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Hello everyone,

I welcome you to an ancient Forgehub tradition of showcasing a community map that has exceeded our expectations. We are all working behind the scenes to bring you more content, more frequently, while maintaining the gold standard Forgehub is known for. This time around, we're featuring a map by our fantastic community member and local troll, "Salty Tom Chub Grief"

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Port 66 was crafted by SaltyKoala. It is an asymmetrical 4v4 map that focuses on linear combat that ensures a more direct flow of gameplay. Originally inspired by the Halo 3 map Orbital, this design showcases some of the core principals that made Orbital successful, while maintaining its own identity completely. The best mode to play on Port is definitely Strongholds. There were major design choices made to utilize the potential that Strongholds has to offer. The map mainly consists of linear paths leading from room to room, however the central Atrium has multiple routes and sight lines to act as both a transition area and melting pot for encounters. The map plays horizontally, but the design also flows into two distinct larger atriums that encourage vertical interactions.

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Halo 5's sandbox has a "stronghold" if you will, on this style of level design. Spartan abilities allow for very unpredictable gameplay. Pathing is less strict because players can easily jump gaps and ascend in ways they never could before. Designing with a linear style map removes a large portion of the unpredictable gameplay competitive players find unappealing. It allows for confident push and pull play styles. While transitioning across the middle, which is the quickest route, you also expose yourself to multiple sight lines. This creates a risk vs reward situation. Based on your timing, traversing the middle of the map can prove to be very effective, or very foolish.

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Visually, Port 66 has a very distinctive theme to it. It utilizes a classic 1950's Americana feel. Combine that with a futuristic architectural vision, and you have a recipe for success. The name Port 66 comes from the famous American country road Route 66. This solidifies the desired artistic direction that Salty has chosen, and is one of the most accurately named forge maps I have seen in this game.

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Ultimately, Port 66 has proven time and time again that it is one of the most successful Stronghold designs in the Halo 5 sandbox, as well as one of the most visually differential. This design proudly gets the Forgehub seal of approval and recommendation.

Go give it a download and let us know your experiences on Port 66 in the comments below. You can find the map in his bookmarked files.

Original Map Thread: Port 66

Forgehub: SaltyKoala
Gamertag: For Chub


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