Gameplay

H3:Control schemes

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki

The source artwork for the controller tutorial side of the poster included in the Halo 3 game box.
A poster included in the Halo 3 manual, showcasing the game's default controls.

The following control schemes were available for use in Halo 3 for Xbox 360. For the control schemes of the remaster included in Halo: The Master Chief Collection, see here.

Halo 3 (Xbox 360)[edit]

Stick Layout[edit]

  • Default “ This is the default stick configuration recommended by Bungie.[1] ”
    Default
    “ This is the default stick configuration recommended by Bungie.[1] ”
  • Southpaw “ This setting is similar to the default, but the functions of the left and right sticks have been switched. A special option for lefties.[2] ”
    Southpaw
    “ This setting is similar to the default, but the functions of the left and right sticks have been switched. A special option for lefties.[2] ”
  • Legacy “ This setting hearkens back to the controls of the console first-person shooters of yesteryear.[3] ”
    Legacy
    “ This setting hearkens back to the controls of the console first-person shooters of yesteryear.[3] ”
  • Legacy Southpaw “ This setting swaps left and right sticks from the Legacy setting. An option for ancient lefties.[4] ”
    Legacy Southpaw
    “ This setting swaps left and right sticks from the Legacy setting. An option for ancient lefties.[4] ”

Button Layout[edit]

Default[edit]

“ This is the default button configuration recommended by Bungie.[5] ”

This is the most common control scheme despite many flaws (see below) that often become apparent to more experienced players. This is the control scheme that Bungie starts you with, but it is suggested that one quickly learns to either use the claw grip, Bumper Jumper, Walkie Talkie, or possibly even Green Thumb, all of which are more often used by experienced players.

Note that it is not possible to aim while |meleeing, jumping, and deploying equipment without use of the "claw grip."

A screenshot of "BUTTON LAYOUT" set to "DEFAULT" in the "GAME CONTROLS" → "BUTTON LAYOUT" settings menu of Halo 3 (Xbox 360).Behind the game pause menu is pitch black.Note: The screenshot was taken from the emulator Xenia.
Button Input action
A
 Jump
B
 Melee Attack
X
 Use Equipment
Y
 Swap Weapons
Left Analog Click
 Crouch
Right Analog Click
 Zoom View
Right Trigger
 Use Right Weapon
Left Trigger
 Use Left Weapon
Throw Grenade
Right Bumper
 Action/Reload Right Weapon
Left Bumper
 Reload left weapon/Swap Left Weapon/Select next available grenade type
"Start" Button
 Game Menu
"Back" Button
 Multiplayer Score
↑ D-Pad
 Flashlight/Team Chat

Southpaw[edit]

“ This setting is similar to the default except the left and right controls are flipped.[6] ”

This is the same as default except that the triggers are switched. Note that if you compare new players using all button layouts this is the most accurate. Because unlike all of the other layouts offered in the game this is the only one that you are not required to use the same hand to shoot and aim with. Therefore, having more reaction time and accuracy.

A screenshot of "BUTTON LAYOUT" set to "SOUTHPAW" in the "GAME CONTROLS" → "BUTTON LAYOUT" settings menu of Halo 3 (Xbox 360).Behind the game pause menu is pitch black.Note: The screenshot was taken from the emulator Xenia.
Button Input action
A
 Jump
B
 Melee Attack
X
 Use Equipment
Y
 Swap Weapons
Left Analog Click
 Crouch
Right Analog Click
 Zoom View
Right Trigger
 Use Left Weapon
Throw Grenade
Left Trigger
 Use Right Weapon
Right Bumper
 Action/Reload Right Weapon
Left Bumper
 Reload left weapon/Swap Left Weapon/Select next available grenade type
"Start" Button
 Game Menu
"Back" Button
 Multiplayer Score
↑ D-Pad
 Flashlight/Team Chat

Boxer[edit]

“ If you're tired of hitting the wrong button in the heat of a melee fight, this setting is for you. Instead, you will pull the left trigger to melee attack.[7] ”

This has the advantage of giving the user aim while meleeing, but has the disadvantage of not allowing you to aim while throwing grenades.

Please note that it is not possible to aim while throwing grenades, jumping, and deploying equipment without use of the "claw grip."