Editing Sidekick

{{Status|Gameplay}}
{{Notice/Gameplay}}
{{Infobox/Weapon/Gameplay
|name=Sidekick
|image=[[File:HINF MK50 Crop.png|300px]]
|faction=[[Human]] ([[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]])
|tier=[[Loadout weapon]]
|class=[[Weapon class#Pistol|Pistol]]
|type=[[Precision weapon]]
|range=Close to medium
|counterparts=
Human (UNSC):
*[[Magnum]]
**[[Automag]]
**[[Gunfighter Magnum]]
[[Covenant]]:
*[[Plasma Pistol]]
[[Forerunner]]:
*[[Boltshot]]
|dmgtype=[[Damage type#Kinetic|Kinetic]]
|mode=Semi-automatic
|damage=Low
|rof=High
|accuracy=Medium
|projspeed=Very high, near instantaneous
|mag=12 bullets
|maxammo=
|generalvariants=
|h5reqvariants=
|scopes=
|attachments=
}}
{{Quote|Semi-automatic firearm effective at close to medium range.|In-game description}}

The '''Sidekick''' is a [[human]] [[Weapon class#Pistol|pistol]] first introduced in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''. It is a [[precision weapon|precision]] [[loadout weapon]] which deals [[Damage types#Kinetic|kinetic]] damage and is most effective in close quarters. The Sidekick deals little damage per shot but can be fired very rapidly, at the cost of accuracy.

==Universe and lore==
{{Main|Mk50 Sidekick}}
Manufactured by [[Emerson Tactical Systems]], the [[Mk50 Sidekick]] is a semi-automatic handgun in service with the [[United Nations Space Command]] armed forces. Described as "powerful and compact", it fires 10mm rounds from a detachable box magazine that typically holds 12 rounds. It differs significantly from the [[M6 series]], the UNSC's most prominent sidearm, lacking the M6's signature hand-guard and [[Smart-linking|smart-linked optic]], the [[KFA-2 x2]], while also firing a lower calibre round. The weapon usually sports an olive green and matte black finish.{{Ref/Game|Id=HIMK50|HI|[[weapon]]: Mk50 Sidekick}}{{Ref/Site|Id=Monster|URL=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/08/31/xbox-monster-energy-promotion/|Site=Xbox Wire|Page=Bank Now, Play Later: Halo Infinite Meets Monster Energy Global Partnership|D=6|M=8|Y=2021}}

The Mk50 Sidekick entered production at some point before [[2559]]. By December 2559, the weapon was in service with UNSC forces aboard the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}, and saw action at the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]]. In [[2560|the following year]], the weapon was again used at [[Installation 07|the ring]].{{Ref/Game|HI|[[campaign]]}}

<gallery widths="210px">
File:HINF NewSidekick.png|link=Mk50 Sidekick|'''[[Mk50 Sidekick]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo Infinite]]''}}
</gallery>

==Overview==
The Sidekick is a [[Weapon class#Pistol|pistol]] first introduced in ''[[Halo Infinite]]'', which works well as a general-purpose sidearm to supplement the player's primary weapon. Featured in both [[campaign]] and [[multiplayer]], it can be found very commonly in both modes and is frequently part of the player's standard loadout. Shots from the Sidekick do relatively little damage but can be fired rapidly at the cost of significant [[bloom]]. The Sidekick can function well as a primary weapon in the hands of a skilled player, though as its name suggests, it is most effective when paired with another weapon. This allows the player to strip the opponent's shields with the main weapon, then switch to the Sidekick and finish them with a [[headshot]].{{Ref/Reuse|HIMK50}}

===Counterparts===
Throughout the ''Halo'' franchise, there have been several weapons similar in role to the Sidekick.

Most notable of these is the [[Magnum]], another pistol first introduced in ''[[Halo 2]]''. Like the Sidekick, it is a [[precision weapon]] capable of headshots, though in most iterations it had a longer range and less [[bloom]], at the cost of not being able to fire as rapidly as the Sidekick. Most similar to the Sidekick is ''Halo 2''{{'}}s iteration, which lacked a scope and dealt very little damage, but could be fired incredibly rapidly. Two variants of the Magnum are also of note when comparing the Sidekick: the [[Automag]] and [[Gunfighter Magnum]]. The ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' iteration of the Automag could fire at a comparable rate to the ''Halo 2'' Magnum, similar to the Sidekick, but unlike the Sidekick, was ineffective against shields and had a very large zoom range. The Gunfighter Magnum is in many ways a direct predecessor to the Sidekick, having appeared in the preceding game to ''Infinite'', ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''. It has a short zoom distance, but fires incredibly fast and takes a comparable number of shots to kill.

On the [[Covenant]] side, the [[Plasma Pistol]] is the only notable comparison. It was first introduced in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and has changed significantly between games, but generally, it has a high rate of fire, though its plasma projectiles are slow and deal little damage. Unlike the Sidekick, the Plasma Pistol is not capable of headshots. It also features a second firing mode, which requires a brief charging time, but fires a powerful projectile that can break most enemy's energy shields in a single hit, and in most games, briefly disables vehicles.

Finally, the [[Forerunner]]s have the [[Boltshot]], a weapon first introduced in ''[[Halo 4]]''. In its initial appearance, it was a precision hitscan weapon, with a high rate of fire but a limited magazine and low damage, making it similar in many ways to the Sidekick. However, it also featured a secondary firing mode, which fired a shotgun-like blast capable of killing enemy players in a single hit. The weapon was significantly changed in ''Halo 5: Guardians'', firing a burst of three slow-moving tracking projectiles with each trigger pull, and entirely removing the secondary firing mode.

<gallery widths="210px">
File:H5G-Render-Pistol.png|link=Magnum|'''[[Magnum]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', ''[[Halo 2]]'', ''[[Halo 3]]'', ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', ''[[Halo 4]]'', ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'', ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' multiplayer, ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'', ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', ''[[Halo Online]]'' and ''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''}}
File:M6C SOCOM r.png|link=Automag|'''[[Automag]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''}}
File:Magnum Quickdraw.png|link=Gunfighter Magnum|'''[[Gunfighter Magnum]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''}}
File:H5G-Plasma Pistol.png|link=Plasma Pistol|'''[[Plasma Pistol]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', ''[[Halo 2]]'', ''[[Halo 3]]'', ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', ''[[Halo 4]]'', ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'', ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' multiplayer, ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'', ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', ''[[Halo Online]]'', ''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]'' and ''[[Halo Infinite]]''}}
File:H5G-Z110.png|link=Boltshot|'''[[Boltshot]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo 4]]'' and ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''}}
</gallery>

==Gameplay==
===Stats===
{{Expand-section}}
The following table summarizes the Sidekick's stats in ''Halo Infinite'':
{{/Stats/FPS}}

===Advantages===
*Has a very fast firing rate, allowing the player to deal a lot of damage quickly
*Can headshot unshielded enemies for an instant kill
*Is very common and is often a loadout weapon, meaning that ammo will be plentiful

===Disadvantages===
*Has bloom when fired too rapidly
*Magazine is small, requiring frequent reloading
**Only one enemy player in [[multiplayer]] can be killed per magazine
*Range is limited by weapon spread and short zoom level

===Tactics and strategies===
The Sidekick is best used at mid-to-close ranges, where its spread and lack of a long-distance zoom will be less impactful. It is most effective when paired with another weapon to strip the enemy's shields first - particularly plasma weapons, which excel at this - allowing the Sidekick to swiftly finish them with a headshot. However, it can be used as a primary weapon at closer ranges, where it is often an effective tactic to fire as fast as possible, aiming for the opponent's head. When at long distances, users should switch to a longer-range weapon, such as the [[Battle Rifle]] or [[Commando]] if one is available. Otherwise, the player should zoom in and pace their shots to prevent the bloom from causing their weapon to become too inaccurate.

==Variants==
===Striker Sidekick===
The Striker variant of the Mk50 Sidekick has improved stopping power and increased precision capabilities. It has an additional yellow stripe and yellow-colored magazine.{{Ref/Game|HI|Striker Sidekick in-game model}} It has an extended magazine of 14 rounds (from the standard 12 round magazine).

In campaign, the Striker Sidekick is a [[Legendary variant weapons|legendary weapon]] awarded to the player in the [[Forward Operating Base]] progression system upon reaching 2,200  [[Valor]]. It has an increased magazine size of 14 rounds. The rounds from the Striker Sidekick deals higher damage (killing a fully-shielded Spartan with 6 rounds instead of 10 rounds); it can kill in a fully-shielded Spartan with minimum of five rounds, assuming the fifth shot is a headshot. The weapon has reduced bloom at the cost of higher recoil.

In multiplayer, when players pick up or spawn with the Striker Sidekick, their [[Weapon customization|customization options]] are automatically applied to the weapon model, and the unique appearance of the Striker Sidekick is lost.

<gallery>
File:HINF SidekickStriker 1.png|John-117 with the Striker Sidekick.
File:HINF MK50 Striker Sidekick.png|First-person view of the MK50 Striker Sidekick.
</gallery>

==Skins and cosmetics==
{{Main|Weapon customization}}
In ''Halo Infinite'', the Sidekick can be outfitted with various [[Weapon customization|coatings and models]] to customise its appearance.

===Coatings===
{{:Weapon customization/Coating/MK50}}

===Model===
{{:Weapon customization/Model/MK50}}

==Medals==
The following medals are exclusive to the Sidekick, or to the pistol weapon type in ''Halo Infinite''. Other, less specific medals, can also be earned with the Sidekick, but the ones listed are only those that are unique to pistols or to the Sidekick itself.

{| class="wikitable"
!Icon
!Name
!Game
!Unlock requirements
|-
|[[File:HINF TechPre Medal Gunslinger.png|50px]]
|[[Gunslinger]]
|''Halo Infinite''
|Kill 5 enemies with pistols
|-
|[[File:HINF TechPre Medal QuickDraw.png|50px]]
|[[Quick Draw]]
|''Halo Infinite''
|Kill an enemy with a pistol immediately after switching to it 
|}

==Gallery==
===Renders and cutouts===
<gallery>
File:HINF NewSidekick.png|In-engine render of the Sidekick in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF MK50 Adrenal Skin.png|The Sidekick in ''Infinite'', with the Adrenal coating.
</gallery>

===HUD icons===
<gallery>
File:Hinf HUD Mk50 sidekick.png|The Sidekick HUD Icon in ''Halo Infinite''.
</gallery>

===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:HINF Weapon Mk50 Sidekick.png|First-person view of the Sidekick, prior to its redesign.
File:HINF XGS 2020 MK50 Heads Up Display.png|First-person view of the Sidekick in the ''Halo Infinite'' Campaign Gameplay Premiere.
File:HINF CGP MK50 Reload - Ammo Visible.png|First-person view of the Sidekick's reload in the ''Halo Infinite'' Campaign Gameplay Premiere. 
File:HINF MPRevealTrailer Yoroi.png|A [[Yoroi]]-clad [[SPARTAN-IV Program|Spartan-IV]] wielding an in [[multiplayer]].
File:HINF_Multiplayer Reveal 2021-6.png|A Sidekick holstered on a pink Spartan in the [[A New Generation]] trailer.
File:HINF E3SidekickCrop.jpg|The redesigned Sidekick with the Watchdog coating.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{1st}}

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

{{Navbox/Weapons/Gameplay}}
[[Category:Halo Infinite weapons]]
[[Category:Human weapons (gameplay)]]
[[Category:Pistol weapons]]
[[Category:Bullet weapons]]
[[Category:Loadout weapons]]
[[Category:Magazine-fed weapons]]
[[Category:Semi-auto weapons]]
[[Category:Precision weapons]]