Halo: Combat Evolved: Getting Started
The essentials of survival, combat and local multiplayer in the original Xbox release.
Shields and health
Your shield recharges after a break from damage; lost health needs a health pack. Retreat behind solid cover before taking another fight.
Two weapons, several answers
Carry complementary weapons: one for shields or crowds and one for precision or heavy targets. You can carry only two guns at once.
Grenades and melee
Combine gunfire with grenades and close-range melee. Explosions can move dropped grenades, so give busy firefights room.
Campaign co-op
The original Xbox campaign supports two players in local split-screen. Choose from Easy, Normal, Heroic and Legendary.
Competitive multiplayer
Play local split-screen with up to four players or System Link with up to sixteen across connected consoles. The Xbox release has 13 multiplayer maps.
Edition differences
The original release has no achievement system or Anniversary skull and terminal hunt. PC multiplayer adds content such as the flamethrower, fuel rod gun and extra maps.
References: and the . Original 2001 Xbox release. PC additions, Anniversary collectibles and later remakes are outside this guide.
Choose a recovery position before the exchange
Look for cover and a route out of the encounter before firing. When the shield falls, moving to that position gives it a chance to recharge instead of forcing a desperate final attack. Carry weapons with different useful ranges and inspect ammunition between encounters. If a section is repeatedly difficult, change the approach or target order before assuming the only solution is more accurate shooting from the same exposed spot.
References
Covered edition: Original 2001 Xbox release. PC additions, Anniversary collectibles and later remakes are outside this guide.