How to Win at Halo 2

Last Updated: March 4, 2021 References

Halo 2 is still one of the most popular online shooters of all time. But players have gotten really, really good since it came out, making it difficult for new players to jump in without getting crushed. However, with some practice, a couple tips, and some knowledge, anyone can compete in Halo 2.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Fighting in Any Situation

1
Learn the weapons, starting with the Battle Rifle. Halo has a lot of weapons, and the more you know about them better you will be in any mode. The essential weapon to learn is the battle rifle, which shoots accurate, 3-bullet bursts suitable for a variety of distances. With proper shot placement (the head), it can take down most enemies in a few hits, and the scope greatly increases your range. The Covenant Carbine is a similar weapon, though slightly less common. As you improve, you can move on to other weapons for more specific scenarios:
- Pistols are really only useful when duel wielded, or against weak enemies when you want to conserve ammunition.
- Rifles, Needlers, SMG are fast-shooting damage dealers used in mid to close range fights. Usually, you need to duel-wield them to be effective.
- Sniper Rifles are essential for a good Halo player. They can kill most enemies with a single shot to the head, and are highly accurate.
- Shotguns and swords are only good for close-range, quick kills. You need to be very close to the enemy for them to be effective, but they kill quickly.
2
Work the body until the shield breaks, then hit the head. Most enemies in halo, and all of the players online, have a full body shield that must be broken before you can do damage. The shield is always up and regenerates after a few seconds if the player doesn't die. Hitting any part of the body damages the shield, so unless you're sniping you should aim for the biggest target, the chest, until the shield breaks. When it does you'll see a little blue crackle. When the shield is down, a shout above the shoulders will take almost any enemy straight down.
- Energy weapons, like the alien arsenal (plasma pistols, rifles, etc.) do extra damage to shields, but less to unshielded enemies.
- Bullet weapons, like the battle rifle, do extra damage to unshielded targets. This is why most duel-wielders have one energy and one bullet weapon.
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3
Strafe, or move side-to-side, when shooting. A moving target is much harder to hit. It is also difficult to aim while strafing if you aren't practiced. When you're in a firefight, especially a one-on-one, keep moving back and forth unpredictably, taking 2-3 steps to one side, then 2-3 to the other. Practice moving your aim simultaneously with your body, allowing you to keep racking up shots while the enemy tries to hit you.
- Strafing needs to be side to side – moving forwards and backward barely changes your opponent's target.
- Avoid jumping a lot. Once you jump you're in the air, unable to change directions, and a good player will be able to pick you off.^{[1]
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4
Use grenades frequently to deal damage and flush out targets. You can carry up to 8 grenades in Halo, and you should be using them frequently. Grenades deal massive damage in a small area, and they cause enemies to shuffle out of the way. This can bring them into the open, where it is easy for you to pick them off. You can toss them long distances over cover as well, and 1-2 grenades used in a small are could get you the kill.
- Use grenades to start and finish fights -- pulling someone out of cover or getting the kill as they run away.
- Don't use grenades in an open space when taking fire. They take 1-2 seconds to throw, and you'll be getting shot at the whole time. Chances are good you'll die before releasing the orb.^{[2]
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5
Raise your "Look Sensitivity" in the controls to aim faster. Look sensitivity determines how quickly your cross-hairs move when you move the control stick. While it can be difficult to adjust to at first, a higher look sensitivity helps you aim and turn much faster, giving you an edge in a fight. Go into Options from the start screen and up the look sensitivity for 1-2 rounds. It will take some getting used to, but it will improve your game with time.^{[3]
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6
Learn to look out for the red reticule. If your cross-hairs go red, especially when holding the sniper rifle, pull the trigger. The red reticule means you have an enemy in your sights and they are in an accurate range. With a sniper, this can help you "smudge" head shots, which is when the game recognizes the shot once your reticule is red and automatically confers the headshot.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Mastering Multiplayer

1
Learn the maps, discovering the layout and weapon drop areas. Find out where certain guns are that pack the big punch, like the shotgun, the rocket launcher, and the sword. Gun locations vary on different maps, and you need to know them ahead of time to succeed.
- Learn the maps one at a time by yourself by playing against a friend in Local Multiplayer. The better you know the maps, the better the battle will be.
- Once you know where everything is, practice with one or two friends.^{[4]
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2
Crouch to remove yourself from the radar. Once you've crouched, you no longer appear as a little red dot to your enemies. This is perfect for a stealthy kill, especially if you're using a shotgun, which needs to be close range, or you're trying to hide out of the way to squeeze off a few sniper shots. Having the element of surprise, especially on smaller maps, will make a big difference.^{[5]
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3
Run and regroup if you don't have a clear line of sight against an enemy. In multiplayer, every death gives the other team a point or takes you off the map, hurting your team. As such, you can't fight every person you see just because they're in front of you. If you know you can only get 1-2 weak hits at an enemy running off, save your grenades and ammo. Similarly, if you're outnumbered or fighting a player with better weapons, more visibility, or the advantage, try and find a way out instead of going down in a blaze of glory. You'll save your team a point and live to fight another day.
- Before starting a mid-range or long-range fight, ask yourself if you could get the kill at this distance.
- When you're weak, like when your shield breaks down, get behind cover. At the very least, force the opponent to use a grenade instead of giving them the easy kill with their bullets.
4
Dual-wield weapons in tight situations and close-quarters combat. Dual-wielding combos can be an excellent strategy in up close combat, try these weapon combos. However, duel-wielding prevents you from using grenades or items. When possible, resort to duel-wielding in the heat of a fight, then drop a weapon if you're out in the open or need to adjust your game plan.
- SMG+ Magnum
- SMG+Plasma Rifle
- SMG+Plasma Pistol
- Magnum + Charged Plasma Pistol (instant kill if both are head shots)^{[6]
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5
Stick with your team. Don't be a lone wolf trying to track down your kills on your own -- you will be better as a team. When you've got someone else with you, you can bring down enemies in half the time, making it difficult for them to get any shots off against superior numbers. Just as importantly, traveling with a team prevents you from getting ganged up on, and even if you die you have a teammate who can quickly finish up the kills you started. Keep communicating, letting your team know:
- When an enemy has a power weapon like a sword, grenade launcher, sniper, etc.
- The locations of the other team or objects (like the flag, bomb, etc.)
- When you're using explosives that might hurt teammates.
- Where you're going, if you're making a move (like capturing the flag).
6
Hold your ground instead of rushing around. A player who keeps their cool always has the upper hand. Stay out of open terrain or low areas with lots of high vantage points around you. Never chase after someone for a kill, especially if they can see you well in advance or have cover. Stick to cover whenever possible, only leaving when you need to get an item or you know you can get the kill. While most people think about getting as many kills as possible, the best players stay alive as long as possible.^{[7]
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