History of Checkmate Countdown
Revision 20677 by archivist at 2026-10-10 08:37:21
Overview
Checkmate Countdown is a Crucible playlist variant that applies the Checkmate modifier to a standard mode. Objective: detonate or defuse both opposing charges, as in Countdown. 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. Bungie has since moved Checkmate back and forth between Labs and the core rotation, so availability varies by season.
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.
Rewards
Standard Crucible rewards (engrams, Valor/Glory-style progress where the playlist counts) and Crucible Triumphs.