MLG matches are quickly becoming closer as Halo 2 reaches its third year of circulation. Now, with skill gaps beginning to dwindle, the game is relying more upon knowledge. Each game type and level has its own specific areas and focuses to obtain victory. Here at DPAD, we are going to bring you the fundamentals of each level and its game type to help bring you victory.

Let's begin first with the popular map for 4 vs. 4 and FFA, Midship. The level is designed in a circular and symmetrical fashion to create an even playing field. Both the red and the blue spawn points are the same. Two very important power weapons are in the middle. The first is the dangerous area where the shotgun is, Bottom-Mid. At this area, there is constant BR fire from both sides and is very risky to obtain shotgun. For game types like Neutral Bomb, players engage in a tug-of-war for the bomb just attempting to create a chance to group and make an attack.

Top-Mid contains the very powerful sword. To get it, though, you have to make that jump. Though fairly simple, people tend to mess up the jump during close matches. Even when the jump is made, worries can still arise with getting out of the crossfire. The key of obtaining the weapon, and commanding this stage, is simply aiming towards the open lower area of the ramp to hit their feet. Once you have their shields down, one quick shot to the head can take them out without a problem.

Across from each other are the red and blue bases. If your playing flag or bomb, these points have the utmost of importance. Top players can use that space to attack with BR and cover when necessary. It also serves as the first initial point of vision. When spawned, you see directly into the other team's base. You know where everyone is and where they are going. Based on that, you call out strats and positions to get ahead of the other team as fast as possible. In CTF, when one team grabs the flag, the most important support is the top of the base. Players can either throw it up to them or the one on top can support with BR and lead the teammate to the sides. The bottom base area features an air lift that can be used to bounced up grenades and go upwards, taking out the opposing team having no shields.

Near the right of red base is Car. Car is named after the weapon Carbine, located conveniently in the bottom area called Car 1. The area features two battery-like objects with a Carbine in the middle. Often players go towards this area with a shotgun (shotty for those Halo nerds out there) and BR (Battle Rifle) trying to take the area to go towards Sword and the opponent's base. Often in Team Slayer, this area is crawling with players going towards Car 2, the upper area, to gain the high ground.

Arguably the most important area is Pink. In each section there is a specific tactical purpose. The bottom area, also known as Pink 1, contains grenades and a shotgun that players run to first to pick up ammo. It’s also a place for close-range combat as it is possible to surprise others by hiding behind the pillars, creating opportunities each time teams go through. Up towards the top is Pink 2. This is one of the most common places during any match, so always expect BR fire and explosions. One suggestion is to throw grenades and use them as cover smoke to push through to take control of the area. This area has a high potential of being the turning point as it has high ground and the coveted Pink 3. To get there, players jump on top of the archways and run upwards. During any match, this is the highest ground as sharpshooters can dominate and use the same archways to cover while they call out player locations. This is one of the most important areas of Midship to dominate with.

These are the essentials to dominating and winning in Midship during any match. As the series continues, new scenarios, maps and strats will be revealed as we help you, the hardcore gamer, go Pro.