There exists a group of gamers who like to subject themselves to torture and torment. These masochists look for a more challenging and traumatic experience than the standard Halo run-through offers. These players engage in something called a LASO (Legendary All Skulls On) run that turns any title in the Halo: Master Chief Collection series into a hellscape of sticky grenades and broken psyches.
Not many people have gotten the achievement, and even fewer have gotten it legitimately. However, if you’re looking to become one of these hallowed few, there are a few tips and tricks you should know before diving in headfirst.
The first tip seems like it should be common sense, but surprisingly it should be said. In order to get the achievement, you cannot just turn on all skulls in Legendary Mode. There’s a pre-made LASO playlist that exists specifically for the nameplate and achievement, so be sure to select it when starting your LASO run-through.
The second tip is something that the standard player might not think of: put a sticker or piece of masking tape on your screen to use as a reticle. Your screen will be completely devoid of any indication of where you’re aiming or what weapon you’re using, so you’ll also want to be sure to check your shadows when you first spawn in to see what weapons you’re using.
The third tip is to take it slow–very, very slow. Each death will reset you back to the most recent checkpoint, and you’ll be dying often. In order to get through the game in one piece and of sound mind, be sure to check your corners and try not to spend too much time out in the open.
If you need to, take a break from the game! Eat a snack and do some breathing exercises. It’s going to be a very frustrating experience, and you’ll want to be in a good place when going through this run.
Another tip to keep in mind is to watch for grenades. Grunts will be throwing sticky grenades at every opportunity, and one stick will kill you or your friends instantly. On the flip side of the coin, your grenades will be useless. Oftentimes they’ll fail to kill even grunts, but they can be somewhat useful.
Finally, playing with a friend or friends can make the game much, much easier, as long as you all know what you’re doing. A larger team means enemies and levels are easier to clear, but it also means that your group will have more opportunities to die.
If you wish to start your very own LASO run, be sure to look up specific guides for each level in the different games in order to truly optimize your experience.
