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{{Status|Gameplay}}
{{Era|H2}}
{{Merge from|Butterflying}}
{{Jump}}
{{Ratings}}


'''Sword flying''' is a [[glitch]] present in ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''. It allows players to extend the range of the [[Type-1 Energy Sword|energy sword's]] lunge by using the [[reticle]] of their secondary weapon. The term is sometimes also used more broadly to refer to any movement using the energy sword's lunge.  
'''Sword Flying''' is a [[glitch]] present in ''[[Halo 2]]''. It allows players to use the [[Energy Sword]] to bypass [[Invisible Walls|invisible walls]]. The glitch can also be performed in ''[[Halo 3]]'', though not with the same results.


==Walkthrough==
The player can leave the ordinary map boundaries by performing a '''Sword Fly''' trick or '''Sword Cancel'''. Also a form of Sword flying is '''Butterflying''' and is done by standing below a partner and sword cancel continuously while the partner continuously jumps. The player will charge at but not slash the other player, allowing the sword user to fly over the other person and get over a boundary. Players could also use the "sword fly trick" to get past the boundaries in older versions, although this glitch has been removed from the game by an update from the game publisher, [[Bungie]].
In order to perform one needs to have an energy sword and any other weapon equipped, preferably not a [[M90 shotgun|shotgun]] as well as an AI in campaign or an enemy player in multiplayer. Position yourself and aim the [[reticle]] at the enemy such that it is red. Rapidly switch weapons, press the action/reload button, and shoot buttons quickly in that order. If done correctly you should lunge towards the enemy from your current position as you would with a normal sword lunge. The window for the inputs is small however as they have to be frame perfect.


===Tips===
There are four ways to glitch involving the [[Energy Sword]]. In this article, 'R' is short and for the right trigger on your controller. 'X', 'Y', 'B' are the blue, yellow, and red buttons respectively.
On the original [[Xbox]] version of the game the corresponding inputs are 'X', 'Y', and 'RT' respectively. The easiest way to perform the trick on this control scheme is to slide one's thumb from 'Y' to 'X' and then press 'RT'. The "default" for the [[Xbox One]] version of ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' is identical and as such the inputs translate the same way. However the actual default on ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' is the "Universal Default (Recon)" scheme which swaps action/reload to 'RB' instead, matching the newer games. In this case the thumb sliding method cannot be applied though manually pressing each button may be easier. Several other alternate control schemes such as "Universal Bump And Jump" will still accommodate the thumb slide albeit slightly differently. It is also sometimes suggested to simply try mashing all of the buttons until it works if one cannot perform it otherwise.
When performing the glitch in multiplayer to explore it is suggested that one attempt the glitch with no ammo in their non sword weapon to avoid accidentally firing at their target.


==Explanation==
== Sword canceling ==
When a player switches weapons the range of the weapon being switched out is still applied to that of the weapon being drawn for two frames.<ref>https://youtu.be/4J0_yaAygtc?t=67</ref> Thus if the reticle was red prior to switching weapons, then for one frame the now current weapon will remain red regardless of whether this would otherwise be true. In the case of the energy sword this means that two frames the game think that it is in range to lunge regardless of whether it actually is. Normally however one cannot immediately fire their weapon or correspondingly active the sword's lunge. Similar to [[Melee Canceling|melee cancelling]] however the action/reload button can cancel the remaining animation of the weapon being drawn allowing the player to lunge immediately if the reticle is still red.
'''Sword canceling''' is the act of sword-lunging at a person without hitting them. The method works by pressing '''R'''+'''X'''; this minor [[Button Combo|button combo]] performs, and then quickly cancels, a sword swing. '''B'''+'''X''' may also be used; it works especially well for [[#Wall climbing]].


==Properties and augmentations==
Sword canceling can be used to sword fly by positioning one player (''Person A'') in the position the other player (''Person B'') wishes to reach. ''Person B'' should have an empty [[Rocket Launcher]] and an Energy Sword. ''Person A'' should jump repeatedly; ''Person B'' should repeatedly sword cancel at ''Person A''; they will eventually pass through the invisible wall and reach ''A''<nowiki/>'s location.
{{#widget:YouTube|id=U9D3AotBoxs|thumb|width=300px|caption=Glitch Reel - Early Video of a Sword Fly, then known as "Rocket Cancelling," at the 2min mark}}


In the early days of Halo 2 the glitch was commonly known as "Rocket Cancelling" or "The Rocket/Sword Glitch due to seemingly being discovered using the [[M41 SPNKR|rocket launcher]], likely due to being one of the easiest weapons to perform the glitch especially from a distance. The glitch can however be performed with any weapon's reticle as long as the reticle is red. As illustrated by the rocket launcher a large reticle is easier to perform the glitch due to requiring less precision. The [[Type-33 needler|needler]] as well as the [[Pez'tk-pattern fuel rod gun|fuel rod gun]] in campaign specifically are also easier to perform the glitch with. Scoped weapons will also increase the range at which the glitch can be performed. Thus the [[SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle#SRS99C-S2 AMB|sniper rifle]] and [[Type-50 particle beam rifle|beam rifle]] allow for the farthest range at which one can sword fly though they are also the most difficult due to having the smallest reticles.  
=== Partner bouncing ===
Another use for sword canceling is partner bouncing: the usage of sword canceling to propel two players upward.


Sword flying at it's core is still a sword lunge, which itself is considered by the game as a melee attack. As such one can [[Melee Canceling#Sword Cancelling|sword cancel]] the swing to avoid hitting the AI or player one is lunging towards by either pressing action/reload or changing weapons. At larger ranges one can also perform various actions including throwing grenades and even firing their secondary weapon before even reaching the target. Likewise one can jump during the lunge. This will generally allow the player to pass over their target as well as change the angle at which they fly to a more vertical one. Though difficult one can even perform this extra jump during the input for the glitch itself. The input for this would be 'Y', 'X', 'A', 'RT' on the original Xbox and "default" control scheme on ''Halo 2: Anniversary''. While one can both cancel and jump during the sword fly it is generally not necessary as jumping will usually take the player over the target anyway.
One player (''Person A'') should jump on top of another player (''Person B''). ''Person B'' should have an Energy Sword out, and should look at and aim at ''Person A''. ''Person A'' should jump into the air, and ''Person B'' should sword cancel (using '''B'''+'''X''') at them; when ''Person B'' reaches ''Person A'', ''A'' should then jump off of their head, at which point ''B'' should sword cancel again...


If one hits an angled surface or object including AIs and vehicles then the lunge can be redirected. The momentum carried in this case functions similarly to the laws surrounding conservation of momentum in real world physics; in other words a certain amount of forward momentum will be lost but some amount of horizontal momentum will be gained, thus changing the angle traveled.
The process may be repeated to reach higher and higher locations; provided that both players' lateral positions remain unchanged (such that ''Person A'' remains exactly above ''Person B''), the trick may be repeated almost endlessly. It cannot be used to bypass invisible ceilings, however.
If the target the player is lunging towards moves horizontally then the player will likely stop upon reaching where the target was; this is especially noticeable in mid air. While slight movements may not affect the fly faster movements by the target generally do. These mid air stops ARE present with normal sword lunges as well but tend to have more of an impact when sword flying.
While performing one lunge the player cannot perform a second one until they pass their target. As such one can only perform one sword fly at a time though once the target is reached another one can be performed immediately.


==Applications==
Pressing '''B'''+'''X''' requires that a player use their index and middle fingers. Some players prefer to use '''Y'''+'''A''', which is easier but more dangerous to ''Person A'' if a mistake is used -- it may result in ''Person A'' being hit in the back and killed.
As a movement technique sword flying is useful for both the speed it grants as well as the areas it allows one to reach. Especially when combined with jumps and using the mid air jumps it allows players to gain height and bypass certain obstacles such as walls and gaps as well as reach areas they normally couldn't. Sword cancelling also allows players to slide past enemies while using them to cut the time and distance needed to travel. Redirecting also allows players to reach areas farther out than the enemy they were aiming for. Due to all of this the technique is heavily utilized by speed runners.
As a combat technique sword flying allows one to reach an enemy from far away and strike them with the sword's full strength. It can also be used as a strong finisher in conjunction with other weapons. On this note it is worth noting that while the shotgun lacks any usefulness with this technique for movement, sword flying immediately after a shotgun shot can be used to deal larger amount of damage at close range. In campaign this can be used during the fight against Tartarus though it is fairly risky to do if one does not do it when he swings his hand angrily.


==Feasibility and version differences==
== Rocket canceling ==
The glitch was present in the original [[Xbox]] release of ''[[Halo 2]]'' in both campaign and multiplayer. [[Halo 2 Auto-Updates#Auto-Update 3|Auto-Update 3]] however mostly removed the glitch. Despite this one can still perform the glitch post patch; instead of pressing Y, one can press Y, X, and B at the same time; often the easiest way to do it is to spam Y, B, X, and RT until it works. It is much more difficult and will only lunge at other with certain angles. Installing [[Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack|multiplayer map pack]] also installs the first three auto-updates. Clearing the console's cache will remove the auto-updates and thus restore the glitch in full.
<div class="thumb tright" style="width:200px;">
<youtube width="200" height="200">U9D3AotBoxs</youtube>
<div class="thumbcaption">Glitch Reel - Video of Rocket Canceling at the 2min mark</div>
</div>
The Energy Sword and Rocket Launcher can be used in combination to '''rocket cancel''', allowing players to fly through the air.


[[Halo 2 (Windows Vista)|''Halo 2'' for Windows Vista]] does not have the glitch in it's original form. It does however have the post auto-update method and is likewise difficult has also been noted to be inconsistent, often giving smaller flies while occasionally giving longer flies.<ref>https://youtu.be/CvZrVPdF6Dg</ref>
*One "rocket canceling" method is to have an empty Rocket Launcher as a primary weapon. he player should tap '''Y''' to switch weapons, and in the middle of switching weapons, press '''R'''. The player should then "fly" to wherever their [[reticule]] was pointned.
*The other form, sometimes called "rocket jumping", is when a player uses a full Rocket Launcher to aim at a target, so that their reticule turns red. The player then quickly presses '''X'''+'''Y'''+'''R''' repeatedly until they "fly" at the target. This is useful for getting to otherwise unreachably-high places on maps, like [[Zanzibar]] and [[Headlong]].


Initially ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' on the [[Xbox One]] release of ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' lacked sword flying as well as many of the older physics of lunges. However, the glitch was intentionally patched back into the game (with the original pre-patch method, along with the melee physics) during the massive update in August 2018, with confirmation of its return in insider builds as early as July of the same year.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANt-i3sYaCk</ref> Unlike both the original Xbox and Vista releases of ''Halo 2'', it is only possible in campaign, likely to allow speed runners and others to enjoy the trick but avoiding issues with multiplayer. The trick is present in the same manner for the PC release of ''The Master Chief Collection.''
To get to really high places, you can use a combination of Sword Flying and at the top of the flight, using the Sword Cancel on an opponent to get to where they are


As ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' has twice frame and tick rate of the original Xbox version, the trick is slightly more difficult due to the window to perform it being twice as small. However it is also noted to be faster and allowing for farther flies past enemies.
In recent auto updates, Sword Flying has been changed drastically on [[Xbox Live]]. Instead of pressing Y, press Y, X, and B at the same time in place. It is much more difficult and will only lunge at other with certain angles. Sword lunging still works. Sword Cancels have not been disabled due to the auto-update


==Similar techniques==
Rocket canceling does not work in ''Halo 3''.
{{Main|Flyboy}}
In the original [[Xbox]] version of the game another glitch allowed players to store lunges by either inputting them from a passenger seat of [[Warthog]] or {{Pattern|Wuzum|Spectre}} or simply getting into any vehicle seat immediately after the lunge input. Upon exiting the vehicle the player would often fly far and even at unique angles. Sometimes also referred to as sword flying, the two methods could be used in conjunction with each other. This trick was however removed in the same auto-update that mostly removed the glitch in this article.


==Trivia==
== Sword Climbing ==
*Sword flying is currently the only known glitch in the ''Halo'' series to be removed from one version of the game and then intentionally added back in another.
The third form of sword glitching is the sword climb, also known as butterflying. To sword climb, you need two people willing to work together. They should stand right next to each other and look at each other. Then, at the same time, they should both hit '''X'''+'''A'''+'''B''' repeatedly. The method can allow them to climb through the air.


==Sources==
==Warthog Variation==
{{Ref/Sources}}
{{Main|Flyboy}}
 
A now-patched method once allowed players to sword fly out of a Warthog's passenger seat.
{{Glitches}}
[[Category:Tricks and Cheats]]
[[Category:Tricks and cheats]]
[[Category:Halo 2 Glitches]]
[[Category:Halo 2 glitches]]

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