Halo Infinite multiplayer level design series: DEADLOCK

Understanding the level design of a Halo Infinite multiplayer map

DEADLOCK map in Halo Infinite Multiplayer gameplay mode

So far in this series, we have taken a look at the level design elements of Aquarius, Behemoth and the Bazaar maps. For the fourth article in the Halo Infinite level design series, we’ll take a look at another fun multiplayer map called DEADLOCK.

Before we get started, here are top-down images of the map that I found on thegamescabin.com which I will be consistently using throughout the article to highlight different aspects of the map.

Upper level of the map. Image Credit: https://thegamescabin.com/deadlock-map-guide-halo-infinite/

Lower level of the map. Image Credit: https://thegamescabin.com/deadlock-map-guide-halo-infinite/

Just like the previous articles in this series, let us take a look at the level design goal and layout of this map first before we dive into the design thinking behind all the features.

LEVEL DESIGN GOAL: An outdoor big team (12 vs 12) battle map focusing on several long range and mid range engagement areas along with multiple vehicle play opportunities and some short range engagements

MAP LAYOUT

Deadlock is an asymmetrical map with a base on its right as well as left side. There is an iconic central cannon structure with small path loops around it leading to bases on both sides of the map. There are a few man-made camping structures for snipers and other long range weapon users. There are a few hangers to store vehicles as well as a couple of cave structures that act as refuge spaces. All of these elements are connected using evenly spaced small and large path loops around the map. Rocky, vertical structure break up the sight lines in this predominantly flat map and provide a feeling of being in the trenches of a warzone.

Let us take a look at some features of the map that allow large teams to focus on making the most out of the map:

I. Central Canon structure

II. Long Sight lines

III. Time of Day

IV. Camping Spots

V. Vertical structures and Path Loops

VI. Vehicle Play

VII. Bridges and crisscross pathing

VIII. Refuge spaces

I. Central Cannon structure

Central Canon stands out as a landmark, aiding player orientation amid the chaos. Similar to the Disney castle in the Disneyland theme park, it becomes a reference point for players navigating the map’s lower level regions. It also adds to the theming of the map by periodically shooting at the huge ships in the sky during the match.

Central cannon structure works as a landmark that orients the player in the map.

Central cannon aiming at the large ship on the top right

Iconic cannon structure on the map, standing as a landmark in the center of the map

II. Long Sight Lines

Deadlock is a relatively open map with long sight lines focusing on player aim and precision. Turrets and long range weapons are important part of any teams strategizing to dominate in this map. Along with several long range weapons, there are also camping spots available with incredibly long sight lines that lead to a lot of interesting emergent gameplay.

Yellow lines showing unobstructed sight lines in the map. Most of these are half as long as the map.

A couple of turrets like this one are placed around the map, promoting long range opportunities.

III. Time of Day

Unlike most other Halo multiplayer maps we have seen so far, the time of day for this map is set to nighttime. Not only does this provide variety to the atmosphere and help with the unique theming of this map but it also affects the design of the map by reducing visibility throughout the map. Nighttime makes it harder for players to be seen thus providing good balance to long range weapons and engagement opportunities.

IV. Camping Spots

In the adrenaline-fueled world of Halo, strategy is key, and the Deadlock map provides an intricate battlefield with limited camping spots. Elevated terrain and specific man-made structures offer advantageous positions, allowing players to survey the landscape and target enemies from a distance using long range weapons. To balance the opportunities and safety of these spots, there are multiple entry and exit points to these areas making it pretty easy to sneak up on players using these camping spots.

Camping spots like this one provide ridiculously long sight lines

Multiple entry/exit points for camping spots makes it easier for enemies to sneak behind campers

Red circle marks the camping spot in the above images and the yellow lines represent the long sight lines to scale in each direction

Interior of the camping spot

V. Vertical Structures and Path Loops

A glance at the map reveals a predominantly flat plane, interspersed with vertical rocky and man-made structures. These structures break the monotony, creating a warzone atmosphere reminiscent of trenches.

These structures are not too wide out on the plane creating a lot of small and large path loops around the map. This creates an area under the central canon with shorter sight lines. These loops, both wide and narrow, offer opportunities for players to confuse and flank opponents.

The vertical structures not only enhance the map aesthetically but also play a crucial role in strategic gameplay.

Red highlights vertical structures, rocky and man-made, which break up the flat plane and create paths that give the feeling of being in warzone trenches

Rocky vertical structures that break up the flat plane and make the map more interesting to play

Rocky vertical structures that break up the flat plane and make the map more interesting to play

VI. Vehicle Play

Narrow and wide passages cater to different vehicles, adding a layer of complexity to vehicle navigation. As we saw in the previous section, that vertical structures create wide as well as narrow pathways. These wide paths facilitate substantial vehicle gameplay, while narrower paths facilitate swift movement for players on foot or smaller vehicles. The wide path loop that goes around the map is the most viable path for fast vehicles like the Ghost or medium sized vehicles like the Warthog, since the other paths are either too narrow or curvy to effectively navigate these vehicles. The only viable vehicle on the narrower paths would be the Mongoose which would be the most effective for quickly getting to the other side of the map while avoiding the snipers using trench like narrow paths.

Red highlights vertical structures, rocky and man-made. The large yellow loop marks wide path better suited for medium sized vehicle gameplay like for Warthog

Red highlights vertical structures, rocky and man-made. The small yellow loops mark narrow paths better suited for walking or small vehicle gameplay like for Mongoose

Yellow lines indicate the wider path and blue lines indicate narrower paths

Yellow lines indicate the wider path and blue lines indicate narrower paths

VII. Bridges and crisscross pathing

Just like some of the previous Halo maps we have checked out, bridges play a crucial role in Deadlock, creating crisscross pathing on the map between the lower and upper levels. This architectural choice gives more meaning to the verticality introduced by rocky structures, adding depth to the gameplay experience by provide more pathing and camping options to the player.

For a more in-depth look on how bridges enhance gameplay in Halo maps, check out the section on Bridges in my previous article of the series based on the Bazaar multiplayer map. You can check that article here: Halo Level design series: Bazaar.

Red and yellow lines show paths on upper and lower levels respectively creating crisscross pathing

Bridges connect the vertical rocky structures. Red and yellow lines show paths on upper and lower levels respectively creating crisscross pathing

VIII. Refuge Spaces

Amid the chaos, Deadlock provides refuge spaces — moments for players to catch their breath. These spaces, often enclosed caves and hangars housing vehicles, offer brief respite. However, players must tread carefully, as these areas with short sightlines can quickly become dangerous as large team maps mean more players can frequent these refuge spaces.

We have already looked at the importance of refuge space in Halo maps in another article in this series. You can take a look at that article here: Halo Level design series: Behemoth.

Three major refuge spaces- cave and hangars, mostly evenly spaced out around the map

Entrance to a cave that acts as the major refuge space on the map

Interior of the cave that acts as a refuge space

Hangars act as refuge spaces as well for a short period helping players stay safe from long range weapons

In the ever-evolving landscape of Halo, Deadlock stands as a testament to strategic design for open maps, offering a diverse terrain that challenges players to adapt and conquer. Understanding the nuances of this map and mastering the different opportunities that the map presents can be the key to victory in the intense battles that unfold within its limits.