How to Use Cover Effectively in Third-Person Shooters
Let’s talk about cover in third-person shooters. If you’ve ever played something like Gears of War, The Division, or Fortnite (okay, not strictly a third-person shooter, but you get the idea), you know how crucial it is to master cover to stay alive in a firefight. But I have to admit, it took me a while to really get it. There was a time when I’d just blindly run from one cover point to another, getting shot in the back half the time, or worse—sticking my head out too far and getting taken out by a sniper. I’m not proud of it, but I’m definitely better now.
Over the years, I’ve learned the ins and outs of using cover effectively. And I’ve had my fair share of frustrating moments. It wasn’t just about hiding behind something and hoping for the best; it’s about positioning, timing, and knowing when to push and when to fall back. So, let me take you through some of the key lessons I’ve learned along the way, and I’ll sprinkle in some tips and tricks I’ve picked up.
Why Cover Matters
First things first—cover is everything in a third-person shooter. Without it, you’re just a sitting duck, running across an open field, trying to outgun your opponents who are safely tucked behind walls or crates. The biggest mistake I made early on was thinking I could just rush in and out of cover without consequences. Guess what? That doesn’t work. You can’t just waltz up to a corner, take a few shots, and expect to survive.
You’re either going to get caught in a crossfire or popped by a sniper who’s been waiting for the perfect shot. I learned that the hard way.
Here’s the thing: cover isn’t just a tool to hide behind. It’s a tactical advantage. Using it right means being unpredictable, being smart, and—most importantly—making sure your enemy can’t see you. The goal is to use cover to break up your exposure to enemies, giving you the chance to reposition or take a shot without getting hit.
The Types of Cover
Not all cover is created equal. Some cover offers more protection than others, and if you don’t pay attention to the layout of the environment, you might find yourself using the worst possible cover at the worst possible time.
- Hard Cover (Full Protection): This is the solid stuff—walls, cars, large crates, anything that can stop bullets. When you’re behind this type of cover, you’re safe. No one can shoot through it. But you’re also stuck there unless you decide to move.
- Soft Cover (Partial Protection): Think trees, bushes, and barrels. They provide some protection, but they’re not invincible. Bullets can often go through them, but they can still work for a little while, especially if you’re using them for short stints.
- Cover for Peeking: This is usually a small object that can give you just enough of an angle to take shots without exposing too much of your body. It’s all about peeking out, taking a shot, and then retreating back.
Now, here’s where I messed up for a while. I would lean too far out, or I’d pop out of cover at the wrong angle, which led to me getting shot before I could even react. But once I realized how important angles are, it clicked.
The Art of Positioning
If you’re stuck behind cover but don’t have a good view of your enemy, you’re basically useless. I made the rookie mistake of staying behind cover without thinking about the angles. Being “safe” doesn’t mean much if you can’t hit anything.
Positioning isn’t just about hiding behind something tall or sturdy; it’s about understanding how to peek out and how to use your surroundings. Here’s the trick—always stay close enough to cover so that you can quickly duck back into it if things go south. But don’t hide too close where you can’t see your target, or worse, where the enemy has a clear line of sight on your exact location.
Let me share a specific moment. I was playing Gears of War 4 and was stuck behind this broken wall with barely enough space to peek over it. I thought I was clever, staying in my “safe zone.” But my opponent had the higher ground on me and was using the overhang to shoot down. They knew exactly where I was, and I didn’t have enough space to make any plays. I was stuck.
Takeaway: Always keep moving to better cover when possible, and don’t let your opponent get the upper hand in positioning.
Mastering Cover-to-Cover Movement
Here’s where I learned the hard way: cover isn’t just about stopping once you’re behind it. It’s about moving between covers effectively. If you’re playing in a game where there’s an open space between cover spots, you need to get creative with how you move.
I was playing Tom Clancy’s The Division when I realized I was spending too much time in one spot. The map design was great, but I had to use the environment to my advantage. You’ve probably had those moments when you feel like you’re in a standoff, trying to get an edge over your opponent. That’s when cover-to-cover movement is crucial.
Start by planning your route. You don’t want to rush it or do it too quickly, but you also don’t want to overthink it. One trick that worked for me was to move from cover to cover, using a quick peek before each move. This way, I could keep track of where the enemies were and adjust my positioning on the fly.
Table 1: Common Cover Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It Hurts | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Staying too close to cover | You’ll get a limited view of the battlefield. | Stay at an optimal distance for visibility. |
| Not peeking or timing shots well | You’ll expose yourself for too long. | Peek briefly, shoot, and retreat quickly. |
| Overcommitting to one spot | Your position becomes predictable. | Constantly move between cover spots. |
| Using weak cover | The enemy can shoot through or around it. | Use solid, hard cover when possible. |
How to Use Cover for Flanking
One of the most fun (and effective) strategies I’ve learned is using cover for flanking. You’ve got your standard head-on fights, but sometimes it’s better to sneak around and catch enemies off-guard. I can’t count the times I’ve used cover to sneak around the side, getting the drop on someone who thought I was still hiding behind a wall.
The key is not just to hide behind cover but to move silently. If you’re playing a game with sound cues (which most do), you’ll need to be mindful of your footsteps and how much noise you’re making when you move. In The Division, I’d find myself running into a situation where I thought I could rush in, but the enemy was already aware of my movement because I was too loud. Patience is key when flanking.
Here’s a small trick: while behind cover, crouch or go prone if the game allows it. This lowers your visibility, making it harder for enemies to spot you.
Table 2: Flanking Tips Using Cover
| Tip | Why It Works | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Move slowly and quietly while flanking | The enemy won’t hear you coming. | Crouch-walking through bushes in The Division. |
| Use visual obstacles to your advantage | You’ll stay hidden while setting up the ambush. | Moving behind buildings in Gears of War. |
| Avoid overexposing yourself | You’ll stay safe and unpredictable. | Hugging walls in Fortnite. |
Final Thoughts
Look, I’ve been there—panicking behind cover, not knowing when to push or when to pull back. But the truth is, using cover is a skill that takes time to master. It’s about understanding the terrain, knowing the best types of cover, and never, ever getting too comfortable. As soon as you get too comfortable, that’s when someone’s going to take you out.
So my advice? Keep practicing. Keep moving. Keep thinking ahead. And don’t forget, even the best players mess up sometimes. The important thing is that you learn from those mistakes.
And, hey, if you’re stuck in a situation where you just can’t get it right, remember: You’re not alone. I was there, too, and I promise it gets better with time.
Now, go out there and make those headshots count!