XBOX-HQ.COM - Halo 2: Foundation Revealed

Halo 2 has a number of Easter Eggs waiting to be discovered. If you haven't spent some time exploring the large maps of single-player, do yourself a favor and hunt around. There are lots of little ledges to climb up on and some secrets to be found. Once secret that isn't found in single-player itself, but is locked when you beat Halo 2 is a bonus multiplayer map, Foundation.

There's a bit of controversy regarding the unlocking of this map as it appears a glitch has prevented some people from unlocking the map as it was originally intended. The way it has been done successfully is as follows:

1. Complete single-player on any difficulty.
2. Create a new profile.
3. Begin a co-op game on the last level with the newly-created profile as the second player.
4. When you reach a section where you fly a Banshee, the new profile must perform a barrel roll and a loop-the-loop.
5. Finish the campaign and the new profile can access the Foundation map when hosting split-screen, System Link, or Xbox Live games.

Foundation is a small, enclosed map that defaults with no vehicles but plenty of deadly weapons. An Energy Sword lies in the center of the map with a rocket launcher waiting on one of the upper balconies. A pair of turrets look down on the courtyard as well to provide some extra firepower.

Gaining access to the upper level is easy enough. There are several stairs as well as multiple air elevators. For some good chuckles, put a Warthog or Ghost one the map and drive it onto the air vent for a quick ride to the top. The upper tier features multiple dead-end rooms that serve as excellent places for up-close gun battles.

Foundation isn't the best map for every game mode. Oddball, King of the Hill, and Slayer work well, but don't bother with Capture the Flag. This small map isn't among the best in the game, but it is good for some fun. If you want the best time possible, select modes that limit weapons to swords or shotguns. Since it's such close quarters, close-range weapon battles are a perfect fit.

Playing online, Foundation is not an available map in Quick Match. At least, we've never seen it come up. However, if the host has the map unlocked, they can host games where everyone can play on Foundation. Source: IGN