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Halo 3 Multiplayer Weapons Tips

Using The Special Weapons In Halo 3’s Xbox Live matchmaking

Dec 4, 2008 Andrew Hemphill

This article details how to use Halo 3's special weapons to their full and deadly effect.

Halo 3's special weapons: the energy sword, Spartan laser, gravity hammer and rocket launcher are tricky to use, but deal in the right hands. Not only can they rack up the kills, but they also serve as a great demoralising tool for a clever team.

Using the Special Melee Weapons In Halo 3's Xbox Live Multiplayer

Energy Sword- The energy sword, much favoured by Elites in the campaign mode, is by far the most effective melee tool in a Spartan's arsenal.

It has two main attacks- the lunge (Right Trigger) and the fast swipe (B button.) The lunge allows a Spartan to close the distance to an enemy in a fast movement, usually killing the target in one hit. When the reticule goes red a lunge can be started- beware of lunging too early, as this will leave the Spartan with his arm in the air, open to attack.

The fast swipe is much quicker and is perfect for close-in work when the blade needs to be used more than once, as it would be with a lunge.

When fencing with the energy sword (facing another player who has one) alternate the RT and B button, as the fast swipe can often win if the enemy uses a lunge, or visa versa.

Strategically, the energy sword is best used for close in fighting, but a clever gamer can also use it for surprise attacks- draw enemies in and force them into a close space by retreating, then unleash the sword and slash away.

Also, never carry the sword in the open, keep it off and switch to it when up close for a surprise attack. Try to come from above or behind, and make use of the crouch-walk to be invisible on the enemy’s radar.

Be aware that excessive use of the energy sword will anger the opposite team, and make the user a priority target.

Gravity Hammer- The gravity hammer, favoured by Brutes, is also capable of two attacks- RT produces a shockwave that can throw enemies away and destroy vehicle and B is an attack that does not use the hammer's charge and is perfect for assassinations.

The most important thing to remember about the hammer is that an enemy doesn't need to be close to score a kill- slamming RT when near a weakened enemy is usually enough to kill them, but keep an eye on the range of the hammer, as charging towards an enemy with a such a large weapon will usually make them back up- keeping them out of range of a killing strike.

However, smacking an oncoming vehicle will send it flying, usually killing the passengers- ideal for large maps such as Sandtrap and Valhalla.

Using the Special Ranged Weapons Over Halo 3's Xbox Live Multiplayer

Spartan Laser- The Spartan laser is the most powerful infantry weapon in the game. It is capable of destroying any vehicle in one hit, but is notoriously difficult to use.

The laser has a short charge time, during which a spotting laser is visible and can alert a target to the impending shot. The key to using the laser is to charge it in cover- hide behind an object, then pop out just before firing, take aim with the built-in sight (click the left stick in) and fire.

Also remember that the laser only has about four shots in its power pack, and use of it against a single enemy is both wasteful and difficult. However, using it against bunched enemies, such as those often found in maps such as Isolation or Epilogue, is idea for getting multiple kills.

Rocket Launcher- The rocket launcher (a Halo regular) no longer has the ability to lock on to vehicles, and so has become much more difficult to use.

The best tactic is to aim for the floor underneath a target- such as the ground in front of a moving vehicle, or the wall behind an enemy sniper, as trying to hit a moving target can be tricky at first.

Also keep in mind that the launcher hold two rockets at once, and if the launcher only has one in the breach then the offensive power is halved- keep it fully loaded at all times.

The launcher also has a sight (LS) but this is mainly useless in battle, and firing by ear is usually enough for a kill.

Use The Special Weapons Carefully in Halo 3’s Xbox Live Multiplayer

Grabbing a special weapon then squandering it or wasting it is a very quick way to anger teammates, watch, learn and practice using the weapons offline before grabbing them. Soon, using them productively will become second nature.

Finally, remember that grabbing a special weapon denies it to the other team, so if a team is making an assault and the unit passes a Spartan laser, grab it and keep it- denying an easy kill to the enemy.

Next time: Advanced combat tips and a summary of useable items

Read more Halo 3 tips here

The copyright of the article Halo 3 Multiplayer Weapons Tips in Video & Online Games is owned by Andrew Hemphill. Permission to republish Halo 3 Multiplayer Weapons Tips in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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