Multiplayer Combat Strategy

By Franklin Beans

War is hell—even when it's virtual—but that doesn't mean it's hopeless. You won't believe just how hectic combat can be when Electronic Arts' Battlefield 2: Modern Combat™ hits Xbox®. Featuring huge outdoor maps, tons of military and civilian vehicles, and more weapons than you can shake a bayonet at, it promises to be the online multiplayer masterpiece. For the uninitiated, this game puts you in the role of a modern soldier; align yourself with a team and then fight alongside your comrades to control huge patches of terrain in war-torn environments. It might sound scary to jump into the fray with 23 other wannabe jarheads—and it is—but here are a few tips to make your first tour of duty successful. Read on, soldier.

Safety in Numbers
Battlefield 2: Modern Combat is team-oriented combat at its most visceral. Few safe havens exist on any of the game's gigantic maps, so increase your chances of survival by pairing up with a teammate and traveling in squads. When spawning in the game world, you likely appear near a handful of your brethren. Either hoof it to the next capture point together, or jump in an available vehicle and ride in style.

Don't be afraid to speak up and voice your intentions via the Xbox Communicator headset. Ask the closest warrior if you can tag along; most of the time he's be glad to have some backup. Pick a designated driver and jump aboard the ride. The passenger should man the machine gun and provide covering fire once you enter the hot zone.

Travel in packs.

Take Cover
Your soldier is wearing body armor, but he's not invincible. A few well-placed shots can put him in a body bag, so utilize the environment for cover.  Crouch or lay prone behind objects to shrink your profile; when you're a smaller target, the enemy will have a tough time killing you.

While moving out in the open, don't stay exposed for long, and periodically strafe from side to side. By varying your running pattern, it's tougher for your foes to get a bead on you. If you're taking fire, jump to break your enemy's aim, and then quickly find cover.

When you see the artillery message, HIDE!

Smoke 'em Out
There will be times when you have to clear a building of squatters in order to control a Capture Point. Your wily foes are expecting your arrival, and are undoubtedly hunkered down with their sights set squarely on the building's entrance. Throw a smoke grenade into the room to cloud the area. You and your buddies then slip in safely and get the jump on the enemy soldiers while they deal with momentary blindness.

Bear in mind, enemy reinforcements will likely arrive on the scene after you take over. In fact, expect to run into the very same guy you capped moments earlier, as he'll be back for revenge. Hide in different areas of the building or surrounding landscape to confuse your attackers. Blindside them with a swift assault as they search your last known location—they'll never know what hit 'em.

Ready a smoker after you enter a hostile building.

These are just a few basic gameplay tips to keep in mind while you're traversing the insane maps of Battlefield 2: Modern Combat. Never forget that you're playing on a team; coordinate your assaults and let your immediate objectives guide your actions.