Let's Play...Lord of the Rings!

That's one Tower...

What It Is: A Halo 3 game variant, “Lord o de Rings,” and a custom map, “Middle Earth.” The map is on Valhalla and is a squished-together Middle-earth, complete with its own Two Towers (Isengard by the waterfall, Baradur on the other side of the base). The gametype is a one-sided VIP match, and guess who the VIP is: Sauron! He and his minions have to fend off the humans and elves in order to become the ruler of Middle-earth.

Author: Sean Meadows

Download: From the Halo 3 file share of gamertag Foodapee

How to Make It: The map has various points of conflict that may become common places for battle, like around the two towers or at the chasm under the Bridge of Khazad-dûm. The sea base is where the humans/elves spawn, and they have Mongooses (horses) with which to get around. There is also one secret path that the wise hobbit may choose to take to gain quick, easy, unhindered access to the land of Mordor — if they can find it!

Also, everyone knows how much influence Sauron has on others, so any of his allies in close proximity upgrade to stronger Orcs and Urak-Hai — even becoming immune to head shots!

Why It’s Cool: This map and variant keep the franchise alive for those who don’t wish to see it go to waste. It can also be a basis for other game types or map variants that relate to the Lord of the Rings world. It used to have a Banshee and a Hornet (the Fell Beasts and the Great Eagles), but they proved to be too strong. The more players the better, as it makes the game seem more like a war than just a measly confrontation. There are an odd number of rounds to ensure that there is a victor.

If you’ve got a cool Forge map or gametype to share, let us know and we’ll feature it in an upcoming issue. Email us at letters@officialxboxmagazine.com with the subject line “Homemade Halo.” Be sure to include the full information and brief explanations seen above — and don’t forget to tell us which gamertag’s file share we should download it from.