Shelter (Personal, Level Design)

Shelter is a map built after the completion of the Proving Grounds, using the Halo Infinite Forge level editor. The map was built for Infection and Slayer game modes and is usable for team sizes of up to twelve.

The main focal point of the level is the central structure, which is split into 3 floors, a bottom floor with enclosed spaces that promote reactionary gameplay with close-quarter weapons, and a middle and top floor that lead to a powerful rocket launcher but lack substantially in cover. The purpose of exposing the upper layers was to encourage players to decide between the risk of being spotted and attacked by enemies and the reward of acquiring a strong weapon.

The map also features 3 enclosed buildings that each lead towards the central structure. These buildings provide the players with opportunities to regroup but have entrances that are placed toward the enemy team, ensuring that these spaces are not completely safe. The final enclosed building sits between both teams and features two floors that can be easily reached by both teams and provides spaces with ample and sparse cover, as well as a direct bridge to the central structure.

Guidance was thought of specifically for how player traversal will influence the combat ranges players will encounter. Similarly to the Proving Grounds, Shelter is split into 3 "lanes", albeit much less strictly, and each lane has both long and short ranges, but always has guidance towards the central structure.

I have learned a lot about the process of creating maps for large teams, especially when it comes down to understanding team spawns and maintaining gameplay balance across a large area.