Achievement match

An achievement match is a Halo 3 match where all players agree to help each other unlock difficult achievements, such as the Overkill achievement. Such matches, which are often referred to as achievement boosting, often take place in the Lone Wolves Matchmaking playlist.

Players will often change their language settings to meet with others who wish to engage in an achievement match, as Halo 3 's Matchmaking allows one to filter matches with others based on language settings. Achievement matches are relatively easy to arrange, but microphones are needed to ensure cooperation. It should be noted that not all achievement matches are organized to unlock difficult achievements; many are also done to unlock achievements that give the player Armor Permutations.

Many players frown upon the arrangement of achievement matches, often claiming that such matches are a dishonest exploitation of the matchmaking system. Those who disapprove of achievement matches believe that players who participate in achievement matches lack the skill required to gain the achievements normally. Some even allege that achievement matches are a form of cheating. Defenders and participants of achievement matches contend that Halo 3 's free-for-all achievements, such as Mongoose Mowdown, have little to do with skill and are ultimately dependent on luck.

While achievement matches are not technically considered cheating, they are often mistaken for EXP boosting by Bungie's Banhammer, and in such cases they receive the relevant ban.