Editing Noob Combo

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{{Status|Gameplay}}
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{{era|H2|H3}}


'''Noob Combo''' is a term coined by multiplayer gamers shortly after the release of ''[[Halo 2]]''. However, the original idea came from ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', albeit a modified version. It is typically used to refer to the combination of a [[Plasma Pistol]] overcharge and a semiautomatic or burst-fire weapon, such as a [[Magnum]] or a [[Battle Rifle]], though it can also refer to other [[weapon]] pairings, but not as commonly. The idea is that a noob combo can be used in [[multiplayer]] games to gain quick, easy (and arguably "noobish") kills.
The so-called '''"Noob Combo"''', also known as the '''Newb Combo''' (or as [[Bungie]] calls it, the '''"EMP Combo"'''), is the combination of the [[Plasma Pistol]] and a [[Battle Rifle]], [[Carbine]], or [[Magnum]]. The Plasma Pistol and a Magnum is the most commonly used noob combo, due to the [[Magnum|Magnum's]] accuracy and the fact that you don't have to switch [[weapons]] and aim again, though this isn't too hard. Often one will be walking and hear the splash of the Plasma Pistol being fired only to turn around and be hit in the face with the green [[plasma]] burst and then shot in the head with the Battle Rifle, Carbine or Magnum. This combo is especially effective on [[Beaver Creek]] and [[Colossus]], often turning the tide of games. This tactic was considered so unbalanced that Bungie attempted to remove it from the game by implementing the new Battle Rifle game type which removes all [[Covenant]] weapons from the map. This was largely ineffective, as most people simply avoided it. They also made a [[Team ActionSack]] game type for it called "combo training". Later Bungie managed to effectively eliminate this problem when the [[Halo 3 Beta]] came out. Bungie made the charged shot of the plasma pistol travel much faster causing it to have very little maneuverability. Also players that hold the new plasma pistol ready to release an overcharged plasma shot are forced to deal with an ever decreasing battery power the longer the player holds down on the trigger.


== Background ==
Whether or not this weapon combination is actually a sign of being a "[[noob]]" is up for debate. While it is indeed a powerful and arguably imbalanced combination, it does require some skill to use. Correctly using these weapons however, is not a trait of a new player; even a player who would normally lose to a more skilled player can kill him/her at least once with it. The main distinction being that a skilled player will survive the counterattack and go on to get a spree, while an actual new player will easily be taken down once the initial surprise is gone.
The basic technique is to sneak up on a player and hit them with a Plasma Pistol overcharge. The overcharged [[plasma]] bolt will drain the victim's shields, allowing the attacker to finish them off with a [[headshot]]. The most common noob combo is the combination of a Plasma Pistol and Battle Rifle. Another popular combination is of the Plasma Pistol and Magnum -- [[dual-wielding|dual-wielded]], of course, to remove the need to switch weapons—as the Magnum is sufficiently accurate at medium range.  


''[[Halo 3]]''<nowiki/>'s Plasma Pistol was altered; the overcharge shot's homing ability was weakened, and the projectile's speed was reduced. A new feature was also implemented: "holding" an overcharged shot will continuously drain a Plasma Pistol's battery. This effectively caused a drastic decrease in the use of the noob combo.
== Combinations ==
===Plasma Pistol===
#[[Battle Rifle]] and [[Plasma pistol]]
#[[Carbine]] and [[Plasma pistol]]
#[[Dual wielding]] [[Magnum]] and [[Plasma Pistol]]
#[[M6D Pistol]] and [[Plasma Pistol]]


In ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' and all subsequent games, the lack of dual wield makes this technique slightly harder than before. However, in the Campaign, enemies are usually stunned when their shields are drained, giving the player time to switch to a finishing weapon.
Note: The noob combo is executable only with a Plasma Pistol and a close range [[headshot]]-capable weapon. Many gamers consider dual wielding the [[SMG]] or the Pistol with a [[Plasma Pistol]] or Plasma Rifle an "honorable" noob combo. However, this combo is very useful in campaign, especially on the higher difficulties.


Whether or not these weapon combinations are actually "noobish" is up for debate. Detractors of these combinations have argued that they are overpowered, unbalanced, and do not require much skill. Proponents of the infamous "noob combo" argue that a truly skilled player can survive a noob combo and kill anyone who dares to try one, even though this is highly unlikely due to the speed of the combo and the unfairness of the defender having been instanly drained of their shields. Some people believe that 'noob Combo' should refer to the action, not the weapons.
===Plasma Rifle combos===
#[[Dual Wielding]] [[SMG]] and [[Plasma Rifle]]
#[[Dual Wielding]] [[Spiker]] and [[Plasma Rifle]]
#[[Dual Wielding]] [[Magnum]] and [[Plasma Rifle]]


== Counter ==
===Melee combos===
In ''Halo 2'', a player can block a noob combo through various means. One method involves a defender who dual-wields weapons and melees when the attacker's overcharged Plasma Pistol shot is about to hit. The melee forces the defender to drop a weapon; if timed right, the attacker's plasma bolt will hit the defender's dropped weapon as it falls. Plasma Rifles work well, due to their bulky heads.
#[[Mauler]] followed by a close melee.
#[[Mauler]] duel-wielded with [[plasma pistol]]
#[[Plasma Pistol]] followed by a close melee.
#[[Plasma Pistol]] and a single [[Brute Shot]] slug or [[grenade]].
#[[Dual Wielding]] [[Mauler]] and [[Spiker]]
#[[Brute Shot]] slug with quick melee.


Alternatively, a well-timed grenade can block an overcharged Plasma Pistol shot. [[Anskum-pattern plasma grenade|Plasma]] and [[Frag Grenade|Frag]] Grenades both work, though it is not known which is more effective. Some argue that an overcharged plasma bolt homes in on Plasma Grenades better, while others contend that Frag Grenades are thrown faster. In ''Halo 3'', this counter-strategy (when used with a Frag Grenade) has the added bonus of injuring the opponent—if the defender's grenade is thrown just as the plasma bolt is fired, the bolt will detonate the grenade in front of the attacker.
===Automatic Weapon Combos===
#Charged [[Plasma pistol]] followed by [[SMG]]
#Charged [[Plasma pistol]] followed by [[Dual Wielding]] [[SMG]]
#Charged [[Plasma pistol]] followed by [[Assault Rifle]]
#Charged [[Plasma pistol]] followed by [[Plasma Rifle]]
#Charged [[Plasma pistol]] followed by [[Dual Wielding]] [[Plasma Rifle]]


When the aim is to stop a combo in progress (after having been hit by the overcharged plasma shot), a defender can lob a Frag Grenade at the attacker and then crouch. The attacker's attempt to line up a headshot will be slowed down by the defender's crouching, and the grenade will hopefully distract the attacker long enough for the defender's shields to recharge somewhat. Plasma Grenades should not be used, as they take longer to detonate.
==Blocking the Attack==


== Uses ==
It is possible to block the combo. The solutions are listed below.
Despite the negative stigma surrounding the Noob Combo, it remains a very common tactic in multiplayer. It is also extremely useful when playing the games' [[Campaign]]s and [[Firefight]] on higher difficulties, especially against powerful enemies such as [[Zealots]] and [[Spec Ops Elite]]s. It is of limited use against either varieties of [[Brute]] [[Brute Chieftain|Chieftains]], but against the rest of the Brute ranks found in ''Halo 3'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' it is devastating, removing their armor making the follow up headshot, usually lethal. ''Halo 3: ODST'' encourages the latter usage, granting players [[My Clothes!|an achievement]] for earning ten kills with the combo. In ''Halo: Reach'', the noob combo is less effective against high-ranking enemies. [[Sangheili Zealot]]s and Brute Chieftains gain shields that can withstand multiple overcharges, and are prone to dodge the projectile despite its homing effect.


== Trivia ==
*You <b>must</b> be dual wielding and facing your opponent. Wait until the plasma bolt is about to hit you, then quickly [[melee]]. If done correctly (with proper and ample time), the plasma bolt will hit the weapon you just threw out. It seems best to drop a [[Plasma Rifle]] as it has a bulky head.
*The Noob Combo has seen one use in the canon, during the bonus cutscene "[[Another Day at the Beach]]".
*The combo has to be used to earn the [[My Clothes!]] achievement in ''Halo 3: ODST''.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=37284756'''Bungie.net''': ''Halo 3: ODST Forum : What is an EMP?'']</ref>


==Sources==
*A second method which can block the n00b combo is to hit the discharged shot with a grenade. [[Plasma Grenade|Plasma]] and [[Frag Grenade|Frag Grenades]] both work. It is argued that a plasma grenade is better, because it is a glowing ball of energy that the discharged bolt will home on, while some believe that Frags are better because they fly through the air faster. The Plasma Pistol overcharge may also set off a Frag Grenade that is thrown at it, injuring the person attempting to block the overcharge. However, that only applies in [[Halo 3]].
{{Ref/Sources}}


[[Category:Multiplayer lexicon]]
*Another tactic, which should only be used as a last resort, is to lob a Fragmentation Grenade in the direction of the blast and then crouch. While the person using the combo is attempting to line up a headshot (slowed down slightly by you crouching), the frag grenade should knock them off balance long enough for your shields to recharge a bit, or kill them if you're really lucky. Don't use a Plasma Grenade because you want an explode-on-impact grenade.
 
*It may also be evaded. Examples are to jump sideways or move behind a wall. This can be difficult in open areas because of the way the overload tracks targets.
 
[[Category:Multiplayer Lexicon]]

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