Halo 3 Heroic Map Pack Free March 25

Added 03/22/2008 by Justin McBride

When the Heroic map pack, containing the three new maps, Foundry, Rat’s Nest and Standoff was announced last November, Bungie also stated that the maps would eventually be made free when the next round of DLC was ready to go. Well, after a few months of waiting, it has been announced as part of yesterday's weekly update that the Heroic map pack, released last December for 800 MS Points will be re-released next Tuesday, March 25 for (wait for it) free.

Bungie also announced that, as of the April Playlist Update, the Heroic Map pack will be required to access the Ranked Big Team, Social Big Team, Team Slayer and Rocket Race playlists. Bungie hopes that, by incorporating the Heroic maps into popular playlists such as Team Slayer, they will gain more exposure throughout the Halo 3 community.

Regarding the forthcoming Legendary Map Pack (to be released April 15), Bungie released a few interesting tidbits of information regarding the recently previewed Avalanche map. A comparison between it and its Halo: Combat Evolved predecessor, Sidewinder, as well as potential weapon, vehicle and equipment spawns for certain gametypes was released.

In the Legendary FAQ, which was also posted in the update, a question was asked regarding when the Legendary maps would receive the Heroic Map Pack treatment and be released for free. In response, Bungie had this to say: “We are not currently aware of any plans to release the Legendary Maps for free.”

Does this mean Bungie has no plans to ever release these maps for free or are they keeping that particular bit of news under wraps for now? It’s a bit too early to tell either way but in the meantime, let’s keep our fingers crossed.