Editing Eos'Mak-pattern plasma pistol

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{{Article Quote|The Type-25 DEP is the bread and butter of [[Covenant]] small arms—almost as common as the [[MA5]] is with the [[UNSC]]. After the [[Covenant]] [[Carrier]] jumped there were some areas of [[Mombasa]] where Plasma Pistols covered the ground like leaves—that maneuver killed a bunch of dudes on both sides.
- Anonymous Serviceman}}
{{Weapon
|image=[[Image:Plasmapistol.jpg |300px]]
|name=Plasma Pistol
|manufacturer= Covenant
|model=Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol
|type=Pistol
|cost=
|size=Handheld, Single Handed ([[Dual Wield]]able)
*Length (o/a): 34.4 cm (13.5 in.)
*Weight: 3.5 kg (7.75 lbs)
*Width: 6.4 centimeters
*Height: 27.7 centimeters
|damage per hit=Low
Completely drains shields (overcharged)
*7 DU (uncharged) (Halo 1)
*15 DU (overcharged)<ref>http://www.bungie.net/Games/HaloPC/page.aspx?section=Guides&subsection=WeaponsVehiclesPages&page=2</ref>
|magazine=100 battery units (200 shots)
|maxammo=100 battery units (200 shots)
|fire=Semi-Automatic
|ammotype=[[Superheated Plasma]]
|operation=
|rate of fire= 
|velocity=108 m/s (354 f/s)
|accuracy=*Medium 
*Overcharged: Slight Homing
|range=Close to Medium
*50 meters (155 ft)
|era= Halo:CE, Halo 2, Halo 3
|counterpart=*Human: [[M6|M6 Series Pistols]]
*Brute: [[Mauler]]
|counterwep=*At Close Range: [[Energy Sword]], [[Shotgun]], [[Gravity Hammer]]
*At Medium Range: [[Battle Rifle]], [[Covenant Carbine]]
|affiliation=[[Covenant]]
}}

The '''Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol'''<ref>http://www.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3plasmapistol</ref>, otherwise known as the '''Plasma Pistol''', is a [[Covenant]] ground firearm, carried most commonly by [[Grunts]], [[Jackals]], certain [[Elites]] and it is also used by [[Drones]].

== Summary ==
The Plasma Pistol, like the [[Plasma Turret]] or the [[Plasma Rifle]], is a directed energy weapon that fires bolts of superheated ionized gas (or better known as plasma) instead of traditional [[Human]] ballistic ammunition. This [[Covenant]] [[weapon]] is capable of quickly firing low-powered shots, just as fast as a plasma rifle if the user is skilled, or charging a single high-powered blast which can instantly deplete any form of energy shielding, and in [[Halo 3]], it can disable vehicles for a short time. This high-powered shot makes the Plasma Pistol a formidable strategic weapon if used in conjunction with other infantry weapons.<ref>[http://halo3.com halo3.com]</ref> The Plasma Pistol is a standard-issue weapon for lower-ranking Covenant such as  [[Grunts]]  and [[Jackals]], but is occasionally used by higher-ranking Covenant such as [[Elites]] or [[Brutes]] (usually dual-wielded), according to manuals, novels, etc. It is one of the three [[weapon]]s found in every level.

=== Advantages ===
[[Image:Plasma Pistol Halo 3.jpg|thumb|left|A Halo 3 Plasma Pistol.]]

The Plasma Pistol is one of the most versatile weapons in the Halo universe. Its ability to instantly and completely deplete and cripple shielding regardless of strength make it a very valuable [[weapon]] in [[Multiplayer]] and even more in [[Campaign]] against many shielded enemies with armor, especially [[Elites]], [[Jackals]] and [[Brute]]'s with the new found [[Power Armor]]. Also, it's ability to render vehicles motionless is a highly effective use of the Plasma Pistol in [[Halo 3]]. It is also highly effective against [[Sentinels]], taking only a single overcharged shot to destroy a standard Sentinel, or two charged-shots to destroy a [[Sentinel Major]], one to deplete its shields and another to destroy it. A useful combo if taking out elites is a [[plasma]] pistol and a rapid firing weapon. An overcharged shot would disable their shields then using the rapid fire weapon it would be much easier to kill once the shields are gone. In addition to its standard offensive capabilities, there are also various elements peculiar to each game that enhance its effectiveness. In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], it has the ability to briefly stun opponents via its standard firing mode. Also, the overcharged shots cause heavy damage to unshielded opponents in multiplayer as well as unshielded [[Covenant]] forces (except [[Hunters]] and other forces on legendary. A Grunt on legendary will still be alive if you shoot him with an overcharged plasma pistol). In [[Halo 2]] the overcharged shot's tracking is reduced from [[Halo 1]]. In [[Halo 3]], while the overcharged shots have reduced tracking from Halo 2, they can now temporarily disable any vehicle, rendering them immobile for a few seconds, similar to the [[Power Drain]], though the vehicles weaponry is still active. Also, an overcharged plasma bolt in  [[Halo 3]] will destroy a [[Brute]]'s [[Power Armor]], making them vulnerable to weaponry fire.

The Plasma Pistol is most effective when used in conjunction with other weapons, particularly those capable of headshots, i.e. the [[Battle Rifle]], [[Covenant Carbine]], or any [[M6]] series handgun. The weapon can be used in a shot/melee Combo—first, it should be used in a somewhat close range: enough to get in a melee attack after being shot with the Pistol, the Pistol will lower the shields, leaving the target vulnerable to any type of attack, but to finish, quickly follow up with a quick melee. It's a quick way to kill any target, but it is also pretty risky if you are up against a much more powerful weapon. Note that this weapon alone doesn't cause much damage so have a backup weapon ready. Once the player has disabled their enemy's shields with the Plasma Pistol's overcharged shot, a single headshot from any of those weapons will result in a kill. In [[Halo 2]], the colloquial term "[[noob combo]]" has been applied to the Plasma Pistol/[[Battle Rifle]] combination due to the extreme tracking abilities of the Plasma Pistol's charged shot as well as the relative ease of achieving headshots with the [[Battle Rifle]]. The "noob combo" is controversial amongst players. Some regard it as cheap while others laud it for its effectiveness. In Halo 2 and Halo 3, the Plasma Pistol is dual-wieldable, allowing the player to use its shield-breaking abilities in concert with another weapon, such as an SMG or pistol. In any Halo game, it is possible to use the Plasma Pistol in conjunction with melee what is called a Plasma Punch. The way you do this is charge up an overcharge shot, and then release it at close range just before using a [[melee]] attack. In Halo 1 and 2 (in auto-update 1.1) it should only take one or two melee attacks to kill, and you can melee right after firing. In Halo 3 it is much more effective, as a melee attack after the shields are gone will guarantee a kill. Waiting in halls or buildings which force your enemy into CQB is an effective strategy. It is also effective for a multiplayer game of Juggernaut, as one fully charged shot can deplete the [[Juggernaut]]'s shield, effectively making the Juggernaut more vulnerable to basic firepower. 

In addition, the Plasma pistol now has the feature to "freeze" vehicles, making the vehicles more vulnerable. That time could be used to avoid being run over, or to finish a fleeing one off. Which is home to another combo, overcharged plasma shot a vehicle to 'freeze' it, then switch to a rocket launcher to destroy a vehicle. Some call it 'Plasma Rocket'.

However, it is necessary to remember the weapon's tracking capabilities have been reduced in both [[Halo: Combat Evolved|Halo 1]] and [[Halo 2]]'s Multiplayer mode, ensuring that other weapons or the standard usage of the pistol may be superior in some extreme situations.

The Plasma Pistol can be used to great affect from the back of a [[Mongoose]] using it paired with any weapon, but especially the [[Noob Combo]] can cause havoc on the battlefield. If used properly, this technique can help you lower the shields of many enemies, and quickly, to aid your teammates in mowing them down.

=== Disadvantages ===
[[Image:1211330652 300px-PlasmaRifleHeader.jpg|thumb|right|A plasma pistol overload in mid flight.]]
[[Image:OverheatingPlasmaPistol.jpg|thumb|right|The Plasma Pistol overheating]]
The Plasma Pistol will overheat when fired nonstop for extended periods of time, or if the overcharged shot is released, which render the weapon completely useless for several seconds. Also, the weapon, while accurate at shorter ranges, has somewhat of a limited long-range accuracy due to the relatively low velocity of its shots (as compared to most other weapons). It is also a very weak weapon when shot normally, taking several shots to wear out a target's shielding and doing almost no damage to an unshielded enemy.  The weapon's battery cannot be recharged, and thus it must be discarded when the battery is fully depleted. In [[Halo 2]], the overcharged shot is only capable of depleting energy shields and will not kill any enemy, except [[Sentinels]]. The [[Halo 2]] Plasma Pistol's regular shots are also noticeably weak and ineffective. It is noted, though, that on higher difficulties heavy plasma pistol fire will quickly deplete your shields. In [[Halo 3]], holding down the trigger to maintain an overcharged shot will deplete the battery gradually. Another disadvantage to this weapon is its now-reduced ability to follow the opponent. This is very rarely a weapon of choice, for most players, unless they wish to use the [[Noob Combo]], which is a combination of the plasma pistol with another weapon that can do high physical damage to quickly kill the enemy. Although the plasma pistol cripples any vehicles rendering them unmovable for a time they can still fire any weapons they have i.e.; a [[Wraith]] can still fire its plasma mortar.

== Description and Appearance==
[[Image:Plasma Pistol Render.gif|left|thumb|A render of the Plasma Pistol]]
The '''Plasma Pistol''' is capable of quickly firing low-powered shots, or of firing a single high-powered blast which tracks its target to some degree depending on the game. This blast is capable of immediately dissipating [[Spartans]], [[Elites]], [[Jackal Point Defense Gauntlets]] and immediately destroys the [[Brute's]] battle armor. The amount of battery power it consumes when fired depends on the firing mode used and it varies from game to game. In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], its standard fire depletes 1% of its battery for every three shots, while one overcharge shot will deplete 11% of its battery. In [[Halo 2]], it averages 5 standard shots for every 2% of its battery, while charged shots deplete 15% of the battery. In [[Halo 3]], the battery continually depletes if the trigger is held down for an overcharged shot, and uses 10% upon firing. The core power output is, like the [[Plasma Rifle]], 100-150 Kv @ 2-3 dA, but, when overcharged, the power output is 1.5 Mv @ 2-3 dA.

The offensive capabilities of the weapon have varied somewhat from game to game. For example, in Halo: Combat Evolved, the standard shots were, like the [[Plasma Rifle]], capable of briefly stunning an enemy. This ability is absent in Halo 2 and Halo 3. Also, the standard shots are much weaker in Halo 2 and Halo 3 than in Halo: Combat Evolved. The tracking abilities of the overcharged shots have varied as well. While they have a slight homing ability in Halo 2 and Halo 3, they are more difficult to dodge in Halo 1.

==Internal Mechanism ==

How the '''Plasma Pistol''''s firing mechanism functions is unknown, but it has been suggested that an electrical current from the battery is passed between the 'prongs', ionizing the surrounding gas into a [[plasma]] bolt and this is then propelled forwards by an electromagnet. This is what causes the weapon to overheat - if the weapon used stored plasma it would super-cool, not heat. However, this is hypothesized and it is still not known exactly how the weapon functions.

In [[Halo 2]], [[Halo 3]] or Halo, if your character remains idle for a moment while holding a Plasma Pistol, your character will open it and you will be able to see the internal mechanisms of the pistol.

==Melee==

The Plasma Pistol is extremely delicate and cannot withstand hard impacts as the [[Plasma Rifle]] can, so, instead of using the weapon to knock the enemy out, the player delivers a strong punch.

The melee action has changed through the games. In the first Halo game, the [[Master Chief]] used his right arm to punch the enemy. To do this, the Chief would hold the Plasma Pistol in his left hand (which was in a supportive position underneath the weapon) and do a quick swing with his right arm. Ironically, the third person model still punched with his left hand. It was the fastest melee in Halo: Combat Evolved, and comparably the strongest. 

In [[Halo 2]], this was changed, and the player punched with the left (free) hand, while keeping a hold on the trigger with his right. Also, the punch switches between a swing and a direct punch.

==Changes from [[Halo: Combat Evolved|Halo: CE]] to [[Halo 2]]==
*Melee changed (see above).
*Overload shot trail was removed.
*Cannot fire a standard shot as fast as the Halo: CE counterpart.
*Overload is slower but tracks much better.
*Overloads do not kick up as much dirt, dust, and debris as the Halo: CE counterpart.
*Overloads do no damage to unshielded targets.
*It is able to be dual-wielded as with many other weaponry.
*It is noticeably weaker and almost useless (except an  overload).
*It is much weaker in [[Halo 2]], while in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] it was a great use in battles.
*An overload shot cannot kill an enemy no more it will just lower an enemies shield.

==Changes from [[Halo 2]] to [[Halo 3]]==
*Maintaining an overload decreases battery.
*Gun takes slightly longer to cool down after overheating.
*If an overload collides with a vehicle, it is temporarily disabled and has the same effect of the [[Power Drain]].
*Overload is faster.
*It only "homes" in small-range strife's, rarely does it seek out enemies like its counterpart in Halo 2.
*Green electricity is present between the "prongs" of the plasma pistol.
*Energy Pulses released from overcharging do not track as well
*When wielding, if you look at the shadow of the gun, you can see a little "cap" on the posterior end, which is actually the overheating hologram.
*The overcharge has green electricity surrounding it.

== UNSC Remarks ==
[[Image:1179249481.jpg|thumb|right|Dual overcharged Plasma Pistols in action.]]
“The trigger is soft—no feedback—there’s no break that tells you when the overcharge is gonna kick in. First time I did it was by accident and it damn near sprained my wrist.”

“It’s a damned ray gun—how come we don’t have ray guns?”

“It’s great in built-up areas and clearing buildings. Anything over a couple dozen meters though? Not so much.”

“How the foxtrot does it track anything? Whatever—I guess that’s why I carry an [[MA5]]  instead of a TACPAD.” 

“It’s just the right size and it feels good in your hands, but give me a [[M7]] or an [[MA5]] any day of the week.”

“The Type-25 DEP is the bread and butter of [[Covenant]] small arms—almost as common as the [[MA5]] is with the [[UNSC]]. After the [[Covenant Carrier]] jumped there were some areas of [[Mombasa]] where plasma pistols covered the ground like leaves—that maneuver killed a bunch of dudes on both sides.”

== Influences ==

The Plasma Pistol was inspired by the human "Zeus-class fusion pistol" from the ''[[Marathon]]'' series. Like the fusion pistol, the Plasma Pistol is a reasonably damaging single-shot weapon with an overcharge mode. However, the fusion pistol's overcharge was far more damaging and could kill nearly any enemy in the game, with one caveat: if the gun was left overcharged for too long, it would explode, killing its wielder.

== Character Compatibility ==

*[[Grunts]]  
*[[Elites]]
*[[Jackals]]
*[[Drones]]
*[[Spartans]]     
*[[Marines]] - In [[Halo: CE]], replacing the [[Assault Rifle]], etc. with the Plasma Pistol so the Marines use it won't work, they can't wield Plasma Pistols.
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form|Combat Form]]s

[[Image:PRshot2.jpg|right|thumb|A Plasma Pistol's bolt in mid-flight.]]

== No hud glitch ==
This glitch is only do able in [[Halo 2]] the way to do this is by picking a game of normal oddball, then go to quick options and pick the plasma pistol as your first weapon then pick no second weapon and no weapons on map, after all you start the game and go to the skull when you see it charge the plasma pistol and run to the skull and press X but be sure to get back as fast as you can so you won't get your weapon back and when this is done you will see you don't have a crosshair and no gun but you will still have the grenade, shields, and radar hud. Also this trick makes it easier to make your own machinima.

== Trivia ==
*In [[Halo 3]], if you hold the overcharge you can drain the entire battery. This feature is exclusive to [[Halo 3]], in Halo CE and Halo 2 you can hold the overcharge feature for as long as you want.
*The Plasma Pistol was designed by [[Robt McLees]].
*In the popular machinima series [[Red vs. Blue]], Medical Officer "Doc" Dufresne uses the plasma pistol as a medical device of some kind. It seems to have the abilities of multiple medical tools rolled into one. It is also used as a switch to accidentally activate a bomb in Pvt. Church.
*In Halo 2, if you hit the power cell on a [[Ghost]] with an overcharge shot it will explode, destroying the vehicle and killing the driver, though it is hard to do in actual combat due to the [[Ghost]]'s high speed and maneuverability.
*In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] you can press the trigger rapidly enough to fire the weapon faster than the [[Plasma Rifle]], although it overheats at a ridiculously high rate.
*In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] the plasma pistol bolts will drop over extremely long ranges.
*In [[Halo 3]], slowly releasing the trigger while overcharging will cause the weapon to stop its charge.  In [[Halo: CE]] and [[Halo 2]], slowly removing the trigger to its original position does nothing, and causes the weapon to fire the shot.
*In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] the plasma pistol can light up even when empty.
* In [[Halo 3]], it is the only [[dual-wield]]able weapon that does not cause less damage per shot when dual wielded then when single wielded. (26 head/body shots single or dual wielded to kill with normal shields; as compared to the M6G that takes 5 head or 8 body single wield but 7 head or 11 body when dual wielded).
*In [[Halo 3]], a Plasma Pistol can not kill you unless there are many of them coming at you when your shields are down.
*The Plasma Pistol in [[Halo 3]] can temporarily disable a vehicle of almost any type (excluding the [[Elephant]], [[Phantom]], and [[Scarab]]) if over charged.
*In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], if you remain idle while wielding a Plasma Pistol, [[Master Chief]] will pull off the top off the pistol, showing what seems to be a power cell. In [[Halo 3]], this happens if it is overcharged.
*Its designation number is yet another reference to the number [[7]]. 2+5=7
*It was the first Covenant weapon seen by [[human]]s.
*There was a popular [[MOD]] in [[Halo 2]] which made the Plasma Pistol fire tires and charged up shots fired by a [[Banshee]].
*It is possible to achieve a glitch in Halo PC Multiplayer through use of a Plasma Pistol. First, you will probably need someone who isn't playing. Next, kill them with ONLY overcharges. After he falls, you should have no weapons in your hand. Everything else is still there. 
*In Halo CE, if your plasma pistol is running low on energy, (less then 10%) when you fire it, then it will occasionally splutter and refuse to fire. This may be due to the fact that the power cell is unable to focus the remaining energy into a ball of plasma.
*It is also possible to have a zero percent energy bar, as 3 shots deplete 1% of your battery, to fire an overcharged shot. However, it does not always work and can result in mere plasma blooming.
*Jackals, unlike Grunts, utilize the Overcharge ability to take down your shields.
*The pistol can deplete its battery by seven on single shots before overheating.
*When given a plasma pistol, some [[Elites]] will say,"Do I look like a [[Grunt]] to you?" 
*When the Plasma Pistol is overcharged and aimed at an enemy within tracking range the reticule shrinks, indicating a successful lock. 
*In the Halo 3 meta-game, if a vehicle is "pistol whipped" and subsequently destroyed, the player receives a green medal with a border of gold.
*In Halo 2, If you switch a charging Plasma pistol for some thing, you will drop the pistol even if it is your only weapon
*[[Dadab]] is the only known Grunt who utilized the overcharge of the Plasma Pistol.
*There is a glitch in [[Halo 2]] where a charged shot looks like a square.
*Use the overcharge in conjuction with a head shot kill to earn the EMP medal in the Halo 3 Meta Campaign.
*The [[Halo 3]] plasma pistol is the only one so far to feature green electricity between the "prongs" of the weapon.
*When the [[Halo 3]] Global Heatmaps are viewed and sorted by weapon, there are no kills by Plasma Pistol, due to the fact it is used to take down enemy shield, then followed up by melee or another weapon, or to take down vehicles. Although this apears to be false as in the player dartguts has killed 1 enemy in ranked matchmaking with just the plasma pistol.[source bungie.net dartguts]
*In ''Halo 3'', it takes ''7'' single shots from a Plasma Pistol to detonate an active [[Tripmine]]. Another ''seven'' reference.
*Despite the [[Halo 3]] plasma pistol being very weak normally, it is a valuable weapon when used in conjunction with the [[Tilt Skull]].
*In [[Halo 3]] [[meta-game]], if you lower an enemy's shields with an overcharged shot, then proceed to headshot that enemy, you will receive the [[EMP Medal]], however this must be done to a shielded enemy (i.e., a [[Brute]]).
*In [[Halo 3]], if you hold the plasma pistol's charge long enough to deplete the entire battery, as soon as the charge counter reads 0, the plasma pistol will release its overcharged shot immediately.
*The overcharged shot of the [[Halo 3]] plasma pistol works similarly to the [[power drain]] if used on vehicles. If the overcharged shot comes into contact with any manned vehicle, that vehicle will be temporarily rendered useless, leaving the driver shieldless and open to fatal enemy fire. However, it should be noted that it is much harder to shoot a vehicle with an overcharge than it is to hit a person, because they move faster, and the lock on feature of the overcharge cannot home in as well on faster moving objects.
*In [[Halo 3]], if you look at your shadow whilst holding a plasma pistol, you may notice a "cap" like protrusion on the back of the gun. This is actually the hologram on the gun that indicates if it is overheated.
*The [[Halo 3]] plasma pistol overcharge has green electricity surrounding it, making it look very similar to the charging of an [[Assault Cannon]].

== Links ==

*[http://h2.halowiki.net/p/Plasma_Pistol http://h2.halowiki.net/p/Plasma_Pistol]

== References ==
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[[Category:The Covenant]]

[[Category:Held Weapons]]

[[Category:Weapons]]

[[Category:Covenant Weapons]]