spartan Lasers, and even Missile Pods or extra ammo, though this isn't a strategy you should count on. | ||
*An excellent base-defense strategy is having a Wraith guarding the outside and having a player sniping from a nearby ledge. It can be more solid if you have a few players armed with SMGs or shotguns. | *An excellent base-defense strategy is having a Wraith guarding the outside and having a player sniping from a nearby ledge. It can be more solid if you have a few players armed with SMGs or shotguns. | ||
*The plasma grenades and battle rifles have | *The plasma grenades and battle rifles have fast respawn times at each base. Unless the need to move out is urgent, it's usually worthwhile to wait for them. | ||
*The caves are notorious for having campers with shotguns inside. Unless the other routes to the enemy base are guarded, throw a few grenades and flank to where the camper will fall back, causing you to catch him off guard. | *The caves are notorious for having campers with shotguns inside. Unless the other routes to the enemy base are guarded, throw a few grenades and flank to where the camper will fall back, causing you to catch him off guard. | ||
*The power drain should be useful when numerous foes are arriving at the arming spot or | *The power drain should be useful when numerous foes are arriving at the arming spot or flag in Assault and CTF games, respectively. Just hold your nerve and deploy it when you've almost touched their objective. | ||
*A defensive player should move to the caves and grab a shotgun to use in the basement floor of the base. | *A defensive player should move to the caves and grab a shotgun to use in the basement floor of the base. | ||
*When using a power drain and man cannon, please note that the power drain will not reach the hill if thrown in the man cannon. This is a common mistake and can be rectified if you yourself use the man cannon and fling the power drain while in "flight." | *When using a power drain and man cannon, please note that the power drain will not reach the hill if thrown in the man cannon. This is a common mistake and can be rectified if you yourself use the man cannon and fling the power drain while in "flight." | ||
*The Pelican is notorious in Territories for the regenerator and close proximity to Territory 4 and the Spartan Laser. The only practical way to deal with this territory is to control the hill and maybe save a power drain to cancel the regenerator's effects. | *The Pelican is notorious in Territories for the regenerator and close proximity to Territory 4 and the Spartan Laser. The only practical way to deal with this territory is to control the hill and maybe save a power drain to cancel the regenerator's effects. | ||
*The rock laying on its side near the waterfall base can serve as an outpost. A sniper can crouch there and eliminate anybody heading that way. | *The rock laying on its side near the waterfall base can serve as an outpost. A sniper can crouch there and eliminate anybody heading that way. | ||
*Another good tactic is to grab the Missile Pod at the start of the match. This is because somebody on the other team often gets in | *Another good tactic is to grab the Missile Pod at the start of the match. This is because somebody on the other team often gets in their Banshee immediately after the game starts. The Missile Pod can easily destroy the enemy Banshee, which can be a real advantage. | ||
*Another useful tactic for assaulting the | *Another useful tactic for assaulting the waterfall base is to take a sniper rifle, and camp in the bushes on the cliff next to the waterfall. This position gives the shooter a good view of the waterfall base, and the spawns around it. | ||
==Remakes== | ==Remakes== | ||
===''Halo 4''=== | ===''Halo 4''=== | ||
Valhalla was remade as [[Ragnarok]] in ''[[Halo 4]]''.<ref name="HW">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/november-sneak-peek '''Halo Waypoint''', ''Halo Community Update - November Sneak Peek'']</ref> | Valhalla was remade as [[Ragnarok]] in ''[[Halo 4]]''. | ||
===''Halo 5''=== | |||
Valhalla was remade as Viking using [[Forge]] in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''. | |||
===''Halo: Infinite''=== | |||
Valhalla was remade as Valahiem using [[Forge]] in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.<ref | |||
name="HW">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/november-sneak-peek '''Halo Waypoint''', ''Halo Community Update - November Sneak Peek'']</ref> | |||
==Variants== | ==Variants== | ||
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==Production notes== | ==Production notes== | ||
[[File:H3 Valhalla Exterior Concept 2.jpg|thumb | [[File:H3 Valhalla Exterior Concept 2.jpg|thumb|250px|Concept art of Valhalla.]] | ||
When developing ''Halo 3'', Valhalla started out as a napkin sketch drawn by designer [[Steve Cotton]] in roughly five minutes, showing a snaking river cutting through a gulch - intended to evoke some of [[Blood Gulch]]'s team v. team and base v. base combat with vehicles and infantry. A large additional design goal was to make the map traversable for infantry alongside vehicles - this was the origin of the [[man cannon]]s, which were designed to let the players traverse the map quickly with a risk-reward element of being helpless in the air.{{Ref/Mag|Id=PCG348|Magazine=PC Gamer|Issue=348|Year=2020|Month=October|Title=Special Report: Theaters of War|Page=12-13}} | When developing ''Halo 3'', Valhalla started out as a napkin sketch drawn by designer [[Steve Cotton]] in roughly five minutes, showing a snaking river cutting through a gulch - intended to evoke some of [[Blood Gulch]]'s team v. team and base v. base combat with vehicles and infantry. A large additional design goal was to make the map traversable for infantry alongside vehicles - this was the origin of the [[man cannon]]s, which were designed to let the players traverse the map quickly with a risk-reward element of being helpless in the air.{{Ref/Mag|Id=PCG348|Magazine=PC Gamer|Issue=348|Year=2020|Month=October|Title=Special Report: Theaters of War|Page=12-13}} | ||
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File:H3_Valhalla_Sketch.jpg|An early sketch of the map layout. | File:H3_Valhalla_Sketch.jpg|An early sketch of the map layout. | ||
File:H3_Valhalla_Exterior_Concept_1.jpg|Concept art of a base, featuring a bridge-like structure at the front. | File:H3_Valhalla_Exterior_Concept_1.jpg|Concept art of a base, featuring a bridge-like structure at the front. | ||
File:H3 Valhalla Exterior Concept 2.jpg|Concept art of the map. | |||
File:H3_Valhalla_Base_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the base exterior. | File:H3_Valhalla_Base_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the base exterior. | ||
File:H3_Valhalla_Interior_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the base interior. | File:H3_Valhalla_Interior_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the base interior. | ||
H3 Valhalla PrePro Screenshot.jpg|An early blockout of the map, still using many ''Halo 2'' assets and the [[Blood Gulch]] environment texture as placeholder. | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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File:Funny death, valhalla.jpg|A battle on Valhalla. | File:Funny death, valhalla.jpg|A battle on Valhalla. | ||
File:Spartan Laser2.jpg|A player fires a Spartan Laser towards Blue Base in Valhalla. | File:Spartan Laser2.jpg|A player fires a Spartan Laser towards Blue Base in Valhalla. | ||
File: | File:H3 Valhalla Kilroy EasterEgg Screenshot.jpg|The picture of Kilroy as seen on a rock near Blue Base. | ||
File:Valhalla Sniping spot.jpg|The sniping spot in the cliffs. | File:Valhalla Sniping spot.jpg|The sniping spot in the cliffs. | ||
File:Valhalla.jpg|Valhalla from viewed from space. | File:Valhalla.jpg|Valhalla from viewed from space. | ||