How to Be a God in Halo

Learn the multiplayer maps. In "Halo," you cannot customize your character or his weapon loadouts. If you want a certain weapon, such as the rocket launcher or sniper rifle, you will have to know where and how to find it in every multiplayer map. Learning the maps also helps you identify strong defensive points and common movements of enemy players. Knowing where to find a cloak or overshield can be the difference between victory and defeat.

Focus on team victories instead of personal stats. If you want respect as a good player, your concern should always be the success of your team. While killing everyone you see is a big help in Team Deathmatch, it is not going to get you very far in a game of Capture the Flag. Stick with your team and contribute to defending or attacking objectives if you want to make a real difference.

Use the pistol. While this weapon's power was dramatically reduced in later "Halo" titles, it is by far the most effective method for dealing with enemies in the original. Two shots to the chest and one to the head are enough to drop a player's shields and kill him. If you can master this sequence, you will be nearly unstoppable, especially when you consider the pistol is one of your default starting items.

Understand the basics of lag. Lag is the gamer term for the delay that occurs between your button presses and the action that occurs on the screen. In online matches, lag can be a major factor in determining victory. For example, shooting directly in front of a running opponent is one way to account for lag -- by the time the shot is actually fired, he will be in your sights.

Play every game mode and rotate frequently. If you want to claim the title of "Halo God," you have to be as good at King mode as you are at Elimination. Keep your playlists fresh and continually find ways to up your game in each mode.