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Chapter 2: Deathmatch Strategies and MapsGeneral first-person shooter deathmatch strategies are probably second nature to even casual action game fans. Don't hurt yourself with splash damage, practice good weapon selection, and memorize the location of power-ups and health. Certainly most if not all general deathmatch strategies apply to Unreal Tournament 2003. But this year's version does add some new tricks that even advanced deathmatchers can exploit. This section provides several intermediate to advanced strategies, followed by specific strategies for Unreal Tournament 2003's deathmatch maps.
• Listening for sound cues is a tactic that casual players often neglect. Deathmatch levels are littered with doors, lifts, and various items. Note the sound an opening door or a moving lift makes. The noise will provide an important clue to the location of an enemy or enemies. Hear an elevator go up nearby? Intercept the enemy who just went up that lift and surprise him or her with a blast of flak. This is an extremely important technique in one-on-one deathmatches, but it can also be useful in larger free-for-all games.
• Unreal Tournament and Unreal Tournament 2003 both feature special movement and jump maneuvers. We'll cover the quick evasion maneuvers present in both games first. Double tap forward, back, left, or right to perform a dodge in that particular direction. The strafe dodges are the most useful. Use these dodges to help avoid precise weapons such as the shock rifle or lightning gun. When you first start using dodges, you may find that you have to come to a dead stop in order to perform them, but with practice, you'll be able to dodge without missing a beat, like the most skilled players. For instance, one of the most common tricks while attacking is to hold down your forward movement key (the default is your "W" key) and reach for and quickly double-tap one of your side-strafe keys (the defaults are your "A" and "D" keys).
• In Unreal Tournament 2003, you can double jump for greater height (perfect for reaching a high ledge to grab that vital power-up). Simply jump and then press it again at the pinnacle of your first jump. Jumping makes you more difficult to hit in a deathmatch battle, and the double jump just increases that mobility. Lifts also provide a new jump maneuver. Ride a lift (any size), and when the lift reaches the top, immediately press the jump button. You'll receive a huge boost into the air, which can be used to reach new locations or as a means to elude pursuers.
• You can combine the jump with the dodge to actually bounce off a wall surface. Jump at a wall, and as soon as you strike the surface, perform a dodge in the opposite direction. You can combine these various jump techniques for extended jumps.
• Obviously it's important to memorize the location of key power-ups, which include the double damage, both shield power-ups, and the big keg o' health. All these power-ups help you survive and terminate your enemies. You should also remember the location of your favorite weapons, as well as the redeemer, if it's present on the map. Knowing where you are in relation to all power-ups and weapons upon spawning is an incredible asset.
• Look for key routes through the deathmatch map that permit you to collect the most weapons and power-ups in the shortest amount of time--because you likely won't have much time before a battle ensues. For example, seek out paths that permit an ample collection of adrenaline capsules so you can activate an adrenaline power-up before your opponents.
• In large free-for-all games, capitalize on opportunities to harm multiple enemies with a single blast. You'll often run into a battle in progress. Use long-range weaponry (a redeemer rocket is certainly the best bet but a rocket launcher or shock combo can be as effective) to attack the competitors from a safe distance. By the time they realize the weapons fire isn't their own, you may have scored an easy frag.
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