Editing Type-33 needler

{{Ratings}}
{{Era|H1|H2|H3|HW|FOR|TF|FS|GOO|UP|HGN}}
{{Weapon
| image=[[Image:Bnetneedler.jpg|300px]]
|  name=Needler
| manufacturer=[[Covenant]]
| model=Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher
| type=Munitions Launcher
| cost=
| size=[[Halo 1]]/[[Halo 3]]: Handheld, Two Handed<br/>
[[Halo 2]]: Handheld, One Handed, [[Dual Wield]]able
*Needler (Halo 1)
**length: 66.8 centimeters
**width: 20 centimeters
**height: 60 centimeters
*Needler (Halo 2)
**length: 57.9 centimeters
*Needler (Halo 3)
**Length (o/a): 57.8 cm (22.75 in.)
**Length (barrel): 16.25 cm (6.4 in.)
**Weight (empty): 3.74 kg (8.25 lbs)
**Weight (loaded): 4.3 kg (9.5 lbs)
| damage per hit= Variable - Low to Instant Kill
*7 DU (Halo 1)<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/Games/HaloPC/page.aspx?section=Guides&subsection=WeaponsVehiclesPages&page=2 Bungie.net's summary of Halo PC weapons]</ref>
| magazine= *Halo 1: 20 needles 
*Halo 2: 30 needles
*Halo 3: 19 needles
| maxammo= *Halo 1: 100 needles 
*Halo 2: 120 needles 
**Dual-wielding: 240 needles 
*Halo 3: 95
| fire= Automatic
| ammotype= Crystalline Explosive Projectiles
| operation= Unknown
| rate of fire= 8.5 rnds/sec (Halo 3)
| velocity= 54 m/s (177 f/s)
| accuracy= High (Homing)
| range=Short-Medium Range
*75 meters (250 ft)
| era=
| counterpart=
*Halo 1: [[MA5B Assault Rifle]] 
*Halo 2: [[M7S Caseless Submachine Gun]]
*Halo 3: [[MA5C Assault Rifle]] 
| counterwep= 
*At Close Range: [[Energy Sword]], [[Shotgun]], [[Gravity Hammer]]
*At Medium Range: [[Battle Rifle]], [[Covenant Carbine]], [[M6D]], [[SMG]]
| affiliation=[[Covenant]]
}}

{{Article Quote|First order of business when dealing with a hostile armed with a needler is finding cover; second order of business is killing the mike foxtrot with the needler.|Anonymous serviceman}}

The '''Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher'''<ref>http://www.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3needler</ref>, more commonly known as the '''Needler''', is a [[Covenant]] infantry [[weapon]] that fires a glowing pink-blue homing projectile capable of doing lethal damage. Once 7 "needles" embed themselves into an enemy, they explode, killing the enemy in almost all encounters.

==Summary==
'''The Needler''' is one of the less popular weapons of the Halo trilogy. It is an extremely unusual [[Covenant]] weapon that fires pink-blue, translucent, crystalline projectiles. It is most often wielded by [[Grunts]], [[Elites]], [[Drones]] , and sometimes even [[Jackals]] have been seen utilizing this weapon. [[Enforcers]] also have a larger version of the Needler mounted on themselves, along with one [[Sentinel]] through a glitch.

Its razor sharp crystalline projectiles are fired from this elaborately designed [[Covenant]] weapon; it is widely believed that they use heat or organic signatures to home in on targets and may have some relation to the [[plasma grenade]] as they both react to living tissues. Although easily deflected by [[energy shields]], the needles cause a chemical reaction in close proximity resulting in an explosive effect.<ref>[http://halo3.com halo3.com]</ref>While a single needle will shatter and do very little dammage, after 7 or more needles have entered a hostile combatant, the energy of the needles will combine and cause a violent explosion, causing massive internal damage that always results in death and sending micro shrapnel and a pink mist through the air.  In [[Halo: The Fall of Reach]] it is stated that the micro shrapnel can embed itself in nearby organisms; thus, friendly fire is often a necessary consideration in close quarters.

[[Image:1208118989_Needlers_and_Ammo.jpg‎|left|thumb|250px|Needlers and their ammunition.]]

===Advantages===
This weapon fires homing needles, that embed themselves in the flesh of a target before exploding to cause damage. The rate of fire increases with continuous fire. If seven or more needles accumulate in the target, the needles' combined strength will create a large explosion, killing the target and causing splash damage to other nearby enemies. Needles can penetrate the energy [[shields]] of Elites, [[Sentinels]], and [[Spartans]], but bounce off [[Jackal Personal Arm Shields]] and a hunter large metal shield. They are especially useful against the [[Brutes]] in ''[[Halo 2]]'''s [[Campaign]] mode if many needles hit the Brute. In addition, the secondary explosions often kill surrounding enemies. For example, if you fire an entire clip into a charging [[Flood]] horde, then you will finish over half of them through secondary explosions of the needler.

In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', the Needler can be useful for taking out several enemies clumped together; the first seven shots will kill the enemy and the rest of a clip will set off secondary explosions. In Campaign, the explosions will set off grenades, making the Needler very deadly against groups of enemies or powerful foes such as the Elites. It is also a good weapon in tight corridors, where it is impossible for enemies to dodge the needles by moving left or right, or any wide places with little to no cover. [[Image:1215454556 Spartanwithneedler.jpg|right|thumb|A Spartan, wielding a Needler.]]

In ''Halo 2'', the only game in the trilogy where you can [[dual-wield]] the weapon (which suggests that a lighter model is used in that game), the effectiveness and rate of fire of the needlers can be increased by firing them "out of phase". This is accomplished when the user begins firing one of his needlers a fraction of a second before the other, and continues to fire them in full-auto so that the shots from each weapon are fired in a "one-two punch" pattern. You can tell when the pattern is just right because the guns will sound as if they are firing much more rapidly. This allows for a more constant and consistent stream of fire. Since each needle is in its own slot in the firing sequence, the failure of one needle to impact the target no longer means that two will fail.

In ''[[Halo 3]]'', the Needler is much more powerful than ever before. With a faster rate of fire, greater accuracy, quicker projectiles, better homing capabilities and higher damage, the Needler has been improved in virtually every area. As the Needler now behaves more like a rifle than an [[SMG]], it can no longer be dual-wielded. However, it's no longer necessary to do so. [[Frankie]] has been quoted as saying that the Needler is now nearly a power weapon on its own.

When playing the ''Halo 3'' Campaign, until reaching [[Legendary]], it will not be considered as too much of a powerful weapon, but when it is, it's one of the best weapons to kill Brutes and many other opponents such as the [[Flood]]. It only takes those seven needles, even on higher difficulties, and the homing makes it practically unaffected by the difficulty setting. Most [[skulls]] do not alter the needler's effectiveness. The only skull that makes it less effective is Tough Luck, as enemies are liable to dodge the homing needles.

===Disadvantages===
[[Image:H3_needler_sm.gif|thumb|right|250px|A render of the Needler.]]

The needles that are fired are quite slow, and are very ineffective against [[vehicles]]. In Halo 3 the Needlers clip size is quite small considering the rate of fire. The needles also take time to hit/explode on the target, leaving the target time to move in and inflict some of the explosive splash damage on the shooter. This is best illustrated when dealing with the Flood or a [[Zealot]] wielding an [[Energy Sword]]. It is nearly impossible to hit [[Active Camouflage|invisible]] enemies with the Needler because in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo 2'', it does not home in on invisible targets, but in ''Halo 3'' the Needler is able to home in on camouflaged [[Brutes]]. The learning curve of the "lead" needed to hit strafing targets is also high. And when faced with experienced opponents in multiplayer (who often randomize their strafing patterns) the weapon is almost always overshadowed by better, more reliable options. An enemy who goes in a circular path will always dodge the Needler rounds; you can empty clips into the air and not hit him/her. Against larger and more heavily armored opponents, such as [[Hunters]], the Needler is generally ineffective. The Needler also proves ineffective against [[Jackal|Jackals]] because the needles will simply bounce off the shields. Unless one can fire sideways with the Jackal caught unawares, any other weapon is preferable to take them down. thus, the needles themselves do not inflict much damage, and that only the general explosion inside the enemy will kill them. Therefore, combinations of shooting/[[melee]]ing to get a kill are not ideal with this weapon. Also, this means that, in  [[Halo 2]], the Needler should be dual wielded only with another Needler. In addition, the Needler is more or less useless against enemies with protection (ex. the Hunter's shield). The reason is that the needles will bounce harmlessly away. Only if you aim extremely carefullly will you be able to hit them at all, much less fill them up. [[Covenant]] species in this category include [[Hunter]]s and Jackals. [[Image:1215454504 Needlerneedles.jpg|right|thumb|Firing a Needler]]

==Description and Appearance==
While the Needler appeared in the original ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the individual crystalline needles were used as a hand to hand weapon in the novel, [[Halo: Contact Harvest]]. It made a return in ''Halo 2'', and was made a bit less powerful with the advent of dual wielding. However, after ''Halo 2'''s 1.1 [[multiplayer]] patch, the weapon was toned down even more. The weapon returns in ''Halo 3''. This time it is not dual-wieldable, but the weapon has been significantly rebalanced to allow it to stand on its own; it is one of the most effective medium-ranged weapons in the game, especially when used against Brutes or Flood but some people prefer not to use it.

===Changes from Halo: Combat Evolved to Halo 2===
[[Image:1210496382 1203957011 926632 20071030 screen015.jpg|thumb|right|An [[Elite]] armed with a Needler.]] needler is smaller compared to the player.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the gun, as well as the needles before and after firing, had a slight blue tinge to them, this is all but eliminated.
*It is wielded far less often by enemy [[Elites]] and [[Grunts]].
*The magazine size is increased to thirty needles. Maximum amount of magazines remains the same.
*Explosion has significantly less pressure wash to harm those nearby.
*Only one explosion is needed to kill any covenant enemy; in [[Halo: CE]], up to three were needed to kill high ranking elites on difficulties as low as [[Normal]].
*Needles fly faster.
*Only one explosion will go off within an enemy, in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' multiple explosions could go off in one body, even after death.
*The melee attacks are faster than in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
*Slower rate of fire in ''Halo 2''.
*Melee animation is different, and seems to do less damage.
*Dual-wieldable.

=== Changes from Halo 2 to Halo 3===
*Reticle must be red in order for the needles to seek.
*Magazine size has been decreased to 19 rounds.
*Rate of fire has been dramatically increased.
*Needles appear to travel faster.
*Weapon can no longer be dual wielded. 
*Will Never be wielded by [[Elites]] unless you give them one.
*Power Increased (Requires less needles for a large explosion).

== UNSC Remarks ==
"I don’t know how it works, but it seems the needles can only follow you if they can see you."

"Anything stuck with enough needles will blow sky high—and if a Foxtrot is unlucky enough to be carrying grenades, those’re gonna cook off too."

“I caught three in the leg as I was diving behind a broken wall—they lodged right in there where the greave meets the boot. When they went off it damn near broke my ankle and flung like little splinters of glass or crystal or whatever all up my left side—the corpsman was pulling the shards outta me for the better part of two hours.”

“Luckily—listen to me “luckily”—the needles only detonate when they’re embedded in living tissue. Now that’s lucky because it’s not gonna blow a hole in the wall you’re hiding behind or tear the tires off of the vehicle you’re trying to escape in.”

“It’s about as close to a fire-and-forget small arm that we're likely to ever see—and it ain’t ours. This is why we’re losing.”

“First order of business when dealing with a hostile armed with a Needler is finding cover; second order of business is killing the mike foxtrot with the Needler.”

==Character Compatibility==
*[[Sgt. Johnson]]
*[[Captain Keyes]]
*[[Elites]]
*[[Spartans]]
*[[Brutes]] (have animation but not used)
*[[Drones]]
*[[Grunts]]
*[[Marines]]
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form|Combat Form (Human)]]
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form|Combat Form (Elite)]]
*[[Needler Sentinel |Sentinel]] (Bungie error)

[[Image:1211479378 Needler Shard.jpg|thumb|right|A Needler's, needle in mid-flight.]]

== Trivia==
*Archie Gates made four songs about the Needler weapon.
*In [[Halo 3]] and [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], Elites don't use Needlers as much as they did in [[Halo 2]].
*It is highly speculated that the Needler was inspired by Half-Life's Hive Hand (The one that spits out bee-like insects) due to its similar ability to lock on to enemies in a homing manner.{{Fact}}
*In the [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] instruction book there are Needler blueprints under the Plasma Rifle blueprints.
*It takes seven or more needles to set off the full explosion and kill targets such as Spartans or Elites. This is another early incarnation of [[Bungie]]'s fascination with the number [[7]].
*In Halo: Combat Evolved on Easy difficulty, it is possible to kill a Hunter using a Needler, but it takes exactly three clips of ammunition to do so.
*In the [[Sacred Icon (Level)|Sacred Icon]] in the first [[Enforcer]] fight behind the Gondola there are three overloaded Needlers with 135 ammo each.
*[[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Jacob Keyes]] and Sgt. Johnson are the only main [[UNSC]] characters that use a Needler in-game.
*The only level in all three games of the [[Halo]] trilogy where Needler ammunition can be found outside of the weapon is [[343 Guilty Spark (Level)|343 Guilty Spark]] in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
*In ''Halo 3'', if you look at your shadow while holding a Needler (regardless of how many needles are protruding from the top) there will not be any needles visible in the top of the Needler in your shadow. This is to compensate with simple reloading, third person etc animations.
*In Halo: Combat Evolved you could melee the enemy using the needled side.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the needles appear bluish-pink when in the Needler, although they've always been pink when shot.
*In ''Halo 3'', the force of the Needler explosion was reduced along with the multiple explosions of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo 2''.
*Its color has also been changed to that of a [[Plasma Grenade]] from the red-pink of the original invention.
*If you shoot a weapon in ''Halo 3'' with at least seven needles, then quickly pick it up while still firing, the weapon will explode and you will die. This glitch counts as a suicide.
*In [[Halo 3]] since the Needler is so overpowered many people view it as a [[noob]] weapon.
*A second suicide method is to crouch on a floor that rebounds needler shots, aim at your foot, and eventually, through continual fire (About 4 clips) you will die. 
*A third, faster way to commit suicide is to walk into a fence and your arms and the needler will be outside of the fence and your chest will be against the fence. The needles actually fire from further back from the needler about where the fence is. You will die before your clip runs out and the last 3-4 shots will not explode.
*In ''Halo 3'''s [[Forge]] mode, there's a minor Glitch where if you set the weapon's Spare ammunition clips to two, the Needler will have three spare clips instead.
*The Halo 3 Needler is incorrectly labeled as having 30 needles per clip, instead of the actual 19.
*''Halo 2'' is the only game where you can dual-wield needlers.
*Many people miss the fact that you can't [[duel-wield]] [[Needlers]].
*Needlers cause three types of damage. ''Penetration'', getting hurt on impact of the crystalline needles, and ''Explosive'', implosion and explosion of needles wedged in the body and splash damage to surrounding units.
*The Needler is [[Voro Nar 'Mantakree]]'s next-to trademark weapon, the other being the [[Energy Sword]].
*The Needler is one of the few Covenant weapons that use re-loadable ammunition. The others are the [[Fuel Rod Gun]], the [[Carbine]], the [[Spiker]], the [[Mauler]] and the [[Brute Shot]]. This is of course simple speculation, as the UNSC has not found a way to reload the battery of any plasma weapon. 
*In [[Halo Custom Edition]], there are approximately four ways to reload a needler.
*There is a glitch in [[Halo 2]] where you can get a [[Jackal]] to fire a Needler, but no needles will come out. To read more, go to [[Charging needler glitch| this page]].
*imSuck the machinima producer made a music video about the Needler.
*Some players amid Halo 3's multiplayer discern the Needler as a cheap way of getting a simple kill as it does not require much talent to aim a homing weapon.
*It is possible to hit the needles in a needler and hear a ping sound.
*There is a [[Sentinel]] that fires needler rounds and when destroyed it drops a needler. It is found on the level [[Quarantine Zone]] in halo 2.
*in [[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]] the Needler is referred to as a pistol. This may be because in the large hands of a [[Sangheili]] warrior where it appears on a smaller scale than if it were in [[human]] hands.
*It is  impossible to destroy a [[Scorpion]] tank on [[Halo 3]] with a needler,unless you somehow open the hatch and shoot the pilot in the inside of the vehicle.
*In Halo 2, the level [[Sacred Icon (Level)|Sacred Icon]], if you give a Jackal a Needler when it was overcharging its Plasma Pistol, it will rapidly fire the Needler. It is notable that the Needles do not harm the player, nor any other allies.
*In the original Halo CE booklet the 2D picture of the Needler is overlapping the Plasma rifle.
*in halo 2 there is a glitch where sometimes it takes more than 7 needler rounds for it to blow the enemy up.

== Related Links ==
*[[Covenant Weapons]]
*[[Fear the Pink Mist]]
*[[Energy Cutlass]]
*[http://halowiki.net/p/Needler Needler at halowiki]

==Images==
<gallery>
Image:Halo3 Spartan-needler-01.jpg|A Spartan in [[EVA]] armor wields the needler.
Image:Needler-1.jpg|Dual Wielding the Needler.
Image:GruntUltra03.jpg|Grunts are often seen with the needler.
Image:Needler Halo 3.jpg|The Halo 3 Needler.
</gallery>

==References==
<references/>

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{{WepList}}

[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Held Weapons]]
[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:Covenant Weapons]]