Sincere advice towards getting better.

Hello everyone.

I've been wanting to make this topic for a while, but until the recent patch I had quit playing the game unless I was carrying. I simply didn't find any enjoyment in playing unless I was getting my existence validated by being of service to my friends who can't handle Gold Difficulty by themselves.

I intend to give to those that could use it, general advice that could get them better at this game. However, do keep in mind, most of this advice is universal, it is applicable to more games than this one.

Never Accuse Another Of Going Past 10

People have different interpretations of this phrase, mine is a little different. In anything involving skill, there is a skill floor. I call this 1. There is also a skill ceiling, this is 10. It is entirely impossible to reach 10, as every player has flaws, and everyone makes mistakes. Now with that being said, I(and I'm sure many of you), get this accusation thrown at you quite frequently while gaming with people below your skill level. They accuse you of having an innate ability at whatever it is that you're playing, something that they can never achieve, some form of existential magic that makes you better than them. I've been near the bottom of the skill gap, and I've pulled my way near the top, so I am fully aware that the only thing stopping you from being better than them is you, not magic, or genetics. Internalizing, and believing this statement is the worst thing that you could do for yourself because you're justifying why you can't get better to something that's out of your control, never do this, you'll stay where you are.

Don't Let Fear Rule You/Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone

I was playing Halo 5 with a friend. A young, and timid boy. He was psychologically beating himself up all game. Screaming at himself, saying that he's trash, and will never be "good". I was nearby, sniper spawned at our location, I told him to pick it up, he responded by saying, "Shouldn't you pick it up, I suck." He was afraid. My response, "You'll never get better if you don't try, pick it up, and slay." He got a double kill .  

Every Encounter; A Boxing Match

Through Observation, I'd say that the most common reason as to why someone goes down is simply because they were out of position. Exposing enough of their body to the enemy to the point that they lack the health, and DPS to kill them before being killed themselves. Approach each altercation as if you are Boxing your opponent, not simply spraying damage numbers at each other hoping that their health fades before yours. Protect yourself As Cus D'Amato said: "It's always good to throw the punch where you can hit him and he can't hit you."

I will give you two video representations of this:

#1. In this video an enemy gets the drop on me, and I almost die. However, by avoiding damage by concealing my body, I am able to stay alive long enough for my teammate to damage them, and reverse the situation with a melee, killing my opponent.
xboxdvr.com/gamer/Astronautic%20II/video/31514161

#2. The following clip is an example of not only protecting myself, but also turning the tables with aggression, and well placed shots when my opponent is weak. Basically, a counter strike. xboxdvr.com/gamer/Astronautic%20II/video/31514256

A Final Aiming Tip
A lot of people have issues with aiming, some even on PC. This is the biggest tip to fix that problem that I have; Aim with your movement.
Typically, the mouse/right thumbstick controls your reticle, however if you are having trouble landing shots this way, line up shots with your left - right movement. Use your thumbstick/mouse to get your reticle as close to the target as possible, then, line up shots by mirroring your opponent with your own movement. If they move right on your screen, then you move right to keep that reticle lined up with them. Another tip is if you're overshooting your target then your sensitivity is too high, if you're undershooting them then it's too low.

Never give up.