Half-Life 2: How To Use Rocket Launcher

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How The Rocket Launcher Works In Half-Life 2

How To Use Rocket Launchers Effectively In Half-Life 2

In Half-Life 2, the rocket launcher is one of the powerful weapons capable of decimating any enemy in its way, and it’s also the only weapon that has the firepower to bring down gunships. However, using the rocket launcher isn’t as straightforward as firing any other assault rifle or shotgun in the game.

Effectively using the rocket launcher involves an active role in how you operate the weapon, laser-guiding the projectile to the destination. If you’re having trouble understanding how the RPG works in Half-Life 2, this guide has you covered.

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How The Rocket Launcher Works In Half-Life 2

Character aiming a rocket launcher at gunship in Half-Life 2

The rocket launcher, also called the RPG, uses a grenade that can be propelled and guided to a target. Upon firing a rocket launcher, you must use the mouse to chart the projectile’s path. The rocket will always land where your reticle points on the screen. So, if you aim the reticle at the ground after firing the rocket launcher, the projectile will skip your intended target and instead land on the ground.

When firing a rocket launcher, ensure to keep the reticle and the target in view until the projectile hits the intended target. The ability to manually guide the projectile to a target allows you to trick gunships that tend to shoot down rockets that fly straight at it. However, manual control of an RPG projectile allows you to shoot the rocket elsewhere and then guide it towards the gunship, ensuring that you never miss a target.

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How To Use Rocket Launchers Effectively In Half-Life 2

Character holding the rocket launcher in Half-Life 2

While the rocket launcher is a powerful weapon in Gordon Freeman’s arsenal, knowing how to utilize it effectively lets you make the most out of it. Here are a few rocket launcher tips that help you excel in critical combat encounters in Half-Life 2:

Exploit Cover & Line of Sight: Unlike other weapons in Half-Life 2, you can fire rocket launchers without having to first aim at the target. This mechanic allows you to shoot the rocket and duck behind cover while guiding it to the target. When fighting gunships in the open, ensure to stay on the move while guiding the RPG projectile to the target and protecting yourself from return fire.
Conserve Ammo: Even though rocket launchers are powerful weapons in Half-Life 2, their ammo isn’t easy to come by. So, be mindful of pulling out the big gun only in critical scenarios where their firepower is absolutely necessary.
Beware of Splash Damage: Since rocket launchers use the mounted laser as guides, it’s possible to accidentally guide them in your direction. Rockets that explode in your proximity tend to deal splash damage, and you don’t want to be taking damage from your own weapons while also dealing with relentless enemies.
Use Predictive Aiming: Certain enemies in the game, including gunships, tend to move across the map, and understanding their movement patterns will allow you to fire the rocket along their path’s trajectory, reducing the need to course-correct the projectile while it’s in the air.