Halo 2 expansion pack officially announced, Bungie unveils four new maps
by Ben Striegel 
{ Mar 25th 2005 at 4:20PM }
Will there be an expansion to Halo 2? Most definitely. Will the disc cost $19.99? Yep. Will it be free for Xbox Live
users to download? Well, kind of…
In response to rumors that have been circulating
recently, Bungie has been compelled to spill its guts regarding the much-discussed expansion pack to last year's
blockbuster, Halo 2. Some things we knew, some things we guessed, and some things turned out to be way more complicated
than we could have ever suspected. First, the contents. The retail disc will include 9 new multiplayer maps, a
documentary, a new Halo cinematic, every Halo 2 update as of yet released, and "possibly one or two other little
treats." The disc itself will be in stores by June 28, over a month later than EB led us to believe.
"But Xbox Live subscribers get all those new maps for free, right?" you inevitably inquire. Impatient fool! Of course.
But you'll have to wait for it. To avoid melting the internet, Microsoft will be staggering the release of the maps on
Xbox Live. The first four maps will be available for download by late April, two months before the pack itself is
released. Two of those maps, Containment and Warlock, will be absolutely, positively, 100% free. The other two, Turf
and Sanctuary, will be available as a set for $5.99. The next five maps, Terminal, Relic, Elongation, Gemini, and
Backwash, will be available for download on June 28 for the price of $11.99. But all hope is not lost! Bungie assures
us that every single map will be available for free by "late summer." Whether this equates to July or September is
anyone's guess. So those of you with a lot of patience can take heart. The rest of you, well… better set aside $17.98
right now for good measure. Did I hear someone say
"microtransaction?"
And what about those new maps? Well, just take a look for yourself:
Containment
Warlock
Turf
Sanctuary
Containment is big, frozen, and supposedly excellent for CTF matches. Warlock is a four-way close-quarters map, the spiritual successor to Wizard. Turf is an urban-combatant’s dream, featuring wide-open streets and narrow, twisting back alleys. Sanctuary is a Forerunner habitat with a multitude of canals and pools, a tranquil setting which will help to keep your mind at ease as you snipe random n00bs through the back of the head. Bungie still hasn’t confirmed any working details on the other five maps, only that there won’t be any ports of either Hang ‘em High or Sidewinder. With that said, let the speculation begin!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Axl Rose @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
I don't like paying. I pay $50 a year for XBL, and I don't want to pay for maps. But I will anyway. Cuz I love Halo.
Dan @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
The five remaining maps have been named...
From Bungie.net:
"Terminal, Relic, Elongation, Gemini and Backwash. Each offers a distinctly different look, feel and game type suitability. Stay tuned to Bungie.net over the next few weeks for lots more info."
striegs @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Thanks, I totally overlooked that. In my defense, I am sick as a dog right now. Speaking of which, I think I'll go lie down for a while... Preferably near a bucket...
Game Gear @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Why pay if they will eventually be free? You pay for impatience.
Dan @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
I'll pay for em... its only 6$ for the first two early maps. Then, on June 28th I'll get the rest of the maps and “possibly one or two other little treats” with the expansion disc. Sounds great to me.
Game Gear @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
The treats, you'll be able to download off of the Internet.
So, you'll buy $6 maps as well as the $19 disc?
Dan @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Yeah, I guess that makes me impatient. :-)
Xtopher @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
I am so sick of that damn game. I tired of the same three maps I always play on live. Now I can pay to get new ones? Screw that I waited years for that rip off of a game. screw it all
Squinty @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Anyone wanna bet that Elongation is a remake of Longest? Also Relic could be a remake of Derelict, but that may be a stretch.
Revlis @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
im sorry Xtopher that u feel that way, but 1. think of all the hard work they put into them. 2. if ur so unhappy, wasnt posting just a waste of time?
al crell @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
wat is the point of making us pay so unfair hope they come out soon for down load omg it realy is so anoying playing on xbl on the same maps over and over again but if they get more it be great
al crell @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
wat is the point of making us pay so unfair hope they come out soon for down load omg it realy is so anoying playing on xbl on the same maps over and over again but if they get more it be great
al crell @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
omg making us pay for more stuff thats anoying
al crell @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
haw anoying is that hope u can download them quick
al crell @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
sorry i dodnt know haw to do this so i put abit to menny postit thingis lol sorry
eleongonzales @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Well I am glad they are coming out with new maps, because like everyone else i am getting tired of playing the same thing over and over again. Although I played the original Halo online with basically the same maps and game types over and over and never really got tired of it. Maybe because i was picking, or maybe because i had HANG 'EM HIGH and a FREAKING PISTOL. Bungie- Bring back the pistol and somehow find a way to port hang 'em high and this game could be amazing. www.xbconnect.com for halo 1 action, player beware, halo was not designed for the internet and therefore can be quite laggy from time to time.
Dingo @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
At the same time as I look forward to all these new maps... I am still lovin' what I got. I can't get enough of that game, repetitive or not. As for paying early or waiting, guess it'll depend on my mood at the time.
Timmay! @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Old Mambosa was my favorite level in Halo 2, so I almost wept when I read about Turf. I'm definately buying this now!
Also, I read an interview in EGM, and in it some of the people from Bungie said that they wanted to put Wizard in Halo 2 real bad, but it looked butt ugly when they ported it over. I'm glad they were finally able to get it up and running right.
LISTEN!! @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
THEY DIDNT MENTION LATE APRRIL WILL HAVE 2 MAPS FREE AND 2 TO BUY, BY LATE SUMMER IF U HAVE XBOX LIVE ITS ALL FREE!!!
MrsHighMaintnce @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
New maps?! Awesome. I was starting to get bored. I'm the most impatient person I kow, so I'll be buying those maps asap! C U online boys!!
Chase Becicka @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
All in Im very happy that they are bringing out the new maps,im not an XBL user but i do play system link all the time and lets face it most of the Halo 2 maps comparted to Halo 1 just doesnt measure, Honestly who you look at levels like Coagalation compared to blood Glutch and you can see the the upgrades dont really add to the game, same for Battle and Beaver creek, by the way Bungie bring back the pistol and the assult rifle plz
XboxlivenamePerfectSnip @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
I cant wait till Halo 2 new maps come out you have no idea I hope at some point they make one like the first halo game map where there are portals all over the place that would be really cool good place for ctf you would never know where your going, I would really pay like 50 bucks for those new maps but 20 sounds good enough to me.
Alex @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
I'm a big Halo 2 fan and I think this is a great idea, eventhough, I'm not tired of the old maps yet being that this game is so intense and varies so much when playing online, I think it'll add variety and that will be worth every penny that you pay, so don't be cheap guys, I will see you online (apglr21) hit me up if you're ready for some halo 2 action. Does anyone know if there will be any new weapons in these new maps, that would be hot, or ever?
justin @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
no sidewinder will be released they accidently erased the data from halo one and it will take a really long time to make it again!
Link2448 @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
This is sweet. new maps heck id pay 50 bucks for it , but hey if ur gonna give it to me for 20 yay ^_^
Hunter Killer @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Dimwitted fools, they said the maps will be eventualy free for download for all you who're whining.
daniel @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
SWEEEEET! 9 new maps already? i guess the guys at bungie are workin overtime. Cant wait to see em!!!!
Sweet A$$ Pimp @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Hey akk u guys they have the release date for the maps now. its monday april 25th go to the site and check it out see u fools online hit me up at: Slick Shift,or, Dirty Hobo226
Peace out
Ryan @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
yes i can't wait either. when the new maps come out im going to go get them right away.
6$ come on people, i'm broke and can buy them, and i don't care if they're going to be free at the end of the summer. If any of you guys want to send me a friend request my gamertag is Demonic Ripper im very good at both slayer and skirmish (more skirmish though) so send me a friend invite and well pone some newbs!......yeah and i can't wait to play the other five maps they sound cool
117 @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
"no sidewinder will be released they accidently erased the data from halo one and it will take a really long time to make it again!"
You sir, are an idiot. That was a joke on april fools day. I very much doubt frankie could 'accidently' hit the delete key. Its people like you who are too stupid to tell whats what and go online and start stupid rumours.
Ryan @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
hey you guys i hope they don't bring back sidewinder. just hang em' high and i also want them to stop down grading the pistol. after the most recent update the pistol sucks and grenades are god. if any of you guys/girls want to send me a friend request my gamertag is Demonic Ripper i'm really good
Ryan @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
sorry about all my recent comments i didn't realize i had to confirm my email account!
- "Darkness lives in every heart."
Fouco @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Wow, Whats with all the whining, halo 2 rocks boys, its worth it, like o wow not 30 bucks for a bunch of new maps, because you know, ittle be hard to afford, the big 30, honestly, stop bitching, if you cant afford 30 bucks, then wait, in the long run it is free, if it isnt worth it to you then dont buy it and shut up, you dont have to have it, it isnt like they force it upon you....stupid