War Was in the Gates

Objective: Investigate the Facility

Blue Team may not know where they are, but Master Chief believes they’ve been brought here for a reason. The towering presence of a Guardian suggests there’s definitely something of interest to be found here. Advance into the small Forerunner structure ahead 1 .

Inside the structure, a mysterious console emits an unusual, yet familiar, sound. Investigate the console to open the way forward, gaining access to the planet’s vibrant landscape. Activating the console also appears to have some sort of effect on the larger Forerunner structure in the distance.

Objective: Locate Cortana

Chief believes that Cortana has brought Blue Team here, and he intends to find her. Advance along the rocky path, taking in the breathtaking scenery until the large Forerunner structure reappears on the horizon. Instead of advancing directly toward it, look for a side passage on the left 2.

Follow the side passage to an overlook, where you discover a Covenant data pad lying next to a dead Grunt. Looks like the Covies have beaten you here.

Alternate Approach If you prefer a sneakier approach, follow the lower trail on the left to a weak wall 4. Smash through the wall with a Spartan Charge, then unload on the unsuspecting Covies at the crash site.

Drop from the ledge after inspecting the data pad and advance toward the cliff ahead. Covenant foes lurk in the lower area 3; those in this small group are still breathing, but they seem off-guard and disoriented, having apparently survived a crash landing. Toss a grenade and then open fire with your Magnum, or dive into the fray with a mighty Ground Pound and then start blazing away with your Assault Rifle.

Secure the crash site, then jump onto the Covenant’s downed ship. Stand on top of the ship and then leap to the nearby ledge, which features another Covenant data pad. Scan the pad for some more intel, then follow the passage ahead and to the left.

The passage leads to an overlook with two Carbines and an Energy Sword 5. An inattentive Grunt is merrily singing away here. Punt the Grunt off the ledge to end its singing, then trade your Assault Rifle for a Carbine before backtracking to the crash site and picking up the main trail.

Skull 6 of 13: Grunt PArty The singing Grunt at the overlook is holding a Skull 5. Approach the Grunt and press the Action button to punt the Grunt off the cliff, then collect the Skull it leaves behind—the first of two Skulls you can discover in this mission.