Halo 2 Strategy

2005-09-26T21:13:00.000-06:00

Relic - CTF - Offense - Ingame Move

"MC Ladder"

This is a very challenging move for the beginning of the game. Though if executed perfectly, it works brilliantly.

Player 1:

Moves to grab sniper rifle
Moves to grab battle rifle
Moves to ending position to protect all other players from enemies on the right side (Mainly the enemy beam rifle wielder)

Players 2,3,4:

All board the warthog and move to ending position
Create a ladder using the warthog as the bottom and two people as the middle
The third person jumps on everyone to the top and immediately grabs the flag to throw it down

It's all pretty much self explanatory from there on out.

Make sure that everyone in your group has practiced this before you attempt this otherwise you probably won't succeed.

2005-09-26T15:20:00.000-06:00

Zanzibar - CTF - Offense - Ingame Move

"Through the Gate"

Player 1:

One player stealthily moves into the top of the base.
From the top jump onto the flag and through it next to the gate.
Let the enemy kill you.
Once you've respawned, take the warthog to the gate.
Pick up the flag carrier near the gate.
Return to base.

Player 2,3,4:

The rest of the team will converge near the gate to eliminate any visible enemies outside.
One player will stealthily move to behind the rock near the gate.
The other two will continue to guard the area in front of the gate.
Once the Warthog is near, the player behind the rock goes to grab the flag through the gate.
Next the flag carrier rides shotgun in the warthog and returns to base to capture the flag.
The other two will intercept any enemies moving to the capture point.

2005-09-23T12:02:00.000-06:00

Lockout - CTF - Offense

Each color represents a player.
-----------------------------------------

Battle Rifle:

- This is the most crucial player of the start, so they must be able to perform flawlessly. The closet player to the battle rifle tower is designated as the BR guy.

1. Moves to battle rifle
2. Shoots fuel cell near gravity lift Battle Rifle. This will force the enemies Battle Rifle into the corner hidden in the snow.
3. Throws all grenades immediately into the top area of the gravity lift.
4. Calls out "Sniper!"
5. When he hears "Ready!" fire a shot at the bottom of the middle fuel cell behind the sniper rifle.
6. Moves to the middle area to intercept any enemies coming up gravity lift.

Sword:

- This player requires discipline. The player closet to the sword (Who ever is on bottom) is designated Sword guy.

1. Picks up sword
2. Moves to middle level above shotgun up above the entrance from the gravity lift area. He will camp here to intercept any enemies who foolishly come through. He is NOT TO MOVE no matter what. The enemy team can not know he's there, he is the only lower defense.

Sniper:

- This should be called out by the two closet to the magnum area.

1. Moves to area in front of the sniper with the two fuel cells between him.
2. Waits for Battle Rifle to call out "Sniper!" then replies "Ready!"
3. The Battle Rifle will shoot the three fuel cells knocking the sniper to you. Hold X after he shoots it.
4. Move to area above the three plasma grenades on the sniper to give sniper support to the flag guy.

Flag:

- This should be called out by the two closet to the magnum area.

1. Picks up magnum
2. Picks up plasma rifle
3. Moves to area in front of sniper with the who fuel cells between him. Be sure to be in front of sniper guy.
4. When sniper guy has his sniper rifle run straight towards the flag. Jump on the corner and immediately jump to the ramp. It should be a short walk to the flag.

- Now for the flag guys return he has two routes.

A.

1. This on is a little easier than the other. Start by walking up the ramp and throw the flag once up the ramp.
2. Grab it and jump on the left railing.
3. Jump to the over hang above the door and then jump up to the above railing.
4. Jump and throw the flag straight out to middle area from the railing.
5. Grab the flag from the middle area and line up to throw it on the ahead railing.
6. Run along railing and pick up flag while jumping to the battle rifle area.
7. Plant the flag.

B.

1. This one is harder and should only be executed by those with high jumping skills. Start by walking up the ramp and throw the flag once up the ramp.
2. Grab it and jump on the left railing.
3. Jump and throw it diagonally to the left towards the entrance to the middle level above the shotgun.
4. Grab it and throw it across the room and to the point where you jump towards the lower needler room.
5. Grab it again and jump to the next level.
6. Walk up the ramp and once you round the corner jump on the railing.
7. Once you reach the middle level on the railing jump to the over hang above the door to the upper needler room.
8. From there, jump onto the antenna near the flag.
9. Jump to the flag capture point.

Notes:

- This is one of the few maps in which you can actually plan out the entire round for offense.

- The reason for two flag captures routes is so you have the ability to throw off your enemies on your next offensive round.

2005-09-22T18:16:00.000-06:00

Crank that s**t! - Audio

I used to play Counter-Strike for Xbox a lot until the release of Halo 2. One of the most crucial aspects of CS was the audio. Being able to hear footsteps enabled me to pin point enemies and devise strategies. The louder I had my speakers, the more I could hear.

I've attempted to apply this concept to Halo 2, but the results are a little different. The main thing to you want to be able to hear are weapons (Although you can hear footsteps as well but I'll get into that later). There are two actions involving enemies and their weapons in which you can hear.

Picking Up and Switching:

When enemies pick up weapons, a distinctive sound will occur. One of the most obvious is the sword (Most people pick up on the meaning of this sound pretty quickly :)) Others are a little bit harder to differentiate. The best way to be able to recognize these sounds as soon as you hear them is just play the game. Though once you are able to do this, you have to actually pay attention to them. As soon as you hear them you should call them out to your team mates to inform them that the enemy is wielding a certain weapon (Sword, sniper, shotgun and so on). This is just one of the many ways to improve communication.

Now imagine this, you are about to enter a room. As you near it, you hear a sound and realize it's the sound of a shotgun pump. Do you enter? Obviously not, because you know an enemy is watching and waiting for you to enter the room. He probably saw you coming on his radar and deciding to take out his shotgun. Now you have the advantage because he doesn't know that you know he's there.

Shooting and Zooming:

It's not to difficult to be able to tell what weapon is being fired by it's sound. You just mostly have to be able to play the game to be able to tell. Zooming is also fairly easy to differentiate between weapons, again this just takes time.Now on to other aspects of Halo 2 audio, footstep.

Footsteps:

In case you didn't know, you can actually hear your enemies footsteps and pin point them. The only way your really going to them though is if you have your sound level high enough (It's gotta be pretty high). This really poses a serious problem to your team mates though. When your sound is so high, it leaks through your mic and into your team's headsets. This can be very annoying but there are a of ways to deal with it.

Mute and Unmute:

By pressing the button on the mic receiver plugged into your controller you effectively mute yourself from other people. Though you can still hear your team mates they can't hear you. Then when you want to communicate, just press it again and say what you have to say, then press it again once your done. It's the same concept as a walky talky, a little bit hard to use at first but you'll get used to it.

Another benefit of this is that when you accidentally make a sound when your trying to be stealthy, you won't show up on your enemies motion sensor.

Notes:

- Try to communicate with your team mates the weapons you hear but can't see your enemies wielding.

- If you feel up to it, try to use the mute button on your controller to only communicate when you want to when your sound is up.

- Turn your speakers up as loud as you or your neighbors can handle it.

2005-09-22T09:23:00.000-06:00

Turf - CTF - Defense

Each color represents a player.
-----------------------
Brute:
1. Picks up brute plasma rifle
2. Picks up grenades
3. Moves to ending position

Plasma:
1. Picks up plasma rifle
2. Moves to ending position

BR:
1. Picks up battle rifle
2. Picks up greandes near sniper ammo
3. Picks up plasma pistol

Magnum:
1. Picks up magnum
2. Picks up plasma pistol
-----------------------
After the ending positions, it's all improvisation from there on out.

Suggestion(s):

- Hold the ending positions until the other teams assualt begins. Try to stay off the radar.

Ending Weapons

Magnum: Magnum + Plasma Pistol + SMG
Brute: Brute Plasma Rifle + SMG
BR: Battle Rifle + Plasma Pistol + SMG
Plasma: Plasma Rifle + SMG

2005-09-22T09:22:00.000-06:00

Turf - CTF - Offense

Each color represents a player.
-----------------------

Shotgun:
1. Picks up shotgun
2. Picks up battle rifle
3. Moves to ending position

Sniper:
1. Jumps off blue to pick up sniper rifle
2. Moves to ending position

Left:
1. Picks up brute shot
2. Moves to ending position

Right:
1. Boosts green to sniper rifle
2. Picks up brute shot
2. Moves to ending position
-----------------------

After the ending positions, it's all improvisation from there on out.

Suggestion(s):

- All converge from outside flank.

Ending Weapons

Left: Brute Shot+ SMG + Plasma Grenades
Red: Shotgun + Battle Rifle
Right: Brute Shot + SMG
Green: Sniper Rifle + SMG

2005-09-21T21:33:00.000-06:00

Burial Mounds - CTF - Offense

This isn't a weapon strategy but it's still is helpful. I guess this is my first team strategy.

I've thought hard about having set plans for games like CTF. Though I eventually came to the conclusion that you really can't have a set plan for objective games. What I did realize though, is that you can certainly have a plan for the very beginning of the game. Example:

Each color represents a player.
-----------------------
Red:

1. Picks up beam rifle
2. Shoots possible enemy going for rocket launcher
3. Moves to ending position

Green:

1. Picks up sword
2. Picks up carbine rifle
3. Moves to protect beam rifle wielder

Yellow:

1. Picks up battle rifle
2. Picks up plasma pistol
3. Moves to protect rocket launcher wielder from enemy sniper

Blue:

1. Picks up rocket launcher
2. Moves to ending position
-----------------------

After the ending positions, it's all improvisation from there on out.

Suggestion(s):

- Yellow & Blue flank left while Red & Green flank far right sticking to the outside. Yellow and Blue must allow Red and Green time to move all the way around before assaulting within the base.

Ending Weapons

Blue: Rocket Launcher + SMG
Red: Beam Rifle + SMG
Yellow: Battle Rifle + Plasma Pistol
Green: Sword + Carbine Rifle

2005-09-20T15:18:00.000-06:00

Plasma Pistol

This is my personal favorite weapon because of it's multiple range usage. You can use the plasma pistol any where between close and long ranged combat.

Close Ranged Tactics:

Fighting close range with the plasma pistol is the ultimate, to those who don't the power it holds you'll appear to be weak and helpless. Though really your the last person they want to get close to. Your first move is simple, fire a charged shot effectively lowering their shields.
Now to melee your enemy. You should only need to do this once no matter what, so long as you hit them with the charged plasma bolt.
If you fail to hit them with a charged shot, your best choice is to retreat if possible to regroup and attack again.

Mid Ranged Tactics:

This type is a little bit trickier. You have two options here, either move to close range or throw a grenade after a plasma shot.
Shoot & Throw: This can be a little bit tricky but extremely effective. First off fire a charged shot your opponent. Immediately afterwards throw a fragmentation grenade. A plasma grenade just will take to long to detonate allowing your opponent to escape. The frag grenade on the other hand will detonate much more quickly.
Move to Close Range: It's pretty straight forward I think.

Long Ranged Tactics:

This is the hardest distance to use the plasma pistol at but the coolest if you can pull it off. First off you have to throw a grenade.
Now for the tricky part, right after you throw the grenade you must shoot a charged up shot. If you can get the timing right the plasma shot will lower there shields then shortly afterwards the grenade will finish them off. The fragmentation grenade is harder to time because of it's shorter fuse but it is more efficient because of it's speed. If you'd rather go the safe way, then use a plasma.

Notes:

- Never fire just regular plasma bolts, you will rarely be effective. Try to always use the charged up shot.

- A charged up shot plus a melee equals an easy kill (Against even someone with an overshield).

2005-09-19T23:43:00.000-06:00

Well I definitly was not expecting to go onto the main page of HBO, this is a HUGE push for me to really get into my guide.

I'd like to state that this is a temporary location for my guide. I'm using it for free and easy access for now. I suppose if anyone wants, they can check here for updates, but I'm still trying to create a solid format to easily share all of my knowledge.

The weapons I've posted so far are hardly complete, there just a start. There are many things I have yet to add to them and when I think of the things I could, it becomes a bit overwhelming. So I've got to take this slow, rushing through it is not going to help at all.

If you want to give me tips, I'm more than happy to hear you out. Just e-mail me @ lAbsolutel@gmail.com

Thanks for you interest,

Dustin

2005-09-19T18:01:00.000-06:00

Magnum

The magnum alone is not at all effective. This weapon should always be duel wielded with a different weapon. Although with two magnums you do have enough fire power to easily take down an enemy, you have to use well over half of each of the clips. This leaves you open for attack because it takes way to long to reload each weapon. If you decide to drop a magnum, you still leave the first attack to your second opponent while reloading. Then even when your finished reloading, you don't have enough fire power to eliminate an enemy before they eliminate you.

Close Ranged Tactics:

Your only goal here is to first melee your opponent.
This while lower their shields enabling you to place a few shots to the head to finish them off.
The longer you wait to melee, the less of a chance you'll have of wining.

Mid Ranged Tactics:

Only two options here. Grenade or move to close range.
Grenade: Try to land a grenade near your opponent. Depending on how much damage you inflict, it should take only a few shots to the head to finish them off.
Move to Close Range: Try to move closer without getting hit to much. Although you can lower their shields and shoot them in the head with one clip, it's just to hard to land every single shot.

Long Ranged Tactics:

You really should get closer.

Notes:

- Rarely should you ever use the magnum alone, and even less duel wield them together.

- If you are left with no choice but to use the magnum, moving closer is your best option. Even better is to start off with a melee attack.

2005-09-17T01:15:00.000-06:00

Shotgun

I feel that the shotgun is definitely one the harder weapons to use in Halo 2. Although it is extremely powerful at close range. It's almost entirely useless mid to long range. Also, if you play on Xbox Live, if you're not the connection host, it can make things a little more difficult. To kill your opponent in one shot, he must be relatively close to you and you must hit him dead on. With lag, it can be hard to hit him dead on.

One of the mistakes many people do when they have the shotgun is hold it out when they're just moving around. Good players can easily see that you have a shotgun and avoid getting close. This renders it completely useless. Try to conceal the shotgun until an opponent comes about mid range. You can how ever, hold it out as long as no one can see it.

Close Ranged Tactics:

This is exactly where you want to be when wielding the shotgun. Begin by attempting to land a shot.
Follow up immediately with a melee attack even if your opponent dies. This will ensure that you kill him all the way or at least deal enough damage to easily take him out in one shot afterwards.

Mid Ranged Tactics:

Although you can shoot your opponent and deal a significant amount of damage, you must attempt to get closer.
If he is aware that you have a shotgun, he will likely retreat hoping you will mistakenly follow him. If you do chances are you won't win, you'll be just to far away to land a good shot. All the while he will be shooting you with a more suitable weapon for that distance.
If he's unaware of your shotgun, he will more than likely rush you. The best way to insure that your opponent is unaware that you're wielding a shotgun is to conceal it until they come into close range.
Concealing 1: The first and most obvious type of concealment is holding out your other weapon. Wait until they are close until you switch to the shotgun.
Concealing 2: Another form of concealment is to stay out of your enemies line of site. Such as hiding behind an obstacle or waiting behind a corner.

Long Ranged Tactics:

Your only goal here is to get them closer. Do not attempt to use the shotgun at long range, it just simply will not work.

Notes:

- When between mid and long range, always be sure to conceal the fact that you have a shotgun.

- After firing your first shot at close range, be sure to follow up with a melee attack, you'll not always kill your opponent on the first shot.

2005-09-16T09:19:00.000-06:00

Battle Rifle

This is the second most common starting weapon of many game types. All MLG game types start with the battle rifle, so if you like MLG, you better get well acquainted with the battle rifle.

Close Ranged Tactics:

Most importantly, you must melee your opponent. If you fail to do this, killing him will take much longer.
Once you've lowered their shields immediately back away.
While backing away aim for the head. At the most it'll only take a couple of shots.

Mid Ranged Tactics:

You have to choices here. Try to throw a grenade or shoot.
Grenade: Try to throw a grenade off a near by wall to land near your opponent. Be sure to lead him if needed. Then aim for his head and depending on how well you through your grenade it make only one shot to eliminate 'em.
Shooting: Begin by being the first to start shooting, otherwise your chances of wining are reduced. Either you can continue to shoot until he's dead, or run in for a melee attack. If you aren't the first to start shooting, retreat to some cover. Once you've recovered start again.

Long Ranged Tactics:

Grenades are the most important part of this situation. If you are able to land a descent grenade, it should only take one shot to finish them off. This is a must for multiple enemies, otherwise you simply won't win.
If you don't have grenades or miss with one, you must start the shooting. If you fail to do that, it's best to retreat for the time being and start all over again.

Extreme Long Ranged Tactics:

Most importantly, do not throw grenades in an open area. They're easily avoided and leaves the first shot to your opponent. It's better to beat him to shooting, be sure to use the 2x scope.
Open area: Strafing randomly left and right will make it harder for them to hit you.
Closed in area: Since it's going to be easy to take cover, shooting isn't going to be very effective. You should attempt to get closer all the while throwing grenades.

Notes:

- Be sure to use the 2x scope at long and extreme long range.

- If you don't get the first shot off, be sure to retreat. If your opponent decides to follow, simply throw grenades near yourself so they'll run through it giving you an easy shot to head to finish 'em off.

Stats - Rank #1 - Based on one versus one confrontation...

Y=Yes Engage
M=Might Engage
N=Do Not Engage

2005-09-15T20:40:00.000-06:00

SMG

This is the starting weapon of just about every map, so it's important that you know the "SMG" in and out.

The SMG has a clip of 120 bullets, despite it's enormous clip size, it's not very powerful. This is definitely a close to mid ranged weapon. Although it can be used in long distance attacks.

Dual Wielding: Generally dual wielding the same weapon isn't a good idea. Though if that's all you have available and you don't want to use grenades go for it. Though if engaging multiple enemies, this isn't a good idea. Also as soon as you use up all of your clip, drop an SMG, it just takes to long to reload and can leave you open for attack.

Close Ranged Tactics:

Your best bet will be to melee your opponent to start.
Next is to immediately back away as to not let him melee you back.
All while backing away, you should be firing holding the trigger down. This should eliminate him quickly.
If you failed to melee, skip to shooting and as soon as you see their shields are down, move in for a melee attack.

Mid Ranged Tactics:

You have two choices here. Either you can fire first or throw a well placed grenade.
Shooting First: If you can get the jump on your opponent, shooting first will greatly increase your chance of victory. Your best bet will be to move in for a melee attack once their shields are lowered.
Grenade: This is certainly the most efficient though the more difficult way of overcoming your opponent. Since your are not that far away from the enemy, throwing a grenade directly at him may not work. He could easily run past it and straight at you with a melee and a short burst to finish you off. Better yet, bounce a fragmentation grenade off a near by wall. That way if he decides to rush you, he won't make past the grenade. With plasmas, either use the same tactic or if you feel up to it, attempt to stick 'em.

Long Ranged Tactics:

Grenades are the most important advantage of this confrontation. Throwing them straight at your opponent can work but is not suggested. Learn to predict which direction they may move in, then lead them with a grenade. If they decide to rush you, through the grenade to your feet, such as bouncing it off a wall near yourself.
So long as the enemy is a good distance away from you, you must always burst fire. Because the SMG has so much recoil, holding down the trigger at long range sprays most of your ammo past your opponent. Burst fire will enable you to land almost all of your shots and take down your enemy quicker.

Notes:

- Remember to always change your tactics with the SMG depending on the distance from opponent.

- For multiple enemies you must always use the most efficient ways of dispatching enemies. Other wise you will be most certainly become overwhelmed.

Stats - Rank #5 - Based on one versus one confrontation...

Y=Yes Engage
M=Might Engage
N=Do Not Engage

2005-09-14T11:17:00.000-06:00

I've always felt a need to share my knowledge of my Halo 2 multiplayer experience and now have finally decided to start my own series of detailed strategies.

The first set will deal with weapon strategies which should be up soon.