Unfortunately, they're pretty rare and are practically only around for the sniper sequence. Using the rollermines is an incredibly useful strategy: as soon as you see one, pick it up and have Alyx reprogram it, then proceed to chuck it in the open. The combine can't dodge it unlike the grenades and it has a small area-of-effect blast radius.Īlso introduced is the crowbar, which can be used but shouldn't be if you have a good physics object or rockets to spare.Or you can just whack people with it, which works surprisingly well unless they're zombies (and even then, if Alyx is distracting them, it's great). In this chapter, the rocket launcher is introduced, which is a solid option if there are little to no heavy physics objects around. Make sure to do this quickly, though, and keep an ear out for the beeping.
Zombines' grenades will light up red and so will be quite visible, so you can either lure them into groups of other zombies to get rid of them all or simply take their grenade and chuck it with your gravity gun. Keep moving throughout the sequence: fast zombies and Zombines are quicker than "classic" zombies and will chase you relentlessly, though Alyx may be able to get them off your back.
A lit flare in front of the elevator can be useful as it keeps you from needing your flashlight, which would drain your sprint meter, and can be used to light up zombies which in turn are light sources.
Stockpiling cinderblocks, barrels, rubble, and medkits near the elevator before the zombies begin attacking in full force is useful also make sure to grab the occasional flare from wherever it may be lying around. The elevator sequence at the end of the chapter is one of the most hectic parts of any Half-life game, and it doesn't help that it's pitch black. Zombines will eventually blow themselves up, and Alyx has a gun whose bullets (obviously) don't count, so make sure to let her shoot the zombies for you. Flares are also helpful, but burn out after a short period of time and so should be activated with caution. There will be plenty of rubble lying around during the entire subway chapter so mainly use that. Lowlife is where the guns are first introduced and also where grenades are.