The OXM Halo 3 Survival Guide

WHAT TO DO WHEN…

…your nearly-dead opponent drops a bubble shield

Grav lift + bubble shield = shenanigans

Bubble shields are some of our favorite opportunities for shenanigans. First, we always run in and try to plop a sticky grenade right on our enemy’s visor. Don’t worry about dying if you have to — it’s worth it, in part for the humiliation factor. Or better yet, if you have a grav lift, drop it in the center and watch the bubble shield itself fly into the air, leaving the cowering wuss defenseless.

…the swordguy is looking at you like a hot plate of KILL

Now that the energy sword has been tuned with a shorter range than its Killtacular sibling in Halo 2, you finally have a hopping chance against the incorrigible swordguy. Throw a grenade at the floor at your feet while crouchjumping backward. Swordguy’s only play is to come right at you, so he’ll have to walk through the blast, which will take down his shield. Finish him with a well-placed shot, grab the sword, and inform him that there’ll be no free lunch today.

…an opponent is dominating the map with the Spartan Laser

The humble Needler can pwn the Spartan Laser. Try it.

One word: Needler. Even the best S’plaser dood has to warm up his red-eyed cannon. Once your Needler reticule turns red, unload the pink mist in his general direction, jumping out of the way of his blast, and watch him pop like a Spartan piñata. The same tactic can be used against snipers on “Guardian.”

…someone in a Ghost is ruining your day

Sticky grenades go where your RB can't.

Getting splattered sucks, and if you can’t do the classic Ghost-jacking move with RB as your enemy approaches at high speed, one wellplaced sticky can end a Ghost-rida’s killing spree. Crouch-jump over its plasma cannon with your reticule down, and when the pilot boosts for the splat, throw when the vehicle is within about five feet. Ghost go BOOM!

…you want to win on “Construct”

Finally, a good use for the flamethrower!

Hands down, get control of the top halls and you’ll dominate. Do so by posting someone at the big, gold lift with a flamethrower. As enemies come barreling up the lift, fire up the heat and start the Spartan BBQ. If you’re on the bottom facing this tactic, send grenades and a Shield Drainer (a piece of equipment that does what it sounds like it does) up the lift to douse the slow-moving flamethrower guy. For fun, try heading to the very bottom and waiting next to the purple and gold lifts. The opposing team will search the whole map before coming down to the bottom, at which time you can launch up the lift, reclaiming the top territory. Wash, rinse, repeat.

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