Multiplayer Tips

Playing offline and online are usually wholly separate experiences. What works offline may sometimes work online, but usually a new mindset and basic strategic foundation are required. A.I. opponents, even when reacting dynamically, are still there to represent a specific challenge, whereas human opponents online can be utterly mystifying in their actions and tactics. However, there are a few basic tips that can always serve you well in Call of Duty® 2 online, whether it's straight up Deathmatch or a team-based affair.

Weapons for the Environment
Call of Duty 2 is a deadly game. You can't hide behind energy shields or anything of the like; a few well-placed bullets (often only one) will put you down in an instant. That said, not all weapons are created equal when considering the environment. Single action and semi-automatic rifles rule the day in the open air, as one well-aimed bullet will take out an enemy. On the other hand, if you're fighting in buildings or trenches, you need a machine gun in hand.

Split-screen is a multiplayer option.

In the end, personal preference plays a large part, but bear in mind the time it takes to aim (left trigger) and fire off a single round when an enemy pops around a hallway, as well as the limited aim and pinpoint accuracy of the rapid-fire guns across any kind of distance.

Swap the Sidearm
When you spawn, you spawn with your primary weapon (as selected at the beginning of the match) and your sidearm. Provided you stay alive long enough to either kill an opponent with a different weapon or stumble across one, press the Y button to switch to your sidearm, and then swap that out for the new weapon, preferably one functionally different from your primary. This allows you to take full advantage of both close-quarters and long distance fire fights.

Smoke, Frag, or Both
When choosing your weapon load-out before a match, make sure to consider your grenade options. Some weapons come with only frag, some with only smoke, while others may offer one of both. Consider the map you're playing and your own preferences. For example, a map with lots of bunkers and sniping locations is ideal for frag grenades, as you can drop on in a confined space with an enemy, but wide open maps offer outstanding opportunities for concealing yourself behind a wall of smoke.

Additionally, consider your weapon. For example, a smoke grenade combined with the M1897 Trench Gun (shotgun) can be deadly as you stand amid the fog and one-shot those that run past.

Charge! Take the hill!

Compass Direction
Communication is always important, but when relaying a direction to a teammate, things can get confusing. Instead of shouting "left," "right," or "behind you," try utilizing your compass in the bottom left hand corner to relay proper directions. For example, if you see an enemy closing in on your buddy directly to the south, try shouting, "Enemy closing in, dead south!"

Constant Communication
In big online games, constant chatter can get confusing with so many enemies running about. However, Call of Duty 2 sports four-on-four team games in relatively cozy maps, so each bit of information is key. Make sure you relay enemy positions as you see them (use compass directions and objective markers to be clear), as well as what you're doing and where you're doing it.

Too many matches are lost because each team member is absorbed in their own situation, and not thinking about the overall team goal. Planting explosives on an objective is great, but if you don't ask people to back you up or relay enemy locations as you attempt to defend the blast location, it won't do you any good.

Aim and Fire
Death comes swiftly in Call of Duty 2, but that doesn't mean you need to open fire as soon as you spot an enemy—quite the opposite, actually. An errant shot exposes your location and a quick aiming enemy can respond with extreme prejudice, ruining your kill opportunity. If you spot an enemy, pull the left trigger to aim carefully, line up your shot and squeeze the trigger to ensure the kill.

Article by Alex McLain