Survival Tips

• For most weapons, the faster you fire, the lower your accuracy will be. Pay attention to the size of the reticule -- it expands as you fire. Longer-distance targets require a slower, more methodical rate of fire for maximum accuracy.

• The Needle Rifle can be fired as a fully automatic weapon if you hold down the trigger.

• Crouching will increase your accuracy with most weapons.

• Rolling or looping in a Banshee will briefly lose any tracking projectiles (Rockets or Plasma Launcher).

• Hold the right trigger down after firing the Grenade Launcher for a secondary fire mode. The round will stay active and not detonate until you release the trigger, at which point it will also emit an EMP blast, disabling nearby vehicles and shields.

•  If you get a plasma grenade or needles stuck on you, Armor Lock will shed them and spare your life.

• The faster you move while using Active Camo, the less effective the invisibility is and the faster your energy will deplete.

•  Mix up your armor abilities each time you respawn based on the flow and context of the game. Also, coordinate your abilities with your teammates for maximum effectiveness (Drop Shield/Armor Lock for defensive roles, Sprint/Jet Pack for offensive, etc.).

• Using Evade will briefly shake any needles or Plasma Launcher rounds that are homing in on you.

•  Learning the nuances of each map and the placement of weapons is crucial to surviving online multiplayer battles. Launch any map in Forge and fly around to get familiar with the layout and the location of key weapons and health packs.

• Having 5.1 surround sound will give you a big advantage in multiplayer as you can hear positional audio and threats around you before you see them. (Pay attention for the trademark "clink" sound of a grenade landing nearby, just in time to run to safety!)

• An overcharged plasma pistol bolt will immediately drop the shields of your opponent, leaving them open to a single melee attack or a headshot for the finishing blow.

• Assassinations are awesome, but remember that you're still vulnerable while performing one of these sweet flourish moves. Sometimes it's best to just tap the melee button and do an old-school thwack.

• In Firefight games, having one or two teammates use the Drop Shield can make all the difference. It's an instant sanctuary and a way to recharge the health of your entire team.

• Jetpacking opponents can be hard to hit, but they are particularly vulnerable to the Needler.

• If an opponent is charging you with the energy sword, you can hit melee at the exact time of impact to deflect the blow.

• In Firefight or competitive MP, communication with your teammates is the most valuable skill you can learn.