Halo Reach (MCC) Firefight Guide - Waterfront

Waterfront is the map in Halo Reach that nobody likes (including myself). Every game has to have at least one map like this and Waterfront is Reach's. Players who have gone through Reach's Campaign may recognize this map from the Nightfall Mission, you're tasked with protecting civilians at this location when you're passing through it.

If I had to try and put my finger on the reason no one likes this map it's because it is small and very hard to defend. Enemies can spawn on all sides of the compound and due to the small size of it all you'll have very little time to pick them off from a distance. The map being so small also leads to the complication of Drop Ships being able to hit you from basically anywhere.

Another thing that makes this map frustrating is Jackal snipers can spawn ontop of the cliff. While it doesn't happen very often it is annoying when it does happen because you're required to carry a medium to long range weapon with you at all times or find one quickly when you have to eliminate one.

For the most part these criticisms only apply to regular Firefight though. When you are playing Rocket, Sniper or Fiesta modes you'll have an Overshield at all times and you'll be competing for enemies instead of running from them. I think during these modes the Waterfront map isn't as bad as it normally is.

Regardless of your game mode the best strategy on this map is to typically split up your team and have each person cover a different part of the map. The hilltop in the northeast sees a lot of action as does the dam and road area in the east/southeast. Phantoms will occasionally drop off enemies in other parts of the map too so it isn't like you can completely ignore them. Hunters also spawn in all directions so you'll have to keep an eye out.

My favorite rooftop in Rockets, Sniper or Fiestafight modes.

My advice to you when playing this map on a normal Firefight is to quit out and try for a different map. This map causes more frustration than enjoyment in my honest opinion and unless you have a good team the odds of you winning this map during Matchmaking are low. If you are playing one of the special game modes then I recommend you camp the northeastern area or southeastern one.

Like you can see in the screenshot above, the spot I like to camp on this map is the rooftop in the northeast. Uptop here I can get a full view of the hilltop in the northeast and on the Phantom drop in the water which happens right in front of me.

 

 

 

Extra Tips & Tricks

- When you are playing Sniper, Rocket, Fiesta or any of the other arcade game modes for Firefight you should always use a Jet Pack Loadout. When using a Jet Pack and getting a killing blow you'll be rewarded the Firebird Medal which will get you more EXP overall. You only get the Firebird Medal when you are holding down the button and ascending with the Jet Pack. Letting go of the button and scoring the KB on the descend will not earn you this medal.

- During normal Firefight modes the Target Locator will have its ammo restored after each round. For this reason it's strongly recommended you do not get rid of this weapon after you use up its ammo; if you die while holding the Target Locator return to where you died and pick it up again before it's despawned at the end of the round. As far as the best time to use the Target Locator, typically towards the end of the round. Not the final set because the final set is very small but the 3rd or 4th sets are normally when I end up using it.

- Want some advice on what weapons to use during Firefight and why? I have put together a Halo Reach Firefight Weapon Tier List that you may find helpful in determining what weapons you want to pick up and keep on your character.

- Jackal Snipers will spawn on the ridge in the northeast, it's recommended at least one person on your team keep a long range weapon on them at all times for this reason.

 

Waterfront Firefight Videos
- FRGFight on Waterfront
- Plasmafight on Waterfront
- Fiestafight on Waterfront
- Rocket Attack on Waterfront
- Gruntpocalypse on Waterfront
- Arcadefight on Waterfront
- Firefight Limited on Waterfront
- Nadefight on Waterfront