Halo 4 CTF Gets Massive Overhaul, New Tactics Required

Capture the Flag is going to be one of the many multiplayer modes offered in Halo 4, in addition to modes like Oddball, Team Slayer, and more.

Halo 4 is getting a complete overhaul in how you run the flag in Capture the Flag mode compared to previous titles in the series.

Instead of having to pick up the flag manually, you’ll automatically pick up the flag when you walk over it. Just as well, you won’t be able to drop the flag, so you’ll be stuck with carrying it until you return it to your capture point or die trying.

Whatever weapon you had equipped before you picked up the flag will be out of play once you pick it up. When you’re holding the flag, you’ll have only your trusty sidearm to depend upon so you’ll have to be sure to make every shot count and avoid combat.

The system works identically to the CTF mode in fast-paced shooters like Unreal Tournament 2004 and Quake 3 Arena, neither of which allow you to drop your flag whenever you feel like it. The flag is your burden to bear once you pick it up, so make sure you know what you’re doing before going for it.

It goes without saying that the new changes to the CTF mechanics will allow Halo 4 to offer battles which are much faster paced than any of its predecessors.

The only disadvantage to the system is that being unable to drop the flag will render you completely vulnerable to your enemies as you’ll be unable to adequately defend yourself—and the flag—with any primary armaments you might have, so you’ll have to depend on your teammates to back you up whenever you’re carrying the flag.

Interestingly enough, this new development will allow for teams of players to establish new tactics and designate primary flag carriers while the rest of the team performs escort duties or remains defense. In this way, Halo 4 is a bit more tactical and shares some similarities to sports like soccer and football.

Halo 4 is set for release on November 6. It’s exclusive to the Xbox 360.