Halo Reach: A Brief Guide
Inspired by @a-daks
Halo Reach can be rough, especially since its mechanics differ from other Halo games. So I’m here to help you all out.
Why is my advice something you should listen to? I began my Halo journey by watching my siblings play; and when I was 6, I started playing and haven’t put down the controller since. I’ve played through all of the games so many times that I’ve lost track, so I’m here to impart some Halo wisdom.
Some general housekeeping as we get started:
Protip before playing: Beautify your Spartan, and revel in seeing yourself interact with the badass group known as Noble Team. Your customization will appear in every cutscene. Make yourself proud.
Mission difficulty: There are four difficulties in every Halo game. These never change.
Easy - I’d recommend this to new players, or people who struggle with first person shooters. Enemies are a lot easier to eliminate as you adapt to the game style.
Normal - Mild difficulty. Provides a worthy challenge for newer players who have learned the ropes.
Heroic - The experienced gamer’s challenge. Most Halo players will run Heroic as it’s a nice mix of difficulty without being mind-boggling annoying.
Legendary - The best difficulty. To quote my favorite description, “This is suicide”. Not for the faint of heart, and can be difficult even for the most experienced Halo player...unless you know how to speedrun, that is.
Rule #1 of this game: Never ever let the A.I. drive the vehicles. I realize going on a joyride free from directional responsibility sounds enticing, but the A.I. can and will get you killed. They slow down right in front of combatants, or they drive off cliffs. Side note: Never let Kat drive.
Cover: Cover is your best friend if you struggle with aiming and taking down combatants quickly. As a newer player, this can be a game changer as not many realize how useful it can be.
There will be a mission in Halo Reach where you’re flying a ship - thankfully you can’t accidentally eject. If you’re under a lot of fire, tricks are your friend. Experiment with button combinations at the start to find out what works best.
Types of enemies:
Sangheili, also known as Elites: The N00b combo can be excellent when facing off against Elites. This combo includes a plasma pistol, and another weapon such as a pistol, DMR, or any other precision single-shot type weapon. The key is to charge up the plasma pistol, let a burst hit the Elite, then follow up with a headshot with the precision weapon. Fair warning: These boys like to slide, skip, and jump to the side. Keep in mind that added mobility, especially when you don’t have that same advantage. Also stay out of range if they’re wielding an Energy Sword - that’s a one hit kill.
Mgalekgolo, also known as Hunters: Shotguns, Sniper rifles, and any other weapon will come in handy. If you’re afraid of getting clobbered, longer range weapons are the way to go. If you use a shotgun, or favor melee like me, you’ll want to get good at jumping to the side when the hunter charges you, or tries to clock you. Aim for the back - it’s a bigger area. The neck is a smaller hitbox, but it’s still possible. On the other hand, if you have a Rocket Launcher, you can hit the hunter anywhere and it will die. Remember, this isn’t Halo CE, so the hunters move pretty slow.
Unggoy, also known as Grunts: Turn on The Grunt Birthday Party skull and listen to the joyful cheers of children as you headshot them. Headshots are always your friend. Avoid the rocket grunts though, and take them out from a distance because they will point blank you with a Fuel Rod Cannon.
Kig-Yar, also known as Jackals: Watch for snipers. We in the Halo community crack many a joke about the Jackals on Legendary, but sometimes people underestimate them in lower difficulties. Take them out with weapons or punches. Like Grunts, these guys aren’t that bad.
Yanme’e, also known as Buggers or Drones: These guys like to fly, but any precision/long range weapon will handle them easily. They’re annoying in swarms on higher difficulties.
Jiralhanae, also known as Brutes: Tougher than most. These bois can and will go ape shit...Literally. Keep your distance on higher difficulties because they’ll take down your shields and health in one go. If you shoot off their helmet, they will tend to full savage and start snarling and rushing at you (especially in Halo 2). They carry Gravity Hammers, which you’ll be lucky to survive if they point blank swing it into your face. Distance is your friend.
Other:
Vehicles: Most Covenant vehicles can be disabled by charging up a plasma pistol, firing the charged shot at them, then boarding to destroy them, or shooting at them, or throwing grenades. Pick your preference.
Abilities: There are different armor abilities that can be used.
Sprint is pretty simple, but unfortunately it has a stamina limit, which makes speed running difficult
Jet packs are typically slow to lift you in the air, so make sure to jump beforehand.
Armor Lock is useful when you’re about to be splattered by a ghost or hunter, or have several enemies shooting at you.
Drop Shield is also wonderful when you’re under fire from multiple directions, and allows you to pop in and out of the bubble to shoot at enemies. It will break when it’s under too much stress.
Active Camouflage provides you invisibility for a short duration. Useful for all your stealthy ninja needs.
Hologram - against experienced PvP players, it generally won’t fool them. Fortunately, Covenant A.I. aren’t that smart. Deploy to draw fire, then come around from the other side for best use.
Evade - I’ve never seen this one in Campaign, but it shows up in PvP game modes. Allows you to dodge away from fire and grenades.
Welcome to Reach, Spartans
