Short range weapons

• 1
  
  
  Use the mauler against powerful enemies in close range situations. Essentially a one-handed version of the marine shotgun, the mauler is slightly less powerful, but makes up for it by being capable of dual-wielding. A double mauler blast will take out all but the luckiest enemies in a single shot, but the range must be close. A great answer to the energy sword, if you can time the shot right before the sword hits you, when your enemy is closest to you. Dual wield with the brute spiker, plasma riffle or magnum by hitting you opponent at medium range and then getting close and finishing with the mauler. Otherwise use it by itself and toss a grenade before engaging. Save ammo for brutes and above in campaign mode.
  
  
• 2
  
  
  Use the energy sword when defending a fixed location, in close range combat or as a surprise for unsuspecting foes. The energy sword will take down just about anything in one hit, and has decent range thanks to the lunge your character will execute when attacking. Center your cross-hair on your enemy, and when it turns red you're in range. Throw grenades behind your enemy to force him closer to you. Save for brutes and above and Flood enemies in campaign mode.
  
  
• 3). Use the gravity hammer when defending a fixed point or in close combat situations. Do to its stature, it can't be concealed like the energy sword. You also can't lunge with it, but it makes up for that by delivering splash damage to anything nearby when its head comes crashing down. The gravity hammer will kill with one direct hit, and can take out vehicles too. Use on brutes and above in campaign mode.
  
  
• 4
  
  
  Use the plasma pistol only when it's your last resort. It's weak, has a poor rate of fire and runs out of ammunition quickly when firing charged shots. Charged shots will take out a shield immediately, And can be somewhat effective when dual wielded with a magnum or mauler, but there are many more powerful combinations to be had. If you have to pick one up, do so but keep searching. It can take out lower level enemies at all but long range in campaign mode.
  
  

Medium range weapons

• 1). Use the brute shot only when you are sure you have the shot lined up, or as an effective close range weapon. Two or three direct hits will kill, but the magazine is only six deep, making misses a bad idea. Toss a grenade at the start of combat to make it more likely you will kill your opponent with splash damage. Always charge your enemy and finish him off when a melee attack from the weapons giant blade. Go for body shots, as the splash damage isn't enough to kill an enemy without at least one direct hit. Save for brutes and above in campaign mode.
  
  
• 2
  
  
  Use the brute spiker when dual wielded with a mauler, magnum, or plasma riffle. It is fairly powerful by itself, but there are many better options available. If you must use it by itself, use grenades liberally and don't forget the blades on the bottom, which lend you an extra powerful melee attack.
  
  
• 3
  
  
  Use the needler in all medium range combat situations. Single needles will land next to no damage, but land eight to ten and your enemy will explode as if stuck with a plasma grenade. Fire when you can keep your cross-hair on your enemy for three to four seconds, otherwise hold off and get a better angle. Save grenades when using the needler. Most effective on brutes and above in campaign mode.
  
  
• 4
  
  
  Use the fuel rod cannon in close or medium range combat. The Covenant's answer to the rocket launcher, the rounds are less powerful but you can carry about twenty of them. Not good for long range combat, as the rounds inexplicably slow down to about half speed at longer ranges, making them easy to avoid. Shoot at your enemies feet to kill with splash damage. Use whenever you encounter groups in campaign mode.
  
  
• 5
  
  
  Use the plasma riffle in short and medium range combat. By itself, it is especially powerful in close combat because the plasma rounds can take down an opponents shield in a few quick shots, allowing you to finish the fight with a melee attack. Only shotguns, energy swords and gravity hammers are more effective at close range. Fire the plasma riffle in bursts to avoid overheating. Dual wield with a brute spiker, magnum or mauler for a potent close to medium range combo. Slow ammunition makes them ineffective at longer ranges.
  
  
• 6
  
  
  Use the plasma grenade to stick a close range enemy or vehicle, or to direct an opponent's movements at medium range. The plasma grenade is the most powerful of the four grenades in Halo 3, but has the slowest burning fuse. Will stick to personnel and vehicles, making them great against both, but only if you get the stick. They can also be used to maneuver your enemy where you want her to go. Throw one behind an opponent and they will be forced to come forward, and a toss at their feet will make them back off. Use liberally in campaign mode, there will always be more dropped somewhere nearby.
  
  
• 7
  
  
  Use the spike grenade in very close range combat. A spike grenade will stick like a plasma grenade, but is much less powerful. A stick will still kill an opponent, but don't use them for splash damage. They are also ineffective at forcing your enemies to move where you want. Spike grenades are best saved for brutes and hunters in campaign mode, as only brutes will drop more.
  
  

Long range weapons

• 1
  
  
  Use the carbine at medium to long range. The Covenant's answer to the battle riffle, the carbine is single shot semi-auto and very accurate, with good power. Enter combat with a grenade at medium range. Can be used effectively against any enemy in campaign mode, as accuracy and scope lets you take out grunts with one hit (head), jackals with two (hand, head) with little loss to your ammo supply. Avoid using the carbine against ground based Flood, they will burn through your ammo.
  
  
• 2
  
  
  Use the beam riffle in long range combat. This is the Covenant's answer to the marine sniper riffle, and it is extremely powerful and accurate with a long range scope. Shoot at a slow, even rate to avoid overheating. Save ammo for brutes and above in campaign mode.
  
  
• 3). Use the plasma cannon at all ranges against all enemies. Most effective at long and medium ranges, this is an extremely powerful weapon that will shred multiple enemies quickly. Has unlimited ammo on a stand and two hundred rounds when ripped off it.