Long post-read ahead and no TL;DR. These are the basics and must-knows of winning, or succeeding, in Grifball. [u]First, be informed about the changes in Gravity Hammers.[/u] First of all, [b]Gravity Hammer Physics - Changes[/b] - A slight change in the gravity hammer's power is something which throws people off. In Halo 3, when swinging a hammer, anyone within the swing radius would either get severely damaged, or die. In Reach, the damage is concentrated only in front of you, so you must aim directly at a player to harm them. [u]Next, learn how to swing the hammer.[/u] Second of all, [b]Swinging[/b] - As always, a direct swing from a Gravity Hammer(or a hit, when the reticule is red) will be enough to kill a player. But creating full damage from a hammer swing can be done even when the opposing player is not in the reticule 'red range'. About half a second before the reticule goes red, you can kill a player [u]Next, learn how out-swing an opponent.[/u] Third of all, [b]Killing an Opponent Before They Kill You[/b] - In order to out-swing an opponent, you must watch their movements. To know if a player has swung, they will appear with the hammer slightly away from it's initial area - either down, or at their chest. You can also hear whether or not they have swung. To ensure that an opponent does not swing when you do, strafe around a bit to confuse the opponent before they can kill you. Strafing around them will confuse them(and when confused, you are most likely to kill them). While strafing, remember to watch where they swing, and finish them off accordingly. [u]Next, learn how to avoid being killed in game-start rushes.[/u] Fourth of all, [b]Avoiding Beginning Rushes[/b]. As always, a game starts off, and the players move aimlessly toward the ball. Most will get killed, but some escape and get a starting advantage. To be like those players, do not initiate players right away. Be off to the side of the opening brawl(yet close enough to go in and get the kill). Once the middle has been cleared up, retrieve the ball. Remember how to swing in order to kill stragglers before they can get to the ball and/or kill you. [u]Next, learn about how strong/fast ball carriers are.[/u] Fifth of all, [b]Ball Carriers Have Certain Traits[/b] - One of the most apparant traits of a ball carrier is their orange color(like the orange soldier from RvB, named Grif. Hence 'Grif' ball). The next trait, which is less noticeable, is their health. Ball carriers gain 2x overshields upon picking up the ball. It takes about 2 head-on swings to kill a ball carrier, and one sword strike/slash to kill them. The final, and also noticeable trait, is their speed. Ball carriers move slightly faster than normal players, and can dodge with success. [u]Finally, learn about getting the ball and scoring.[/u] Lastly, [b]Scoring(The Bomb)[/b] - One key thing to do upon first getting the ball - retreat. Go to your own area to avoid being killed by the other team. Teamwork is almost always needed in scoring. Watch the other team as they spawn and advance toward you, and use this knowledge to plan your movements. In order to proceed and score without dying, see how many opponents are there at a time. You can communicate to teammates to tell them to watch out for opponents and/or clear you a path. You may be strong, but getting overwhelmed when at the other side isn't an easy thing to overcome. However, you are strong to survive a few hits, so when there is at least 1 person at the other side, go in to win. ONE OTHER, VERY IMPORTANT THING TO DO: Always keep moving! You'll find out why, once you have read all six basics, and can sustain decently in Grifball once this is mastered.