View Full Version : First Person Shooter Tips
Matblack
15-11-2007, 11:55
I suck at FPS games :(
Playing COD4 it is very rare that my kills are greater than my number of deaths, sometimes I will get one or no kills and I feel like a liability. My best ever streak is 6 but I rarely get more than 2 kills before I'm killed myself
I recently swaped to a LMG and I'm getting better results with that but I'm still not any good and any amount of practice doesn't seem to make much difference.
Has anyone got a link to some good online tips for improving my game? I move about a lot, I often follow team mates to provide back up or fire support. The stuff I feel I am a bit week on is strafing and checking my environment to stop someone sneaking up on me. Help it's begining to annoy me now :angry:
The odd thing is I never seem to have any major problems completing the single player campaigns :huh:
MB
Exactly the same as me, but I generally die before I get any kills on MP. My reactions are just too slow, practise makes little difference :(
Knowing the maps is 50% of the battle, knowing how others play on the maps is about 40% and the rest is down to your skill as a player IMO.
I have had up into the 30s without a death on CS but only on the maps I know like the back of my hand. On maps I don't know, I generally get spanked everywhere :D
I found that certain weapons suited my style of play better than others - I generally fire in bursts rather than single shots or running around spraying out bullets, and almost always from a reasonable distance so I find weapons that suit that better. On Counterstrike that can be the AK or the Bullpup, depending on my mood :)
Is this on the PC or the Xbox? I only have experience with FPS on PCs and I know the controllers are a lot different. However on the PC it's all about the sidestep whilst aiming and not missing also pre-empting and aiming ahead of a moving target - especially true in the days of lag! I used to play a lot of quake on a 28.8k modem :D Other things is find a bit of an observation point and watch how other players move and interact with their environments. There are a lot of boring sniper people (which I quite like I have to say :o) but it's all about making your shots count and using hte right weapon in the right instance. i.e. a shotgun in close range > machine gun. In the days of quake good old rocket launchers were the weapon of choice bar the rail gun.
I'm no way an expert but FPS games are the only ones I used to play when I was younger (we're talking 50hrs a week here), but the only thing I can stress is, ammo, side step, health, observation, and good aims (headshots etc). The most important thing is knowing the map, and again observe it.
Also set up your keyboard with all the keys you ever use and you just get to know them - on a controller I don't know how easy it is to do all that.
Davey_Pitch
15-11-2007, 12:55
Durz is correct about the maps, knowing them well is the key to doing well. On the 3 maps that came with the Beta I generally do very very well, often having 20 kills for less than 10 deaths, but on the maps I don't know I'll consider it a good round if I get about level in each. Of course, the only way to learn the maps is to play them, which can definitely get frustrating if you're dying a lot. When you've learned the maps though, you'll know where people usually come from, which lines you can run safe in the knowledge you won't get anyone sneaking up behind you, and where you can run to try and circle behind the enemy.
Picking the right weapon is also important. My favourite weapon is the M16A4, it's 3 round burst firing mode is excellent as you just need to tap the RT and you quick a quick burst of fire, which is often enough if you aim for the chest/head. Full auto weapons like the AK can lead to inaccuracy a lot as you often hold down the RT and it's very hard to keep it perfectly targetted on someone.
Another thing to do is to simply leave your current session if you feel everyone you're playing against is far better than you. I generally hold my own but there's been plenty of times when I've been way outclassed, so I simply left for a minute then joined a new game where people were closer to my own skill level. It makes the games more enjoyable that way.
leowyatt
15-11-2007, 13:32
Knowing the maps is a very important. Are you playing team deathmatch or free-for-all Matt?
I end up in the top 3-4 of most games now because I know the maps rather well, but still come up against people who are amazingly good. I'm actually using the M16A4 myself Davey and really enjoying it, it is helping me improve my accuracy.
If you fancy a couple of practice games let me know and we'll form a party so you can work on your playing style :)
You need to find a weapon you like and one you are comfortable with. It is also important to choose the weapon that matches the level. No point sticking with the shotgun on overgrown or district.
Matblack
15-11-2007, 14:02
I've managed to get myself up to Lv22 with about 10 hours of play and I really enjoy it but I'd just like to get better. I started with the M16 and moved to the AK47 to get the acheivements but I do think I need to find a gun which suits my style and as you say get a better knowledge of the maps.
Do you guys tend to pick an area to defend or just drift about the map? I think part of my problem is I roam too much rather than camping a particular area more.
I would really like to play rounds with you guys a lot of the players out there a just too good and what I find really frustrating is that no one will take a lead and coordinate movements so everyone is operating as a loner, where I've been firmly thrashed I get the impression the other team are coordinating their efforts over the headsets.
MB
Justsomebloke
15-11-2007, 14:03
My 3 Top Tips for Successful FPS play.
Your Ears are your best weapon. Turn of All other External sounds & wear headphones at all times. The headphones will give you Perfect stereo pitch enabling you to know from what direction your enemy is approaching or where he is hiding. (Leads to Lots of Accusations of cheating but is Completely Legal play)
Single shot for the Win. Always select Single shot unless using a PPSH then just spray & pray. Single shot & aiming down the sights is something you need to do instinctively. ( I have lost count on the amount of times where i am bowling along & some sucker sprays at me only for me to turn round & single shot him to the head. More accusations of cheating abound)
Know your Maps inside out back to front & upside down. You need to know & recognise choke points & the routes the enemy will approach from. Learn those maps. ( a few nades over walls etc )
I can talk for Hours about FPS gaming as i think I am the Man when it comes to a bit of Murder death kill FPS style ;D
My mate on here VaultingSlinky is a bit handy as well, He is the man for 360 FPS tips i would think. Me & him had many many Awesome battles on original COD :cool:
Playing with mates helps if they are Decent enough to help you on rather than just Pwn you for fun. On BF2 i have helped many guys on & really enjoy passing on tips. Unfortunately giving tips out makes you seem like a know it all **** but i honestly just want people to get out of BF2 what i have over the years.
leowyatt
15-11-2007, 14:14
I've managed to get myself up to Lv22 with about 10 hours of play and I really enjoy it but I'd just like to get better. I started with the M16 and moved to the AK47 to get the acheivements but I do think I need to find a gun which suits my style and as you say get a better knowledge of the maps.
Personally I don't use the sniper rifle because I'm rubbish with it. I've only ever used it once in MP and that was when I ended up against 3 other players and needed to pick them off and hide. I love the AK-47 but have been trying the different weapons to get the achievements :o and to improve my accuracy. I really like the M4 to be honest and use that for mid range maps.
Do you guys tend to pick an area to defend or just drift about the map? I think part of my problem is I roam too much rather than camping a particular area more.
Well if the team talk alot I'll stick with them and talk to them but if the team doesn't talk I tend to drift around being a loner. There are certain maps I'll camp out in with a sniper or a couple of us will try and flank the other team. This usually happens on the block map. Usually I'm a roamer and tend to pick off who I can and usually end up knifing people because they aren't watching their backs or don't tend to move around much.
I would really like to play rounds with you guys a lot of the players out there a just too good and what I find really frustrating is that no one will take a lead and coordinate movements so everyone is operating as a loner, where I've been firmly thrashed I get the impression the other team are coordinating their efforts over the headsets.
MB
Well if you want to play some games then let's arrange some and we'll all have a go :)
I don't tend to lead unless I'm in the middle of a firefight and can coordinate my team mates. It works so much better when people communicate. Playing in the beta, Davey, Wellington and I talked and coordinated and our team won 9/10 times.
I'd just emphasis what others have said, particularly regarding knowing the map and sticking with your teammates. I've found with mybrief play of CoD4 MP and the beta, that it improves my game a lot. Providing the team are any good. I've had the odd game with a team that are just messing about and I tend to leave and join a different game.
I've not started roaming yet but that's what I used to do with CS, so I'll no doubt adapt to that when I'm more used to the game. :)
We definitely should have some games together :D I'd suggest monday as Davey's got his 360 back then and I won't be working.
Davey_Pitch
15-11-2007, 15:40
I've managed to get myself up to Lv22 with about 10 hours of play and I really enjoy it but I'd just like to get better. I started with the M16 and moved to the AK47 to get the acheivements but I do think I need to find a gun which suits my style and as you say get a better knowledge of the maps.
As Leo said, a gun which not only suits your style but suits the map is essential. I found on the beta I was really poor to start with, but when I moved onto the M249 SAW my play really improved, so that I was better when I went back to other weapons. It's got a good range an has a good rate of fire, so consider giving that a whirl.
Do you guys tend to pick an area to defend or just drift about the map? I think part of my problem is I roam too much rather than camping a particular area more.
I tend to stick with my team mates for a bit unless I know the map well, in which case I'll head towards the places I'm comfortable in. If you stick with your team mates and slightly behind them you'll be able to watch them and see how they play, and possibly where they're getting killed from (so toss some grenades that way).
I would really like to play rounds with you guys a lot of the players out there a just too good and what I find really frustrating is that no one will take a lead and coordinate movements so everyone is operating as a loner, where I've been firmly thrashed I get the impression the other team are coordinating their efforts over the headsets.
As soon as I get my Elite I'm up for some games, hopefully next Monday :)
There's a secret to getting good at an FPS game.
Practice.
It works. As you get more used to the game, your aim will get better, you'll recognise which guns players have and whether they're a threat or not. Once you are able to play without thinking, the game will seem to slow down sometimes as the unfettered mind takes over your gaming. Just keep playing the game.
Gaming is budo.
On the pc I can happily hold my own or better some people out there when it comes to fps games. On the 360 I seriously lag behind. It's due to the amount of time I spent playing COD and BF2, I'm just not as sharp as I could be.
I'm still taking my time getting used to playing on a controller. Mouse and keyboard was never a problem but I'm still slow at aiming accurately and fast enough with a joypad.
leowyatt
15-11-2007, 19:16
If you want we could do some private matches and teach each other about the various maps. Just a suggestion. If anyone is up for some MP and I'm not on here just text me and if I'm about I'll be on :)
Like everyone said, knowing the map is the biggest thing. I used to play COD/MOH/MOHAA online in a clan for the best part of 3 times a week for 3 years. I was pretty good too, usually top 2-3 and occasionally win a map. We only really play TDK thou, and much easier to talk with the keyboard in front of you plus sometimes we play using Teamspeak as we had our own server we could configure it to our liking. Things are very co-ordinated, almost like modern day SWOT.
As for being good, practice practice and practice. I usually find myself doing the same-ish thing for a map. Go around the same spots on a particular map and make my kills there. Also learn where the spawn points are (but don't camp and pick off people re-spawning, get kicked off server for that) you learn where they re-spawn so you know where most people take a route out away from there, and that itself is an hunting ground.
Also expect the unexpected, like i take a pop shot round corners that are usually busy with people, soon as I turn, sometimes I even throw grenades round corners or over the other side of builders just for the odd chance it might blow people up.Lastly, keep moving, and when shooting someone 1 on 1, side step, jump and duck but keep shooting.
Davey_Pitch
16-11-2007, 01:06
Also learn where the spawn points are (but don't camp and pick off people re-spawning, get kicked off server for that) you learn where they re-spawn so you know where most people take a route out away from there, and that itself is an hunting ground.
A good hint generally, however for COD4 it's useless as there aren't any traditional spawn points as such. You're generally just dumped somewhere safe but close to the action, handy if the starting point is on the other side of the map :)
Some other quirks I used to do
Throwing a grenade into a room before i go in.
See some people fighting? Throw a grenade in the middle
Sometimes i just walk around with a grenade without letting go in close spaces so the other guy dies too when i die, I usually do this when i am out of ammo.
I hardly ever snipe of be a "camper", it doesn't work for long before people work out where you are and hunt you down. Plus the frag count is never that high.
Know which player is crap in that map and hunt him down for more kills :p
Wellington
16-11-2007, 18:25
Hmm tips tips tips....
Like almost everyone above has said... learn the maps
I noticed Davey said to play of a server with people more your own level.... I would tend to disagree with that, when I first started playing COD 2 I would go onto clan server's to see how they play, routinely getting my arsed kicked, learn their tricks learn the styles.
Hmm what else.... if your on the PC you have the option to lean round corners... do it!
A tactic that works for many COD 2 players is the move camp technique.... Basically once you have learned the map find the corners that players just rush past, sit in it and shoot them as they go past then move to a new location... not always the fastest way play but can rack up a good score.
Another tactic (one of the 2 I use at the mo) is Flanking. if your team is busy plugging away at the enemy from one quarter of the map don't move to join then. move to the other side and see if you can get round behind the enemy, shooting people in the back is a lot safer then shooting them in the front.
My second favourite tactic is pure aggression. Take a short range weapon and run into the middle of em and open up, lot of players expect you to stand still or crouch to shoot them, if you run into them like a noob they go hay??? WTF happened there...
If you fancy something with abit of range and they have spotted you, lay down on the floor, the smaller the target they have to shoot the better, if you can't lay down crouch.
Ermm try to move from point of cover to point of cover, run/dash across open spaces.
Last one, if you think the enemy is in a room or your not sure then throw a nade in... cook it a little first if you've got time. COD 4 also has flashbangs... use them too :D
Flibster
16-11-2007, 21:41
Used to be a sniper in BF1942 and Desert Combat - frequently used to get kill ratio's of 10:1
Never used headphones - high quality surround sound for me and a throat mike tended to do it.
However, knowing the maps is the most important part.
Knowing the weapons capabilitys is equally important - know what range the weapons are effective to etc...
Practice
Don't play online anymore - servers I used to play on, amongst many other things, got too obcessed with Capture the Flag - which was frankly dreadful on DC. I had a go at BF2 and BF2142 - considered them to be a step backwards from DC and BF1942.
Yet to find anything as good.
Simon/~Flibster
leowyatt
16-11-2007, 21:50
COD 4 also has flashbangs... use them too :D
the work of satan they are :p (mainly because I always forget to use them ;D)
Wellington you camper! I bloody hate them. I used to shoot into those spots you talked about as i run past or nade it. The best camper are hard to catch as they move around a lot but the rest are like sitting ducks once you know where they like to camp. This also comes down to knowing the map.
Not sure what you can do with COD4, but for various FPSs on the PC I used to spend quite a bit of time playing against Bots before I'd go on-line, to ensure that I'd got up to speed on the accuracy and weapon capabilities first. Playing through the single player missions is always my first goal. Look out for n00b servers (with active moderators kicking off any guys too good) if there are any, great way to get used to the map with others that aren't so good too. Regularly go to cover and reload, you don't want is to be 90% through a clip facing someone with a full clip :D but be sensible about when you do it because worse than having a nearly empty clip is being halfway through a reload when someone comes across you :)
Try to avoid the temptation to spray and pray, try to focus on accuracy (that's where playing SP and against bots can help, it tends to be more forgiving), and concentrate on the high damage spots (I would assume head shots in COD4?)
Think outside the box. Try to consider ways to irritate your opponents to draw them into making a big mistake, even if that means emptying a round of a handgun at the wall to suggest you're out of decent weapons (shocking how well that works on CS)
Most maps have choke points, and if your team is any good they'll get them covered. If others are covering them, cover your team mates. Resist the temptation to go all Rambo on the other team :)
The other thing to look out for are clan servers where there are a number of clan players active in the player list. That tends to ensure you end up on a team that works together. My biggest frustration with on-line FPS gaming are the number of idiots that fail to understand even basic concepts of teamwork. It gets particularly painful if you're playing something like Enemy Territory where its almost impossible to win without being a team.
For teamwork online, Americas Army is fantastic! I used to play that loads and got very good at it on particular maps, but if you didn't play as a team you would die very, very quickly.
Awesome stuff :) Never come across a game quite like it!
Matblack
19-11-2007, 10:14
Well you guys were right practice makes perfect, well at least, better.
I'm now getting around 7-10 kills for 4-5 deaths in most games, I know the maps better, I know where people camp and I'm automatically checking my corners when I enter an area, I went from a max streak of 4 to a max streak of 10+ and I'm regularly calling for UAVs to maximise my airstrikes and comunicating with my tean even if they aren't going to comunicate with me :(
I would seem that unless you are playing with a clan then communication just isn't utilised properly which seems a shame as it can make or break a mission.
I'm averaging about 200+ points per match towards my ranking and I'm starting to get more of the guns unlocked. One thing I found really interesting was the M4, when I got it I hated it but the recoil on it is very controlable and you can readjust to the target whilst you are firing and get a kill from a single burst which is ideal for me :)
I find headshots in this game quite tough and I'm not getting as many as I had hoped so I'll have to go back and get those achievements, so far I have done the 150 kills with 3 of the assault rifles which are worth 1000 point towards rank :)
I'm going to keep playing this one for a while get
MB
Davey_Pitch
19-11-2007, 10:25
Nice one MB. Practise definitely does make a huge difference in any FPS game as simply knowig the maps is a big thing. Of course, the more you play the more accurate you'll get so you should continue to improve the longer you play.
Regarding communication, I know what you mean. The only times I've communicated well with randoms is when Leo and I started doing it between the 2 of us, and the other team members decided to join in. It can make a huge difference to how well your team performs and I know it's something I should try and force my random teammates into doing.
I'm the same as you though, going through the various weapons getting the 150 kills for the experience points so I can progress faster. I don't think I've done 3 assault rifles yet, but I think I've managed it with the MP5 as well as 2 of the assault :)
Looking forward to playing this again tonight, assuming my Elite comes today :)
leowyatt
19-11-2007, 13:39
Glad things are going well Matt, it's all down to practice. I've been too busy playing Half Life 2 to get back to COD4, but hoping to be back to it shortly.
Hope your elite turns up today Davey.
About the main times I enjoy playing FPSs is online in a clan, when you get decent communication and can lay traps or work with other players. Against a bunch of random players it can turn a game from a long drawn out scrap to a quickly easy victory.
Davey_Pitch
20-11-2007, 14:41
I think I need to re-read this thread and take some of the tips on board myself, as I appear to be getting worse, not better! When I first got COD4 and went online, my K : D ratio was pretty much level, but now at level 30 it's dropped down to about 0.83 with the majority of my friends list having a much better ratio than me. Grrr, I *will* get better at COD4!
Justsomebloke
20-11-2007, 19:22
Well i got kicked & banned from a BF2 server the other night for Blatant cheating even though it is completely against everything i believe in to cheat & have never & would never cheat. I Obviously still have it :weights:
Don't even know what they were moaning about i was only 32 kills for 2 deaths, the round had only been going for five minutes & the next player down had 8 for 3 ;D
It has got on BF2 now where i know where you are going before you do. I am at one with BF2, me & BF2 are a singular :goatse:
I know, I am a :****er:
Last night i completely dominated a squad of clan dudes all with there pretty tags on. One time they steamed me for revenge & i killed 2 of them twice after there mate revived them & then dropped on top of all four of them & slaughtered them. My screen was full of malc killed & i teabagged two of there body's shouting NO CAN DO NO CAN DO ;D;D;D After two rounds they left :evil:
I meet other good players all the time & have some brilliant battles & when it's hard i can't get enough. Easy opponents bore me & i end up leaving.
For my tips this time round i am going to write what skills from other players get me.
Accuracy Kills. Games are fairly balanced & both opponents get an opportunity to kill each other. Speed & Accuracy wins Every time ;) On a new game i have quite often gone on target practising sessions alone. Completely alone walking around the maps just spinning & turning & shooting inanimate objects such as sign posts & other distinct features that catch my eye. This teaches me the maps & gets my eye in with the games weapons. First time i did this on original COD & it helped loads as you have the time to take things in without being shot at.
I love that split second in FPS games where you are both looking down the sights at each other wondering whose bullet will hit first :cool:
leowyatt
20-11-2007, 20:22
I think I need to re-read this thread and take some of the tips on board myself, as I appear to be getting worse, not better! When I first got COD4 and went online, my K : D ratio was pretty much level, but now at level 30 it's dropped down to about 0.83 with the majority of my friends list having a much better ratio than me. Grrr, I *will* get better at COD4!
don't worry it happens to the best of us as my ratio went down the pan for a while and is gradually coming back :) so looking forward to tomorrow.
Davey_Pitch
20-11-2007, 22:00
don't worry it happens to the best of us as my ratio went down the pan for a while and is gradually coming back :) so looking forward to tomorrow.
I'll have a hell of a job to get it back to a level ratio again, I'm roughly on 1100 kills and about 1300 deaths, won't be easy getting that back, especially as on most games tonight I've been way behind. I'm still having fun though (mainly), so that's all that matters :)
I did find though that when using different weapons for experience I generally do badly. When I go back to my favourite M16 I do much much better. Still not found a weapon yet that can match it.
leowyatt
20-11-2007, 23:16
I'm sure with some good team work we'll get your ratio back up. I'm still really enjoying the G3 :) just need to aim for more headshots.
Davey_Pitch
21-11-2007, 02:42
Things were much better after my post before. Was using the M249 SAW and the M16, and I was ahead in every match, winning one with a score of 20 kills, 3 assists, and only 6 deaths. The SAW is a cracking weapon and I'm getting quite a lot of headshots with it. I expect to get the 150 kills tomorrow (only about 60 needed), then I'll move onto the RPD I think :)
leowyatt
21-11-2007, 08:41
Good plan, I think I've worked my way through most of the weapons to get the 150 kills I just need to sort out the headshots which I think comes with time :)
Glad to hear your ratio is going back up again.
Davey_Pitch
21-11-2007, 10:06
Aye, the headshots are a pain at times. I think I'm doing better with the SAW as it's heavier than the other weapons, which means it turns slower, which I think makes it a little easier to aim. With a long range as well you can get people from a fair distance before they see/shoot you.
I've started using the Dragunov sniper rifle on more maps now, and I think I'm improving with it. Only got about 25 kills so far but it's good fun. I had a great sniper battle with someone on Overgrown last night. He picked me off from the grassy corner just over the rock bridge, so I moved around and headshotted him and took his position. He tried to come back at me so I took him out again. He then got me from a different side and re-took the position, so I moved into the house (with the two mounted guns) and picked him off from there with a headshot. Was great fun, and I think I won as he got me next from close range with an assault rifle, leaving the sniper behind :D
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