Editing Cut Halo 4 weapons

{{Status|RealWorld}}
{{Title|Cut ''Halo 4'' weapons}}
{{GameFiles}}
During the [[Development of Halo 4|development]] of ''[[Halo 4]]'', a number of various weapons were concepted and prototyped by [[343 Industries]] for inclusion in the game, though were ultimately cut for various reasons. Some weapons were concepted but never reached 3D prototypes, and others were left in the game files as leftovers from the previous game, ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.

==In-engine prototypes==
===Attach beam===
The "attach beam"  is an early version of the [[Binary Rifle]], and uses an early model of the weapon. It uses the final game's Binary Rifle HUD but the reload sounds and animation of the [[Sniper_Rifle#Halo_4|Sniper Rifle]], and an early model of the [[LightRifle]].{{Ref/YouTube|Id=Compilation|_Jo9TgzyipI|Lord Zedd|Halo 4 - Unused Weapons Compilation}}{{Ref/YouTube|Id=Gamesave|F82g-Cvq7Ig|Lord Zedd|Halo 4 - Bishop Beam/Attach Beam Gamesave}}

With the release of ''Halo 4'' on PC as part of ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection|The Master Chief Collection]]'', files for this weapon - now named the "storm attach beam" - were added to the game's shared file directory, allowing them to be spawned in via [[modding]]..{{Ref/YouTube|Id=MCC|ifB2ojaZ4nw|Generalkidd|Halo 4 The Secret Weapons & Vehicles You Normally Can't Use}}
<gallery>
File:H4_AttachBeam_FP.png|The attach beam.
</gallery>

===Bishop beam===
The "bishop beam" is a seemingly-Forerunner beam weapon, similar in operation to the [[Sentinel Beam]] and [[Focus Rifle]]. It can be found in the files for the level [[Shutdown]].{{Ref/Reuse|Compilation}}{{Ref/Reuse|Gamesave}} When fired at vehicles, the beam locks onto the vehicle in question even if it outside the player's reticule, and will destroy the vehicle after a few moments of firing.{{Ref/Reuse|MCC}}

Notably, the [[Promethean Watcher]] enemies were named bishops during the early stages of ''Halo 4'', indicating they may have been intended to use this weapon, akin to the [[Aggressor Sentinel|Sentinel]]s and their use of the [[sentinel beam]]. This weapon was one of several made available for use in modding, following the release of ''Halo 4'' on PC in ''The Master Chief Collection''.{{Ref/Reuse|MCC}}
<gallery>
File:Bishop Beam.png|Profile of the bishop beam.
File:Bishop Beam1.png|The bishop beam lying on the ground.
File:Bishop Beam2.png|A first person view of the bishop beam.
File:Bishop Beam3.png|The weapon firing.
File:Bishop Beam4.png|The weapon overheating.
</gallery>

===Burst pistol===
The "burst pistol" is a weapon which can be in the files for the [[Lockup]] map in [[Spartan Ops]]. It can fire a single shot or up to a six-round burst. This weapon is notably similar to the iteration of the [[Z-110 Boltshot|Bolshot]] found in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.

This weapon was one of several made available for use in modding, following the release of ''Halo 4'' on PC in ''The Master Chief Collection''.{{Ref/Reuse|MCC}}
<gallery>
File:Burst Pistol.png|The burst pistol.
File:Burst pistol.png|Firing the burst pistol.
</gallery>

===Disintegrator===
Not to be confused with a cut ''[[Halo 2]]'' weapon [[Cut Halo 2 weapons#Disintegrator|of the same name]], the disintegrator was intended to be a Forerunner equivalent to the [[M6 Spartan Laser|Spartan Laser]]. The weapon requires a charge-up before firing, and fires a blue beam. It uses the model of the UNSC Spartan Laser, though is buggy in first-person and has various parts of the geometry rotated in odd directions.{{Ref/YouTube|KXzYKQZDrpM|Gamecheat13|Halo 4 - The Revenant and Disintegrator}}
<gallery>
File:Disintegrator.png
</gallery>

===Early concussion rifle design===
Early concepts by [[:Category:Images by Glenn Israel|Glenn Israel]] considered a full redesign for the [[Concussion Rifle]] first introduced in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''. The weapon was given a limited early model pass in early ''Halo 4'' builds, though was ultimately scrapped with the final game weapon consisting of a retexture of the ''Reach'' model.{{Ref/Twitter|___Gal4xy___|1499537440083750913|Galaxy|Quote=Fun Fact: The Concussion Rifle at one point was going to use a new redesigned model like the Plasma Pistol and Needler in Halo 4, but it sadly was never used and the old design was used instead. I really like the model.|D=06|M=03|Y=2023}} Israel's sketches also produced the [[Plasma Caster]] weapon design that would ultimately go on to be used in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
<gallery>
File:H4 ConcussionRifle Concept 1.jpg|Early concept revisions of the concussion rifle for ''Halo 4''. Note the plasma caster in the top right (design #2).
File:H4 ConcussionRifle Concept 2.jpg|Finalised concept revisions of the concussion rifle for ''Halo 4''.
File:H4 EarlyConcussionRifle FP Screenshot 1.png|The early concussion rifle model in a first-person view.
File:H4 EarlyConcussionRifle FP Screenshot 2.jpg|The early concussion rifle model in a first-person view, on the [[Cut Halo 4 levels|cut remake]] of [[Sandtrap]].
File:H4_EarlyConcussionRifle_Screenshot_4.jpg|The early, unused, concussion rifle model as held by [[John-117]] on the Sandtrap remake.
File:H4 EarlyConcussionRifle Screenshot 1.png|The early, unused, concussion rifle model.
File:H4 EarlyConcussionRifle Screenshot 2.png|The early, unused, concussion rifle model.
File:H4 EarlyConcussionRifle Screenshot 3.png|The early, unused, concussion rifle model.
File:H4-Reference-ConcussionRifle.jpg|Reference model sheet for the final Concussion Rifle in ''Halo 4''.
</gallery>

===Early Needler design===
An unused Needler design can be found in early builds of ''Halo 4''.{{Ref/Twitter|___Gal4xy___|1487325923984748544|Galaxy|Quote=Can't forget the Needler as well.|D=10|M=02|Y=2022}} The design of this iteration of the Needler was developed by artist [[:Category:Images by Can Tuncer|Can Tuncer]] for use in ''Halo 4'' - but was ultimately never realised in the final game. It was later taken and expanded upon by [[:Category:Images by Kolby Jukes|Kolby Jukes]] for inclusion in ''Halo 5: Guardians'', with additional bio-organic detail based on the [[Za'zayara-pattern Harvester|Harvester]] Jukes had previously created for [[Spartan Ops]]. Ultimately, this design was never realised in either game.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/KAdgR|Site=ArtStation|Page=Halo 5: Guardians - Needler concept|Quote=This is a concept sculpt I made for the Covenant Needler for Halo 5. The model is based on Can Tuncer's model from Halo 4. I was tasked with exploring a redesign of the weapon, applying the bio-mech Covenant style I had used for the Harvester for Halo 4: Spartan Ops. Ultimately this concept/model wasn't used. Halo 5 shipped with a Covenant Needler designed by Glenn Israel and Modeled/Textured by Andrew Bradbury.|D=10|M=02|Y=2022}}
<gallery>
File:H4 Alpha EarlyNeedler.jpg|The early Needler being held in ''Halo 4''.
File:H5G Needler Concept 2.jpg|Kolby Jukes' model of the Needler created for ''Halo 5'', based on Can Tuncer's model for this Needler in ''Halo 4''.
</gallery>

===''Halo 5'' plasma pistol===
Found in early builds appears to be a model for the [[Type-54 plasma pistol]], featured in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''. The final game of ''Halo 4'' shipped with a [[Type-25 plasma pistol]] more similar to that found in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', indicating this may have been cut for time.{{Ref/Twitter|Gamecheat13|1487322999397273600|cheato|Quote=The Halo 5 Plasma Pistol redesign was originally made during Halo 4's development.|D=10|M=02|Y=2022}}{{Ref/Twitter|Unseen_Halo|1485968216639905796|Corbin|Quote=My favorite pic from Halo 4's Development. The same plasma pistol model has made it all the way to Halo Infinite :) @___Gal4xy___  Thanks for the capture|D=27|M=1|Y=2022}}
<gallery>
File:H4 Alpha T54PlasmaPistol Side.jpg|The Type-54 plasma pistol being held.
File:H4_Alpha_T54PlasmaPistol_FP.jpg|The Type-54 in first-person.
File:H4_Alpha_T54PlasmaPistol_Overcharge.jpg|The Type-54 overheating.
</gallery>

===Homing rifle===
The homing rifle is a weapon found in various Alpha builds of ''Halo 4''. The weapon is fully-modelled and partially animated, with later builds containing a first-person viewmodel. In early builds, the weapon's function varies from firing a single large explosive bolt to firing a handful of smaller shots like a shotgun. Strings in the final game's [[LightRifle]] reference the homing rifle, indicating this weapon may have eventually evolved into the Light Rifle.{{Ref/Twitter|___Gal4xy___|1485810952285134848|Galaxy|Quote=Really cool to see the homing rifle's view model!|D=27|M=01|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Twitter|___Gal4xy___|1418904370457030661|Galaxy|Quote=Here's a cut forerunner weapon called the "Homing Rifle". I believe this was possibly an early iteration of the light rifle due to the fact that the weapon tag of the light rifle references a few things to the homing rifle. Even the pick up strings are referred to as "homing".|D=27|M=01|Y=2021}}

Some early renditions of the [[Cut Halo 4 enemies#Prometheans|Prometheans]] wielded the homing rifle.{{Ref/Twitter|zeddikins|1418097235393449989|zeddikins|Quote=These dudes are creepy|D=27|M=01|Y=2021}}
<gallery>
File:H4 MasterChiefHomingRifle Screenshot 1.jpg|The homing rifle, as held by John-117.
File:H4 MasterChiefHomingRifle Screenshot 2.jpg|The homing rifle, as held by John-117.
File:H4 MasterChiefHomingRifle Screenshot 3.png|The homing rifle, as held by John-117.
File:H4_HomingRifle_Screenshot_1.png|The homing rifle's full model.
File:H4_HomingRifle_Screenshot_2.png|The homing rifle's reload, as held in third-person.
File:H4_HomingRifle_FP_Screenshot_1.png|The homing rifle firing in first-person.
File:H4_HomingRifle_FP_Screenshot_2.png|The homing rifle reloading in first-person.
File:H4_HomingRifle_FP_Screenshot_3.png|The homing rifle reloading in first-person.
File:H4 HomingRifle EarlyPromethean.png|An early Promethean holding the homing rifle.
</gallery>

===Hunter LMG===
Using the model of [[Jorge-052]]'s machine gun from ''Reach'', [[Etilka]], the Hunter LMG fires a bolt similar to those fired by the [[assault cannon]]s of the [[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]].{{Ref/Reuse|Compilation}} When held by the player, the player uses the weapon in third-person similar to other [[Weapon types#Turret|turret weapons]], indicating this may be an early version of the assault cannon weapons featured in ''Halo 5: Guardians'' - notably the [[Beserker's Claw]] and [[Wicked Grasp]]. This weapon can be found in the files of the Fortress map in Spartan Ops.
<gallery>
File:M247H-HeavyMachineGun.png|Jorge's machine gun as seen in ''Reach''.
File:H4 HunterLMG Model.png|The Hunter LMG on the ground.
File:H4 HunterLMG Holding.png|Holding the Hunter LMG (The invisible player model is a side-effect of the methods required to get the weapon to spawn).
File:H4 HunterLMG Firing.png|Firing the LMG.
File:H4 HunterLMG Explosion.png|The explosion created by the bolt.
</gallery>

===Mortar launcher===
This weapon bears heavy resemblance to the [[Fuel Rod Gun]] used by the [[Covenant]]. It is shoulder-mounted and reloads in a similar manner, and appears to fire blue [[plasma mortar]]s with a heavy arc into the distance, not dissimilarly to the [[Unidentified fuel rod gun|fuel rod variant]] predominantly featured in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' multiplayer. The weapon can fire several times in rapid succession, with each shot draining the charge bar a little. The charge system works akin to other plasma weapons, with paced shots allowing the charge bar to recharged while rapid spam quickly depletes the bar and requires a reload - six shots can be fired rapidly before reload is needed.{{Ref/Twitter|___Gal4xy___|1486585945734402052|Galaxy|Quote=So here's an interesting cut weapon for Halo 4. It's a mortar launcher. It seems to fire weaker versions of the Wraith mortar. Looks like something that would be in Halo 1999 to be honest.|D=10|M=02|Y=2022}}{{Ref/Twitter|zeddikins|1485854039774486529|zeddikins|Quote=343 was like "but what if we gave the player a handheld wraith mortar?"|D=12|M=02|Y=2022}} This weapon has several similarities to the {{Pattern|Tufasumo|plasma caster}} featured in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', and may be a conceptual predecessor.
<gallery>
File:H4 Alpha MortarLauncher Side.png|A side view of the mortar being held.
File:H4 Alpha MortarLauncher Front.png|A front view of the mortar being held.
File:H4_Alpha_MortarLauncher_FP.png|The mortar in first-person.
File:H4_Alpha_MortarLauncher_Firing.png|The mortar firing.
File:H4 Alpha MortarLauncher Reload.png|The mortar reloading.
</gallery>

===SMG===
Found in ''[[Awakening: The Art of Halo 4]]'' is a concept design for the [[M7 SMG]] previously featured in ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3''.{{Ref/Book|AoH4|Page=106}} A 3D model for this iteration of the SMG is present in the [[Halo 4 Alpha|''Halo 4'' Alpha]], though lacks dedicated animations or a first-person viewmodel, indicating it did not get too far along in development.{{Ref/Twitter|___Gal4xy___|1486629796880830465|Galaxy|Quote=Fun Fact! The SMG was prototyped for inclusion in Halo 4! It has a model as seen here in-game and in the concept art. It would feature a magazine in the grip instead of a side mag like in the previous games.|D=27|M=01|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Twitter|___Gal4xy___|1486630062845743110|Galaxy|Quote=No view model exists however, suggesting that it was cut fairly early on.|D=27|M=01|Y=2021}}

Unlike the SMG found in ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'', the ''Halo 4'' design lacks the side-mounted magazine characteristic of the M7 and instead replaces it with a magazine located inside the grip of the SMG - more akin to traditional modern equivalents. Although this model was scrapped, these design cues can be found in the multiplayer rendition of the SMG featured in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' (which was built atop the ''Halo 4'' iteration of the [[Blam engine]]), albeit with adjustments such as the traditional magazine placement. Nonetheless, the carryover of these design cues makes it likely that the ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer SMG reused elements of the ''Halo 4'' SMG iteration.
<gallery>
File:H4-Concept-M7SMG.jpg|Concept art of the SMG.
File:H4 Alpha SMG Screenshot 1.jpg|The model of this SMG design in the alpha.
File:H4 Alpha SMG Screenshot 2.jpg|The model of this SMG design in the alpha.
File:H4 Alpha SMG Screenshot 3.jpg|John-117 holding the model of this SMG design in the alpha, in a [[Cut Halo 4 levels#Lighting reference test maps|lighting test map]]. Note the lack of dedicated animations.
File:H4 Alpha SMG Magazine.png|The magazine inside the SMG.
File:H2A_MP_M7_left.png|The SMG model later used in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''{{'}}s multiplayer component bears extremely heavy resemblance to this design.
</gallery>

===Stasis rifle===
The "stasis rifle" appears in the game files of ''Halo 4'', unused on the Two Giants Spartan Ops map, among others. The weapon fires a green projectile which creates a purple sphere upon impact with geometry - similar to that of the [[M2705 regeneration field|regeneration field]] ability. The field appears not to damage players or vehicles, but does slow them as they walk through it - though crouching while in the field does not apply this effect.  It can also scare [[Covenant]] out of turrets, as if it was a harmful projectile.{{Ref/Reuse|Compilation}}

This weapon was one of several made available for use in modding, following the release of ''Halo 4'' on PC in ''The Master Chief Collection''.{{Ref/Reuse|MCC}}
<gallery>
File:Stasis Rifle.png|The stasis rifle.
File:Stasis rifle untextured.png|The untextured stasis rifle lying on the ground.
File:Stasis_rifle.png|thumb|The stasis rifle generating a stasis field.
</gallery>

==Concept-only weapons==
===Early light rifle design===
Early in development, the design that would ultimately be used for the Light Rifle was originally intended to be the Binary Rifle. In these early stages, a unique design was concepted for the Light Rifle, which ultimately went unused.{{Ref/Book|AoH4|Page=156-157}}
<gallery>
File:H4-Concept-LightRifle-Initial.jpg|The unused concept.
File:H4-concept light rifle.png|Ingame version of the unused concept
</gallery>

==''Halo: Reach'' leftovers==
''Halo 4'' was built on the engine previously-used for the creation of ''[[Halo: Reach]]''. Due to this, many aspects of ''Reach'' are left in the game files of ''Halo 4''. In some cases, such as the [[Scorpion]] tank, the ''Reach'' model was re-textured and fully-integrated into the game. However, several weapon models from ''Reach'' remain unused as leftovers within ''Halo 4''{{'}}s game files.
===DMR===
The [[M392 DMR]] from ''Halo: Reach'' remains in the files of ''Halo 4'', found in the files for the multiplayer map [[Harvest (map)|Harvest]]. The weapon model in the files is known as <code>xsr_proto</code>.{{Ref/Reuse|Compilation}} This weapon was one of several made available for use in modding, following the release of ''Halo 4'' on PC in ''The Master Chief Collection''.{{Ref/Reuse|MCC}}

The loadout menus of both ''Halo 4'' and ''The Master Chief Collection'' incorrectly use the M392 icon instead of that of the [[M395 DMR|M395]] featured in-game, despite the icon being used in pre-release footage.
<gallery>
File:H4_M392DMR_FP.png|The M392 DMR in use in ''The Master Chief Collection'' on [[Forge Island]].
File:H4-DMR-HUD.png|The M392 icon in the menus.
</gallery>

===Energy sword===
Found in the files of the Harvester Spartan Ops map, or ''Halo 4'' on PC, this is the leftover of the [[energy sword]] as found in ''Reach''. The model is missing most of its visual effects and HUD.{{Ref/Reuse|MCC}}
<gallery>
File:H4_ReachSword_FP.png|The energy sword in use in ''The Master Chief Collection''.
</gallery>

===Target locator===
The model of the [[H-165 target locator]] from ''Reach'' can be found in the files of the Quarry map. The weapon functions exactly as it did in ''Reach'', though does not call in the artillery strike. This was likely used to test the [[H-295 target designator]] used to call in MAC strikes from the [[M510 Mammoth|Mammoth]] in the [[Reclaimer]] level.
<gallery>
File:H4 H165Locator FP.png|The H-165 in use on Forge Island in ''The Master Chief Collection''.
</gallery>

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}

{{Deleted Material}}
[[Category:Halo 4 deleted material]]