Sandtrap
"Although the Brute occupiers have been driven from this ancient structure, they left plenty to remember them by."
Sandtrap is a map belonging to Halo 3 multiplayer. It resides in the middle of an expansive desert where solace can only be found in ancient stone buildings. This map is very well suited for larger gamemodes such as BTB Slayer, CTF, Assault, Territories, and VIP.
Elephant
The Elephant is a unique vehicle that only appear on Sandtrap. A slow-moving, indestructable behemoth, the Elephant not only serves as a mobile base and spawn point, but also as a traveling gun platform. However, despite what offensive capabilities it possesses, the Elephant is largely open air. As such, while the Elephant can dish out considerable damage, those riding the Elephant also put themselves at risk.
The Elephant is also crucial in a number of objective games, as it serves as a team's offical base and objective location. For example, in Multi-Flag CTF, each team's flag spawns at their Elephant. Given the Elephant's mobile capabilities, the flag locations are able to be moved about the map according to the wishes of players.
On some occasions, when the map variant, Sand Tarp is chosen, the Elephants are removed (and Warthogs changed to Prowlers).
Crypt
The Crypt is home to one team's spawn. Characterised as the largest building on the map, the Crypt also has an expansive basement. The basement is used primarily for one-sided gamemodes, such as One-Flag CTF, as the defender's base.
In normal Slayer games, one team spawns outside the Crypt, given a number of vehicles, including a Warthog, Chopper, and a couple Mongooses. There are also two small bunkers on either side of the Crypt, allowing smaller weapons and equipment to be picked up. The Elephant for this team also spawns on the far side of the Crypt, near the edge of the map.
Crashed Phantom
A relic from an earlier battle, there is a crashed Phantom near the edge of the map. Although lacking in weaponry, a Banshee can be found nearby, giving any team the advantage by acquiring this useful tool. Other than that, the Crashed Phantom serves little purpose. One may be able to snipe from within, but the sight lines may not be ideal, and the close proximity to the edge of the map may be hazardous.
The Valley
The Valley is a small, centrally-located ditch that runs the width of the map. The Valley is commonly used for transportation. Vehicles seeking an easy route to the other side of the map can be found frequently passing through the Valley.
Players on foot may also use the Valley as a quick means to gain access to the Crypt basement from the Stone Hallway (though not vice versa). At the end of the Stone Hallway lies an opening to the Valley. After a short drop down, players can head straight across the Valley into a door leading to the Crypt basement. It is not advisable for foot soldiers to stay in the Valley, however, as its low ground and frequent use by vehicles makes it a danger to those without such advantages.
Stone Hallway
The Stone Hallway is the longest building on Sandtrap, but also a basic one. The front entrance is near the the other team's spawn (also stocked with the same vehicles), and the layout of the inside is just one long hallway leading to the Gravity Hammer (by the Valley drop down). There are several other entrances, however, with one the side and three from above. A Spartan Laser can also be found atop the Stone Hallway, above the Gravity Hammer.
Due to the very enclosed nature of the Stone Hallway, players on foot are well guarded. Players who spawn opposite of the Crypt have a protected pathway to the middle of the map. The Stone Hallway also conveniently connects the the Stone Overhang, which, although lower than the Stone Hallway, is more defensible.
Stone Overhang
The Stone Overhang is primarily a raised platform that lies next to the Stone Hallway. Vehicles on the move can travel underneath the Stone Overhang while players walk safetly above. Players can reach the Stone Overhand in two ways: one, from the Stone Hallway and, or, by taking a small lift on either of the raised bunker-looking structures at the corners of the Stone Overhang.
Players who remain at the Stone Overhang are well defended from most vehicle encounters. Both a Machine Gun Turret and the Rocket Launcher spawn here, allowing players to attack any vehicles that come nearby. Those on the Stone Overhang, however, are vulnerable from enemies on the higher Stone Hallway or a patrolling Banshee.
Crashed Albatross
The last notable location on SandTrap is right next to the Stone Hallway, the Stone Overhang, and one team's spawn. The Albatross is a UNSC troop and heavy equipment carrier, and this one was downed in the earlier skirmish with Covenant. A Missle Pod spawns inside the Albatross, which is useful on this heavily vehicle-based map. Although being on ground level does put the player using the Missle Pod at risk.
Lastly, the team that spawns next to the Albatross may find their Elephant either next to the Albatross or behind their initial spawn.