Halo: Reach Doubles Arena Tips

Currently, there are three arena playlists in Halo: Reach. They are Doubles Arena, Team Arena, and FFA Arena. The arena playlists are similar to their competitive playlist counterparts, however, you can generally expect to face a higher level of competition in arena. So to help you out, I have a few tips. We will be focusing on Doubles Arena strategy in this article.

Stay together: Staying together is really important in Halo: Reach. Actually, that's an understatement. Staying together in Reach is really really really important, especially in Doubles Arena. If you and your partner do not stay together, I can almost guarantee you will lose. Why is staying together so important, you ask?

• Team Shooting: For those of you who may not know, team shooting is when multiple teammates focus fire on a single enemy target. Pretty simple, right? In previous Halo games, teamshooting was important, but in Halo: Reach, it becomes even more important, thanks to the DMR and bloom. Reticule bloom occurs after every shot of the DMR. I won't go into the specifics, but after about 3 shots, bloom will reach its maximum level, and at that point accuracy will be dismal at anything but close range. To counter bloom, a player must either reduce their firing rate or rely on luck, neither of which is really a great option. However, bloom becomes a lesser issue with teamshooting because the enemy can be taken down before bloom becomes a hassle. So while your enemy is spamming his trigger hoping for a miracle, you and your teammate can take him down effortlessly.
• Backing out: Sticking together usually gives the player the option to back out while his teammate keeps the enemy player(s) busy. This works well if one player becomes weak and the other has relatively full shields. The weak player simply backs out and regenerates and then takes his partner's place, allowing him to do the same. Alternatively, players can rotate in and out to allow their bloom to reset, taking 3 or 4 shots and then taking cover while their teammate takes their place.
• Assists: With the new arena system in place, players are rewarded handsomely for assists. According to Bungie's arena formula an assist is actually equal to a kill. Obviously players who stick together are going to be able to put out and pick up more assists, and as a result, do more favorably.

Learn the Maps: Learn the maps well. Knowing where power weapons spawn and where the enemy is likely to go can sway the game in your favor. Currently, Slayer is the only gametype played in Doubles Arena and is played on the following maps: Anchor 9, Asylum, Countdown, Pinnacle, Powerhouse, Reflection, Sword Base, The Cage, and Zealot. If you aren't too familiar with those maps, go into a custom game and get acquanted.

Power Weapons: Power weapons can change the outcome of a game dramatically. Learning how to use them to your advantage is a must.

• Keep track of time: Power weapons respawn at set times. By keeping track of times, you can ensure that your team will grab the weapons before the other team. Spawn times vary between playlists and maps, but in Doubles Arena the spawn times are as follows:

Rocket Launcher: 3 minutes

Sniper Rifle: 1.5 - 2 minutes

Shotgun: 2 minutes

• Share: Don't keep all of the power weapons to yourself. A Rocket Launcher / Sniper Rifle may seem like a good combination, but it would be much more effective if you split that with your parter, each taking a power weapon with a DMR backup. You'll be more effective as a team this way and if one of you dies, the enemy will only get one power weapon.

Communicate: Plug your mic in! Communication is vital to be successful in Doubles Arena. Because there are only two enemies, gameplay is slower paced and allows teammates to discuss and form a strategy. Knowing the enemy's location is extremely useful so don't be afraid to share this with your partner.

• Call Out: Try to learn and use callouts your partner will understand. Don't be vague - the more information, the better. Describe both the enemy's location as well as their health level and any power weapons they may have. An effective callout can be as simple as, "One hit my X". A better callout would be something like, "One hit running from my X towards Shotgun side. He has rockets." The more descriptive you are with your callouts, the more likely it is that your teammate will clean up the kill.

Don't Get Upset: Lastly, do not get upset. If you're doing poorly, try to remain calm. Just stay with your partner and try to put out and pick up assists and team kills. Whatever you do, DO NOT keep rushing the enemy by yourself trying to pick up kills. Just play defensively and keep track of power weapon spawns.

Wants some tips to improve your skills with the weapons of Reach? Check out Halo: Reach - The Weapons