I started playing Halo in 2008, but I’ve always been tentative about playing on matchmaking…until last month, that is. I’m always looking for ways to better myself in Reach, but I do find myself dying a lot (I have a 0.66 K/D which is sad).
I only play in Team Slayer since I don’t feel comfortable enough to do anything else. I’m decent with the DMR, but I suffer mainly in close combat and tend to get myself stuck in corners. I can’t count how many times a grenade has offed me. The ability I use the most is sprint but I’ll sometimes resort to the jet-pack, namely on Sword Base. Plus, I feel like my strafing needs a bit of work.
Anyway, I kind of figured that maybe some Halo veterans around here could give me some pointers. I think I’ve covered everything that I “think” I’m doing wrong.
P.S. No flamers, please. I want help, not negativity.
Well for your DMR skills, control the way you fire your weapon (due to bloom) instead of spamming the trigger. Just in case, the reticle expands after every shot that is fired (which is called reticle bloom). Some people don’t like it but at least Bungie tried to balance the gun (so it wouldn’t be like Halo 4’s OP DMR). Also aim at the torso area first and once the shields are down aim for the head. Also the DMR isn’t the best in CQC so keep your battles at a distance.
How can I tell if I’m spamming the trigger? I also had a question regarding the AR. I understand that it’s more of a close quarters sort of weapon, but what’s the best way of using it? I’m always finding my clip half used.
Edit: Never mind. Figured out I was actually spamming the trigger for the DMR. I’m not sure if that’s because people are on top of me or if it’s out of habit.
Team Slayer is a good one to stick with. Try to run with (stay close to) at least one team member. Team shoot, meaning two of you can take down the shields and score against a single opponent sometimes twice as fast as a 1v1. Going it alone against 2+ opponents is usually a loser. Always start an engagement with a full mag, and always try to get in the first hits. If it works out the other way, find cover - don’t begin an engagement at a disadvantage. Concentrate on head shots.
Since Objective games are not scored by kills, they can help with K/D - like Invasion, CTF, Territories and King of the Hill. Stay away from Swat and Sniper playlists till your confidence improves.
Try the evade AA. It can be used as a “get out of jail free card” when you’re losing an engagement and need to reach cover quickly. I haven’t seen anyone yet who could hit a player while evading. Evade works best on maps that you can’t fall off of.
Join a group that plays a lot of customs. They’re less intensive, but still competitive. Try to play MM as part of a full team of people you know (preferably close to your skill level). Playing with friends who are highly skilled usually pits you against highly skilled opponents.
Is there a group for Reach that does a lot of customs? I’ve checked the Recruitment area of the website but I’m mainly finding threads for Halo 4. Also, thanks for the advice. I’ve been trying to stick with at least one team mate.
I had the same problem once, since Reach was my first Xbox game, but I played a lot on Matchmaking and I can give some other tips:
>Sensibility depends on the map’s distances.
>The Assault rifle and the DMR are good weapons, but you won’t make a deadtacular using regular weapons, look for the power weapons.
>Have a fire discipline - if I keep shooting at you and then a headshot and you are just peppering my body, I am gonna win.
>You need to have an advantage, watch for your shields.
>Don’t try to look badass instead of thinking like a pro.
>Don’t stay there looking at the enemy!
>Jump away from the grenades!
Walk around a corner, face away from your opponent
Wait for them to follow you
Jump over their head and melee them in the back
It’s ridiculously effective. Often I don’t even bother shooting, I just stand in the open to get a victim’s attention and walk them into the trap. If you’re close enough you can often skip the corner altogether. Just pretend you’re fleeing, then jump backwards when they follow.
> How to win 99% of your battles:
>
> 1) Walk around a corner, face away from your opponent
> 2) Wait for them to follow you
> 3) Jump over their head and melee them in the back
>
> It’s ridiculously effective. Often I don’t even bother shooting, I just stand in the open to get a victim’s attention and walk them into the trap. If you’re close enough you can often skip the corner altogether. Just pretend you’re fleeing, then jump backwards when they follow.
The only time that’s effective is in Multi-Team, and even then it’s still gimmicky.
I would recommend learning map layouts. Learn where power weapons spawn, vehicle spawns, high-traffic areas, etc. Worry about aiming later. It doesn’t matter if you can get collateral 360 no-scopes if you keep rushing top-mid.
Control the way you fire your DMR and aim body them when the shields go down go for the head. Also the DMR is not grate at close range so try to keep your distance.
I think I’ve covered everything that I “think” I’m doing wrong.