Gate Crasher

  Halo 3 has been a huge success on the Xbox 360, with many players still playing it via Xbox Live. The online multiplayer environment incorporates a ranking system where players advance in rank as they gain experience from ranked and social matches. The matchmaking system then uses this in an attempt to pair players across the globe with others of simular ranking to provide a constant competitive experience.

It can be very daunting playing online for the first time, after having played Halo 3 for sometime I will try and provide you with some basic tips below that I have found helpful. The “Group Kill” tactic can be found here and the outside containment tactic here

Know your maps –

Like the old saying “Knowledge is power”, after a few rounds you will find this very true. There is no point using your spawn weapons for the entire game, having the shotgun on Guardian can have you killing player’s non stop till you run out of am. I strongly encourage that you explore the maps thoroughly and take notes where key weapons and power ups are. This can best be done by playing a game offline with another friend walking around the map explore its various nooks and crannies. Take note of the vehicles in each maps, power weapons and power ups. Also look for vantage points where you can snipe or protect your flag.

Know your weapons –

There are a lot of weapons in Halo 3 and it will take sometime till you know what the do and where to find them. A shotgun or double maulers are excellent for close combat. Sniper and beam rifles are the weapon of choice for open sprawling landscapes. Turrets are great for high traffic areas and against vehicles.

 Each weapon has its pros and cons, for instance if a sniper is hit then his rifle automatically zooms out so the best course of action is to use a battle rifle from a distance while you approach for the kill. Shotguns and Maulers at close quarters are quite deadly, throw some grenades in before approaching or use a power up to go in for the kill.

Know your vehicles –

There are some new vehicles available in Halo 3 and most vehicles allow two people to use. Communication is extremely important when using vehicles; a banshee pilot can scout from above, and the driver of a warthog should communicate to the gunner about the location of enemies. I find the best way is to describe targets as 2 or 10 O’clock using the front of the vehicle as 12 O’clock. This enables the gunner to pinpoint the target even if he is facing the wrong way. In capture the flag vehicles are imperative, two people on a mongoose with a full warthog as back up will more then often make a safe journey there and back.

 The energy drain has a dramatic effect on all vehicles; they will come to a standstill or in the Banshees case, fall out of the sky. Use your vehicle to its full potential, fly bys, drive bys, splatters and recon and just a few of the ways to accomplish this. If you are feeling out gunned with a vehicle bearing down on you, you can always try and highjack or stick it.

Know your tactics –

Communication is Key! I strongly encourage you to invest in a headset. It makes the Xbox Live experience so much more enjoyable. Not only can you establish game plans, but build stronger friendships with your fellow gamers. Make sure you are assaulting the objective in waves, if you die, wait for some fellow team mates to respawn and gather your forces. Objective maps require you to work as a team so you must find out who is defending, assaulting and requires assistance. Work in your niche role! If you’re a good driver – drive. If you a good sniper – defend. If you are fearless – attack. Take tactical routes to your objective, on Valhalla if you drive through the river your intentions will be more discreet and provide more coverage from attacks. If you drive in a straight line you are more prone to attack and everyone will know what’s coming.

 There are several little hiding places, and some people may at times feel you are using unsporting practices. The sword room on the pit is one of the many locations, if you spend the entire duration of the game there with the sword and a shotgun, you will more than likely receive some negative feedback. If feel what you’re doing is wrong and not in the spirit of the game, your opponents are probably a lot more furious then you expect.

  There is an endless repertoire of tactics out there for you to use and learn, feel free to add your own. Find out what playing style works best for you and embrace it. Remember to have fun and that it is only a game, in the end we are all still human beings and there is no need to be abusive and obnoxious. Teabagging can be quite demoralising and hilarious given the appropriate timing.

My Xbox live gamer tag is “TreyCannon” if you are ever up for a game.

And remember: HAVE FUN!