The weapons of Half-Life 2: Deathmatch, like most games, have a variety of pros and cons but can all be used effectively in the hands of a knowledgeable player. The trick to deathmatch is to use the right tool at the right time. Read on to find out when to use each weapon and how!

Crowbar/Stunstick

These are the default melee weapons of the game. If you’ve chosen a Rebel model as your avatar, you’ll be equipped with a crowbar. If you chose a Combine model, you’ll receive the stunstick. While the stunstick inflicts more damage on a target than the crowbar, it is slower and has a shorter range. The crowbar offers a tad more range and speed at the expense of power. In a pinch however, either will do as a close range beating tool, typically knocking off at least 10 points of damage per hit on an unarmored target. The drawback however, is that you’ll lack any sort of long range attack and be open to plenty of counter attacks.

Pistol

This is another weapon you spawn with. Offering a decent clip and a quick rate of fire (should you repeated tap the primary attack button), the pistol provides a decent "last resort” ranged weapon. One of its benefits is that it offers good accuracy from longer rangers than the SMG, but it does so at the cost of power. Despite having a decent clip, you’re bound to run through it quickly as tapping the attack key will rip through your ammo. All in all, don’t bother relying on it for most circumstances. Instead, save it for those times when you’ve just respawned next to your target and know you can finish him off easily.

Magnum

One of the most versatile weapons of the game, the .357 can offer speed, power and accuracy to the discerning killer. Range has little to no effect on the accuracy of the weapon, thereby allowing you to carry it confidently into most situations. Additionally, its semi automatic action gives you just enough leeway to compensate for a missed initial shot. To top it all off, one round from the magnum can deal upwards of 75 points of damage on an unarmored target. The only real drawback is the slow reload time and the fact it has a clip of only six bullets. Nevertheless, the magnum proves invaluable in those situations where you need a solid, well-rounded weapon—be it for exploring new territory or taking out an RPG-toting enemy.

Submachine Gun

The SMG is another spawning weapon. While its primary fire is the weakest attack of the game per-hit, it does offer the largest clip size, coming in at a whopping 45 bullets (and also offers the fastest rate of fire). Unfortunately, its primary attack is wildly inaccurate and proves effective at only the shortest of ranges. Instead, the true power of the weapon lies in its combat grenades. While you initially don’t spawn with any, they tend to be plentiful on most maps. Once you’ve acquired a few, you’ve essentially armed yourself with a grenade launcher and enough bullets to finish off a target. Be warned however, as combat grenades can be shot down by gunfire.

Pulse Rifle

This heavy assault rifle features two incredibly powerful firing modes. Its primary attack is a hail of automatic fire. While the small clip size is a hindrance (stuck at 30 bullets with only 2 extra clips), it deals a fair amount of damage and is very accurate at all ranges. The secondary fire mode launches the devastating energy ball attack. Though ammo for this attack is scarce in many levels, the ball has the ability to kill the opposition in a single hit. To make it even more deadly, the projectile is able to bounce off of walls for an extended period of time before it fades out. This weapon is a great choice for situations where you can spring a surprise shot on your enemies (such as when their back is to you, they’re busy healing at a med station, etc.). It’s also especially useful if you’re able to back them into a cramped environment. Be warned however, as a attack takes a second to charge up before it leaves your weapon. Also be aware of your enemy’s movements if you don’t kill him immediately, as he can use his own gravity gun to pick up your ball and fling it back at you!

Shotgun

The shotgun is a weapon that needs little to no explanation as far as its strengths and weaknesses go. Its primary purpose is as a close range weapon, built to blow the innards out of anyone foolish enough to stand in your way. With a clip of only 6 shells, the need to pump after each round and the requirement to reload each shell individually, the shotgun isn’t the best choice to keep out in the middle of an intense firefight. Instead, much like the energy ball attacks and the crossbow, it’s a weapon to fire off as your first shot to wear down the opposition before switching to a faster-firing weapon. The primary attack fires a single shell while the slower secondary fire launches two. Keep in mind that the shotgun fires a spread of pellets rather than a single concentrated bullet. Therefore, not all of your pellets will hit the target (meaning the shotgun provides a varying amount of damage). Sometimes it’s a one-hit-killing machine while other times you’ll wonder if you’re better off tossing spitballs at the enemies.

Crossbow

The crossbow is a devastating weapon that fires a powerful orange rod of pain. While it can only hold a single bolt per clip, it’s an excellent weapon for first-strike attacks and sniping situations. Although your position may be betrayed by the bright orange beam you fire, the crossbow makes little to no sound. Keep in mind that stealth is an ever-important element to maintaining a good camping position (and a high score!).

Grenade

The last weapon you’ll spawn with. Grenades are useful for the obvious reasons, such as clearing out campers, taking out chasers, and generally causing a ruckus. The primary attack has you throw the grenade while the slightly slower secondary attack has you roll it to your feet. Unlike the grenades from HL1, you cannot shorten the delay of the grenades explosion time by pulling the pin in advance. Instead, holding down the firing button will simply make you hold it until you finally release the button. The length of time before a grenade detonates can be determined by the beeping noise emitted from it. Rule of thumb is: the higher the pitch, the more you should run. Also keep in mind that grenades emit a red trail of light, giving your opposition a head’s up on your position.

RPG

Say hello to your little friend! The RPG is the most powerful weapon in the game, period! Able to deliver an unstoppable rocket payload instantly to a target, it is the weapon you should covet, camp and whore as often as possible in the game. To sweeten the deal, the laser sight acts a pinpoint guide for your rocket, allowing you to freely steer it through the level (useful for clearing out areas behind corners or guiding it straight into a firefight or respawn point).

SLAM

This weapon is exclusive to HLDM2! The SLAM acts as either a remote mine and a laser tripmine. When close to a wall, your primary fire will place a SLAM on the wall. When you’re away from a wall, you’ll throw it on the ground. Press the secondary fire at any time to detonate your SLAMs. They are quite useful for setting up ambushes, controlling weapon access and securing your camp spots. You can set up as many as you want before detonating them simply by holding off on pressing secondary fire until you have placed the amount you want.

Gravity Gun

Now here’s a weapon that needs no introduction. The iconic weapon of HL2, the gravity gun offers you numerous possibilities. Not only can this weapon pick up props littered about the map, but it can also launch them toward your enemies at deadly velocities. If you are skilled enough, you can even intercept objects flung at you and return them to their "rightful” owner! Furthermore, the gravity gun can also be used to construct make shift barriers and to blast large, crushing objects like cars at people.