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Halflife Strategy Guide

Author

Author: Stijn Bolle
E-Mail: Larian2@hotmail.com
Homepage: http://surf.to/pcga
Version: 1.2

- All of the information noted here can be read online with screenshot
additions at http://surf.to/pcga

- None of this file may be copied or ditributed in any way without explicit
permission of the author. If you're not sure, mail me on Larian2@hotmail.com



Index

1 Updates
2 Introduction
3 Multiplayer Tactics & Strategies
3.1 Starting
3.2 Controls
3.3 Using Sound
3.4 The Level starts
3.5 Multiplayer Opponents
3.6 General Tactics
3.7 Advanced Tactics
4 Weapons Guide
4.1 Crowbar
4.2 9mm Pistol
4.3 .357 Magnum
4.4 Sub-Machine Gun
4.5 Shotgun
4.6 Crossbow
4.7 R.P.G.
4.8 Gauss Gun
4.9 Egon Gun
4.10 Hive Hand
4.11 Trip Mines
4.12 Satchel Charges
4.13 Grenades
4.14 Snarks
4.15 Long Jump Module
5 Cheats
6 Downloads
6.1 Necessary Downloads
6.2 Maps
6.3 Themes\Sound\Other
7 Links (Under Construction)
8 Soon
9 Author



Strategy Guide

1 Updates
===========

*** Version 1.2

Various corrections has been added
The "Controls (3.2)" section has been updated
The "The Game Starts (3.4)" section has been updated
The "Multiplayer Opponents (3.5)" section has been updated
The "General Tactics (3.6)" section has been added
The "Advanced Tactics (3.7)" section has been added



*** Version 1.1

"Index" has been added
Some Spelling Corrections
The "Kind of Players" section has been added
The Downloads Section has been added
The Links Section has been added



2 Introduction
===============

- I wrote this strategy guide for beginning to advanced players. You will
read about simple tactics and strategies, but also about very advanced ones,
that only the best players can perform. If you're able to use and perform
everything written in this Strategy Guide, you may consider yourself as a
"full-grown" half life player, ready to "kick some ass"

- I would consider myself as an advanced player. I also have multiplayer
experience with Outlaws, Jedi Knights, Unreal, Quake & Quake 2. Because I
live in Belgium, It's rather hard to play over the internet (Lag & high
telephone costs). Still, I have a 3-computer lan network at home which
comes pretty close to the real thing.

- I like Half Life very much. Not only because of the thrilling singleplayer
games, but also because of the intensive multiplayer games. The game leaves
much more space for creativity than for example Quake 2. The weapons in Half
Life are strong nor fast and that means even less advanced players can
survive for a while. You also have a lot of grenades and items like trip
mines allow you to create some traps for other players.

- For more information, surf to http://surf.to/pcga where you can also
find special half life files to increase you multiplayer games and find a lot
of other files & info.

- Have fun and don't hesitate to e-mail new information or additions at
Larian2@hotmail.com



3 Multiplayer Tactics & Strategies
====================================

3.1 Starting
-------------

A How good am I ?

- No Single Player game can compare the real intense gameplay from a
adrenaline-filled multiplayer game. Multiplayer Games are fun, but also
extremely fast and difficult. No second chances. Before you rush into
multiplayer games, continue reading first.

B Modem & Connection Requirements

- There's another aspect that make multiplayer games different. If you don't
have a good internet connection, you will always lose, it doesn't matter how
good you are or how fast your computer is. The minimum modem is a 33.6. This
REALLY is the minimum. There's no big chance the game run fluid, but it just
may do on a local server.

- On the other hand, having a fast modem doesn't garantee fast multiplayer
games. There's also something called lags. This means if you're playing on a
server on the other end of the world, the game will run slower. If you're
playing on a server near to you, the game will run more fluid. Still, this
isn't always true, because there are fast and slower servers, no matter if
they're near or not.

C Measuring a server's speed

- You really should download the program Gamespy (http://www.gamespy.com/).
This program won't only show the ping times (the lags), it will also list all
servers currently running half life games. Simply choose the game with the
least number of lag. A server with a ping rate from 200 will run very smooth,
but a ping rate from 400 or higher will cause the game to be unplayable.

D Computer Requirements

- If the game runs smooth on your computer in singleplayer, there's a big
chance the game will run fine in multiplayer. The modem really does
everything in multiplayer games. To improve your modem connection, download
the Lowping File from my site (see the downloads section further this file)
to improve your internet connection.

3.2 Controls
-------------

- There's no such thing as ideal controls, but still, some people get much
more advantage from their controls than others. Aiming with the mouse for
example is a must. There are some people that stick to their keyboard (like I
used to do once). Using the mouse will always allow you to aim better and
quicker, no matter what others say.

- To save specific controls, edit the autoexec.cfg file in the half life
directory. These settings will be used then everytime you start the game. If
you're just testing, make a back-up of the autoexec.cfg file first. Exercise
your controls first in Singleplayer before rushing in Multiplayer Games
until you're used to them.

- I really think you should try to find you own way of controlling the game,
but if you really can't do all the movements you want, you might try my
configuration. (Azerty Keyboard, if you have a qwerty keyboard, replace Z
with W and Q with A)

- Configure your keyboard so that you strafe with two seperate keys instead
of using one button and moving your mouse right or left to strafe. I chose a
relaxed way to use my keyboard so I don't contort my fingers into some weird
position. Some people still prefer a keyboard over a mouse and insist that
it is better. It's completely up to you. So try everything until you find
something that works for you.

- Make sure that your mouse is on the fastest speed in the options menu.
- Turn brightness all the way up so that you see things in shadows better.
- Always turn on the crosshair. Even if you think, I don't need a crosshair,
still turn it on, it's ALWAYS better.
- Get to know your configuration by playing in single player mode until you
are comfortable with it.

Z = move forward (left hand, middle finger)
S = move backward (left hand, middle finger)
Q = strafe left (left hand, ring finger)
D = strafe right (left hand, index finger)
Shift = Duck (left hand, little finger)
Space = Jump (left hand, thumb)
Mouse = Aim (right hand)
Left Mouse Button = Primary Fire (right hand, index finger)
Middle Mouse Button = Cycle Weapons (right hand, middle finger)
Right Mouse Button = Secondary Fire (right hand, ring finger)

- I can duck or jump anytime I want using this configuration. I don't use a
turn left or turn right key, I simply move forward while moving the mouse
left or right to turn. I can quickly pop up from around a corner, fire a shot
and disappear again a second later using the strafe keys.

- You don't need to copy this controls to become a good player. Just make
sure you can perform all the techniques described above using your
configuration and it will work out fine too.

3.3 Using Sound
----------------

A Why use sound ?

- A far underestimated aspect of multiplayer games is the use of sound. Sound
will give you a lot of information about the opponent. Is he far or near ?
Which weapon is he currently carrying ? Of course, you get the best effects
if you have a 3D sound surround system. This will leave no doubt about the
coordinates of the opponent. If you don't have such a thing (like I do), you
have to guess a bit.

B I hear someone approaching.

- If you hear someone approaching that is unaware of your position, you can
consider hiding behind a wall or behind a crate and take him out from behind.
You can also use a grenade, a satchel or some snarks to suprise him. Keep in
mind that when you select the snarks, they often make a little sound you're
opponent can hear and he will be warned then.

C Footsteps

- Make sure when you start a multiplayer game (when you're the host) that
you enable the footsteps. This will allow you to hear the footsteps of your
opponent. If you're running around in a not so crowded multiplayer game and
you suddenly hear footsteps very near, stand still at once. Your opponent
will maybe have heard them too, but because you're standing still he thinks
he heard his own footsteps. If he does the same, simply wait until he moves
again while trying to find out were he's hiding.

- Still you don't have to stand still. You can crouch while moving forward.
You will move forward very slow, but this can't be heard by your opponent. If
he's listening if he doesn't hear you, simply try to sneak up on him using
yhis technique. Very few people now crouching while moving forward disables
footsteps, keep this technique for yourself, becaue this can be a great
advantage in levels where you have to sneak around a lot.

3.4 The Level Starts
---------------------