Editing M'tara-pattern focus rifle

{{Title|''M'tara''-pattern focus rifle}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Weapon infobox
|name=''M'tara''-pattern Fire Rifle
|image=[[File:HaloReach-FocusRifle-Profile.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=[[Assembly Forges]]{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=71}}{{Ref/Site|Id=WP09|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/focus-rifle/5877d3be-206a-477c-892a-67ff5094e284|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Focus Rifle|D=28|M=09|Y=2011|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Weapons#Focus Rifle}}{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/focus-rifle|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Focus Rifle|D=14|M=5|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}}{{Ref/Book|Id=EN|Enc22|Page=293}}
|series=
|type=[[Particle beam rifle]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|cost=
|variant=
|service=*[[Human-Covenant War]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|length={{Convert|57.2|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|WP09}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}}{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}
|width={{Convert|7.9|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|height={{Convert|24.3|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|weight={{Convert|37.7|lb|kg|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}}
|ammotype=[[Plasma|Electromagnetically guided plasma]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}}
|capacity=
|feed=100-shot pulsed power cell{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}}
|operation=Plasma generator{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}}
|rate=Fully automatic{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}}
|velocity=Near-instantaneous
|optics=3.5× and 9.5× magnification{{Ref/Reuse|WP09}}{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}
|range=
}}
The '''''M'tara''-pattern Fire Rifle''' {{Type|52|Special Applications Rifle|SAR}}{{Ref/Site|Id=bnet|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=25436|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo: Reach Intel - Ordnance - Focus Rifle|D=7|M=2|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Reuse|WP09}} commonly known as the '''focus rifle''', is a [[directed-energy weapon]] used by the [[Covenant]].{{Ref/Reuse|EN}} The marksman rifle is in the same "lineage" as [[particle beam rifle]]s such as the {{Pattern|Zubo|beam rifle}} and the {{Pattern|Sulok|beam rifle}}.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}

==Overview==
===Design details===
[[File:Focusrifle.png|thumb|200px|left|The HUD icon for the focus rifle.]]
The focus rifle is a [[sniper]]-style weapon based on reverse-engineered [[Forerunner]] technology.{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}{{Ref/Reuse|WP09}} Despite its visual similarities to the {{Pattern|Sulok|beam rifle}}, it functions quite differently, being designed for ranged suppression rather than for anti-personnel roles. The smooth and organic appearance and purple coloration of the weapon are reflective of typical Covenant aesthetic tendencies, as such, its ergonomic grip is designed for [[Sangheili]] use. Although powerful and intimidating, the combat effectiveness focus rifle is crippled by several glaring flaws in the design. The beam fired by the weapon is extraordinarily visible; firing the weapon immediately reveals the user's position. Although highly effective at depleting shields, the weapon is only marginally effective against armored targets, causing negligible damage to vehicles and requiring continuous fire to ensure lethality against organic targets. If the weapon overheats, it will automatically vent excess plasma, burning the user and rendering the weapon inoperable for several seconds.

===Operation===
The focus rifle copies some elements of the [[Sentinel beam|sterilization beams]] employed by [[Aggressor Sentinel]]s{{Ref/Reuse|WP09}}{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}} and [[Z-510 focus turret|focus turrets]]{{Ref/Book|H4EVG|Page=103}}, though the magnetic accelerators and particle guide beam emitters are novel creations of Covenant origin. These features present a counterpoint to the idea that the Covenant never innovated when it comes to technological development.{{Ref/Book|Id=OSFM|OSFM|Page=193}} The focus rifle's electromagnetic compositors are a design shared with the {{Pattern|Elutuzem|stalker rifle}}.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=479}} Instead of firing a single beam of ionised hydrogen in one shot like the Covenant [[particle beam rifle]]s, the rifle fires a continuous purple-tinted beam of magnetically contained plasma, similar in operation to a [[Sentinel Beam]], the [[Forerunner]] weapon from which the ''M'tara'' was reverse-engineered. The plasma is formed in a cylindrical module and directed through a channel of electromagnetic coils, forming a precise beam. Like most Covenant infantry weapons, the weapon draws its power from a battery. The weapon requires high power expenditure and the battery is easily depleted.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|WP09}} The exact mechanism by which it functions was under investigation by the [[United Nations Space Command]] as of August 2552,{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}} and remains mysterious even as of the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|post-war era]].{{Ref/Reuse|WP09}}

The weapon's name and visual appearance suggest a shared operating mechanism with the larger [[Scarab]]-mounted [[focus cannon]].

===Scope===
The weapon is equipped with a 3.5-9.5× magnification scope and uses the same [[smart-link]] firmware as Covenant particle beam rifles, but uses a different scope. As with the particle beam rifle, the smart-link feed shows the weapon's remaining power and accumulated heat level. The link also displays diagnostic information and allows semi-automatic adjustment of the plasma beam angle when interlinked with the hardware in [[Sangheili harness|Sangheili combat harnesses]] or [[Kig-Yar targeting headgear|Kig-Yar marksman sets]]. This provides a limited amount of moving-target tracking without the firer having to adjust their aim point at distant targets.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} These targeting protocols are unusual and incompatible with most interlink translation software.{{Ref/Reuse|WP09}}{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}}

==History==
Because of the focus rifle's tremendous power requirements which the Covenant was unable to solve, the weapon was primarily utilized by shock troops or used to lay down suppressive fire. Although several patterns were produced, only the ''M'tara''-pattern saw extensive usage throughout the [[Human-Covenant War]], most notably during the [[Fall of Reach]].{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}

==In-game information==
===''Halo: Reach''===
{{Main|Focus Rifle (gameplay)}}
*It deals relatively low damage compared with the [[sniper rifle]], and it is quite visible and audible when firing. Despite this, if a target is unaware or caught in the open they are very easy targets; the focus rifle can eliminate a fully shielded Spartan in mere seconds, making it a very effective long-range suppression and support weapon. 
*On the [[Firefight]] map [[Waterfront]], [[Kig-Yar sniper]]s with focus rifles will spawn on one of the background hills, and can be deadly to weakened players who are not aware of their surroundings.

==Trivia==
*The [[Forge/Halo: Reach|Forge]] [[Monitor]] in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' appears to possess a focus rifle. It appears at the top right when the player first switches from a [[Spartan]] to a [[Monitor]]. In the game files, the monitor's weapon has the id <code>monitor_beam</code>.
*The focus rifle is mainly used by [[Sangheili Ranger]]s, [[Kig-Yar Sniper]]s and occasionally some [[Skirmishers]] and rarely other Sangheili. 
*In ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'' and ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'', the focus rifle is only carried by Sangheili Majors.
*The focus rifle was one of the few weapons found in Bungie's 30th Anniversary Event as the first Legendary Trace Rifle called "[[destinypedia:Retraced Path|Retraced Path]]", in ''Destiny 2''.

==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of M'tara-pattern focus rifle}}
===Development images===
<gallery>
File:HR FocusRifle Concept 1.jpg|Initial silhouette exploration for the focus rifle.
File:HR_FocusRifle_Concept_2.jpg|Functional detail refinement for the focus rifle.
File:HR_FocusRifle_Concept_3.jpg|Finalised modelsheet for the focus rifle.
File:HR EarlyFocusRifles 1.png|Early models for the focus rifle in early ''Halo: Reach'' builds, bearing more resemblance to the concept art.
File:HR EarlyFocusRifles 2.png|Early models for the focus rifle in early ''Halo: Reach'' builds, bearing more resemblance to the concept art.
File:Reach FocusRifle Beta.jpg|A Spartan-III firing the focus rifle during the [[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta|''Halo: Reach'' Multiplayer Beta]].
File:focus rifle.jpg|First-person view of the focus rifle during the ''Halo: Reach'' Multiplayer Beta.
File:Halo-reach-20100428014611035.jpg|First-person view of the focus rifle firing during the ''Halo: Reach'' Multiplayer Beta.
File:Halo-reach-20100428021521247.jpg|View through the focus rifle's scope, with a Spartan almost dead center during the ''Halo: Reach'' Multiplayer Beta.
File:Halo-reach-20100428021430811.jpg|View through the focus rifle's scope, with the beam striking a Spartan's shields during the ''Halo: Reach'' Multiplayer Beta.
File:Render - focusrifle.jpg|Renders for the focus rifle.
</gallery>
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:T52sar_ref.jpg|A turnaround reference of the focus rifle in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Focus_Rifle_Cropped.png|Angled view of the focus rifle in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR-T52SARFocusRifle-Side.png|Profile view of the focus rifle in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HReach - Ranger Sangheili.png|A Sangheili Ranger wielding the focus rifle in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HTMCC-HR EliteRanger&FocusRifle 1.png|A [[Sangheili Ranger]] wielding the focus rifle in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HTMCC-HR EliteRanger&FocusRifle 2.png|A Sangheili Ranger firing the focus rifle in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Reach 4612386 Full.jpg|A [[Skirmisher Murmillo]] wielding the focus rifle in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Unknown Beam Weapon-Covenant.jpg|A [[Spartan-III Program|Spartan]] firing the focus rifle in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR_FocusRifle_Overheat.png|First-person view of a focus rifle overheating in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HSA-FocusRifleDefense.jpg|[[Sarah Palmer]] using a focus rifle during the [[Battle of Draetheus V]] in ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''.
File:HSS-Gameplay-Shielded.jpg|A [[Unidentified Spartan-IV|Spartan]] and Sangheili [[Field Master]] exchange focus rifle fire during the [[Battle of Installation 03]] in ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
*''[[Halo: Flashpoint]]''

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

{{Covenant rifles}}
[[Category:Covenant infantry weapons]]
[[Category:Directed-energy weapons]]
[[Category:Infantry plasma weapons]]