Outflank
This is a subtle but important thing to keep in mind with how you move through a DM map.This is both an offensive and defensive tactic.
Basically, the concept of outflanking is to never get caught in crossfire.At the same time,by doing so,you catch others in a crossfire,namely yours and someone else’s.
When you’re moving through a map,move along a wall or structure to decrease the number of directions from which you can be shot.Don’t run through the middle of a plaza,for example.If you do,you can be shot from 360 degrees,as well as from up above.If you run along the edges of a plaza,however, and you get shot,you’ll have a better chance of knowing where it comes from.
But outflanking is most useful as an offensive tool.By continually moving around the edges of a map or the edges of a smaller area within a map,and always facing the areas from which you can be shot,you will quite possibly see your enemy before they see you.
Furthermore,if you hear a battle,find where the two combatants are.One unfortunate thing about HL2:DM is that it’s not easy to determine where the battle is.The sounds may be far away and still sound close. But use your head - people usually congregate in a few areas in each map.Go there and find them.By heading to the battle,you will possibly find yourself in the scenario all DM players love: you walk into an area where two combatants are fighting each other. They are both seriously low on health, and you kill them both.They do most of the work, and you get all the credit.Cha-ching!Your choice of weapons is important in this scenario,but the important thing is that you stay at the edges.This way the two combatants will almost certainly continue focusing on each other, while you can shoot them both with abandon.Focus on only one first.
Lastly,if you’re in a one-on-one battle and hear some unusual extra noise, pay attention.You might have just been outflanked by a third player and now be caught in a crossfire.You can turn the tables on either of your opponents by a short retreat.Get beyond one of them and put THEM in the mush pot.Then continue firing.Rinse and repeat.
Turn the tables
This is another movement trick.I often let people chase me knowing that a confined area is coming up.I play the rabbit, and let the tiger chase me. Then,once inside the room I’ve entered or even after turning a corner,I turn,crouch,pick a nice high-damage weapon,and wait.They will sprint around the corner unsuspecting and BOOM.
Avoid Predictability
This is another very important skill.It’s basically an extension of the don’t run in a straight line rule.Don’t be predictable.For example: when I’m chasing a good player,and he runs into a hallway,I assume he is going to do the turn the tables trick on me.So I will pause for a moment.Just as he is crouched and expecting me to approach,I don’t; then, as he is starting to get confused, I lob a grenade around the corner (or do something else that he doesn’t expect.
If you’re in a map where there is an obvious succession of items to pick up, and you are being chased,don’t do the obvious by going to the next good item or health pack.Do something he doesn’t expect.
The only predictable thing you should ever do with your enemy watching is kill him.
Sounds
Do not underestimate the importance of sounds!You make sound when you run,and I will hear you coming.If you crouch,you will not make sound!
By the way,if you crouch while on a ladder, you will also be silent but you will not go any slower. I could charge people good money for that tip,but I give it to you freely because that’s the kind of guy I am. ;)
Use stereo sound.Even better - use headphones.Headphones will keep you focused and allow you to hear every little clue that is going on around you.
Equipment
Naturally better equipment will improve your game, but it will not make a bad player into a good one. One of the best FPS players I’ve ever known is severely handicapped by using 56K dialup!That person is proof that you don’t need the best performance to kick bootie!
