Halo Infinite has much to see and do in its sprawling world and free-to-play multiplayer. The recent update only expanded that experience by adding fan-favorite playlists back into the mix that were absent at the game's launch. And, alongside the many modes and the beefy campaign is the center of any Halo title, its weapons.
Whether it be the campaign or multiplayer, the fact remains that Halo Infinite's weapons are the core to its gameplay. Weapons can dictate what the player does in each respective mode. How they approach certain enemies depends entirely on what they have available and can make moments incredibly tense in the story. However, knowing the map's layout and power-weapon spawns is crucial to emerging victorious in the multiplayer.
Updated December 18, 2021 by Seth Parmer: Halo Infinite is officially out, giving us time to look into each weapon present in the game. At the same time, there aren't many new weapons to add, but gaining crucial information on how each one functions allowed us to detail their strengths and other traits.
3 UNSC Weapons
The UNSC, or the United Nations Space Command, is the militaristic force of the Unified Earth Government. Due to their origins on Earth, their weapons often look like current-day guns, infused with far-future tech, mixing for fascinating and iconic designs.
The UNSC weapons range anywhere from high-tech Sniper Rifles down to a standard 10mm handgun. While some of their weapons may not look all that deadly when you consider their opponent, they all pack a solid punch and get the job done. The only unfortunate absentees for UNSC weapons in Halo Infinite are the DMR and SMG.
BR75 - Battle Rifle
The Battle Rifle is back and better than ever with a new, clean-looking variant. The BR75 is the successor to the BR55, prevalent in Halo 2, with a heavy barrel variant being the primary weapon for Halo 3. The Battle Rifle is one of the main focuses in Halo Infinite and is the default starting weapon in the Ranked Playlist. It feels robust, accurate, and well-balanced, which is par for the course.
CQS48 Bulldog
With the classic fan-favorite M90 shotgun out of Halo Infinite's picture (for now), the CQS48 Bulldog looks to take its place. But the CQS48 has some big shoes to fill and, unfortunately, falls short. The M90 shotgun has consistently ranked among the best shotguns in any shooter, so it was a near-impossible task. But, with the Bulldog, the time to kill is a tad high, even for its fast rate of fire.
MA40 - Assault Rifle
Fans of the original trilogy and Reach can rejoice at last. The beautiful design of the classic AR is back and looking better than ever. It features a revamped display and some retouched finishes on the weapon plating. While technically a new variant of the classic AR, it performs as expected and is an excellent weapon for close to mid-range engagements.
MK50 Sidekick
The MK50 Sidekick looks very similar to the M6 Magnums seen throughout Halo but is more aligned with Halo 2's MC6. Halo 5's M6H Magnum was dominant throughout the game's lifecycle. It was even the starting weapon taking the place of the BR and DMR, so it can be disappointing to see Halo Infinite have no Magnum of its own. However, the MK50 Sidekick is an exceptional precision weapon with a quick rate of fire and decent accuracy, making for one of the best weapons in the game.
MLRS-2 Hydra
The Hydra has seen a pretty substantial change in Halo Infinite, making it a much more interesting weapon than its Halo 5 counterpart. Rather than being a lock-on-only weapon, the Hydra now has a toggle to free-fire, upping its damage at the cost of a guaranteed hit. Without the lock-on mode, it will take roughly two to three shots to take another Spartan down and around 4-5 shots with the locking mechanism engaged.
M41 SPNKR
The rocket launcher is a staple of the Halo series and continues its perfect attendance by coming to Halo Infinite at launch. First seen in Halo: Combat Evolved, the SPNKR Rocket Launcher has been in every mainline Halo game, which is quite the feat. Halo Infinite's rocket launcher does not innovate on either design or functionality, but why change perfection at this point?
SRS99-S7 AM - Sniper Rifle
The long-running SRS99 series returns in another Halo title with the SRS99-S7 AM Sniper Rifle in Halo Infinite. This rifle is the series' seventh iteration, which doesn't change much of its form factor or performance in any significant way. Much like the Rocket Launcher, if it isn't broken, why even attempt to fix it?
VK78 Commando
Returning weapons are always welcomed with open arms whenever it comes to Halo. But there is also plenty of room for new weapons in the universe. The VK78 Commando looks to be an excellent addition to the arsenal, so long as you can handle its ridiculous bloom/recoil. Landing that final headshot can be pretty challenging with the Commando, but it can outshine most weapons once you get the hang of it.
M9 Fragmentation Grenade
The classic Frag Grenade from Halo past returns in Halo Infinite, being just as effective against infantry and lightly armored vehicles. Due to its basic design, you can still bounce these nades off the ground and walls to line up a deadly blast underneath your enemy's feet. The M9 Frag is the default grenade in Halo Infinite but is still excellent in every way.
2 Banished/Covenant Weapons
The Banished are a splinter faction of the Covenant Empire consisting of mercenaries. While primarily comprised of Jiralhanae (AKA Brutes), they also accept members from the Covenant into their forces if they can prove their loyalty and be of use to them.
Due to the Banished's recruitment of Covenant Soldiers, their arsenal consists of never before seen weapons, as well as some of the Covenant's weaponry fans of the series will recognize in a heartbeat. They possess a substantial breadth of weapons, so it's best to approach them with caution.
Disruptor
The Disruptor is a handgun of the Banished that fires out small electrically charged projectiles. As with most electric-based weapons in Halo Infinite, you can send an electric current through a gun on the ground to catch unsuspecting targets off guard. Additionally, holding the trigger down will allow you to rapidly shoot the Disruptor, overwhelming vehicles with an EMP effect.
Mangler
On the topic of exciting new weapons in Halo, the Mangler looks to be a powerhouse revolver in Halo Infinite. The design is unique and eye-catching while conveying how much power this thing can dish out. Belonging to the Banished, the Mangler packs a deadly punch behind each pull of the trigger. One of the best ways to use this brute of a weapon is to get up close and personal, delivering a swift melee kill after hitting your target with only one round from the Mangler.
Needler
The fan-favorite Covenant SMG makes its return to Halo Infinite. The iconic purple crystalline projectiles jutting out of the top, the classic sounds, and the mass amounts of devastation all seem to be returning with the Needler in Halo Infinite. The Needler, as always, walks a fine line between "this is overpowered" and "this is trash." So, only in the right hands can you expect the Needler to shine.
Plasma Pistol
The Plasma Pistol is back but not better than ever, which is genuinely upsetting. Due to the addition of shock weapons, the Plasma Pistol no longer EMPs vehicles and is only useful for the "Noob Combo," where you disable the opponent's shield with a charged shot of plasma, then quickly switch to a precision weapon to finish the job.
Pulse Carbine
The Pulse Carbine is a new weapon in the mainline Halo games, and it appears to function similarly to a Pulse Rifle and fires off four plasma bolts within each controlled pull of the trigger. Unfortunately, despite its tracking capabilities, the Pulse Carbine is the absolute worst weapon in Halo Infinite and should be avoided at all costs.
Ravager
The Banished seem to possess quite a powerful arsenal, and the Ravager is no exception. Lobbing charged red plasma into a wide area allows the Ravager to apply a slow-burning effect to any target that passes through. With the ability to damage enemies over time, the Ravager is a pretty useful tool in certain situations if you strategize ahead of time. Unfortunately, the weapon is a burden on its wielder in most cases.
Shock Rifle
The Shock Rifle is the Banished's Sniper Rifle of sorts but fires off electrolasers capable of cutting down the enemy's shields and disabling vehicles. The Shock Rifle is deadly in the wrong hands and will surely keep the enemy at bay with its anti-vehicle properties and ability to take down Spartans with one pull of the trigger. However, be warned that the Shock Rifle isn't nearly as easy to use as the UNSC Sniper Rifle and requires much more skill for its user.
Skewer
Not a fan of the electricity emitting Sniper Rifle? Well, luckily for you, the Banished have a backup plan just for that. Enter the Banished's second long-ranged, Sniper Rifle-esque weapon, the Skewer. The Skewer is a towering weapon equipped with a large spike projectile that can puncture straight through tanks and infantry alike. While a bit harder to hit infantry-based targets, the Skewer is sure to demolish anything it hits.
Stalker Rifle
The Stalker Rifle is a new weapon introduced in Halo Infinite and is a deadly three-shot kill powerhouse. Being a precision-based rifle, the Stalker Rifle will require accuracy to use at high levels, but it has a relatively fast rate of fire and can drop its target in the blink of an eye. Is it necessary for the Banished to possess three similar weapons? No. But are they all cool? Absolutely.
Type-1 Energy Sword
The Energy Sword is one of the most recognizable and beloved weapons in the Halo franchise. That distinctive iridescent blue and purple glow is kind of like curling up in bed on a cold night. Everyone is excited to see it return in Halo Infinite. Getting into intense sword duals in the multiplayer is back on the menu, and it's just as fun as ever.
Type-2 Gravity Hammer
The weight of a Gravity Hammer can be felt with every swing. Notorious for being a weapon wielded by the Brutes, it makes sense that they would appear in Halo Infinite since the Banished will be the primary antagonists of the game. The design of Infinite's Gravity Hammers looks superb, and waving them around during a multiplayer match (in a tactical manner, of course) will be entertaining as usual.
Plasma Grenade
The Plasma Grenade returns once more in a Halo title and remains just as you remember it. The sticky outer shell of the Plasma Grenade allows you to stick it to an enemy or vehicle, resulting in a guaranteed kill in most circumstances. There's nothing more to add other than the Plasma Grenade remains one of the best weapons in Halo Infinite.
Spike Grenade
Similar to the Plasma Grenade, the Spike Grenade can also get stuck to the enemy or vehicle for a guaranteed kill in most situations. However, what sets the Spike Grenade apart is that whenever it explodes, it launches many spikes in multiple directions, dealing significant damage to anything in its range.
Dynamo Grenade
A new grenade enters the battle in Halo Infinite via the Dynamo Grenade. The Dynamo Grenade utilizes the new shock element and bounces wildly across the ground emitting electricity from its top. If any enemy passes through the grenade's area of effect while it's active, they will receive substantial shock damage, which can chain to their teammates. The Dynamo Grenade can also EMP vehicles, making it one of the best tools in Halo Infinite.
1 Forerunner Weapons
While not present in any of the campaign trailers, the Forerunner's weaponry seems to be returning in Halo Infinite. Well, at least in the multiplayer, but we wouldn't be all that surprised if they serve a role in the game's single-player portion either.
As for now, however, there are currently three known Forerunner weapons coming to Halo Infinite's multiplayer, which is always exciting as they tend to be the most bizarre of the bunch. The Forerunners serve a vital role in the Halo universe, so it would feel weird if they just vanished now.
Cindershot
Leave it to the Forerunners to have Halo Infinite's most unique weapon, at least at the moment. The Cindershot is a long-ranged rifle that seemingly fires off an energy rocket with slight heat-seeking capability. The Cindershot also creates a small vortex, sucking in nearby enemies before exploding, dealing mass amounts of damage.
Heatwave
Making its Halo debut, the Heatwave is a semi-automatic weapon used by Forerunner Warrior-Servants. Firing energized shards of purple hardlight, the Heatwave will tear through any living being in an instant. Furthermore, the Heatwave's shots ricochet off the environment and terrain, making it useful in niche situations. The Heatwave has a high skill ceiling to use well but can be devastating once familiarizing yourself with it.
Sentinel Beam
Perhaps the most recognizable Forerunner weapon in Halo is the Sentinel Beam, which is sure to make fans happy when they see it return in Halo Infinite. The Sentinel Beam is excellent at controlling large outbreaks of the Flood and also makes a tremendous anti-vehicle weapon due to its devastating energy-directed beam that cuts through anything with ease. The Sentinel Beam will always be a fun weapon to use, no matter how difficult it can be at times.