Editing Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle

{{era|H1|H2|H3|HW|FOR|TF|FS|GOO|TCP|HGN|HE|LE|}}

{{ratings}}

<center>''Were you looking for the [[Brute]]-preferred variant of the [[Brute Plasma Rifle|Plasma Rifle]] used in [[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3: ODST]]?''</center>
{{Weapon
|  image=[[Image:Plasmarifle.jpg|300px]]
| name=Plasma Rifle
| manufacturer=[[Covenant Empire|Covenant]]
| model=Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle
| [[UNSC]] Counterpart=
| type=Rifle
| cost=unknown
| size=Handheld, Single Handed ([[Dual Wield]]able)
*length (o/a): 66 cm (26 in.)
*width: 17.7 centimeters
*height: 37.8 centimeters
*weight: 5.8 kg (13 lbs)
| damage per hit=Medium
*10 DU (Halo 1)<ref>http://www.bungie.net/Games/HaloPC/page.aspx?section=Guides&subsection=WeaponsVehiclesPages&page=2</ref>
| magazine=100 Battery Units
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'': 200 shots
*''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]'': 400 shots
| maxammo=100 Battery Units
| fire=Semi-Automatic, Automatic
| ammotype=Superheated Plasma
| operation=All Purpose
| rate of fire=High, 360~540 shots/min
| velocity=126 m/s (413 f/s)
| accuracy=Moderate
| range=Short to Medium Range
*50 meters (155 ft)
| era=
| counterpart=
*Human:
**''Halo 1'': [[MA5B Assault Rifle]]
**''Halo 2'': [[SMG]]
**''Halo 3'': [[SMG]]    1
*Brute:
**''Halo 2'': [[Brute Plasma Rifle]]
**''Halo 3'': [[Type-25 Carbine]]
| counterwep=See [[Plasma_Rifle#Counterweapons|below]].
| affiliation=[[Covenant Empire|Covenant]], later [[Covenant Loyalist]] and [[Covenant Separatist]]
}}

{{Quote|You know, it looks delicate and so you feel like you need to hold it kinda gingerly—but then you see an [[Elite]] crack a [[Jiralhanae|Bravo Kilo]]s head with one—the things are built tough.|Anonymous Serviceman}}

The '''Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle''',<ref>http://www.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3plasmarifle</ref> more commonly known as the '''Plasma Rifle''', is a [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] infantry weapon.

==Design Details==


 
[[Image:Plasma-rifle 02.png|thumb|left|160px|A Plasma Rifle's schematics.]]

A plasma rifle is a Covenant directed energy weapon that uses superheated ionized gas called [[Plasma]] instead of projectile ammunition. The weapon has a power output of 100-150 KV @ 2~3 dA, and can fire 360~540 rounds per minute. Unlike the [[Plasma Pistol]], the plasma rifle is capable of semi-automatic, and full automatic fire, this is thanks in part to its dual plasma collimator design. Placed atop one another, these collimators fire in a "stagger" taking the slow automatic fire of each individual collimator and combining it, this design allows a faster rate of fire and more rounds per second, which adds to the lethality of the weapon. Taking fire from the Type-25 DER can cause severe 2nd, 3rd, and in some cases, 4th degree burns (a 4th degree burn completely burns away all flesh, leaving only bone tissue). The Type-25 DER is the primary weapon of the Covenant’s officer corps, used by [[Elites]] and [[Brute]]s, although [[Jackals]] and [[Unggoy|Grunts]] have been seen using this weapon, but not as common. Against UNSC infantry, the Type-25 rifle's lethality is considerably greater than its counterpart the Type-25 pistol, due to the faster rate of fire, injuries inflicted to the victim are severe third-degree burns, with the wound being cauterized instantly upon impact. Even near misses will produce severe burns and heat trauma. Should the plasma impact an object, the impact can create fragments that may come into contact with a victim, with a crippling or lethal effect. Generally two hits from either a plasma pistol or plasma rifle will kill a light, or non armored target. Like its counterpart, over extended periods of firing can overheat the weapon, causing it to become unusable for a short period of time. In the context of the ''Halo'' games, all of the plasma weapons' strength and lethality are compensated for both the sake of ESRB rating and gameplay. 

===Advantages===
The plasma rifle is a close to medium range weapon, and as such can inflict very high damage at range, the plasma rifle can also be used at long range if the user fires slowly and aims carefully by leading the target. The rifle is extremely efficient at killing "soft" targets, while doing lethal amounts of damage to a heavily armored target. Enough infantry equipped with Type-25 rifles can halt enemy infantry advance with its ability to deliver harassing suppressive fire; this tactic is also reflected in the Covenant's combat doctrine: destroy enemy morale with harassing fire from distant or hidden snipers and intimate exposure to the alien-ness of their infantry. SPARTAN-IIs and Elites have the ability to dual-wield plasma rifles doubling their efficiency in close to medium range combat situations. The plasma rifle's high velocity bolt coupled with its kinetic impact to a target can temporarily stun a target like a SPARTAN-II.

===Disadvantages===
The plasma rifle, when fired continuously, overheats very quickly because of the rapid cycling, loading, ignition, and release sequence of energy - to prevent the weapon from being damaged, the Type-25 DER temporarily shuts down and opens heating vents to allow the excess heat to dissipate before the weapon reactivates. This process leaves the weapon inoperable and is useless. Careless infantry who are not aware of the function of the plasma rifle can get themselves killed because of this. Human military experts and scientists do not understand how Covenant plasma weapons work, or how they are recharged; as such when the battery is depleted the rifle must be discarded or replaced. At 10% charge level, the plasma rifle will begin to misfire, this is due to the battery's inability to deliver enough energy to start and complete the ignition and release phase of operation, as such this hampers the operators use of the weapon. 

Although the plasma rifle can strike a target at longer ranges it is not suited for long range combat, this is due to two distinct properties of the weapons operation. The first is the rate of thermal expansion which is determined by the rate of the bloom of the bolt. The second factor is speed; the faster the bolt goes, the farther the bolt will travel before the magnetic field begins to weaken, causing the temperature of the bolt to cool before the magnetic field becomes unstable and finally dissipates. The bolt also loses velocity and kinetic impact with longer travel.

==Changes==

====[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]====
The plasma rifle in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' is far more powerful than its ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]'' counterparts; also the weapon holds the unique ability to stun opponents that were hit by high amount of plasma rounds: this effect greatly reduces the victim's ability to move and dodge the incoming projectiles and allows the user to easily hold the opponent in the weapon's firing arc. However, the drawback was that this effect is only felt with continuous fire. While stunned, the weapon will often overheat before the opponent is killed. Despite this drawback, the stun ability is a useful and potent feature in the hands of an experienced user. Beware that the plasma rifle decreases its accuracy while heating up. However, burst-firing the weapon, releasing 2-3 bolts per firing, can counteract this. In the campaign, the plasma rifle is best used against the [[Sentinels]] and [[Elites]]. You can obtain a fully charged plasma rifle by killing&nbsp;[[Flood|flood]] or killing Elites riding on vehicles such as [[Ghost]]s.

===Changes From Halo: Combat Evolved to [[Halo 2]]===
* The plasma rifle is not as powerful as its predecessor and lacks the ability to stun. It is also noticeably less accurate, especially at long range. These drawbacks are compensated by a higher rate of fire and the ability to dual-wield the weapon, allowing it to be paired with a wide variety of other weapons and creating powerful combinations.

*The changes done to the weapon are directly related to the inclusion of dual-wielding and higher rate of fire. For purposes of balance, the plasma rifle, along with many others from ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', was tweaked to better fit the new game's fighting style. The weapon takes an opponent's shields off with five shots, but it takes many more to kill. This version of the plasma rifle behaves more as a [[SMG]] rather than a rifle.

*It has a higher accuracy, though, when dual wielded, if both rifles are fired simultaneously, the accuracy will greatly decrease.

*The sound effects for the plasma rifle have been changed, to give each weapon a distinct sound for better recognition.

*A new variant, the [[Brute Plasma Rifle]] is introduced.

===Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''[[Halo 3]]''===
*The plasma rifle in ''Halo 3'', is made more powerful than its ''Halo 2'' counterpart but is still weaker than the ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' plasma rifle. Like most of the new weapons in ''Halo 3'', they have the same overheating rate as their predecessors, yet they fire as fast as the [[Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle/Jiralhanae Variant|Brute plasma rifles]] in ''Halo 2''.

*The plasma bolts fired by the plasma rifle and all other plasma weapons in Halo 3&nbsp;have been graphically redesigned to have a more vivid look. The bolts seem to travel faster than those of its previous versions, reducing the need to "lead" or "direct" the shots at mid to long ranges.

*The weapon is more accurate than it was in ''Halo 2'', but still not as accurate as its ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' incarnation.

*After a few shots, the weapon becomes very inaccurate to fire. In ''Halo 3'' multiplayer, it takes eighteen plasma bolts to kill an enemy with normal shields.

==Tips And Strategies==
The plasma rifle has limited uses in [[Multiplayer]] but is still a useful weapon, especially if dual-wielded or if playing on a close-quarters map. In ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'', dual-wielding increases the combined rate of fire and damage. Although its range limits the weapon to close quarter and medium range fire fights, if used properly a player can quickly dispose of a far away enemy but if it's possible you should get in close. It is also advisable to carry a mid to long range weapon such as a [[battle rifle]] or [[sniper rifle]] for backup against targets outside of the plasma rifle's range. It has the fastest melee attack of any weapon except for the [[energy sword]], and its melee is also powerful. In ''Halo 3'', this weapon can easily overpower an Assault Rifle if the melee is used in conjunction well with the energy shield depleting shots, allowing an easy take down, however at medium range the assault rifle is likely to overpower the plasma rifle. The reason for the plasma rifle's superiority is the fact that it is more accurate than the [[assault rifle]], and yet it inflicts a similar, if not larger amounts of damage. This weapon is also&nbsp;useful on [[overshields]].

*In close quarters, like all other weapons, it is preferable to just take out your opponent's energy shield with the plasma rifle, followed by a melee attack.
*Like all plasma-based weaponry, it is great against shields,&nbsp;but it takes a slightly longer time to take down an unshielded opponent compared to human weapons like the assault rifle.

*In ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'', dual wielding in conjunction with a weapon that does high flesh damage (i.e. SMG or Mauler) can be very effective if the rifle is first used to deplete the target's shields, then the additional weapon is used to finish the kill.

*Also while dual wielding plasma rifles, it is usually a good idea not to get too close to the enemy, to aviod them meleeing you while you are dual wielding.

*In maps with the plasma rifle, you should camp in secluded places that many people walk by. The people walking by most likely won't see you; you can take out their shields easily with the Plasma Rifle and then smash them to death.

*In ''Halo 2'', if you pull the trigger fast enough repeatedly, you may fire faster than the default rate of fire compared to when just holding the trigger down.

*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', it is a good idea to carry a Human weapon as a secondary weapon. Use the plasma rifle until it overheats to drain an opponents shield and then shoot them with your secondary weapon. An [[M6D Pistol]] is best used for secondary but an [[MA5B ICWS Assault Rifle|assault rifle]] works well too.

*On the level "[[Cortana (level)|Cortana]]" in ''[[Halo 3]]'', it is useful to dual-wield plasma rifles and pick off more distant Pure Forms, especially the [[Ranged Form]]s, which can shoot you from a long distance. By zooming in, and looking at the bottom of the screen, you will see a few red numbers indicating their distance (of up to 50 metres). Opening short bursts of fire will kill them easily, as they will flinch and cease fire when being shot. Another strategy is to use the [[Brute Shot|brute shot]] for similar purposes.

*In ''Halo 3'', it is recommended you fire in short bursts at medium range to increase your accuracy and conserve battery. 

*When facing Flood [[Combat Form|Combat Forms]], aim for the chest.

==[[UNSC]] Remarks==
*“The Type-25 DER has no recoil to speak of; it tears the crap out of shields and you can shoot the thing all day long—it's on the heavy side though.”
*“I realize that it uses a battery instead of a magazine, but nobody has figured out how to swap it or recharge it yet? Don’t we have scientists working for us or something?”
*“It’s got no sight-line, it’s awkward to hold, and if it overheats it’ll cook the hair right off of your wrists.”
*“You know, it looks delicate and so you feel like you need to hold it kind of gingerly—but then you see an [[Elite]] crack a [[Jiralhanae|Bravo Kilo]]'s head with one—the things are built tough.”
*“Yeah, and I’ve seen some [[Sangheili|Elites]] swinging two of them around like it was nothing—scary shit.”
*"These things are huge—but I guess the [[Elite]]s are, too—so it sorta makes sense."

==Trivia==
*The plasma rifle is a rifle in name only; as such there is an ambiguity in its correct designation as a sub-machine gun.

*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', the Brutes normally wield the [[Brute Plasma Rifle]], except in "[[The Great Journey (Level)|The Great Journey]]" when a vehicle is driven by a Brute. Also in the level "[[Sacred Icon (level)|Sacred Icon]]" you can see that a few dead [[Brute]]s have a plasma rifle beside them showing their use of the normal standard plasma rifle instead of the [[Brute]] version.

*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', if your character remains idle for a minute, he'll inspect the weapon on both sides; in ''Halo 2'' he'll open the cooling vents, and in ''Halo 3'', he'll pull on the top.

*Like most Covenant weapons the plasma rifle has no sights. It appears to rely entirely on the user's HUD reticule for aim assistance.

*In ''Halo 3'' multiplayer, with no damage modifiers on, this weapon has the third lowest shot damage difference between single and dual wield. The [[plasma pistol]] has no difference in shot damage, and the [[Mauler]], when dual wielded, takes one more shot to kill&nbsp;a 2x overshielded enemy, than when single wielded. At normal shields, the shot difference is only two shots (eighteen single, twenty dual), and at 4x overshield the difference is only three shots (thirty-two single, thirty-five dual).

*In ''[[Halo 3]]'' the plasma rifle has a style pattern; this is best seen in well lit areas.

*Laser tag maker Jasman Toys produced a Plasma Rifle laser tag model. There is also a [[plasma pistol]], both of which use the same targeting frequency and are compatible. The rifle has autofire, but "overheats" after 20 rounds and the player must close the thermal vent and wait for it to "cool off".
*In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], the Plasma Rifle has two shots per 1% charge, totaling 200 shots. In ''Halo 2'' and ''3'', it has four, totaling 400 shots.
*Modified Plasma Rifles appeared in ''[[Halo: Cole Protocol]]''. They featured ammo readouts with Arabic numerals and pop-up sights,&nbsp;and were sold to Humans from [[Kig-yar]] black markets. This was seen as a heresy among the rest of the Covenant.
*Plasma Rifles are much rarer in Halo 3 than the other games, possibly because they are much more powerful than the other variants. It could be because the Plasma Rifle is a [[Sangheili]] weapon, and the Jiralhanae prefer to use their own weapons like the Spiker or the [[Mauler]] instead of weapons like the Plasma Rifle or [[Energy Sword]].
*In Halo 2, while playing as the Arbiter, if you look carefully at your allies' their Plasma Rifles are in "overheat" mode.
*In the [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] instruction booklet there is a [[Plasma Rifle]] picture over a picture of the [[Needler]].
*[[Grunt|Grunts]] only need one hand to hold this weapon, compared to the two required for a Marine to hold. But in The Package, grunts are seen holding plasma rifles with two hands.

==Gallery==

&nbsp; <gallery>
Image:1179041973.jpg|In [[Halo 3]], the Plasma Rifle is much more detailed and powerful than the [[Halo 2]] version.
Image:Plasma Rifles.jpg|Two Plasma Rifles in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
Image:SpecOpsElite.jpg|A SpecOps Elite holding a Plasma Rifle. 
Image:Halo-3-20070701114858951.jpg|A [[SPARTAN-II]] welding two Plasma Rifles.
Image:H2V_Compare.png|A comparison between the standard Plasma Rifle and the [[Brute Plasma Rifle]].
Image:Medium 1426911961 254f651d0e o.jpg|An [[Elite Minor]] holding a Plasma Rifle.
</gallery>

==Sources==
<references/>

==Links==
===Internal===
*[[Brute Plasma Rifle]]
*[[Type-25 Carbine]]
*[[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun]]

{{Covenant Weapons}}
[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:Held Weapons]]
[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Covenant Weapons]]
[[Category:Halo: Combat Evolved]]
[[Category:Halo 2]]
[[Category:Halo 3]]
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Title|''Okarda'phaa''-pattern plasma rifle}}
+{{era|H1|H2|H3|HW|FOR|TF|FS|GOO|TCP|HGN|HE|LE|}}
-{{Status|Canon}}
-{{Weapon infobox
+{{ratings}}
-|name=''Okarda'phaa''-pattern Rifle
-|image=[[File:H2A T25DER.png|300px]]
+<center>''Were you looking for the [[Brute]]-preferred variant of the [[Brute Plasma Rifle|Plasma Rifle]] used in [[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3: ODST]]?''</center>
-|manufacturer=[[Iruiru Armory]]{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=145|Id=essential}}
+{{Weapon
-|series=
+|  image=[[Image:Plasmarifle.jpg|300px]]
-|type=[[Directed-energy weapon|Directed-energy rifle]]{{Ref/Site|Id=bnet|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3plasmarifle|Page=Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle|Site=Bungie.net}}
+| name=Plasma Rifle
-|cost=
+| manufacturer=[[Covenant Empire|Covenant]]
-|variant={{Pattern|Kewu R'shi'k|plasma rifle}}{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/plasma-rifle|Page=Plasma Rifle|Site=Halo Waypoint}}
+| model=Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle
-|service=[[War of Beginnings]]<br>[[Human-Covenant War]] <br> [[Great Schism]] <br> [[Blooding Years]] <br> [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
+| [[UNSC]] Counterpart=
-|length={{Convert|62.1|cm|in|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|essential}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
+| type=Rifle
-|width={{Convert|15.4|cm|in|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
+| cost=unknown
-|height={{Convert|37.3|cm|in|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
+| size=Handheld, Single Handed ([[Dual Wield]]able)
-|weight={{Convert|5.9|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}}
+*length (o/a): 66 cm (26 in.)
-|ammotype=Superheated [[plasma]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
+*width: 17.7 centimeters
-|capacity=
+*height: 37.8 centimeters
-|feed=100 battery units
+*weight: 5.8 kg (13 lbs)
-|operation=
+| damage per hit=Medium
-|rate=Fully automatic (360–540 RPM){{Ref/Reuse|bnet}}
+*10 DU (Halo 1)<ref>http://www.bungie.net/Games/HaloPC/page.aspx?section=Guides&subsection=WeaponsVehiclesPages&page=2</ref>
-|velocity=126 m/s (413 f/s){{Ref/Reuse|bnet}}
+| magazine=100 Battery Units
-|optics=
+*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'': 200 shots
-|range={{Convert|50|m|ft}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}}
+*''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]'': 400 shots
+| maxammo=100 Battery Units
+| fire=Semi-Automatic, Automatic
+| ammotype=Superheated Plasma
+| operation=All Purpose
+| rate of fire=High, 360~540 shots/min
+| velocity=126 m/s (413 f/s)
+| accuracy=Moderate
+| range=Short to Medium Range
+*50 meters (155 ft)
+| era=
+| counterpart=
+*Human:
+**''Halo 1'': [[MA5B Assault Rifle]]
+**''Halo 2'': [[SMG]]
+**''Halo 3'': [[SMG]]    1
+*Brute:
+**''Halo 2'': [[Brute Plasma Rifle]]
+**''Halo 3'': [[Type-25 Carbine]]
+| counterwep=See [[Plasma_Rifle#Counterweapons|below]].
+| affiliation=[[Covenant Empire|Covenant]], later [[Covenant Loyalist]] and [[Covenant Separatist]]
 }}
-{{Quote|You know, it looks delicate and so you feel like you need to hold it kinda gingerly—but then you see an [[Sangheili|Elite]] crack a [[Jiralhanae|Bravo Kilo's]] head with one—the things are built tough.|Anonymous UNSC serviceman{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}}}}
-The '''''Okarda'phaa''-pattern Rifle'''{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=290}} {{Type|25|Directed Energy Rifle|DER}},{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}}{{Ref/Site|Id=bnet reach|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=28439|Page=Halo: Reach - Ordnance - Plasma Rifle|Site=Bungie.net}} more commonly known as the '''plasma rifle''' or '''plasma gun''', is a fully automatic rifle, formerly serving as a [[Covenant]] infantry weapon. The Type-25 DER was the primary weapon of the Covenant's officer corps,{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}} standard issue to [[Sangheili]] and [[Jiralhanae]]. However, lower-caste species within the Covenant who had attained significant rank within the [[Covenant military]] were also issued this weapon during operations. The Type-25 DER was one of the earliest and most frequently encountered Covenant [[plasma]] weapons. It occupies a role very similar to the [[human]] [[assault rifle]].{{Ref/Reuse|bnet reach}}
+{{Quote|You know, it looks delicate and so you feel like you need to hold it kinda gingerly—but then you see an [[Elite]] crack a [[Jiralhanae|Bravo Kilo]]s head with one—the things are built tough.|Anonymous Serviceman}}
+The '''Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle''',<ref>http://www.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3plasmarifle</ref> more commonly known as the '''Plasma Rifle''', is a [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] infantry weapon.
+==Design Details==
+[[Image:Plasma-rifle 02.png|thumb|left|160px|A Plasma Rifle's schematics.]]
+A plasma rifle is a Covenant directed energy weapon that uses superheated ionized gas called [[Plasma]] instead of projectile ammunition. The weapon has a power output of 100-150 KV @ 2~3 dA, and can fire 360~540 rounds per minute. Unlike the [[Plasma Pistol]], the plasma rifle is capable of semi-automatic, and full automatic fire, this is thanks in part to its dual plasma collimator design. Placed atop one another, these collimators fire in a "stagger" taking the slow automatic fire of each individual collimator and combining it, this design allows a faster rate of fire and more rounds per second, which adds to the lethality of the weapon. Taking fire from the Type-25 DER can cause severe 2nd, 3rd, and in some cases, 4th degree burns (a 4th degree burn completely burns away all flesh, leaving only bone tissue). The Type-25 DER is the primary weapon of the Covenant’s officer corps, used by [[Elites]] and [[Brute]]s, although [[Jackals]] and [[Unggoy|Grunts]] have been seen using this weapon, but not as common. Against UNSC infantry, the Type-25 rifle's lethality is considerably greater than its counterpart the Type-25 pistol, due to the faster rate of fire, injuries inflicted to the victim are severe third-degree burns, with the wound being cauterized instantly upon impact. Even near misses will produce severe burns and heat trauma. Should the plasma impact an object, the impact can create fragments that may come into contact with a victim, with a crippling or lethal effect. Generally two hits from either a plasma pistol or plasma rifle will kill a light, or non armored target. Like its counterpart, over extended periods of firing can overheat the weapon, causing it to become unusable for a short period of time. In the context of the ''Halo'' games, all of the plasma weapons' strength and lethality are compensated for both the sake of ESRB rating and gameplay.
+===Advantages===
+The plasma rifle is a close to medium range weapon, and as such can inflict very high damage at range, the plasma rifle can also be used at long range if the user fires slowly and aims carefully by leading the target. The rifle is extremely efficient at killing "soft" targets, while doing lethal amounts of damage to a heavily armored target. Enough infantry equipped with Type-25 rifles can halt enemy infantry advance with its ability to deliver harassing suppressive fire; this tactic is also reflected in the Covenant's combat doctrine: destroy enemy morale with harassing fire from distant or hidden snipers and intimate exposure to the alien-ness of their infantry. SPARTAN-IIs and Elites have the ability to dual-wield plasma rifles doubling their efficiency in close to medium range combat situations. The plasma rifle's high velocity bolt coupled with its kinetic impact to a target can temporarily stun a target like a SPARTAN-II.
+===Disadvantages===
+The plasma rifle, when fired continuously, overheats very quickly because of the rapid cycling, loading, ignition, and release sequence of energy - to prevent the weapon from being damaged, the Type-25 DER temporarily shuts down and opens heating vents to allow the excess heat to dissipate before the weapon reactivates. This process leaves the weapon inoperable and is useless. Careless infantry who are not aware of the function of the plasma rifle can get themselves killed because of this. Human military experts and scientists do not understand how Covenant plasma weapons work, or how they are recharged; as such when the battery is depleted the rifle must be discarded or replaced. At 10% charge level, the plasma rifle will begin to misfire, this is due to the battery's inability to deliver enough energy to start and complete the ignition and release phase of operation, as such this hampers the operators use of the weapon.
+Although the plasma rifle can strike a target at longer ranges it is not suited for long range combat, this is due to two distinct properties of the weapons operation. The first is the rate of thermal expansion which is determined by the rate of the bloom of the bolt. The second factor is speed; the faster the bolt goes, the farther the bolt will travel before the magnetic field begins to weaken, causing the temperature of the bolt to cool before the magnetic field becomes unstable and finally dissipates. The bolt also loses velocity and kinetic impact with longer travel.
-The earliest iterations of the plasma rifle have been in use by the Sangheili warrior class for several millennia as of the 26th century and were in service long before the Covenant itself was established. Human researchers of the [[UNSC]]'s [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] believe that the plasma rifle's current design dates back at least five hundred years, with only slight modifications made to the rifle over time.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} In the post-[[Human-Covenant War|Covenant War]] era, though, it has been largely phased out for the {{Pattern|Kelos'vaarda|storm rifle}}.{{Ref/Site|Id=LockeLoad|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-locke-load|Page=Canon Fodder - Locke & Load|Site=Halo Waypoint}}
+==Changes==
-==Overview==
+====[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]====
-===Design details===
+The plasma rifle in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' is far more powerful than its ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]'' counterparts; also the weapon holds the unique ability to stun opponents that were hit by high amount of plasma rounds: this effect greatly reduces the victim's ability to move and dodge the incoming projectiles and allows the user to easily hold the opponent in the weapon's firing arc. However, the drawback was that this effect is only felt with continuous fire. While stunned, the weapon will often overheat before the opponent is killed. Despite this drawback, the stun ability is a useful and potent feature in the hands of an experienced user. Beware that the plasma rifle decreases its accuracy while heating up. However, burst-firing the weapon, releasing 2-3 bolts per firing, can counteract this. In the campaign, the plasma rifle is best used against the [[Sentinels]] and [[Elites]]. You can obtain a fully charged plasma rifle by killing&nbsp;[[Flood|flood]] or killing Elites riding on vehicles such as [[Ghost]]s.
-{{Quote|It's got no sight-line, it's awkward to hold, and if it overheats it'll cook the hair right off of your wrists.|Anonymous UNSC serviceman{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}}}}
-[[File:Plasma-rifle 02.png|thumb|180px|left|The schematics of a plasma rifle]]
-The Type-25 plasma rifle is a battery-powered [[directed-energy weapon]] that is capable of fully automatic fire.{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}} The two segmented portions of the rifle function as large [[plasma]] generator subassemblies.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The pair of curved bodies are joined via the trigger guard,{{Ref/Reuse|PLAS2}} creating the rifle's distinctive smooth, streamlined shape.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The rifle, like most Covenant weapons, is smooth and aerodynamic, almost organic in appearance.<ref name="PLAS2">'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]], ''page 110''</ref> The plasma rifle's design has only changed slightly over its centuries of service. The weapon's contemporary design was the result of [[Forerunner]] technology, [[Sangheili]] craftsmanship, and [[San'Shyuum]] artistry.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The plasma rifle's design was noted to be jawlike, a design that perhaps unconsciously mimicked a Sangheili's mandibles.<ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 113'' (Google Play edition)</ref>
-Placed atop one another, the rifle's generators fire in a "stagger" pattern taking the slow automatic fire of each individual collimator and combining it at the charging and accelerator poles. This design allows for a faster rate of fire and more rounds per second. Despite the efficiency of the plasma rifle's design, a significant amount of waste heat is produced by the rifle's generators. As a result, the wielder is forced to fire short, controlled bursts or risk overheating;{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} the latter of which is a tendency of the weapon.<ref name="enc335">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 335'' (2011)</ref> The side of the weapon has a small temperature gauge. This visually informs the wielder how close the weapon is to overheating.{{Ref/Reuse|PLAS2}}
+===Changes From Halo: Combat Evolved to [[Halo 2]]===
+* The plasma rifle is not as powerful as its predecessor and lacks the ability to stun. It is also noticeably less accurate, especially at long range. These drawbacks are compensated by a higher rate of fire and the ability to dual-wield the weapon, allowing it to be paired with a wide variety of other weapons and creating powerful combinations.
-Covenant technology possesses no instrumentality, meaning none of the surface controls or triggers connects in any way [[human]] scientists can understand.<ref>'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', ''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]] - November 22nd, 2535''</ref> By late [[2552]], these scientists were awaiting [[Treaty of 2552|treaty]] negotiations with the Sangheili with the aim of receiving specifics of the plasma rifle.{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc335}}
+*The changes done to the weapon are directly related to the inclusion of dual-wielding and higher rate of fire. For purposes of balance, the plasma rifle, along with many others from ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', was tweaked to better fit the new game's fighting style. The weapon takes an opponent's shields off with five shots, but it takes many more to kill. This version of the plasma rifle behaves more as a [[SMG]] rather than a rifle.
-===Ammunition===
+*It has a higher accuracy, though, when dual wielded, if both rifles are fired simultaneously, the accuracy will greatly decrease.
-[[File:H4 Elite with Sword and Plasma Rifle.jpg|thumb|250px|A [[Sangheili Storm]] wielding a plasma rifle with an energy sword.]]
-{{Quote|The Type-25 DER has no recoil to speak of; it tears up shields and you can shoot the thing all day long—it's on the heavy side though.|Anonymous UNSC serviceman{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}}}}
-The plasma rifle is a [[directed-energy weapon]] that uses [[plasma|superheated ionized gas]] as ammunition. The weapon's inner workings are comprised of several components, including a power cell that keeps the weapon active, powers the magnetic containment field, and carries out the firing cycle. The weapon has a power output of 100-150 KV @ 2~3 dA, and can fire between 360 and 540 rounds per minute.{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}} Unlike the [[Type-25 plasma pistol]], the plasma rifle is capable of both semi-automatic and full automatic fire.
-The lethality of the Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle is extreme. Injuries inflicted on a victim are severe third-degree burns, this type of injury destroys the outer layer of skin and the entire layer beneath; the wound is cauterized instantly upon impact.<ref name="plas3">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 130''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''page 328''</ref> Body fluids would be subjected to flash vaporization, inducing a strain or a shock on the body after impact,<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 22''</ref> fluids trapped in organs or arteries in addition to the rapid expansion of heat would cause ruptures or small explosions causing additional damage to the target. At close range two bursts from the Type-25 DER have enough thermal transfer and kinetic energy to pass through victims with ease,<ref name="plas4">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 129''</ref> close-range impacts can also cause dismemberment of limbs.{{Ref/Reuse|plas3}} Near-misses can also cause injury to the target, as they produce severe burns to the area they pass; this can also cause heat trauma or heat stroke from the extreme temperatures of the bolt.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 19''</ref><ref name="reach">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 315''</ref> Should the plasma impact an object, the impact can cause splash damage creating debris, both non-heated and heated, that may come into contact with a target, with a crippling or lethal effect.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 15''</ref> Generally two hits from a plasma rifle will kill a light-armored or unarmored target.{{Ref/Reuse|plas4}}
+*The sound effects for the plasma rifle have been changed, to give each weapon a distinct sound for better recognition.
-==Variants==
+*A new variant, the [[Brute Plasma Rifle]] is introduced.
-[[File:H2A BrutePlasmaRifle.png|thumb|160px|left|A Jiralhanae plasma rifle]]
-As with most [[Covenant]] weaponry, modifying the plasma rifle was seen as blasphemous at best, [[List of known Covenant heretics|heretic]]al at worst. This is due to the weapon's incorporation of [[Forerunner]] technology and [[San'Shyuum]] designs. However, a small quantity of plasma rifle variants have been manufactured over the years of its service history. Occasionally, influential clients and heroes of the Covenant—who were considered to be above [[Covenant#Government and politics|Ministry]] sanction—were able to commission Sangheili [[artisan-armorer]]s to produce custom variants of the plasma rifle to suit their needs.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
-One of the most renowned variants of the plasma rifle is the {{Pattern|Kewu R'shi'k|plasma rifle}}. Although most plasma rifles are produced by [[Iruiru Armory]], this variant was manufactured at [[Sacred Promissory]]'s assembly forges on ''[[High Charity]]''. Ordered by the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] in preparation for his [[Great Schism|genocide]] against the Sangheili, the variant was modified to tailor to his [[Jiralhanae]] allies' aggressive nature. The rifle was modified to increase the rate of fire and damage. Had it not been for the [[Hierarch]]'s blessing, these modifications to the weapon would have been deemed heretical.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
+===Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''[[Halo 3]]''===
+*The plasma rifle in ''Halo 3'', is made more powerful than its ''Halo 2'' counterpart but is still weaker than the ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' plasma rifle. Like most of the new weapons in ''Halo 3'', they have the same overheating rate as their predecessors, yet they fire as fast as the [[Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle/Jiralhanae Variant|Brute plasma rifles]] in ''Halo 2''.
-In [[2535]], during the [[Human-Covenant War]], several plasma rifles were modified by [[Kig-Yar]] for [[human]] use. These variants were again covertly sanctioned by the High Prophet of Truth, who had the Kig-Yar install tracking devices into the weapons with the intent of locating [[Earth]] and other [[human colonies]].<ref name="cp229">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 229-236''</ref> These rifles featured ammo readouts with human numerals{{Ref/Reuse|PLAS2}} and pop-up sights.<ref name="cp145">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 145-146''</ref> The Kig-Yar, posing as Covenant deserters, sold these rifles to human [[Insurrectionist]] [[black market]]s in [[the Rubble]].{{Ref/Reuse|cp229}} The plan failed when the weapons were discovered by the [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]] and was declared to be heresy, resulting in the Hierarch ordering [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealots]] to end the weapon modification.{{Ref/Reuse|cp145}}
+*The plasma bolts fired by the plasma rifle and all other plasma weapons in Halo 3&nbsp;have been graphically redesigned to have a more vivid look. The bolts seem to travel faster than those of its previous versions, reducing the need to "lead" or "direct" the shots at mid to long ranges.
-== Gameplay ==
+*The weapon is more accurate than it was in ''Halo 2'', but still not as accurate as its ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' incarnation.
-=== Advantages ===
-The Plasma Rifle is a close-to-medium-range weapon, and as such can inflict very high damage at that range. The rifle is extremely efficient at killing "soft" targets while doing lethal amounts of damage to a heavily armored target. Enough infantry equipped with Type-25 rifles can halt enemy infantry advance with its ability to deliver harassing suppressive fire; this tactic is also reflected in the Covenant's combat doctrine: destroy enemy morale with harassing fire from distant or hidden snipers and intimate exposure to the alien-ness of their infantry. SPARTAN-IIs and Elites have been observed to be able to dual-wield plasma rifles, doubling their efficiency in close to medium-range combat situations. The Plasma Rifle's high-velocity bolt coupled with its kinetic impact on a target can temporarily stun a target like a SPARTAN-II.
-=== Disadvantages ===
+*After a few shots, the weapon becomes very inaccurate to fire. In ''Halo 3'' multiplayer, it takes eighteen plasma bolts to kill an enemy with normal shields.
-The Plasma Rifle, when fired continuously, overheats very quickly because of the rapid cycling, loading, ignition, and release sequence of energy; to prevent the weapon from being damaged, the Type-25 DER temporarily shuts down and opens heating vents to allow the excess heat to dissipate before the weapon reactivates. This process leaves the weapon inoperable and useless. Careless infantry who are not aware of the function of the Plasma Rifle can get themselves killed because of this.
-The rifle has no known methods of restoring its battery ammunition; as such, when the battery is depleted, the rifle must be discarded or replaced. At a 10% charge level, the plasma rifle will begin to misfire, this is due to the power cell's inability to deliver enough energy to start and complete the ignition and release phase of operation, hampering the operator's use of the weapon.
+==Tips And Strategies==
+The plasma rifle has limited uses in [[Multiplayer]] but is still a useful weapon, especially if dual-wielded or if playing on a close-quarters map. In ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'', dual-wielding increases the combined rate of fire and damage. Although its range limits the weapon to close quarter and medium range fire fights, if used properly a player can quickly dispose of a far away enemy but if it's possible you should get in close. It is also advisable to carry a mid to long range weapon such as a [[battle rifle]] or [[sniper rifle]] for backup against targets outside of the plasma rifle's range. It has the fastest melee attack of any weapon except for the [[energy sword]], and its melee is also powerful. In ''Halo 3'', this weapon can easily overpower an Assault Rifle if the melee is used in conjunction well with the energy shield depleting shots, allowing an easy take down, however at medium range the assault rifle is likely to overpower the plasma rifle. The reason for the plasma rifle's superiority is the fact that it is more accurate than the [[assault rifle]], and yet it inflicts a similar, if not larger amounts of damage. This weapon is also&nbsp;useful on [[overshields]].
-Although the Plasma Rifle can strike a target at longer ranges, it is not suited for long-range combat, due to two distinct properties of the weapon's operation. The first is the rate of thermal expansion which is determined by the rate of the bloom of the bolt. The second factor is speed: the faster the bolt goes, the farther the bolt will travel before the magnetic field begins to weaken, causing the temperature of the bolt to cool before the magnetic field becomes unstable and finally dissipates. The bolt also loses velocity and kinetic impact with a longer travel distance.
+*In close quarters, like all other weapons, it is preferable to just take out your opponent's energy shield with the plasma rifle, followed by a melee attack.
+*Like all plasma-based weaponry, it is great against shields,&nbsp;but it takes a slightly longer time to take down an unshielded opponent compared to human weapons like the assault rifle.
-== Changes ==
+*In ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'', dual wielding in conjunction with a weapon that does high flesh damage (i.e. SMG or Mauler) can be very effective if the rifle is first used to deplete the target's shields, then the additional weapon is used to finish the kill.
-=== ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' ===
-[[File:Plasma rifle.png||thumb|250px|The Plasma Rifle as it appears in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.]]
-The Plasma Rifle in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' kills fully-shielded Spartans in 9 shots; the weapon also holds the unique ability to stun opponents hit by a high amount of plasma rounds: this effect greatly reduces the victim's ability to move and dodge the incoming projectiles and allows the user to easily hold the opponent in the weapon's firing arc. However, the drawback was that this effect is only felt with continuous fire. While stunned, the weapon will often overheat before the opponent is killed, especially if it is an Elite or Hunter. Despite this drawback, the stun ability is a useful and potent feature in the hands of an experienced user. Beware that the Plasma Rifle decreases in accuracy while heating up. However, firing in bursts can counteract this and is much more useful over longer ranges. In the campaign, the Plasma Rifle is best used against the [[Sentinels]] and Elites. Fully charged Plasma Rifles can be obtained by killing Elite [[Combat Forms]] or killing Elites riding on {{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}}s and [[Banshee]]s.
-In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'', the Plasma Rifle utilizes ''Reach''<nowiki />'s design and features remastered audio as well as firing effects.
+*Also while dual wielding plasma rifles, it is usually a good idea not to get too close to the enemy, to aviod them meleeing you while you are dual wielding.
-===Changes from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to ''Halo 2''===
+*In maps with the plasma rifle, you should camp in secluded places that many people walk by. The people walking by most likely won't see you; you can take out their shields easily with the Plasma Rifle and then smash them to death.
-[[File:H2 Plasma Rifle.png|thumb|250px|The Plasma Rifle as it appears in ''Halo 2''.]]
-The Plasma Rifle in ''Halo 2'' kills fully-shielded Spartans in 18 shots and lacks the ability to stun. In addition, it is also noticeably less accurate, especially at long range. These drawbacks are compensated by no longer misfiring when on low battery and the ability to dual-wield, allowing it to be paired with a wide variety of other weapons. The changes done to the weapon are directly related to the inclusion of dual-wielding for balancing purposes. The Plasma Rifle, along with many other weapons from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', has been tweaked to better fit the new game engine. This version of the Plasma Rifle behaves more like an SMG rather than a rifle. The Plasma Rifle now has a new firing sound effect to give it along with other plasma weapons a distinct sound to distinguish it easier. In addition to that a new variant, the [[Kewu R'shi'k-pattern plasma rifle|Brute Plasma Rifle]], is introduced.
-===Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''Halo 3''===
+*In ''Halo 2'', if you pull the trigger fast enough repeatedly, you may fire faster than the default rate of fire compared to when just holding the trigger down.
-The Plasma Rifle in ''Halo 3'' is much better at draining energy shields than its ''Halo 2'' counterpart, though it still requires 18 shots to kill a fully-shielded Spartan. Plasma bolts fired by the Plasma Rifle and all other plasma weapons in Halo 3 have been graphically redesigned to have a more vivid look. The bolts travel much faster than from Halo 2, reducing the need to lead the shots at mid-to-long ranges. However, it takes fewer shots of constant fire for the plasma bolts to become very inaccurate. It is considerably harder to come across the Plasma Rifle in the campaign, because of the lack of Elites and the introduction of new Brute weapons such as the [[Paegaas Workshop Spiker|Spiker]].
-===Changes from ''Halo 3'' to ''Halo: Reach''===
+*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', it is a good idea to carry a Human weapon as a secondary weapon. Use the plasma rifle until it overheats to drain an opponents shield and then shoot them with your secondary weapon. An [[M6D Pistol]] is best used for secondary but an [[MA5B ICWS Assault Rifle|assault rifle]] works well too.
-In ''Halo: Reach'' the Plasma Rifle, like the other plasma weapons in the game, has been dramatically redesigned and retooled to function closer to their ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' versions, although in Reach the absence of the stun effect and bonus headshot damage makes it less so. The Plasma Rifle makes a very prominent appearance in the campaign and is wielded by Sangheili, Unggoy and occasionally Kig-Yar. The weapon is available in Forge but is not placed on any multiplayer map by default excluding community maps. This weapon also replaced the [[Needler]] for the [[Armor Lock]] [[loadout]] in [[Elite Slayer]]. The weapon appears to fire faster but still not as fast as the [[Nakata'vho-pattern plasma repeater|Plasma Repeater]]. The weapons animations are far more detailed and are meant to give it a more menacing and dangerous look. Like the Plasma Pistol, the design of the weapon has changed considerably from previous games, The grip has been altered, and appears to be more ergonomic (to Elites at least) and now sports a darker blue color. The Plasma Rifle is the only weapon that is dual-wielded in ''Reach'', with certain Sangheili seen wielding pairs of them in the Campaign and in Firefight.
-===Changes from ''Halo: Reach'' to ''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
+*On the level "[[Cortana (level)|Cortana]]" in ''[[Halo 3]]'', it is useful to dual-wield plasma rifles and pick off more distant Pure Forms, especially the [[Ranged Form]]s, which can shoot you from a long distance. By zooming in, and looking at the bottom of the screen, you will see a few red numbers indicating their distance (of up to 50 metres). Opening short bursts of fire will kill them easily, as they will flinch and cease fire when being shot. Another strategy is to use the [[Brute Shot|brute shot]] for similar purposes.
-*Both plasma rifles in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' perform nearly identical to their ''Halo 2'' incarnation.
-*It can once again be dual-wielded.
-===Changes from ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' to ''Halo 5: Guardians''===
+*In ''Halo 3'', it is recommended you fire in short bursts at medium range to increase your accuracy and conserve battery.
-*The plasma rifle is absent while the Brute plasma rifle is included.
-*It uses 1% battery every 3.2 shots and overheats every 16 shots nonstop.
-*It cannot be dual-wielded.
-*Rate of fire is approximately 600 rounds per minute.
-*Range and damage are significantly increased.
-*The Smart-scope mechanic has been added.
-==Non-canon and dubious canon appearances==
+*When facing Flood [[Combat Form|Combat Forms]], aim for the chest.
-===Silver Timeline===
-{{Notice/Silver|category=no}}
+==[[UNSC]] Remarks==
-Plasma rifles are used by the Covenant against humanity.{{Ref/YouTube|Id=HTVOT|5KZ3MKraNKY|Paramount+|Halo The Series (2022) Official Trailer|Y=2022|M=1|D=30}}
+*“The Type-25 DER has no recoil to speak of; it tears the crap out of shields and you can shoot the thing all day long—it's on the heavy side though.”
+*“I realize that it uses a battery instead of a magazine, but nobody has figured out how to swap it or recharge it yet? Don’t we have scientists working for us or something?”
+*“It’s got no sight-line, it’s awkward to hold, and if it overheats it’ll cook the hair right off of your wrists.”
+*“You know, it looks delicate and so you feel like you need to hold it kind of gingerly—but then you see an [[Elite]] crack a [[Jiralhanae|Bravo Kilo]]'s head with one—the things are built tough.”
+*“Yeah, and I’ve seen some [[Sangheili|Elites]] swinging two of them around like it was nothing—scary shit.”
+*"These things are huge—but I guess the [[Elite]]s are, too—so it sorta makes sense."
 ==Trivia==
-{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}
+*The plasma rifle is a rifle in name only; as such there is an ambiguity in its correct designation as a sub-machine gun.
-*In the ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' instruction booklet there is a Plasma Rifle picture over a picture of the [[Needler]].
-*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved,'' the Plasma rifle and the Plasma Pistol use the same sound file.
+*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', the Brutes normally wield the [[Brute Plasma Rifle]], except in "[[The Great Journey (Level)|The Great Journey]]" when a vehicle is driven by a Brute. Also in the level "[[Sacred Icon (level)|Sacred Icon]]" you can see that a few dead [[Brute]]s have a plasma rifle beside them showing their use of the normal standard plasma rifle instead of the [[Brute]] version.
-*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the Plasma Rifle has 2 shots per 1% charge, totalling 200 shots. In ''Halo 2'' and ''3'', it has 4, totalling 400 shots.
-*In ''Halo 2'', the Brutes normally wield the Brute Plasma Rifle, except in the level "[[The Great Journey (Level)|The Great Journey]]", where Brutes driving vehicles will be found wielding the normal Plasma Rifle. Also in the level "[[Sacred Icon (level)|Sacred Icon]]", a few dead Brutes have Plasma Rifles beside their corpses.
+*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', if your character remains idle for a minute, he'll inspect the weapon on both sides; in ''Halo 2'' he'll open the cooling vents, and in ''Halo 3'', he'll pull on the top.
-*In ''Halo 2'', when playing as the Arbiter, allies wielding Plasma Rifle have the weapon in "overheat" mode.
-*If the player remains idle for a while in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the in-game character will inspect the weapon on both sides; in ''Halo 2'', they will open the cooling vents; in ''Halo 3'', they will pull on the top.
+*Like most Covenant weapons the plasma rifle has no sights. It appears to rely entirely on the user's HUD reticule for aim assistance.
-*In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', Plasma Rifles are one of the few weapons which have a reticule that never changes size.
-*In the Original Trilogy, the Plasma Rifle's UNSC counterpart seems to be the MA5B ICWS or the [[M7 Caseless Submachine Gun]]. However, in ''Halo: Reach'', the way a Spartan or Sangheili wield the Plasma rifle is identical when wielding an [[M6G magnum]], even with [[alert carry]], which implies that the Plasma rifle's counterpart is also the M6G Magnum.
+*In ''Halo 3'' multiplayer, with no damage modifiers on, this weapon has the third lowest shot damage difference between single and dual wield. The [[plasma pistol]] has no difference in shot damage, and the [[Mauler]], when dual wielded, takes one more shot to kill&nbsp;a 2x overshielded enemy, than when single wielded. At normal shields, the shot difference is only two shots (eighteen single, twenty dual), and at 4x overshield the difference is only three shots (thirty-two single, thirty-five dual).
-*In ''[[Halo 4]]'', the plasma rifle is replaced by the functionally similar [[Kelos'vaarda-pattern storm rifle|storm rifle]] which also fills a similar in-game role. This marks the first ''Halo'' game in which the plasma rifle is not present in gameplay; however, the weapon appears briefly in the [[Prologue]] cinematic. It also appears in the DLC map [[Pitfall]] as part of the Elite targeting silhouettes.
-*Until late in the development of [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] (May 16, 2001), the Plasma Rifle and the [[Type-25 plasma pistol|Plasma Pistol]] had their functions switched completely. The Plasma Rifle's model had the overcharge function and lowered rate of fire. The converse is true for the Plasma Pistol.<ref>http://bs.bungie.org/fanfestv/</ref><ref>https://youtu.be/zvb3-tXttoY?t=365</ref>
+*In ''[[Halo 3]]'' the plasma rifle has a style pattern; this is best seen in well lit areas.
-*The plasma rifle was the first weapon conceptualized by [[Shi Kai Wang]].<ref>https://twitter.com/shiekthegeek/status/1351703739371909121</ref> It was designed to be symmetrical in order to fit with the two opposable thumbs of an Elite's hand.<ref>https://twitter.com/shiekthegeek/status/1351703743205502977</ref> The "fins" on the back of the weapon were intended to be ammunition magazines or batteries that needed to be plugged in to shoot it, but it was considered too difficult to animate and convey the mechanic in first-person, so they were left as simple detailing.<ref>https://twitter.com/shiekthegeek/status/1351703748960157696</ref>
+*Laser tag maker Jasman Toys produced a Plasma Rifle laser tag model. There is also a [[plasma pistol]], both of which use the same targeting frequency and are compatible. The rifle has autofire, but "overheats" after 20 rounds and the player must close the thermal vent and wait for it to "cool off".
+*In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], the Plasma Rifle has two shots per 1% charge, totaling 200 shots. In ''Halo 2'' and ''3'', it has four, totaling 400 shots.
+*Modified Plasma Rifles appeared in ''[[Halo: Cole Protocol]]''. They featured ammo readouts with Arabic numerals and pop-up sights,&nbsp;and were sold to Humans from [[Kig-yar]] black markets. This was seen as a heresy among the rest of the Covenant.
+*Plasma Rifles are much rarer in Halo 3 than the other games, possibly because they are much more powerful than the other variants. It could be because the Plasma Rifle is a [[Sangheili]] weapon, and the Jiralhanae prefer to use their own weapons like the Spiker or the [[Mauler]] instead of weapons like the Plasma Rifle or [[Energy Sword]].
+*In Halo 2, while playing as the Arbiter, if you look carefully at your allies' their Plasma Rifles are in "overheat" mode.
+*In the [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] instruction booklet there is a [[Plasma Rifle]] picture over a picture of the [[Needler]].
+*[[Grunt|Grunts]] only need one hand to hold this weapon, compared to the two required for a Marine to hold. But in The Package, grunts are seen holding plasma rifles with two hands.
 ==Gallery==
-===Concept art and illustrations===
-<gallery>
-File:HCE_PlasmaRifle_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the Plasma Rifle in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
-File:Fight on Ascendant Justice.png|John-117 firing a plasma rifle in ''[[Halo: First Strike]]''.
-File:Prototype PlasmaRifle Concept.png|Concept art of the plasma rifle for ''[[Halo Legends]], [[Prototype]]''.
-File:Homecoming PlasmaRifle Concept.png|Concept art of the plasma rifle for ''Halo Legends, [[Homecoming]]''.
-File:Battle for Epsilon Expanse.png|A Sangheili Minors wielding a plasma rifle in ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''.
-File:Halo Legacy of Onyx cover.png|[[Molly Patel]] with a plasma rifle in ''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''.
-</gallery>
-===''Halo: Combat Evolved''===
-<gallery>
-File:PXH MacworldElites Screenshot 2.jpg|A Sangheili firing a plasma rifle during early stage of development.
-File:HCE EliteEarlyPlasmaRifle Screenshot.jpg|A Sangheili Minor wielding a plasma rifle during development.
-File:HE32000-elitemajor2man.png|A Sangheili Major wielding a plasma rifle in the [[Halo announcement trailer|announcement trailer]].
-File:HCE - Majors.png|Three Sangheili Majors wielding plasma rifles.
-File:SpecOpsElite.jpg|A [[Special Operations Sangheili]] holding a plasma rifle.
-File:HCE-T25PlasmaRifleSide.png|Profile view in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', PC version, with the standard blue color scheme due to missing/corrupted shaders.
-File:PlasmaRifle-HaloCE.png|A profile view in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', Mac version, with a green color scheme due to missing/corrupted shaders.
-File:HCE-PlasmaRifle-FirstPerson.jpg|First-person view of the plasma rifle.
-File:Overheat.png|First-person view of the plasma rifle overheating.
-File:HTMCC-HCE-BPR.png|A plasma rifle with the Brutal skin in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''.
-</gallery>
-===''Halo 2''===
-<gallery>
-File:PlasmaRifle-H2.png|In-game profile view of the plasma rifle.
-File:H2 EliteRanger Cairo.jpg|A [[Sangheili Ranger]] firing a plasma rifle.
-File:H2 Uplift InteriorBattle.jpg|A Spartan dual-wielding plasma rifles in multiplayer.
-File:H2-PlasmaRifleHUD.jpg|First-person view of the plasma rifle.
-File:HAV.jpg|First-person view of a player dual-wielding plasma rifles on [[Midship]].
-File:H2V Compare.png|A comparison between the standard plasma rifle and the {{Pattern|Kewu R'shi'k|plasma rifle}}.
-</gallery>
-===''Halo 3''===
-<gallery>
-File:Halo3-Snowbound-FirstPerson-PlasmaRifles.jpg|First-person view of a player dual-wielding plasma rifles in the [[Halo 3 Beta|''Halo 3'' Beta]].
-File:Plasmarifle.jpg|Promotional image of the plasma rifle.
-File:H3-PlasmaRifle.png|An in-game profile view of the plasma rifle.
-File:H3 Elite Majors.jpg|A [[Sangheili Major]] with a plasma rifle.
-File:H3 TheArk BruteStalkers.jpg|A [[Jiralhanae Stalker]] with a plasma rifle.
-File:HTMCC-H3 DualWieldingDuo.png|Thel 'Vadam and John-117 dual-wielding plasma rifles.
-File:Halo-3-20070923023654130.jpg|First-person view of a player dual-wielding plasma rifles in the campaign.
-File:H3 DLC Foundry 1stPerson01.jpg|First-person view of a player wielding a plasma rifle on multiplayer map [[Foundry]].
-File:Halo-3-20070701114858951.jpg|A SPARTAN-II wielding two plasma rifles.
-File:H3 Plasma Rifle shot.jpg|A plasma bolt from a plasma rifle mid-flight.
-File:H3 PlasmaRifles Comparison FP.jpg|A comparison between the standard plasma rifle and the {{Pattern|Kewu R'shi'k|plasma rifle}} in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''.
-</gallery>
-===''Halo: Reach''===
-<gallery>
-File:HR EliteMinor Concept 5.png|Concept art of a Sangheili Minor dual-wielding plasma rifles.
-File:Plasmarifle.png|A [[Halo: Reach Beta|''Halo Reach'' Beta]] render of the plasma rifle, showing a red-purple hue reminiscent of the ''Halo 3'' version. This is not present in the final game.
-File:HaloReach-PlasmaRifleSide.png|The plasma rifle in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
-File:Plasma Rifle turnarounds.jpg|Turnaround reference of the plasma rifle.
-File:HR - Officer Sangheili with Plasma Rifle.png|A Sangheili Officer with a plasma rifle.
-File:HTMCC-HR PlasmaRifleSupplyCase.png|A supply case of plasma rifles.
-File:HTMCC-HR GruntHeavyTrio&PR.png|Three [[Unggoy Heavy]] wielding plasma rifles.
-File:BOB2.jpg|A [[BOB]] dual-wielding plasma rifles.
-File:Dual wield.jpeg|A [[Sangheili Zealot]] dual-wielding plasma rifles.
-File:HR-PlasmaRifleHUD.png|First-person view of the plasma rifle.
-</gallery>
-===''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''===
-<gallery>
-File:HCEA-SangheiliShieldsFlicker.jpg|A Sangheili Minor with a plasma rifle.
-File:HCEA-TNR-PR-FirstPerson.png|First-person view of the plasma rifle in the trailer.
-File:HCEA-PlasmaRifleHUD.png|HUD of the plasma rifle  of the plasma rifle.
-</gallery>
-===''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
-<gallery>
-File:H2A - Arbiter & Swords.png|Three Sangheili Majors prepare their plasma rifles in the Prologue.
-File:H2AMLGSpecopsElite.png|A [[Special Operations Sangheili]] dual-wielding plasma rifles in campaign.
-File:H2Aterm-SesaPlasmaRifle.jpg|[[Sesa 'Refumee]] disengages a plasma rifle's outer coverings, exposing the weapon's inner workings.
-File:H2A-Marinewithplasmarifle.png|A marine with a plasma rifle in campaign.
-File:H2A-Brutes vs Elites.jpg|Sangheili and Jiralhanae firing plasma rifles at each other in campaign.
-File:H2ACP-PlasmaRifleHUD.png|First-person view of the plasma rifle in campaign.
-File:H2ACP-PlasmaRifleDualWieldHUD.png|First-person view while dual-wielding in campaign.
-File:H2AMP-PlasmaRifleHUD.png|First-person view of the plasma rifle in multiplayer.
-File:H2AMP-PlasmaRifle.png|A Spartan using a plasma rifle on [[Stonetown]] in multiplayer.
-File:H2AMP-PlasmaRifleDualWieldHUD.png|First-person view while dual-wielding in multiplayer.
-File:H2AMP-PlasmaRifleDualWield.png|A Spartan dual-wielding plasma rifles in multiplayer.
-File:H2AMP-PR&BPRDualWieldHUD.png|A visual comparison between the standard plasma rifle and the Brute plasma rifle in multiplayer.
-</gallery>
-===''Halo Online''===
+&nbsp; <gallery>
-<gallery>
+Image:1179041973.jpg|In [[Halo 3]], the Plasma Rifle is much more detailed and powerful than the [[Halo 2]] version.
-File:HO-Plasma Rifle.png|A plasma rifle in ''[[Halo Online]]''.
+Image:Plasma Rifles.jpg|Two Plasma Rifles in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
-File:Plasma Rifle - Basic.jpg|The basic iteration of the plasma rifle in ''Halo Online''.
+Image:SpecOpsElite.jpg|A SpecOps Elite holding a Plasma Rifle.
-File:Plasma Rifle - Power.jpg|The power iteration of the plasma rifle, seen on [[Diamondback]].
+Image:Halo-3-20070701114858951.jpg|A [[SPARTAN-II]] welding two Plasma Rifles.
-</gallery>
+Image:H2V_Compare.png|A comparison between the standard Plasma Rifle and the [[Brute Plasma Rifle]].
-===''Halo: The Television Series''===
+Image:Medium 1426911961 254f651d0e o.jpg|An [[Elite Minor]] holding a Plasma Rifle.
-<gallery>
-File:HTV-Contact-Sangheili.jpg|A group of Sangheili using plasma rifles on [[Madrigal]].
-File:HTV-elite minor.jpg|A Sangheili firing a plasma rifle on Madrigal.
-File:HTV-Contact-Ouch.png|An [[Insurrectionist]] is killed by a plasma rifle on Madrigal.
 </gallery>
-==List of appearances==
+==Sources==
-{{col-begin}}
+<references/>
-{{col-2}}
-*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
-*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
-*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
-*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
-*''[[Halo 2]]''
-*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
-**''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''
-*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
-*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
-*''[[Halo 3]]''
-*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
-*''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''
-*''[[Halo Wars]]''
-*''[[Halo: Helljumper]]''
-*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' {{MCCo}}
-*''[[Halo Legends]]''
-**''[[The Duel]]''
-**''[[Homecoming]]''
-**''[[Origins]]''
-**''[[Prototype]]''
-**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
-*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
-**''[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]''
-*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
-*''[[Remember Reach]]''
-**''[[Deliver Hope]]''
-*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
-*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''
-*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
-**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
-**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
-*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
-*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
-*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
-*''[[Halo 4]]'' {{c|[[Prologue]] only}}
-{{col-2}}
-*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
-*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''
-*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
-*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
-**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
-*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
-*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
-*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
-*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' {{C|Sticker only}}
-*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
-*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
-*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
-*''[[Halo: Envoy]]''
-*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''
-*''[[Halo: Collateral Damage]]''
-*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
-*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
-*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
-*''[[Halo: Battle Born]]''
-*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
-*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
-*''[[Halo: Meridian Divide]]''
-*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''{{Ref/Novel|Id=SOR19|HSoR|Chapter=19}}
-**''[[Sacrifice]]''
-*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]''{{Ref/Novel|Id=POL15|POL|Chapter=15}}
-*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
-*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season One]]''
-**''[[Contact]]''
-**''[[Homecoming (TV Series)|Homecoming]]''
-**''[[Reckoning]]''
-**''[[Transcendence]]''
-*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
-*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
-*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
-**''[[Halo (TV Series)|Halo]]''
-*''[[Halo: Age of Retribution]]''
-*''[[Halo: Flashpoint]]''
-{{col-end}}
-==Sources==
+==Links==
-{{Ref/Sources}}
+===Internal===
+*[[Brute Plasma Rifle]]
+*[[Type-25 Carbine]]
+*[[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun]]
-{{Covenant rifles}}
+{{Covenant Weapons}}
-[[Category:Covenant infantry weapons]]
+[[Category:The Covenant]]
-[[Category:Infantry plasma weapons]]
+[[Category:Held Weapons]]
+[[Category:Weapons]]
+[[Category:Covenant Weapons]]
+[[Category:Halo: Combat Evolved]]
+[[Category:Halo 2]]
+[[Category:Halo 3]]