Driving the Pig

For some reason, I decided that it would be a good idea to learn to drive the Warthog during online games with a friend of mine, Sphiralis. Maybe it was how successful some other people have been driving around online have been, maybe it was due to the fact I was getting bored just shooting people, but whatever the reason, I decided I was going sharpen my driving skills and thunder across the online terrain in Halo 3.

Now, there is one thing to bear in mind when considering to an online driver in Halo 3. Unless your vehicle of choice requires only one occupant, you will need a gunner. A good gunner. Luckily for me I had a gunner, a friend of mine. Sphiralis has gunned before, most Halo players have - but not at length, so this was going to be a learning experience for him as much as it was for me.

Right, so I have my gunner. One problem, even the best driver will be stumped unless they play on the right map. Halo 3 has a good few maps but not all are suitable for vehicles. Additionally, not all Halo 3 playlists are supportive of 'hog driving. After extensive playing, I have found that Sandtrap, Rat's Nest and Standoff are best with Valhalla and Last Resort being the worst. (This does not take into consideration maps that do not support vehicles, such as Guardian =P).

Finding out which maps is best for driving is better done by going online and driving and seeing what is best for yourself.

Some things to take into consideration;

Communication

This, I have found, is the most important aspect of driving. You will be blown up, lasered, stuck or flipped unless you communicate carefully with your gunner. When driving around, it is a good idea to have good two communications with the gunner, it comes in handy when trying to avoid problems and for tracking down other players for the gunner to kill. One thing, and I have found that this is really beneficial for people starting out, is going through the maps and becoming familiar with landmarks. In the heat of battle, it is very easy to get confused about the location of incoming enemies or where your gunner might want to suddenly go to chase someone. I played the maps offline with Sphiralis to build up a good playing knowledge of call out locations on a few of the maps.

Map Control

This is something that you have to work with the rest of your team (everyone on your team that isn't you or your gunner). A hog can dominate the map, but unless your team is backing you up, you will probably be destroyed very quickly, so it's a good idea that you communicate your intentions and progress with the rest of your team.

Splazer

Avoid it. (No shit! =P) Seriously though, make sure that someone on your team controls the laser and rocket launchers. These weapons will take you down very quickly.

Nades

A fresh hog can take a battering. It can take a direct hit from a grenade. However, when it comes to explosions, chances are that the driver (me!) will die and it will be up the gunner to get down, get in the driving seat and go someplace safe. The amount of times this has happened to me are uncountable, for some reason the gunner is more likely to survive. Thankfully I don't care for my kill death ratio.

Spawns

Learn where the enemy spawns are on the map and haunt them. Especially if you kill a lot of enemies at once, they will usually spawn together (making it easier to kill a lot of enemies at once, repeat).

Velocity

As any passenger in a hog will tell you, it's a bumpy ride. As you drive around you find yourself being flipped, turned, blown, shunted and airborne. But, I have noticed that you can control your velocity a little a bit when the unexpected happens. You cannot control the hog in an emergency 100% of the time, but with a little practice, you can, more often than not, drive safely away.


I have learned a lot as a Warthog driver. I have a lovely collection of Wheelman medals that I intend to add to, but there is plenty of room for improvement for me.

Communication

"Behind me" - as I turn the hog one hundred and eighty degrees
"Top, front, right, right, ahead" - Where?
"Over there! There!" Could be anywhere! =P

Third Wheel

A driver and gunner. Perfect? No, the Warthog can have three people, and a good third passenger should be able to help the gunner clean up. Right now we are missing a good passenger, and I cannot wait to see the difference it makes.