Halo 2 - Strategy Guide (Page 01)
Below are the cheat codes, hints and help for Halo 2 - Strategy Guide (Page 01).
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_ _ _ _____ ______
| | | | /\ | | / ___ \ (_____ \
| |__ | | / \ | | | | | | ____) )
| __)| |/ /\ \| | | | | | /_____/
| | | | |__| | |____| |___| | _______
|_| |_|______|_______)_____/ (_______)
FAQ/Walkthrough
>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==
For Microsoft X-BOX
Version Final
By Chris Zawada
User: antseezee
E-mail: antseezee@epix.net
Website: www.antseezee.com
Created: 12/15/04
Last Update: 05/06/05
Copyright 2005 Chris Zawada
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Author's Note
----------------------------
Ah, the inevitable love for playing first person shooters. Halo defines the
meaning of a "system killer", as it literally represents the X-BOX in every
shape and form. Combining several unique elements, along with great graphics,
music, and gameplay, Halo was the ultimate reason to purchase a Microsoft
system. Its enticing action, full of aliens, mysterious threats, and one
kickass hero named Master Chief, it was the ultimate gamer's dream. Now with
Halo 2 out, that ecstasy has just about continued, featuring our favorite
hero, along with numerous alien representatives. Not only does Halo 2 continue
the great FPS legacy, but it adds a whole new realm of online gameplay with X-
BOX Live support, not to mention viewable stats, and plenty of updates to
arrive in the future thanks to Bungie. Pull that trigger back in the name of
the universe, or be slaughtered like another glorious hero!
Contributing/Feedback
----------------------------
If you have any contributions, feedback, or strategies you'd like to have
added to the guide, contact me via e-mail. I'll be more than content to add
your segment of information, and will also provide credit. If you have any
questions you'd like added to the Common Questions section, ask. I simply
don't have the time to sit around thinking of questions. Provide me with what
you want to know!
Updates
----------------------------
=05/06/05= v Final
Added the following sections/details:
- Converted strategies from my PDF guide to this guide.
I am no longer accepting submissions, suggestions, or strategies. This is the
final update for this guide, as I recently sold Halo 2 for personal reasons.
However, I'm also not selling the guide anymore, so the exclusive rights have
been released. I know the Autoupdate has fixed some of the suggestions in this
guide, and new maps have been released, but it's the final update - so too bad.
=02/06/05= v1.5
Added the following sections/details:
- Locations of all Skulls (special thanks to www.gamewinners.com)
- Few Custom Gametypes (thanks to puppy)
- Sniper Ammo Cartridge Pack Locations under Sniping section
- More Sniper Spots (thanks to Dutch Hayabusa)
=01/29/05= v1.4
Added the following sections/details:
- Combo Ratings section (thanks to Masked_Moogle for inspiration)
- Elite vs. Spartan section (thanks to TimeOfRogues for idea)
=01/22/05= v1.3
Added the following sections/details:
- More locations to Sniper Spots (thanks to Dutch Hayabusa)
- CTF Methods section (thanks to Dutch Hayabusa & Dutch Sephiroth)
- Minor Guide Corrections (thanks StarAdder007, AndrewDude1812)
=01/15/05= v1.2
Added the following sections/details:
- Sniping section (under X-BOX Live Chapter)
- Counter to each weapon (under Weapons Chapter)
If you have anything else to suggest adding to the guide, feel free to do so.
I'm currently brain-dead on new ideas to add, besides custom gametypes, more
generic multiplayer tips, and so on. Somewhat interested in adding a
"Legendary" section to help players struggling on the insane game mode.
=01/03/05= v1.1
Added the following sections/details:
- Sword Flying & Rocket Flying (credit to Poomeister)
- Getting to Top of Maps
- More Q&A's under X-BOX Live Troubleshooting
- Custom Game Variants
- Dawn of the Dead section
Still looking for more multiplayer tips. Seems like most of the Halo 2 experts
are holding back. Stat resets are probably coming soon, so expect them Halo 2
players.
=12/19/04= v1.0
Finished the FAQ. The guide is 100% complete, although I'm expecting a
plethora of extra submissions via e-mail. Trust me, I've had experience before
when I wrote the Ninja Gaiden guide. I'm not too keen on finding secrets in
the game, which the guide lacks. However, I'm more interested in providing X-
BOX Live tips, which I believe people will benefit from greatly. Feel free to
contact me at antseezee@epix.net or on AIM (antseezee).
=12/15/04= v1.0
Started the FAQ. This is going to be close to being one of my best guides,
relative to that of my Ninja Gaiden guide. I'm writing for Halo 2 not out of
popularity, but because it's one of the most played games in my X-BOX
collection. You can expect a single player walkthrough, and MANY X-BOX Live
tips.
- I've now added a Quick Search function to the guide. Press CTRL + F, and
type in the designated (#.#) to be quickly forwarded to that specific section
of the guide.
============================
- Table of Contents -
============================
1) Introduction
2) Game Basics
> Controls
> Screen HUD
> Characters/Enemies
3) Game Modes
> Description of each
4) Walkthrough
> Level 1: Cairo Station (4.1)
> Level 2: Outskirts (4.2)
> Level 3: Metropolis (4.3)
> Level 4: The Arbiter (4.4)
> Level 5: Oracle (4.5)
> Level 6: Delta Halo (4.6)
> Level 7: Regret (4.7)
> Level 8: Sacred Icon (4.8)
> Level 9: Quarantine Zone (4.9)
> Level 10: Gravemind (4.10)
> Level 11: Uprising (4.11)
> Level 12: High Charity (4.12)
> Level 13: The Great Journey (4.13)
5) Weapons
> Profile of each w/ ratings
> Combo Ratings (5.1)
6) Vehicles
> Profile of each w/ ratings
7) X-BOX Live
> Game Modes
> Matchmaking
> Map Strategies (7.1)
> Troubleshooting/Glitches/Solutions (7.2)
> Custom Game Variants
> Dawn of the Dead (7.3)
> Sniping (7.4)
> CTF Methods (7.5)
> Elite vs. Spartan Comparison (7.6)
8) Secrets
> Skulls
> Sword/Rocket Flying
> Getting to Top of Maps
9) Common Questions
10) Copyright/Distribution/Reproduction Guidelines
11) Proper Credits
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============================
- 1) Introduction -
============================
Your typical first person shooter is either loved, or despised by gaming
communities. If developers manage to mold the right elements together, then
you're rewarded with a nice 8.0 rating by various gaming sites. However, the
games that go beyond the call of duty earn the 10s. Halo, which originated out
of an authored trilogy of books involving humans and aliens in the future,
ended up turning into one of the best shooters of next-gen gaming in the early
century. A company named Bungie, which was known for inspiring new and
intriguing methods into first person shooters, developed the first Halo
exclusive for the X-BOX system. It turned out to be a system title, that
became a reason to own the X-BOX. Now, Halo 2 is the sequel to the original,
featuring the same hero, along with varying perspectives from both the alien
race (Covenant), and an epic siege that only can be solved through intense
firefights.
You're basically tossed back into the Master Chief role (hero from the first
game), who is a souped up Human Space Marine, with an enhanced armor system.
By using futuristic technology, you must do melee and close combat with
opposing enemies (along with some vehicular slaughter), and save the Earth
from an invading threat of an alien species. Of course, the storyline takes
place around 2500+, so technology is much more advanced than your typical
spork. Suddenly, incoming scout reports show a large mass of Covenant ships
approaching the home planet of Earth. It's up to you, and thousands of fellow
space marines to defend Earth from the oncoming threat. Are you ready to kick
some hard-boiled butt?
Here's a brief excerpt from the instruction manual (credit to Bungie):
>>_+= SECRET TRANSMISSION =+_<<
To: Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI)
From: Cortana, UNSC Pillar of Autumn shipboard AI
Re: SPARTAN-117 and the Destruction of Halo
Sir. As the rich data-bursts attached in this transmission make clear, we have
been to hell and back. I'll be brief.
After Reach fell, I followed Cole protocol, and slipped the Pillar of Autumn.
Using astronomical symbols SPARTAN 117 captured from a Covenant vessel, I
chose an exit-vector that would place us in an uncharted system near a late-
life gas giant planet (new classification, "Threshold"). To my considerable
surprise, in orbit around the planet was an artificial ring construct, 10,000
kilometers in diameter.
Initially, I feared the ring was a Covenant installation. It was not. But the
enemy has tracked us and was lying in wait around the ring. Rather than disk
capture, Captain Keyes ordered my uploading into SPARTAN 117's neural network.
While we abandoned ship, the Captain managed to land the Autumn on the ring,
saving the lives of many of the crew.
- The Covenant referred to the ring as "Halo." It seems a prophecy about
Halo's existence is central to our enemy's religion, and its discovery was
cause for much celebratory chatter on the Covenant battle-network. During our
initial operations on the surface of Halo, we encountered an alien artificial
intelligence, designation "343 Guilty Spark." This AI claimed its primary
purpose was tactical containment of a virulent, parasitic life form
called "The Flood."
- Through a connection to Halo's deep data cores, I ascertained that the ring
was built by an race of beings (referred to by the Covenant as "The
Forerunners") as a weapon of last resort against the Flood. A sizable
production of Flood was in stasis on the ring, and the Covenant, either by
accident or design, released the parasite. Not their most brilliant maneuver.
- 343 Guilty Spark convinced SPARTAN 117 to activate Halo's primary weapon
system and eliminate the Flood. The AI neglected to tell him however, that
because the Flood consumes any suitable sentient host, Halo would make no
distinction between the Flood and other life forms. In short: if Halo fired.
it would destroy every thinking being in the galaxy. Human, Covenant,
everything.
When we realized that Halo could destroy all life, SPARTAN-117 and I decided
our only choice was to destroy Halo - stop 343 Guilty Spark from completing
his assigned task, and deny the Covenant a weapon of unthinkable power. We
used the Pillar of Autumn's fusion reactors to start a chain reaction that
utterly destroyed the ring. I'm sorry to report that Captain Keyes was lost to
the Flood.
With respect to out ongoing fight against the Covenant, our time on Halo was
well spent. I have gathered a wealth of new information for our database of
Covenant weapons, technology, tactics, and society. Additionally, SPARTAN-
117's proficient use of arms, and the destruction of the ring, resulted in a
significant loss of enemy personnel and material.
That being said, I fear that the Covenant will not take kindly to our
obliteration of their holy relic. Having thus struck the hornets' nest, we are
now heading home with all speed.
----------------------------
_____________________
##### GAME INFO #####
//////////|\\\\\\\\\\
Players: 1-16 (w/ X-BOX Live support or system link)
Developer: Bungie
Released: 2004
Rarity: very common
Special Features: HDTV 480p, Content Download, Scoreboards, X-BOX Live, Voice,
Clans
ESRB: Mature (17+)
Cover Art on box:
- Shows Master Chief standing near ground level to a desolated Earth
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============================
- 2) Game Basics -
============================
The X-BOX controller fits great for any first person shooter, mainly because
of dual joysticks, and the ability to switch between numerous functions with
the overwhelming amount of buttons. Halo 2's controls are simple, and take not
much time to get use to. I recommend you put inverted controls on, if you're
use to them that way.
KEY representation for each button:
Thumbstick = left/right thumbstick pads (black)
Control Pad = left directional pad (black)
A = A button (green)
B = B button (red)
X = X button (blue)
Y = Y button (yellow)
R = R trigger (black, underneath right side of controller)
L = L trigger (black, underneath left side of controller)
START = Start button (black, center)
BACK = Back button (black, center)
Black = Black button (black, right)
White = White button (white, right)
______________
/Game Controls/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Left Thumbstick - moves character, strafes left/right
Left Thumbstick Click - crouches, hold down to stay crouched
Right Thumbstick - aims up/down, turns left/right
Right Thumbstick Click - zooms scope, click only once
L - throws grenade, fires left weapon, boosts vehicles,
brakes on warthog
R - fires primary/right weapon, honks horn on warthog
START - pauses game, shows settings
BACK - brings up current score
Up (control pad) - enables team chat
A - jumps
B - melee attacks
X - reloads (press once), action button, hold down to
enter/hijack vehicle
Y - switches weapons (press once), hold down to pick
up second weapon and dual wield
Black - swaps grenade types
White - turns on flashlight, press once to enable team
chat
- Moving your character is the same as before. Simply use the two joysticks,
left for moving, right for aiming. Crouching makes your overall body smaller,
and also makes you invisible to radar, but it must be held down. This can make
your thumb sore. Certain guns have scopes. The sniper rifle can be zoomed
twice, along with the beam rifle. If you have one weapon in hand, you can toss
a grenade by pressing L. If you have two weapons, you must drop one by
pressing Y once. Team Chat is a special feature that let's you talk to
teammates across the map. If they're not viewable on your radar, press the
White button once, then start talking. They will hear you no matter what. The
team chat feature is proximity activated, meaning it will stay on until you
stop speaking across your voice communicator. You DO NOT have to hold it down.
Jumping is great for reaching hard to find spots, or getting over a ledge
quicker. However, you're somewhat easier to hit.
- Melee attacks are very useful, especially when close to an opponent or out
of ammo. It basically takes your weapon, and swings it like the butt of a
handle. If you hit someone from behind, it's an instant kill, also called an
assassination. You can reload by pressing X once, or holding X down when over
a weapon to pick it up. You can carry two weapons at a time, either in dual
wield, or on different slots. To hijack a vehicle, try to get near the person,
jump, and hold X when close to it. This is fairly hard to do on Banshees, but
can be done if you time it right. Dual wield let's you handle two weapons at
once, and fire them as if you had two pistols in hand. Simply hold Y when over
another weapon (of any kind, doesn't have to be same), and you will pick it
up. You cannot throw grenades in dual wield, but you can mix-n-match guns
until you find a powerful combo. Some guns are not dual wieldable, such as the
Shotgun, Rocket Launcher, or Sniper Rifle. There are two different types of
grenades in the game, explosive and plasma. You can switch between the two by
pressing the black button (if you have both in inventory).
___________
/Screen HUD/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
The following section will briefly describe what the Halo 2 interface
looks like, and what each bar stands for in the game.
__________________________________________________________
| |
| /=======/ [2] /========/ |
| / [1] / / [3] / |
|/=======/ /========/ |
| [7] |
| # _ # |
| /^./ / \ \.^\ |
| / / | [6] | \ \____ |
| / \ \ _ / \ _| |
| ________/ __| \ / |
| \==[5]=/| / | | |
| / \ \/ \/ |
| | [4] | |
| | | [8] |
| \____/ |
|__________________________________________________________|
Meaning KEY:
[1] - Left Weapon Indicator - shows how much ammo you have left in your
left weapon, or grenades (if no dual wield).
[2] - Secondary Weapon - shows what item is in your secondary possession
if in dual wield, or normal wield. If you only have
one weapon, this will be blank.
[3] - Right Weapon Indicator - shows how much ammo you have left in your
right/primary weapon.
[4] - Radar - shows enemies with red dots, friendlies with yellow. This only
picks up objects not in a crouched position, or who are moving
with relative speed. Sometimes misses stationary/slow targets.
[5] - Shield Indicator - In Halo 2, you only have a shield, and basically no
life bar afterwards. If your shield bar runs down
to the left and is empty, HIDE. If you get shot or
hit with no shield, you will die immediately. Your
shield automatically regenerates after a set amount
of time (usually 10+ seconds).
[6] - Aiming Reticle - this is where your gun will fire when shooting a
weapon. Use this whenever you want to aim something.
You can zoom in on other weapons, so make exclusive
use of that.
[7] - Warning Indicators - various indicators will be shown whether you
have to reload, are low on ammo, red beams
around the reticle indicate location of oncoming
damage. For example, a left red flashing beam
means there is an enemy shooting you to your
left.
[8] - Weapon Skins - your primary visuals on your weapons will be displayed
here.
___________________
/Characters/Enemies/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
As with any first person game, you have your typical characters who help
navigate the plot, but don't do too much roleplaying to influence the
storyline. Halo 2 tends to get a little more in-depth, featuring more
cutscenes than your typical Star Trek game. Anyhow, this section will provide
some basic background info on the main characters, ALONG with information on
enemies (and how to defeat them).
----------------------------------
`@` SPARTAN-117 - MASTER CHIEF `@`
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- "Spartan 117, the Master Chief, is a member of the SPARTAN-II project. He is
a genetically, biologically, and technically enhanced fighting unit, standing
seven feet tall and weighing half a ton in his armor. His reflexes are
unmatched, his strength and endurance quite unlike any other human, and his
tenacity molded by a lifetime of conscripted military training. The Master
Chief is proficient in all current ballistic weapons and tactics, incursion,
and unarmed combat, and has extensive experience with Covenant military tech."
= Basically your John Rambo of the game. Looks cool, kills enemy targets in
cool manners, and really knows how to lay a whooping. His unique appearance
gives him a Robocop-like feeling, meaning he's the good guy of the game. About
70% of players on Halo 2 multiplayer use the Spartan model, so don't feel bad
about using him too. Cannot jump as high as an Elite, but possesses a smaller
overall frame.
--------------
`@` GRUNTS `@`
||||||||
- "The basic infantry unit of the Covenant, Grunts are dangerous in groups but
present little threat individually. Short, stocky, and relatively slow, they
will often panic when faced with superior forces. However, if they are being
led by an Elite, they will stand and fight."
= These guys are like ants, almost squishable in instances. Grunts are very
weak, can usually be knocked down with minimal ammo. Most of them are equipped
with needles or plasma pistols. Toss grenades to take out packs of em', or use
burst shots to knock them down. Can easily be melee attacked for a quick kill.
---------------
`@` JACKALS `@`
|||||||||
- "Excellent shots, the Jackals seem to be higher in status -- if not
necessarily rank -- than the Grunts. They will often be found in defensive
positions, fighting from behind their distinctive energy shields. A well-used
shield makes a Jackal a difficult target, but the notch they use to return
fire provides a weak spot that can be exploited."
= You'll usually find these guys up in higher positions with Beam Rifles, or
plasma pistols with a shield. These guys can be tough. Grenades work best to
knock them out from behind, that or well-placed melee attacks. Don't
concentrate on them too much unless they have a long-range weapon.
---------------
`@` HUNTERS `@`
|||||||||
- "Hunters are incredibly dangerous foes, deployed more like equipment than
soldiers. They are brought in for demolition or heavy defense, and always work
in pairs. These massive creatures appear to be composed of multiple organisms
that exist within the Hunter armor, creating a bipedal hive creature. Near-
impenetrable armor and a devastating hand-held fuel rod weapon make Hunter
pairs very problematic."
= Probably the worst enemy you could face on foot. Hunters are very big,
almost like a tank, yet move slow. These guys shoot large green blasts of
energy which do explosive splash damage. Best recommendation is to take
shelter, get a high-damage weapon and fire it at them. Combine this with
grenade tosses, and hope for the best. Hunters are most often encountered
while in a vehicle, so they shouldn't be TOO bad.
--------------
`@` ELITES `@`
||||||||
- "The Elites are the core of the Covenant military. Excellent soldiers,
brilliant tacticians, and disciplined, aggressive fighters, they are the
primary strength of the Covenant force. Faster, stronger, and tougher than
Humans, they fight in relatively small numbers but often lead squads of
Grunts. Armor color seems to indicate rank, and we believe Elites are promoted
based on numbers of casualties they inflict."
= Elites are the "Spartans" of the Covenant army, simply put. These guys have
large plasma shields, but are exposed when no shield is activated. Try nailing
them down with dual weapons (plasma pistol + SMG), or use grenades to sparse
them apart. Taking an elite down amongst a group makes the group easier to
kill. Stuck plasma grenades also work EXTREMELY well against them.
--------------
`@` BRUTES `@`
||||||||
- "Not as readily understood as Elites, Brutes fight together in a pack and
are physically stronger. Brutes demonstrate similar battlefield abilities to
Elites, and their numbers have demonstrably increased since the conflict
began. They carry a ballistic explosive weapon with an attached bayonet
device."
= Brutes are similar to smaller Hunters, but a tad quicker and more agile.
Their primary weapon is a grenade launcher that does iffy damage, but their
melee attack is a blade equipped near the handle of the gun. Try to avoid
getting up close to them, but rather, use grenades and bullet weapons to
weaken them. They have no shield though; killing them is just a matter of
aiming.
--------------
`@` DRONES `@`
||||||||
- "Like the Brutes, Drones appear to be new additions to Covenant fighting
forces and are being deployed en masse. Apparently insectoid in origin, in
addition to maintaining Covenant spaceships, they have a limited ability to
fly and are excellent shots. Highly intelligent, their mastery of antigravity
flight assistance has given them an almost insurmountable strategic advantage
in combat."
= And you thought Hunters were bad, these guys are a pain in the kalush. They
buzz around like bees, and sting with multiple plasma pistol shots. Problem
is, there are usually up to 10 at once, meaning your shields will be cut down
like stretched out cheese. Try to get a plasma rifle, and hit them down (their
life bar is weak). Get in cover when there are a ton in the air, because their
flying advantage is too overwhelming to take head on.
----------------
`@` PROPHETS `@`
||||||||||
- "Little intel is available on these creatures. We know that they are
administrative or religious in nature and have little to do with actual
battlefield circumstances. None has ever been killed or captured, and they
appear to be few in number."
= The Elders of the Covenant race, prophets act like the overwhelming
Psychology professor at your local college. These guys have mystical powers
(the ability to float). Horrible in combat, but rather, more like a Pseudo
wizard you don't want to mess with. Their main attack consists of a large
sentinel beam attack, launched similar to a Fuel Road Projectile.
Unfortunately, you only encounter one during the game.
-------------
`@` FLOOD `@`
|||||||
= These are parasitical creatures that absorb themselves with living organisms
and morph the user into a cross-hybrid. The Flood often appear in various
forms (molded marines, molded Covenant, molded eggsacks). Many of them will
carry weapons, but have somewhat bad aim. Their melee attacks are powerful,
and a few whacks can put you out permanently. They often go down to spray-fire
weapons. Sentinel Beams and SMGs seem to work well against them. The Eggsack
versions explode to release parasites, so be careful.
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============================
- 3) Game Modes -
============================
The real concern over many new first person shooters is whether or not they
have online multiplayer, and a rock-em-hard campaign mode. Thankfully, Halo 2
has both. This section will explain some of the game modes available.
_________
/Campaign/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
This is the universal mode that just about every Halo 2 owner out there has or
will play. Campaign mode is designed for single-player, where you must go out,
and save planet Earth as Master Chief. Along the way, a developing story will
progress, giving you access to the Covenant as well. Campaign mode can be
played through co-op with another friend on the same X-BOX, but cannot be
played on X-BOX Live. There are 13 levels. If you beat campaign mode on the
Legendary difficulty, an extra map is rewarded. However, in the recent update,
that secret map has been released publicly (Foundation).
___________
/X-BOX Live/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
This is the ultimate way of getting every pound or dollar you spent into Halo
2. XBOX Live play allows you to play online games in various modes under
ranked conditions, custom games, or training grounds. You can matchmake
against other opponents of similar ranking, or practice with your own custom
settings and parties of friends. Parties are composed by inviting online
friends to join your "party." If they join, then the group stays together (as
if they were plugged in right next to you). Very useful stuff, but only for
those who have X-BOX Live. This is described in detail under the X-BOX Live
section (Chapter 7).
________
/Profile/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
This is where you create your character's basic appearance both for online
play and to hold your own custom settings. You can give your player his own
custom avatar, which can be enhanced to a degree with various colors, symbols,
and backgrounds. Anyhow, profiles are designed to hold user settings, such as
controls and visual displays for one specific person.
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============================
- 4) Walkthrough -
============================
As with any action game, sometimes the action gets too intense that you lose
track of your objectives. This is the primary feature of the guide. The
walkthrough section will guide you step-by-step through each level, tactics on
getting past sticky situations, and when to use certain weapons. I'm going to
let you know now that I wrote this walkthrough on the HEROIC difficulty, not
LEGENDARY. The only real differences between the higher difficulties is
stronger/more enemies, more life bars, less ammo, special secrets (only on
Legendary), and less damage propelled from enemy attacks. For the most part
though, it's relatively the same. Of course, completing the game on Legendary
is a task within its own. Levels are split into their individual sections,
each with objectives. Anyhow, here goes.
*The game begins with a FMV showing the Covenant Holy City, with a meeting
proceeding onward. An Elite is telling a story to the fellow Prophets,
about the Pillar of Autumn Space Marine ship which crash landed on the
planet Reach. The Prophets criticize the commanding Elite for not stopping
Master Chief, and allowing him to destroy the Halo ring. The Prophets
declare him a heretic, and he is taken away. The game then shifts to the
Earth Defense Plateau, which protects Earth from opposing forces. We're
then brought to Master Chief placing his helmet on, and talking to one of
the tech heads aboard a Marine ship. Apparently, Master Chief has gotten
a nice upgrade to his armor. The better the merrier.*
____________________
/Cairo Station (4.1)/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
DIFFICULTY: **
SECRETS: n/a
OBJECTIVES: + Repel the Covenant boarders
+ Find the Covenant bomb
Start off by following the Sergeant's instructions. Look at the red lighted
beams, and then follow him over to the control manual. Walk into the machine,
and hold X over the hand imprint to start the zapper test. Once you're done,
enter the elevator along with Sgt. Johnson (whom you might remember from the
first Halo). Enter the train cart once you're above to proceed to the "real"
first mission.
*Another FMV sequence shows the rest of the command staff congratulating
you on your success back at planet Reach. We're then forwarded to the
Elite who was taken away. Some Brutes strap him into an orbital device
of plasmic proportions. The Elite is then tortured via powerful red
beams. Now that we're back at the Defense Grid, Master Chief is saluted
by the ship Commander. More torturing is performed on the Elite, without
his armor this time. Captain Keyes daughter is rewarded with a medal for
her father's valiant actions. The Elite is then marked with a symbol for
heresy for his failing actions. Cortana informs the commander that a
large group of Covenant forces have been spotted on radar. Strangely
enough, this group is 50 times smaller than the one that invaded Reach.
Boarding ships are detected. They're going to try and take your MAC
cannons offline. The commander orders you to defend this station.*
Go down the stairs to where Sgt. Johnson is. Pick up the SMG and Battle Rifle.
Follow the marines till you reach a large room with some barriers on the
ground level. Crouch behind the one in the center, and wait for the Covenant
to blast the door open. Start nailing the Elites and Grunts that pop out.
Shouldn't be too bad. Once the sector is clear, head on through, turn right
around the corner, and proceed ahead. The other marines will stay back to
guard the perimeter. Go up the stairs. Cut through the double doors, and
you'll see some broken windows to the left. Grab the turret by the first
window, and reign down some fire on the Elites behind the plants. Once they're
down, go right through the upper hall. Proceed down the stairs, eliminate the
elite and his fellow friend, then enter the main hall. Enter back to the main
lobby, and take out the remaining tangos. Then, continue back to where the
stairs were, and proceed through the open hall.
Several elites and grunts will be there to greet you. Nice time to toss a
grenade. Go through, and a brief Loading message should appear. You'll know
you're at the right place. Go up the stairs. Enter the hangar, and aim at the
purple tube. Knock out the Covenant who jump through. Jump down to ground
level and look out the window. One of the MAC guns will be blown to pieces by
an interior bomb. While the Covenant were retreating, some elite forces
managed to sneak in and plant a bomb. The door behind you should pop open.
Nail the forces, and head on through. Go left down the hall, then enter where
the retreating marine is coming from. Again, more Covenant will be popping out
of the boarding ships via the purple tubes. Use your grenades to clear out the
masses.
*Apparently, the Athens MAC gun was blown up, just like the Malta. The
explosions are coming from inside. There's a bomb on your MAC gun as
well. It's time to lock-n-load. Find the bomb and save the day.*
Look near the middle of the room for a declining slant which leads to a door.
Head down and engage the aliens. This next part is a partial ambush. The
corridor on the right has an Elite that will pop through the door, along with
the lights darkening. Once he's down, you'll hear a shotgunning marine die. Go
up, engage the 2 elites, and watch out for one invisible one. Once they're
dead, make use of the shotgun on the ground. Go into the next room, but take
slight cover. Nail the grunts along the left, along with the people manning
the turrets. There's one plasma turret along the far wall as well. Use your
Battle Rifle. Plasma grenades work well here. Take out the elites, move ahead,
and enter the left corridor. Proceed up the stairs, and take out the 6 aliens
who pop through the new door. Move ahead.
You'll meet up with Daughter Keyes, who seems to be having some trouble.
Grenade and shoot the Covenant in the hall, and help the other marines
eliminate the remaining tangos. Once clear, go right. You'll run into some
flying Elites who ambush the room. Take them down. Refer to your radar for
their positions. Once you're in the open, make use of your Battle Rifle for
sniping them out of the air. Backtrack under your previous position until you
see a door marked "Portside." Enter inside. When you see the two marines,
prepare for a tough part. Several Drones will fly up and ambush you. Try to
take cover along the right wall, and snipe them periodically with a long range
weapon. Plasma rifles work as well. Now that they're done, wait for the
elevator to rise. Snipe off the Covenant aboard it, then hop on, and hit the
switch to go down.
When you reach bottom, head through the door, and make sure you have the
Battle Rifle. Start sniping the Elite on the plasma turret, then the other
flying elites. Once they're down, proceed ahead, hop on through, up to the
door in the upper left corner. Head into the Ground Control elevator. The next
part has some Grunts, and about 5-6 Elites guarding the bomb. Use your plasma
grenades to stick
*Cortana enter Master Chief's head, and defuses the bomb. An enemy cruiser
is heading up on their position. Master Chief decides to use the Covenant's
bomb against them by flying out into space, and leeching it onto their
ship. He jumps before landing on the ship itself, but the bomb plants
itself and explodes. There goes one big mother clucker Covenant ship.*
________________
/Outskirts (4.2)/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
DIFFICULTY: **
SECRETS: n/a
OBJECTIVES: + Defend the Marines until help arrives
+ Rendezvous with the Pelican
+ Find the Marines from second downed Pelican
+ Destroy the Covenant on the shoreline
+ Take the highway tunnel to the bridge.
*Apparently, the Covenant managed to land on Earth, but only in one specific
spot. It's your job to land onto Earth, and help save what can be salvaged.
Unfortunately, along the way, a giant Covenant creature blasts down your
transport vehicle, and you crash land inside an urban setting. Time to lock
N' load marines.*
Shake off the crash landing, and follow the marines out towards the open.
You'll face numerous enemies on this level, including more random ambushes.
Make use of your teammates, and stick together, until it's time to rock n'
roll. Once you reach the open area with a three-story building, you'll see
some Covenant reinforcements arrive from above. This is where it gets tricky.
Make your way to the building with the machine gun up top. Several Covenant
Elites and Grunts will pop out from the side alley along the right. Again,
more Jackals will pop out into the courtyard, so make use of the height
advantage. Several Drones will appear from up above, so make use of the turret
at hand. You may have some Beam Rifles on the extreme heights as well,
although they appear occasionally. Get a Battle Rifle to deal with them.
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