Part 1 - Basics to Online Multiplayer, Getting the Best Out of You

This blog is primarily about Halo:Reach, but can be translated to Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary multiplayer as well. The basics of playing human opponents, revolves around a few key things from the outset of a match. So let's get straight to it.

 Key points are as follows:

• Choosing the right weapon and armour ability.
• Choosing a strategy like for example, go for weapon X  to achieve an objective Y.
• Watching where your team mates are going and what they are doing.
• Observing the opposition to determine their plans.
• Reducing/Avoiding doing silly mistakes.
• Having the right frame of mind to play: being focused.

Choosing the right weapons and armour ability. Choosing a strategy.

1) Choosing the right weapon varies slightly with each match up based. But 9 time out of 10 when the game starts, your best choice is to pick up a rifle.

The DMR, Designated Marksman Rifle (above picture) fits the bill perfectly. In fact, it is your best friend, as it can quickly strip an opponent of shields and take them out with a head shot once they are unshielded. Favour getting the DMR first, where possible.

Once you have a rifle, next you will want to head for a power weapon. This is because most games can be won based on who controls the power weapons. Power weapons are one hit kill weapons like the shotgun, sniper rifle, sword, fuel rod gun and rocket launcher. Which one you choose depends on the map and your style.

Personally I go for the Rocket Launcher. As with all weapons, practice, practice, practice! Try to become comfortable with your weaponry. The DMR is a clinical tool. Hammer away at the trigger for close range targets, whilst pacing your shots more on medium range.

1.5) Choosing the "right" armour ability can be very circumstantial. It is also a matter of choice. Choose Sprint to get to the power weapons quickly. The other armour abilities, for the moment, can be considered after the game changes, ie: once you respawn and need something like armour lock to block the rockets the enemy now has.

Team tactics using abilities like armour lock to draw fire and camouflage to blind enemy radars will be discussed some other time.

2) This is the part where your weapon choice now affects the game play. With a DMR you can put pressure across short, medium and long distances. DMR beats the assault rifle, especially while still in the opening 10-20 seconds of the match. And with that DMR you should be heading to your first power weapon. Possibly the sniper or rocket, as these usually have to be fought over to obtain.

In some cases you may favour getting a better position (possibly higher or further away) instead of going for the power weapon(s). A good example is the rockets on Powerhouse in the spillway, as Red Team spawns on top.

You goal in most games should revolve around keeping possession of power weapons, and keeping them in the best area where they can be utilized to the full.
It's no good having a Shotgun roaming around outside a base against a team of DMR and Snipers. And it's no good keeping a Spartan Laser in doors.

Coming Up In Part 2: Watching Your Team Mates and Observing The Opposition.