A few tips for the shooter that spawned multiplayer mayhem. 

You Are Not Alone: 

You're not the only one fighting aliens; the commandos 
are, too. If you find yourself in a situation that has 
both aliens and commandos in the same area, pick a nice 
hiding spot and watch them beat up on each other. 
When the fighting stops, jump in and finish off the 
weakened winner. 

Backup:

Use security guards as backup. Get up real close to them, 
and press your "use" key until they say something to the 
effect of, "You're right, we'll have a better chance 
together." Once they're following you, they'll engage 
aliens and commandos at will. 

Don't Camp: 

Commandos are very smart, and once your position has 
been compromised, it's on! Not only will they attack 
you in formation but they'll also lob grenades at you. 
So don't sit still. A veteran friend of mine once told 
me that the only way to survive an ambush is to run into 
it, and the same holds true in Half-Life. Sure, the odds 
will still suck, but they'll suck less. 

Use Scientists: 

If you find yourself hurting and in desperate need of medical 
attention, seek out a scientist. Walk up to him and press 
your "use" key until he says, "Let me take care of that wound 
for you." This won't work every time, but when it does, it's 
a welcome surprise. 

Crates: 

Every crate or box you see may contain something you 
need, so break all of them open with your crowbar 
(except, of course, the ones with explosives labels).

Hazard Course: 

The Hazard Course is an excellent resource for learning 
the moves necessary to make it through the game. 
Even seasoned players should have a crack at it.

Stepping Stones: 

As you will learn in the Hazard Course, you can pull 
crates and boxes into positions so you can use them as 
tools to get to high places.

Shotgun: 

The crazy scientist-aliens with the crustacean heads and 
spiny arms are dangerous yet weak and slow. Just one shell 
from the shotgun should do them in.

Underwater: 

Switching to software mode should help you to see underwater. 
Be sure to switch back after you've reached dry ground.

Security Guards: 

Your allies can still be of use even if you think you're done 
with them. When you no longer need a security guard around, 
for example, kill him and take his ammunition. But don't do 
so in front of another security guard: he will instantly become 
hostile and attack you.

Electrocution: 

There is a monster in the power-up stage that is difficult 
to kill. Try turning on the track generator and waiting for 
the monster in the generator room. Once he's there, run to 
the door and then back out the other side. 
This will electrocute him.

Quick Health: 

Get health in a pinch by diving in the nearest water 
(not toxic waste) and staying under until the O2 warning 
flashes. Quickly surface, and you'll get 10-15 health.

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