Cooperative play

Co-op is a multiplayer gametype found in all Halo games except Halo PC and Halo 2 for Windows Vista. It allows two or more people to play the Campaign together.

Co-op is also available in the Halo Wars campaign, both via system link and over Xbox LIVE. However, unlike in other Halo games where co-op is available, it is not possible to play local co-op in Halo Wars.

Co-op Gameplay
Co-op gameplay basically involves two or more people playing through the campaign as a team. If one character dies, he or she will respawn with the weapons they begin the level with. The player who dies has to wait until the player who is still alive is not engaged in combat and is at a safe location to be able to respawn. If both players are killed, they will restart at the last checkpoint. Additionally, in Halo 2, if two players are playing on Legendary difficulty and either of them die, then both of them have to start at the last checkpoint. In any of the other Halo games, nearly all players will attempt Legendary on co-op, because Legendary is often too difficult to attempt alone.

In Halo and Halo 2 co-op, when playing a level involving the Master Chief, both players will control two identical copies of the Chief; when playing a Halo 2 level involving the Arbiter, both players will control identical Arbiters.

In Halo 3, when there are two players, one player plays as the Master Chief and the other as the Arbiter. It is somewhat similar with three or four players, with N’tho ‘Sraom and Usze ‘Taham serving as the third and fourth characters, respectively. It should be noted that the players cannot choose who they play as; the game will randomly select who plays as who. Co-op can be played on split screen on Halo and Halo 2, but can be played either split screen or over Xbox LIVE in Halo 3.

Differences
Co-op game play is very different from single-player gameplay; there are several new strategies and alterations present. Starting and respawn weapons tend to vary between single-player and co-op, as do the starting weapons of each character and the strategies that can be used in co-op -- some of which are documented below.

Coward Method
The "coward method" is basically having one player hide in a safe spot while the other player charges forward and kills everything with impunity. This method is generally frowned upon, but it is still commonly used to beat the Campaign on Legendary. It cannot be used in Halo 2 on Legendary, however, as if one team member dies, all must restart the entire level. The best way to use this method is to play as the Arbiter in Halo 3 (because he has Plasma Grenades to stick enemies with) and to alternate players so that everyone gets a turn. You can also have the "coward(s)" snipe enemies, so that they are not necessarily safe, but are still contributing.

This method can also be used by one person playing as two characters on co-op, provided that they can place the "coward" in a safe, unreachable place.

Full Shotgun
This method involves all players charging at the enemy. Though this method is harder than others, it will make for a more enjoyable playing experience, and will be a true test of skill to get through levels. To use this technique successfully, players will need to coordinate movements with each other to avoid wounding or killing each other with splash damage or friendly fire.

Run and Gun
This Halo 3-specific method consists of attempting to get through the level as quickly as possible, while also trying to get the most points possible. It often involves using vehicles and ignoring many enemies that you may otherwise be inclined to shoot. The reason players do this is generally because they want the Legendary symbol for their service record; they may also wish to get the meta-game achievements by relying mainly on the time bonus for the level.

Combat Roles
This method makes up for the 2 or 3 weapon limit and has players focus on specific aspects of combat, such as enemy types or positioning. One of the most ideal strategies utilizes one of the players using weapons less resistant to shielding while another player uses weapons less resilient to non-shielded enemies. This way, shielded enemies would lose their shielding rather quickly and become vulnerable to the other player who would have the proper weapon equipped to finish off the enemy, effectively removing the need to constantly switch weapons. Ideally, the player assigned to shielded enemies would utilize Plasma Pistols for their overcharged shot while the player assigned to take out the non-shielded enemy would utilize headshot weapons, namely a Battle Rifle or Covenant Carbine, forming a two person Noob Combo.

Related Articles

 * Campaign Mode
 * Halo: Combat Evolved
 * Halo 2
 * Halo 3
 * Halo Wars