History of Checkmate Control
Revision 35285 by archivist at 2026-10-12 19:05:27
Overview
Checkmate Control is a Crucible playlist variant that applies the Checkmate modifier to a standard mode. Objective: capture zones and defeat opponents, as in Control. This was the first mode to receive the modifier, followed two weeks later by Checkmate Survival and then Checkmate Rumble in the six-week test. Checkmate is a modifier rather than a standalone mode: it was introduced in Season of the Witch via Crucible Labs and later rotated into the weekly Crucible playlist, selectable from the The Crucible destination tab. Availability has varied by season, moving between Crucible Labs and the core rotation.
Mechanics
Checkmate: raises Guardian health (longer time-to-kill); cuts passive Grenade, Melee and class ability generation by 50% and passive Super generation by 40%; and Guardians never spawn with Special ammo. Special ammo is instead earned through final blows, playing the objective and picking up Heavy ammo. The in-game description adds that ability and Primary ammo damage is reduced. The goal is a slower, gunplay-focused Crucible. Numbers may have changed in later seasons.
Rewards
Standard Crucible rewards (engrams, Valor/Glory-style progress where the playlist counts) and Crucible Triumphs.