Halo 4 DLC out now

Halo 4's first wave of downloadable content is out now. The Crimson Map Pack for Microsoft's new sci-fi shooter adds three new maps and eight achievements worth a total of 250 Gamerscore. It is available as a free download for those who have a $25 War Games Map Pass or $10 otherwise.

As was previously announced, the maps included with the Crimson Map Pack are Wreckage, Harvest, and Shatter. The maps will be playable in their own playlist that only features the new environments.

The Crimson Map Pack also brings a new game mode to the mix called Extraction. This new 5 vs. 5 objective-based gametype tasks players will extracting assets from various locations. Once a squad has found an extraction site, they must plant a beacon and protect it. The defending team will receive a point if they control the beacon. If they fail to do so, however, they attacking team will be awarded a point. The first team to extract five points is the winner.

Microsoft made clear that those who own a War Games Map Pass should not purchase the Crimson Map Pack, as they will be charged twice if this occurs.

Two further Halo 4 expansions will follow the Crimson Map Pack. These are the Majestic Map Pack and the Castle Map Pack, due in February and April, respectively.