Halo 2 Strategy Guide

Whether you're playing split screen or Xbox Live, these killer strategies will give you everything you need to rip through your competition in Halo 2's pulse-pounding multiplayer matches.

Got the Energy Sword blues? Taken one too many point-blank Shotgun blasts on Xbox Live? Then belly up to the bar, soldier, and rock on with these bitchin Halo 2 multiplayer strategies.

Double Your Pleasure
Halo 2's new dual-wielding system isn't just for eye candy it's a crucial new piece of the multiplayer experience. The following gun combinations are GamePro-tested for maximum carnage. One note: you can't throw grenades while dual wielding.


Plasma Pistol and SMG
Simply devastating. When fully charged, the Plasma Pistols energy blast will completely strip your opponent's shields. Better yet, it will home in on enemy positions, albeit slowly. Once the brunt of the Plasma damage is dealt, a quick spray from the SMG will instantly flatten your foe. This combo works best with the SMG gripped in your dominant hand (usually right) and the Plasma Pistol in your weaker hand (usually left).


SMG and Magnum
Compared to the first Halo's Pistol, the Magnum inflicts less damage and lacks the zoom scope. Luckily, it still rocks for dealing out high-damage headshots. The strategy here differs from the Plasma Pistol/SMG combo. Youll have better luck if you hold the Magnum in your dominant hand (right) and the SMG in the weaker hand (left). This will help you score more hits with the super-accurate Magnum, as accuracy isn't crucial with the SMG.


Dual Needlers
Though feeble on its own, Needlers are definitely a force to be reckoned with when they work together. Their strength lies in the double-damage nature of the needle projectiles; enemies receive damage when the needle impacts, then take additional damage when it explodes. The trick is to shoot slightly ahead of moving opponents, giving the slow-moving, heat-seeking needles more time to plunge deep into soft, exposed flesh. Booyah!


Control Freak
Take the time to customize your control scheme, as many players find that switching up the placement of hard-to-reach functions (like melee attacks or grenade switching) makes combat easier. Feel free to play around with analog stick sensitivity, though the default setting is perfect for most players. Also, experiment with inverting your analog movements.


Know Thy Circle-Strafe
Two words: absolutely critical. Though many console FPS fans may be unfamiliar with this tactic, circle strafing is well known to many hardcore PC shooter fans. The idea is to move around your target while shooting, which makes you a tough-to-hit moving target while keeping him pinned in the center of your destructive perimeter. Does it work? Yes yes, it does.


Jumping the Gun
Jumping can help you dodge enemy fire, but it also makes you an easy target. Halo 2's huge, floaty space jumps often leave you in compromising mid-air position. Because it s easy for enemy snipers to predict your arc and cap you at the apex, it s best to jump as infrequently as possible. If you feel you must jump while entangled in a heated brawl, try jumping over an opponent s head; it'll confuse him and buy you a few more precious seconds.


The Art of Concealment
Crouching makes you a smaller target, but it also removes you from enemy motion-sensors, a fact you can exploit with crouch walking. When crouch-walking, you can often creep past foes, then spear them with the Energy Sword. Crouch jumping is another useful tactic; when you crouch at the apex of your jump, it gives you a slight boost. Many of the multiplayer Halo 2 levels feature small nooks and secret sniping perches, all inaccessible without crouch jumping.


Halo: Reloaded
Here s another area where console players lag behind the hardcore PC veterans. Keeping your weapon fully loaded should be a constant consideration. Does it make much sense to walk around with just two bullets loaded? Of course not, so be aware of your weapon s ammo level, and if you see a moment to reload, take it, even if you re only adding a few extra shots. You might not get another chance later.

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