The most-seen of the Halo 2 maps to date, Zanzibar is an asymmetrical map on a beach setting, perfect for games like Assault. The defending team has protective structures and walls, including a working gate, while the assaulting team starts on the beach with vehicles and must press through a choke point to reach the base. The large fan structure conceals a plasma sword that can be retrieved by a variety of methods (including rockets or grenades).

The successor to Blood Gulch (hence the name) has more varied terrain, a more complex underground base system including a Banshee hangar, and more obstructed views between the two base areas.

Special Ops Elites in Halo 1 were the toughest, fastest and strongest of the Elite variations in Halo 1. They used plasma grenades accurately and often would dodge grenades used against them most of the time and could survive a direct hit from a rocket launcher at point blank range. In Halo 2 it seems there may be more variations on the SpecOps Elite, as some have been seen in various colors (black or white) and carrying different weapons. Some may carry plasma swords, like the Gold elites of Halo 1, while others, like this example, might carry Carbines or Beam Rifles.

The spiritual and political leaders of the Covenant are the Prophets, with their hovering chairs and their elaborate headdresses. They are guarded by Elites and, although not as physically imposing as them, are supposed to possess deadly and "unique" attacks. At one point Bungie mentioned the possibility of being able to distinguish individual Prophets from one another by their headdresses. Prophets may have specialized, individual roles in Covenant society. At least two specific prophets have been mentioned in various places: the Prophet of Truth and the Prophet of Regret. The Halo 2 manual says their significance is "administrative or religious in nature" and notes they have never been seen on a battlefield, and never captured or killed.