This feels like an entirely new game series, but with the old Halo feel. Both new and old players have their work cut out for them and I’m here to help get you started.
This guide will go over getting started in Halo 5: Guardians including:
Controls - Explanations of some of the not so obvious controls. Campaign - Info on the campaign, as well as what you can collect. Multiplayer - Info on arena, warzone, and more. Spartan Hub - Viewing your career, customizing your Spartan, and REQ packs. Tips - What you need to get started in Halo 5.
Controls
I’ll be going over the default control scheme. Most of the controls are obvious, but some need explanations.
Smart-Link - This is basically aiming down the sights with whatever weapon you are using. Zoom - This is when you are using a weapon with a scope that has different levels of zoom. Thruster Pack - You can use this to give a short boost in a direction. You have to wait a short time between uses. Jump and Clamber - If you are close to the top of a wall or other incline, press this to pull yourself up. Melee, Spartan Charge, and Ground Pound - Tap the button to do a close quarters melee attack, or hold while behind an enemy to assassinate them. Tap while running to do a Spartan Charge. Hold while in the air to bring a target up, so you to ground pound to that spot. Change Grenades - When you have more than one type of grenade, you can press left and right on the control pad to switch between them.
Campaign
In the campaign, you play as both Fireteam Osiris and Blue Team. I won’t go into any detail depth here,we won’t spoil the story!
The campaign can be done solo or co-op with up to 3 other players. There are 4 difficulties: Easy, Normal, Heroic, and Legendary. There are collectibles in each mission: intel and a skull. There are 13 skulls and, once you find one, you have the option to turn it on for any level. Skulls change the gameplay in various ways. For example: one disables motion sensor, another makes rare combat dialogue more common.
Multiplayer
This is area of the game has the most content. You get experience while in multiplayer and leveling up gives you a free REQ pack. I’ll go over the different game modes and how they work.
Arena
This is the traditional Halo multiplayer experience, which involves 4v4 matches. After you play 10 matches in a playlist, you get ranked. From there, you need to win to increase your rank. There are 5 different playlists:
Team Arena - This is a mix of different game modes that get selected randomly. Below are the different types you can find. Capture the Flag - Take the enemy flag and return it to your base. Your flag must be there to score. Slayer - Team deathmatch. First team to 50 kills, wins. Breakout - Elimination game mode where you only get one life per round. You must either kill everyone or capture the flag. Strongholds - There are 3 zones you can control on the map. You only get points if you hold at least 2 zones, more if all 3. Slayer - Playlist for only Slayer games. Breakout - Playlist for only Breakout games. Free for All - Game of 8-player slayer with no teams. Swat - No shields and no motion tracker in this mode.
Warzone
This is a mode where up to 24 players, minimum of 18, battle it out. These battles allow REQs, have AI partners and enemies, and have objectives. There are 2 playlists:
Warzone - Standard mode where you must capture bases, kill enemies, and take down special bosses that spawn. If you capture all bases, the enemy team’s core is exposed. Destroy that to win the game early. Warzone Assault - Asymmetrical variant where you either destroy the core, or defend it.
Warzone has a lot, so look at my full Warzone Guide for more details and tips.
Spartan Hub
This is where you’ll spend a lot of time. This feature allows you to view your Career, customize your Spartan, and access REQ packs. Only cosmetic options can be used in Arena, but Warzone allows all other REQs.
Requisitions
REQ packs are like card packs that unlock different things. You can get cosmetic items like new armor or weapon skins. You can also get different loadout options for Warzones, single-use power weapons, vehicles, and power-ups.
You can also get Arena and Warzone boosts that give extra experience or REQ points in certain situations. REQ points are used to buy additional REQ packs.
There are 3 different types of REQ packs you can buy in-game:
Bronze - Costs 1,250 REQ points. Contains common items with a chance at a permanent unlock. Silver - Costs 5,000 REQ points or $2. Contains common to rare items 2 REQs will be permanent unlock if available. Gold - Costs 10,000 REQ points or $3. Contains a large amount of Uncommon to Legendary items. 2 REQs will be permanent unlocks if possible.
Tips
The game throws you into the action without much explanation. The biggest tip I have is to do at least 1 level of the campaign first. This gives you a feel for the game before you try to play against other players. If this doesn’t bother you, then you can just jump right into Arena or Warzone.
Check for any REQ packs you might have, and open them. Try out each game mode. Team Arena is the only way to play Strong Holds and Capture the flag, but you can play the other playlists if you want to see how the others work without waiting for it in Team Arena. Stock up on REQ packs before entering Warzone. You can unlock the option to have different loadouts from REQ packs, so collecting a lot before going into Warzone gives you access to much more. Find a control scheme and sensitivity that works best for you. If you’re having trouble getting kills, switching up the controls could help greatly.
That’s it for my Halo 5: Guardians Beginner Tips and Tricks. Let me know if you have any questions, and check back for more guides!
