How to Gear up for a Halo 3 Multiplayer Match

If you're new to Halo 3 and are interested in playing some Multiplayer games, you might want to do a little prep work first. While experience is the best teacher and jumping straight into the fray will give you plenty of experience, depending on the people you wind up with, that experience can be hard-earned. Here are some tips to help soften the blow.

Instructions

1. Play the campaign with a friend. This both familiarizes you with the game, and gets you used to working with someone. Better to start with someone familiar than with total strangers.

2. Get used to the analog sticks. Halo 3 has not yet been released for PC, so if you've been playing Halo 2 on your PC, adjusting to the controller may be a bit of a chore. This is also true if you've been playing one of the Call of Duty games that offer an aim-assist feature (looking down the sights.) Adjusting to Halo 3 may be difficult, so do it either on your own or with a friend. The last thing anyone wants is to be heckled in a multiplayer match.

3. Make sure you've got a button configuration you're comfortable with. If you're just coming off a game like Call of Duty 4, the controller layout for Halo 3 will seem a little alien. If you're having difficulty adjusting, switch the controller layouts and find something that works better for you.

4. Test out the multiplayer maps. You can do this by starting a local Multiplayer game, then entering the map with a friend who is either on Live or sitting next to you with a spare controller. Testing out the map will give you an idea of where landmarks and weapons are, the best routes for obtaining objectives and the general feel for the level. Think of it as training for the real deal.

5. Go for it! When you think you're ready, call some friends over for a Halo 3 party or find yourself a multiplayer game and get to it. Remember that it's just a game and it's meant to be fun. If you find you're not having fun, get some practice in the campaign before you set out again.