Halo 3 Achievement Guide and Discussion

Martino · 10-01-2007, 04:47 PM

Right guys. I've put together this guide for you. Hope it helps out.

Landfall – Simply complete the first mission on any difficulty above easy
Holdout – Complete mission 2 on any difficulty above easy
The Road - Complete mission 3 on any difficulty above easy
Assault - Complete mission 4 on any difficulty above easy
Cleansing - Complete mission 5 on any difficulty above easy
Refuge - Complete mission 6 on any difficulty above easy
Last Stand - Complete mission 7 on any difficulty above easy
The Key - Complete mission 8 on any difficulty above easy
Return - Complete mission 9 on any difficulty above easy

Campaign Complete: Normal – Not much advice that I can give here. Normal difficulty shouldn’t be too much of a problem for any gamer. If you want some help tactically then I’m sure people on the forum will be willing to help.

Campaign Complete: Heroic – This won’t be easy for many of you. Unless you’re fairly experienced at this game then I’d recommend co-op with mates.

Campaign Complete: Legendary – Co-op is absolutely essential here. Only the most hardcore of gamers will feel that they can take on everything that the game has to offer, on this difficulty. If you can, then what the hell are you reading this for? You could make your own guide! For those who do wish to go it alone, then the best advice that I (or Ares) can give, is to keep your distance, and do not rush into close combat with anything unless you're 100% sure that you can take it.

The above achievements are all relatively simple. I cannot really give advice on how each mission should be completed but if you do get stuck, then I’m sure that there are members on this forum that are prepared to help

Iron – The “Iron Skull” is located at the very end of the first level, “Sierra 117″. It is located behind the building where Sgt. Johnson is being held captive, up on the roof. You can gain access to the roof on the far right side of the building. Travel all the way over to the left side of the roof, and the Skull will be concealed in the corner.

Black Eye – This Skull is located in the beginning of the second level “Crow’s Nest”, the very room you start in. Hanging down from the ceiling is some piping. On top of this piping, on the side nearest to the large display (the one that Hood appears on) lies the “Black Eye Skull”.
You can gain access to the pipes a few different ways.

Tough Luck - The “Tough Luck Skull” is found on the third level, at the point in the level when the huge covenant cruiser flies overhead. On your left is some large piping following the road you are walking on. Underneath this piping are some support beams that extend out over a cliff. Jump onto the first of these beams, and travel to the end of it. Look to your left, and the Tough Luck Skull will be sitting on a rock extending from a cliff edge.

Catch - The “Catch Skull” can be found on the fourth level, in the first area where you need to destroy the Wraith Tanks. When you enter this area, do not eliminate the Wraith Tanks (The skull appears when the tanks appear, and disappears when the tanks are destroyed). The Skull is located on top of the circular building next to the Anti-Air Tank. You can access the roof using a grenade jump, or jumping on the back of a hog.

Fog - The Fog Skull is found on the level “Floodgate“, at the very beginning of the level. As you are walking down from the anti-air gun you destroyed in the previous mission, you encounter a ramp (next to a missile launcher). Around this ramp, you hit a checkpoint. At this point, you should also hear a marine yelling, “There! Over There!”.
You have a small window of opportunity at this point, but it is fairly easy to get the Fog Skull. Look up, and to the right, directly at the roof of the building next to the missle launcher. There is a single flood form (not to be mistaken with the two other flood forms jumping in front of you) which is holding the skull. Kill him before he jumps, and he will drop the skull down to the ground where you can retrieve it. Too early, and the skull will get stuck on the roof though, so just time it carefully.

Famine - This skull requires a bit of grenade jumping skill/luck.
You can find the “Famine Skull” on the sixth level, near the point where the path you follow branches off into two sections (one leading to the area where you need to let the tanks across the bridge, and the other leading towards the area where you meet up with the frigate). Take the right path, as you would if you were completing the mission, and you’ll notice a structure above you / to the left of you (near the area where you encounter a few ghosts).
You need to scale the rocks to the right of the structure, and then travel across it so that you pass 3 of the large support beams extending into the cliffs. Inside of the fourth support beam, lies the Famine Skull. A well placed grenade should have you up there in no time!

Thunderstorm - The “Thunderstorm Skull” can be found on the level, “The Covenant”, after you take command of one of the Hornet vehicles. Fly towards the second force field generator (the one the Arbiter disabled), and land. The skull is waiting at the very top, at the end of the ramp extending over the sea.

Tilt - The “Tilt Skull” is found on the level “Cortana”, in the circular room where Cortana mentions that she “Likes to play games too…”.
It’s a bit difficult to get to, as it requires getting on top of the ceiling of the room. Upon entering the room, head towards the left side where you will see some mushroom shaped extrusions along the wall. Get on top of these, and then look up and towards the right for another set of extrusions. Jump to these. From here, you should be able to jump on top of the ceiling of the room, where the Tilt Skull lies in the centre.

Mythic – This is probably the easiest Golden skull in the game to get. It is located in the very beginning of the final level in Halo 3. Begin by heading into the canyon, but hug the right wall. Very soon, you will notice that there is a turn to the right that is off the normal trail. Head a bit down this path, and the “Mythic Skull” will be sitting there.

All skull locations were taken from Ifti’s Halo 3 Skull Locations - Xbox 360 Forum thread. That’s the place to go if you want details on the skull effects and more discussion on their locations.

UNSC Spartan – Reach 20 Exp in ranked multiplayer. Just keep playing matches and you will obtain this eventually.

Spartan Officer – Reach 70 Exp, with a minimum of Level 10 skill (in any mode) in ranked multiplayer. Again, all this takes is time. Level 10 skill is not hard to get, but 70 Exp will take a good few days. Luckily, the multiplayer is great fun so it shouldn't really be hard work.

GUIDE CONTINUED HERE

Martino · 10-01-2007, 04:48 PM

Two For One – The best way to achieve this, is in a “King of the Hill” match (as it is where you are most likely to find opponents shooting at each other from close range. Simply get an aim from distance and with a bit of skill and luck, you'll fry 2 people
Too Close to the Sun – This can be achieved on the “storm” level of the campaign in the same area as the first anti-air wraith. If you choose to attempt this achievement online then the place to achieve it is on the Valhalla map, as it's easy to get both Banshee's and Spartan Lasers.
Triple Kill – This, again, is best achieved in a King of the Hill match. An explosive weapon would be ideal. Aim from a distance, so that they will not be able to see you on their mini map. A Spartan Laser could also be effective too.
Overkill – This achievement, in my opinion is one of the toughest in the game, as it involves killing everyone on the map in a ranked, free for all match. It takes a lot of luck, but anything explosive (or the Spartan laser) would be the best weapon to achieve it with)
Lee R Wilson Memorial – Play on the Lone Wolves mode, until you are placed onto the Isolation map. There are two spawns of spike grenades underground, and the map contains a lot of dips and turns, meaning that a lot of close combat takes place. When setting out, don’t expect to win. Unless you are extremely good, it won’t happen.
We’re In For Some Chop – Your best bet is the trip mine, along with some luck. On campaign mode, it shouldn’t be too hard to find an enemy vehicle on campaign, but you will have to make sure that you don’t get killed, as “death from beyond the grave” does not apply on single player.
Killing Frenzy – Not a lot of advice that I can give here. It relies on talent, and a bit of luck. Just hope that some day, you’re drawn up against some low levels who struggle to kill you. Stick to your favourite weapon, and remember to reload after each kill and pick up shields and camo where possible.
Steppin’ Razor – Another match in which you cannot afford to go in expecting to win. Again, I recommend either King of the Hill or oddball. Remember that you’re allowed 4 seconds between each kill for it to count as a combo, and 4 seconds is often longer than it seems in the heat of the moment.
Mongoose Mowdown – Pretty simple really. Just make sure that whenever you’re put into a map with a mongoose, you jump straight onto it and start chasing people down. It will take some people several tries, whereas some people will manage it on their first or second try.
Up Close and Personal – If you do not get this achievement quickly after graduating basic training, then just practice hitting B when you get close to an enemy to knock them down. Beat downs are crucial for the success of any player, so you will get this achievement if you keep at the game.
Fear the Pink Mist – Needlers aren’t hard to come by in the campaign, and so it won’t take long to get this achievement on single player. Online, it is fairly easy too. The needler isn’t a hugely popular spawn, so just make sure you get there whenever it spawns and use it as a substitute for the assault rifle
Headshot Honcho – For this achievement, you require 10 headshots with the sniper rifle in any level of the campaign, or ranked match. I strongly suggest that you go for the campaign, as 10 headshots in a single match is extremely tough, even for the best snipers.
Used Car Salesman – You’ll struggle with this achievement if you choose to attempt it online, as you will rarely find 3 opponents in a vehicle and at the same time, and be equipped with a weapon capable of taking it out. However, in the campaign, there are many opportunities. Sticking a wraith with a plasma is a great example of how its done. Tsavo Highway is also a good place to find enemy vehicles with 3 or more enemies in

Marathon Man – There are 7 terminals in the game, spread across 3 different levels.
Terminals 1-3 are found in “The Ark”.

Number 1 can be found straight ahead as you go inside for the first time
Number 2 can be found behind the controls for the bridge that you use to allow the tanks to cross the bridge of light
Number 3 can be found after the scarab has been defeated. You most go through 2 rooms before going upstairs into another room. Underneath the stairs is where the terminal is found

Terminals 4-6 are found in “The Covenant”

Number 4 can be found opposite the platform where you first access a lift/elevator
Number 5 can be found after you have found the Hornet. Fly to the tower that the Arbiter has disabled, and the terminal is just inside
Number 6 is in the same location as Number 4, but is in tower 3.

Terminal 7 is found on the final level

Number 7 can be found by walking straight on from the start until you come to a room of structural beams. Turn right and look for a separate beam. When you find it, Cortana will ask where you are going. Turn left and the terminal will be in view

Please note. My terminal guide is VERY brief. For better explanations, visit this page. Terminal Locations

MVP – For this achievement, you don’t necessarily need to finish with the highest score out of both teams in a ranked match, as medals are counted. To give yourself a good chance, enter a team objective game. All you need to do is make sure that you go straight for objective. Whether that be a VIP, a flag or a bomb. Try to waste as little time as possible killing people. Obviously, it helps a lot if you’re on the better team, but if you can score the point in both rounds, then you’ll be in with a very high chance of winning.
Maybe Next Time Buddy – This achievement really lies solely on the reaction of the people you’re playing with. Wait for a map with vehicles, and get into one as quickly as possible. Ride slowly around other players in an attempt to tempt them into hijacking you. Once done, try to get back on instantly by holding RB. If they ride off then you can always try to tempt them back by shooting. But really, there is nothing you can do to force this achievement and it relies very much on luck.

Guerilla – Complete mission 1 with meta scoring on. If you have trouble reaching the target, then aim for stylish kills. Such as headshots, sticks, assassinations and other methods that may earn you more points than a regular kill.
Demon – Complete mission 2 with meta scoring on. If you have trouble reaching the target, then aim for stylish kills. Such as headshots, sticks, assassinations and other methods that may earn you more points than a regular kill.
Cavalier – Complete mission 3 with meta scoring on. If you have trouble reaching the target, then aim for stylish kills. Such as headshots, sticks, assassinations and other methods that may earn you more points than a regular kill.
Askar – Complete mission 4 with meta scoring on. If you have trouble reaching the target, then aim for stylish kills. Such as headshots, sticks, assassinations and other methods that may earn you more points than a regular kill.
Exterminator – Complete mission 5 with meta scoring on. If you have trouble reaching the target, then aim for stylish kills. Such as headshots, sticks, assassinations and other methods that may earn you more points than a regular kill.
Ranger – Complete mission 6 with meta scoring on. If you have trouble reaching the target, then aim for stylish kills. Such as headshots, sticks, assassinations and other methods that may earn you more points than a regular kill.
Vanguard – Complete mission 7 with meta scoring on. If you have trouble reaching the target, then aim for stylish kills. Such as headshots, sticks, assassinations and other methods that may earn you more points than a regular kill.
Orpheus – Complete mission 8 with meta scoring on. If you have trouble reaching the target, then aim for stylish kills. Such as headshots, sticks, assassinations and other methods that may earn you more points than a regular kill.
Reclaimer - Complete mission 9 with meta scoring on. If you have trouble reaching the target, then aim for stylish kills. Such as headshots, sticks, assassinations and other methods that may earn you more points than a regular kill.

Some tips for all the meta scoring achievements.

This is wrong. You don't just beat the level with meta scoring "ON" you have to beat it with over 15,000 points. And on two levels, you have to beat the level with 50,000 points. The two levels (I believe I remember..) are Level 7, and Level 8. If not.... it's Level 6 and Level 7.

Quote:

The best way to do this is play with Heroic or Legendary on (you get a 2x or 4x multiplier, respectively) and with skulls activated. Arguably the easiest Skulls to activate are CATCH (more grenades), FOG (no radar), TOUGH LUCK (harder to grenade-stick enemies--but not impossible, THUNDERSTORM on some levels (enemies are all 1 level stronger.. ie. Gold brutes become cheiftains).

You also get a time multiplier (different times for every level, but it's generally: you get 1x for completing = nothing extra, 1.5x for under 30-40 minutes, 2x for under 20-30 and 2.5x for under 15-20.. USUALLY, every level is different) for completing the level under a certain time.

Thanks A LOT to grandnoble for the meta scoring info!

If there's anything wrong with the above information then please post here or PM me and I'll get it changed as soon as possible. I can assure you that all of this was written by me, apart from the skull guide that I copied from Ifti's thread, with his consent and I did use the Halo3Planet site for information on terminal locations, but did still put them in my own words.

Hope this proves helpful to you guys. It better do, took me almost 3 hours.

Ifti · 10-01-2007, 04:55 PM

Since this is more detailed Ive removed the other sticky and stuck this thread in its place.
Well done Martino

sKy^ph3nom · 10-01-2007, 04:58 PM

yea i have a problem collecting skulls. i decided to start picking them up in the middle of my campaign so i went to go get the black skull since that was the level i was on, but then when i went back to the beginning i couldn't pick up any of the skulls or the skulls weren't there... anyone know what i did wrong or something?

Martino · 10-01-2007, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sKy^ph3nom

yea i have a problem collecting skulls. i decided to start picking them up in the middle of my campaign so i went to go get the black skull since that was the level i was on, but then when i went back to the beginning i couldn't pick up any of the skulls or the skulls weren't there... anyone know what i did wrong or something?

Perhaps they're like the COG tags on Gears. In that you can only pick them up once. But I'm not sure to be honest. I haven't done a lot with the skulls, which is why I used Ifti's thread as a guide.

Ifti · 10-01-2007, 05:03 PM

To get the skulls you have to start the level from the beginning and play the level through to find the skull.
If you stopped mid level, saved, and continued from where you left of later, the skull will be missing. You need to play the level from the start to get it.

sKy^ph3nom · 10-01-2007, 05:05 PM

o ok thnx

Dat_Dude · 10-01-2007, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ifti

To get the skulls you have to start the level from the beginning and play the level through to find the skull.
If you stopped mid level, saved, and continued from where you left of later, the skull will be missing. You need to play the level from the start to get it.

That kind of stinks. Do you know if they have to be acquired in order? I am going to finish the game first and then go back and get these skulls. I might jump around the levels (starting at the beginning, of course) looking for these bad boys.

Martino · 10-01-2007, 06:23 PM

I think they do have to be acquired in order, yes.

secks · 10-01-2007, 08:35 PM

i dont think so martino. my brother got the first 2 when i was away. then i went to the ark and someone helped me find the one on that level. so the levels i got them on were 1, 2, and 6.