Scarab

Lore & Background

Scarab is a desert planet that has been scarred by centuries of conflict, its surface littered with the wreckage of ancient wars and the bones of fallen warriors. The environment is unforgiving, with extreme temperatures and treacherous terrain that tests even the most skilled pilots and infantry. The planet's name is derived from the beetle-like creatures that inhabit its dunes, which are said to bring good luck to those who spot them before battle.

In Their Own Story

The sun hammered the cracked earth as the Blood Eagle scout pressed flat behind a crumbling wall. Below, in the canyon, a Diamond Sword supply convoy crept through the heat haze—unaware of the disc launchers already tracking their lead vehicle. The scout keyed his mic. 'Scarab's hungry today. Let's feed it.' A heartbeat later, the canyon swallowed the roar of spinning discs and the scream of tearing metal.

Reader's Guide

Scarab is a medium-sized map in *Tribes 2*, designed for fast-paced capture-the-flag and base defense gameplay. The terrain is a mix of open desert flats and rocky outcroppings, with two main bases positioned at opposite ends of the map. Each base is fortified with turrets and sensors, but the key to victory lies in controlling the central canyon, which offers cover and shortcuts for flag runners. The map's layout encourages vertical movement, with hills and plateaus providing vantage points for snipers and heavy armor. Vehicles like the Wildcat and Shrike are common, but the narrow passages make them vulnerable to well-placed grenades. Scarab is a favorite for its balance of open combat and tactical depth, rewarding teams that coordinate assaults and defend their flag with equal ferocity. In the broader *Tribes* universe, Scarab represents the endless cycle of conflict that defines the Tribes. It is a place where alliances are tested, and only the strongest survive. Whether you're a new player learning the ropes or a veteran seeking glory, Scarab offers a true test of skill.

Did You Know?

• Scarab is one of the few maps in *Tribes 2* that features a destructible bridge, which can be used to cut off enemy routes.
• The planet Scarab is named after the real-world scarab beetle, which is a symbol of rebirth in ancient Egyptian mythology.
• The map's design was inspired by the canyons of the American Southwest, particularly Monument Valley.
• Scarab was originally intended to be a single-player mission before being adapted for multiplayer.