Cooperative play
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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 Mode 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.
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, both of you restart at the last checkpoint. Additionally, in Halo 2, if you are playing on Legendary difficulty and either of you die, both of you have to start at the last checkpoint. Though 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. Although Halo 3 uses a different system where you don't respawn at the last checkpoint when both players die. In Halo and Halo 2 co-op when playing as the Master Chief, both players will be in control of identical SPARTAN IIs. This outright contradicts many references from the Halo games which state that the Master Chief is the last SPARTAN, not one of the last. The "Other SPARTAN" does not appear in Halo 3, being replaced instead by The Arbiter. Similarly, when playing Arbiter missions in Halo 2, both player 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 players, with the addition of N’tho ‘Sraom as another playable character. If a fourth player is available, Usze ‘Taham will be playable. It should be noted that the players cannot choose who they play as and 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, there are several things that you can do (with the exception of Halo 2) in regards to gameplay. Many people don't realize how different co-op play is from single play, for instance, when you die in co-op play in Halo 3 you respawn with two Frag Grenades/Plasma Grenades (depending on if you are an Elite, or if you are the Master Chief), a full Battle Rifle/Covenant Carbine and Assault Rifle/Plasma Rifle. In single player however, you start off with different weapons, such as the Pistol and Assault Rifle. In single play the Arbiter has a range of devices and weapons (anything from the Energy Sword to an auto-stealth unit in his armor). Conserving ammunition is a big part of single player as well, as running out of ammo is a common problem. Brute Chieftains are generally extremely difficult to kill, as they are surrounded by any Brute can kill you as they carry weapons with heavy firepower, often only needing one shot to kill you.
Strategies
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 is used commonly, though it cannot be used in Halo 2 on Legendary, as if one team member dies, you must start the level over. 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, or you can have one player sniping, so the player is not necessarily safe, and is contributing.
The variation to this method is single player, where it is actually one person playing on co-op, using the method stated above.
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, though it cannot be attempted in single player. To use this technique successfully, you will both need to coordinate movements with each other so that splash damage attacks and/or friendly fire does not hurt the other player.
Run and Gun
This method (in Halo 3), consists of attempting to get through the level as quickly as possible, while also trying to get the most points possible. This method 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, or they may wish to get the meta-game achievement by relying mainly on the time bonus for the level.
