Half-Life 2: Deathmatch Map Strategies
dm_underpass
 Out
of all the HL2DM, Underpass happens to be the largest of the batch not
for epic vistas or sprawling canyons, but for the sprawling network of
underground service tunnels and sewers that link together virtually
every location on the map. Additionally, the map requires players to
know a fair number of advanced tricks if they hope to succeed and
dominate. With these facts in mind, it’s not surprising that the level
is a shoe in for many team deathmatch games. If you’re sick of relying
on your teammates to score points, read on to learn how to dominate.
Perhaps one of the most important facts to know about the map is that
you’re required to cover not one, but two very distinct sections. The
first is the abandoned subway track above ground, which focuses on open
courtyard jousts and vertical combat, and the myriad of tunnels and
passages the connect the lower levels. Both of these sections require
unique combat strategies, as well as keen sense of timing and
situational awareness. What makes these sections two distinct levels
within the whole of underpass is that both feature a copious amount of
weapons, ammo, and medical supplies. More importantly however, an RPG,
Combine Assault Rifle, and Magnum can be found in both sections, meaning
you’ll have to assume that your opposition is well armed at all times.
The tunnels can be fairly disorienting for new players when the first
begin, causing many to stick with the high ground and remain exposed at
all times. However, mastering these tunnels is the key to your ultimate
success for a number of reasons. First, they afford you some
protections due to their maze-like layout. If you’re fairly new to the
game, using this confusing setup to your advantage is an excellent way
to rack up kills without exposing yourself to too much trouble. Dashing
quickly between different passageways, dropping physics props to block
the paths of players, and remaining quiet allows you to gain a slight
advantage over whomever happens to fall into your lair. In fact, your
traps can easily be augmented to your advantage underground since the
tunnels are the only location where one can collect SLAMs. Second, the
close quarters of the tunnels won’t allow your opposition much
maneuvering room or, more importantly, opportunities to bunny hop or
perform any other fancy dodging techniques. While meandering about, it’s
a good idea to always keep the Shotgun or Combine rifle at the hip.
While the advantages of using a shotgun at these ranges is a given, the
amazing one hit kill power of the combine balls makes them indispensable
while taking out any sewer rats. Keep in mind that many players will be
anticipating such tricks, so you’ll need to set your traps and time
your assaults well.
As chaotic as the tunnels can become, nothing can compete with the
outright open warfare occurring above ground. Though most players will
prefer to stick to the tracks and joust one another with SMG firefights
or Magnum shootouts, you shouldn’t discount wonderful cover the nearby
storm drains provide. If any of the opposition thinks as tactically as
you do, then it’s a given they’ll be using them to their advantage as
well. In these cases, a quick gravity gun powered grenade toss should
clear them out with all due haste. Such grenade tosses will also come in
handy when attempting to clear out the rooftops of the nearby buildings
if you happen to be out of an RPG. Speaking of the building, make sure
no player besides yourself spends too much time up there. With wall
mounted health and armor chargers, an RPG, and a Magnum, these floors
will remain among the most highly contested pieces of real estate in the
game. Keep in mind that there are two ways to reach the rooftops, so
reclaiming your promised land shouldn’t prove too difficult if your
enemy is engaged in combat on another side.
While all of the above strategies will help you survive conflicts on
the map, it helps to know an advanced movement trick to give yourself an
advantage. Since a few areas of Underpass require you to know how to
grav-jump let’s review it here. Essentially grav-jumping involves using
your gravity gun, a physics prop, and your jump key to help boost you up
higher locations. The execution of the trick is easy; the devil is in
mastering the technique of it. To perform a grav jump, place a physics
prop down on the ground, duck jump on top of it, stand up, jump up, pull
out your gravity gun mid jump, and use the primary fire on the prop.
The force of the gravity gun should shoot you up high into the air,
allowing you gain far more air than you would though normal jumps. This
technique can come in useful on the map for two primary reasons. First,
it’ll allow you yet another way to assault the rooftops. Secondly, it’ll
give you access to several secret item caches in the tunnels. In the
included image guide, you can see a pictorial example where this useful
item cache is and a recommended prop to access it (Images 1, 2, and 3).
Additionally, we’ve also pointed out the two access points you must use
to reach the secret RPG underground (Images 4 and 5). All right rebel,
you’ve learned all the tricks you need to know for the reclamation of
the City 17 underpass. Suit up, arm up, and move out!
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