Editing Z-250 lightrifle

{{Status|Canon}}
{{Weapon infobox
|image = [[File:H5G-Lightrifle.png|300px]]<br>[[File:H4-Z250LightRifle-Side-Render.png|300px]]<br>Traditional (top) and burst-fire (bottom) variants of the weapon.
|manufacturer = [[Forerunner]]
|series = Z-250
|type = Directed Energy Engagement Weapon
|affiliation = [[Forerunner]]
* [[Promethean]]s 
|length = {{Convert|125.7|cm|in|sp=us}}{{Ref/Book|Id=H4EVG|H4EVG|Page=99}}
|width = {{Convert|10.1|cm|in|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}}
|height = {{Convert|32|cm|in|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}}
|weight = {{Convert|13.2|kg|lb|sp=us}}{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/light-rifle|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Universe - LightRifle|D=28|M=10|Y=2021}}
|ammotype = Light mass{{Ref/Site|Id=h4guide|URL=http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/intel/inteldetail/c753212e-e69b-4abe-a7e0-b1184fe1bded/lightrifle|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo 4 Interactive Guide - Weapons: Lightrifle|D=01|M=05|Y=2013|LocalArchive=Halo 4 Interactive Guide#Forerunner Weapons}}
|capacity =
|feed = 
* 36 rounds (unscoped) {{C|''Halo 4'' only}}
* 12 rounds
|optics =
|range = Medium to long
|rate = 
|service = [[Human-Forerunner War]] <br> [[Forerunner-Flood war]] <br> [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]] 
}}
The '''Z-250 Directed Energy Engagement Weapon''' ('''Z-250 DEEW'''), also known as the '''LightRifle''', is a [[Forerunner]] [[Directed energy weapon|energy channel weapon]].{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}

== Overview ==
=== Design details ===
The lightrifle fires luminescent orange hardlight rounds. It is a scoped, mid-range to long-range weapon that normally fires a three-shot burst with one pull of the trigger. When zoomed in, however, it fires a single high-powered concentrated shot that consumes three units of ammunition. It holds 36 units per magazine; however this provides 12 shots while zoomed in. Functionally, the weapon employs componential particle acceleration to fire beams of hard light particles at a high speed and with pinpoint accuracy.{{Ref/Reuse|h4guide}} Using the diffused combination of particle acceleration and hardened photonic matter, it is capable of dropping individual shielded enemies such as [[Sangheili|Elites]], [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartans]], [[Promethean Knight]]s, and [[Promethean Soldier]]s in a few well placed shots.{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}} 

The rifle possesses an angular design and metallic casing. It features a stock, a firing grip, a stabilizing firing grip, a scope and a light mass channel.{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}} It appears to be held together, at least partly, by energy fields as indicated by its self-assembly process and floating sights. Orange lights are present while the weapon is self-assembling and throughout the casing once assembly is complete; there is also a column of orange-colored energy that runs through the light mass channel.{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}} Hard light highlights stream along the sides of the weapon while it is fired. The sight through the scope is tinted orange and is approximately a 4× zoom. It features integrated targeting optics.{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}} The Light Rifle was manufactured and developed by [[Ferrarius Assembler Vats]].{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=390}}

=== Operational history ===
The Lightrifle is a precision weapon originally used during the [[human-Forerunner war]]s. Warrior-Servant marksmen utilized them in large sieges on human redoubts. The weapon served well against the humans' particle rifles.{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}} [[Armiger]]s stationed on [[Installation 00]] used lightrifles against human and Sangheili forces during [[Operation: FAR STORM]].{{Ref/Novel|HitD}} The [[Ur-Didact]]'s [[Promethean Knight]] units encountered on [[Requiem]] and on [[Installation 03]] utilized the Z-250. A small number of [[Sangheili]] members within [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] and [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IV]]s aboard the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} also utilized the Z-250 during the [[Requiem Campaign]].<ref>''Spartan Ops''</ref> It is ranked a Rare REQ in [[Warzone]] simulations, and is available at [[Requisition system|Level 4 energy]] while giving 100 REQ points if sold. During the [[Mission to Mount Kilimanjaro]], [[343 Guilty Spark]] used in a Z-250 in his [[armiger]] body to bring down a rocky overhang on [[Fireteam Apollo]] and an ONI team as a distraction to help the ''[[Ace of Spades]]'' crew to escape. As Spark was only aiming for a distraction, no one was seriously hurt and the crew managed to escape using a [[teleportation grid|translocation pad]].{{Ref/Novel|HRen|Page=285}}

== Variants ==
* '''[[Barbed Lance]]''': The ''Barbed Lance'', an improved Z-250 with faster rate of fire and larger magazine carrying up to 16 rounds, is classified as an Ultra-Rare REQ in Warzone simulations and available at Level 4 energy while giving 150 REQ points if sold.{{Ref/Game|Id=Barbed|H5G|[[Barbed Lance]] [[List of REQ cards|REQ card]]|Quote=Even the most cunning stratagems and deadly artifice of Forerunner Warrior-Servants could not stop the voracious Flood. Improved LightRifle with an extended magazine and faster rate of fire.}} 
* '''[[Dying Star]]''': The ''Dying Star'', an advanced Z-250 designed for combat against [[Flood pure form]]s, fires adhesive pulsewave explosives; three nearby explosions will prove fatal to even a shielded Spartan. The Dying Star's explosive rounds also disintegrate enemies upon landing a killing blow. However, it has a reduced magazine size of 8 rounds as opposed to 12. In Warzone simulations, the Dying Star is a Legendary REQ that requires Level 5 energy.{{Ref/Game|Id=Dying|H5G|[[Dying Star]] REQ card|Quote=The appearance of highly mobile and mutable Flood Pure Forms quickly lead to Promethean countermeasures. Advanced LightRifle that fires adhesive pulsewave explosives; as few as three nearby explosions will prove fatal to even a shielded Spartan.}} 

<gallery class=center>
File:H5G-Barbed Lance.png|Barbed Lance.
File:H5G-Dying Star.png|Dying Star.
</gallery>

== Gameplay ==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes}}
=== ''Halo 4'' ===
In ''[[Halo 4]]'' the rifle is essentially a mix between the [[BR85HB battle rifle|Battle Rifle]] and the [[M395 DMR|DMR]] in that it possesses the three-round burst of the former while not scoped-in and the single-shot fire of the latter when scoped in. While its burst-fire function isn't as potent as that of the Battle Rifle's, its semi-automatic fire is much more powerful than that of the DMR's, thus outclassing the two while zoomed in, especially from a distance with its higher 4× zoom magnification. However, it is slightly hindered by a slower firing rate compared to the two other weapons making it critical that the shots land and result in a headshot. While the time to kill of the unscoped mode is higher to both human weapons, the scoped mode has a lower time to kill. At the maximum red reticle range, the LightRifle can easily overpower a DMR or a BR. While it is not as suitable for close ranges, an extremely skilled user can utilize both firing modes to achieve a lower kill time than its human counterparts.

While unscoped, three shots are required to leave an opponent vulnerable to a single lethal melee. Two shots of the single fire mode are required to achieve the same effect. The magazine has two different displays in the HUD: 36 small rounds for unscoped mode, and 12 rounds for scoped. The maximum ammo one can carry is 36/108 when unscoped or 12/36 if scoped.

=== ''Halo 5: Guardians'' ===
In ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' the LightRifle (as it is now capitalized) is no longer capable of a three-round burst like the battle rifle, and instead fires single shots like its ''Halo 4'' rendition's scoped-in mode. The weapon remains aesthetically similar to its ''Halo 4'' version with a change to the scope and a pair of cylindrical components under-slung near the muzzle. However, utilizing the smart scope on the weapon now causes the beam to spread out slightly, allowing for easier hits on moving or distant targets, and reduces the required shots to kill from four to three, assuming the final round is a headshot. Its fire rate drops dramatically while scoped however, making landing that final round more difficult than would be expected. In gameplay, it is significantly harder to find, as there are fewer [[Promethean]]s using them than in ''Halo 4'', also due to the fact that [[Promethean Soldier]]s can switch to [[Z-130 Suppressor|Suppressors]] if players get too close to them.
{{Expand-section}}

=== Changes from ''Halo 4'' to Turbo update ===
* The rate of fire of the Lightrifle has been increased when zoomed in.
* The rate of fire of the Lightrifle has been decreased when zoomed out.
* The red reticle range of the Lightrifle now matches the DMR's Turbo-era range.

=== Changes from Turbo to ''Halo 5: Guardians'' ===
* Unscoped mode now fires a single round (similar to the ''Halo 4'' version's scoped firing style) instead of three-round bursts, taking 4 shots to kill a fully-shielded Spartan if the last shot is a headshot.
* Scoped mode now fires a flat, wide projectile, which takes 3 shots to kill provided the final shot is a headshot.
* Zoom significantly reduced.
* Ammunition capacity is adjusted to match the new single-shot only firing mode from 36/108 to 12/36.
* Name is now capitalized as '''LightRifle'''.
* Rates of fire when zoomed out and zoomed in are slightly reduced.

== Trivia ==
* The Lightrifle was originally conceptualized as the [[Z-750 binary rifle|Binary Rifle]] in the preliminary phase of development.<ref name="twoconcept">[[:File:H4-Concept-BinaryLightRifles.jpg|Concept art of the Binary Rifle. Note the bottom part that is to be the Lightrifle.]]</ref>
* Some [[Sangheili Warrior]]s in [[Spartan Ops]] are seen wielding lightrifles, as well as [[Z-180 Scattershot|Scattershots]]. Presumably the taboo on using human weaponry observed during the [[Human-Covenant War]] does not extend to Forerunner weaponry, perhaps because of the Covenant's veneration of Forerunners and their technology, or that this particular group of Elites (as part of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction) does not share either taboo.
* The LightRifle is one of the weapons that reward a unique [[Perfect Kill]] [[medal]] in ''Halo 5: Guardians'' multiplayer.

== Gallery ==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Z-250 Directed Energy Engagement Weapon}}
=== Illustrations ===
<gallery>
File:Escalation - Installation03Skirmish.png|Promethean Knights armed with lightrifles during the [[Skirmish on Installation 03]] in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:HM-I03.png|Promethean Knights armed with lightrifles during the Skirmish on Installation 03 in ''[[Halo Mythos]]''.
</gallery>
=== ''Halo 4'' ===
<gallery>
File:H4-Concept-LightRifle-Initial.jpg|Initial concept art of the Lightrifle for ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:H4-Concept-BinaryLightRifles.jpg|Early concept art of the binary rifle that would become the lightrifle.
File:H4-Concept-Lightrifle.jpg|Updated concept art of the Lightrifle.
File:H4 LightRifle HiPoly Render 1.jpg|The high-poly source asset for the Lightrifle.
File:H4 LightRifle HiPoly Render 2.jpg|The high-poly source asset for the Lightrifle.
File:H4 LightRifle HiPoly Render 3.jpg|The high-poly source asset for the Lightrifle.
File:H4 LightRifle HiPoly Render 4.jpg|The high-poly source asset for the Lightrifle.
File:H4 LightRifle HiPoly Render 5.jpg|The high-poly source asset for the Lightrifle.
File:H4-Z250LightRifle-Side-Render.png|The Lightrifle in ''Halo 4''.
File:Lightrifle_blueprint.png|The blueprint for the Lightrifle from the HUD.
File:H4-Z250LightRifle-Infobox.jpg|''Halo 4'' Infobox.
File:Lightriflehud.jpeg|A render of the light rifle's scope. 
File:2821570-gallery.jpg|The Lightrifle wielded by [[Master Chief Petty Officer]] [[John-117]].
File:H4 - HUD Lightrifle.png|First-person view of the Lightrifle in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4 - Lightrifle Zoom.png|First-person view through the Lightrifle's scope in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-MP-Z250Lighrifle-AmmoReload.jpg|A Lightrifle being reloaded in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4 Terminal Didact Librarian Knights.jpg|Promethean Knights armed with lighrifles in the ''[[Terminal (Halo 4)|Halo 4 terminals]]''.
</gallery>
=== ''Halo 5: Guardians'' ===
<gallery>
File:H5G-Lightrifle barrel concept.jpg|Concept art of the lightrifle's barrel for ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G-Lightrifle scope concept.jpg|Concept art of the lightrifle's scope.
File:H5GBetaLightrifle.png|The lightrifle's scope being used in the ''Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta''.
File:H5GB-LightRifleHUD.png|First-person view of the lightrifle in the ''[[Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta]]''.
File:H5GBLightriflezoom.png|[[Smart scope]] with the lightrifle in the ''Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta''.
File:H5G-FathomZ250.jpg|First-person view of the lightrifle in a ''Halo 5: Guardians'' screenshot, released during June 2015.
File:H5G-Buck ADS.png|[[Edward Buck]] using the LightRifle's scope during the [[Battle of Kamchatka]].
File:H5G-Z250HUD-Campaign.png|First-person view of the LightRifle by [[Frederic-104]] in the ''Halo 5: Guardians'' campaign.
File:H5G-Z250zoom-Campaign.png|Smart scope with the LightRifle by Fred-104 in the ''Halo 5: Guardians'' campaign.
File:H5G-Fred&Z250.png|Fred-104 armed with a lightrifle on [[Genesis]].
File:H5G-Z250HUD.png|First-person view of the lightrifle in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:H5G-Z250zoom.png|The lightrifle engaged in smart scope in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:H5G-Z250ss.png|A [[CENTURION-class Mjolnir|Centurion]]-clad Spartan-IV using smart scope with the Z-250.
File:H5G-KigYarRanger&Z250.png|A [[Kig-Yar Ranger]] using a lightrifle on [[Skirmish at Darkstar]].
File:H5G-SangheiliRanger&Z250.png|A [[Sangheili Ranger]] using a lightrifle.
File:H5G-Scopelesslightrifle.png|A Legendary [[Knight Commander]] using a scopeless lightrifle.
File:H5G-BarbedLanceHUD.png|First-person view of the ''Barbed Lance''.
File:H5G-BarbedLance.png|A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV with the ''Barbed Lance''.
File:H5G-DyingStarHUD.png|First-person view of the ''Dying Star''.
File:H5G-DyingStar.png|A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV with the ''Dying Star''.
File:H5G-DyingStarSS.png|The ''Dying Star'' engaged in smart scope.
File:H5G-DyingStareffect.png|The effect of the ''Dying Star''{{'}}s ammunition.
</gallery>

=== ''Halo 4'' skins ===
<gallery>
File:H4-Z250LightRifle-ImprintSkin.png|Imprint (IPT) skin.
File:H4-Z250LightRifle-SteelSkin.png|Industrial (IDT) skin.
</gallery>

=== ''Halo 5: Guardians'' REQ cards ===
<gallery>
File:REQ card - Lightrifle.jpg|LightRifle.
File:REQ card - Barbed Lance.jpg|''Barbed Lance''.
File:REQ card - Dying Star.jpg|''Dying Star''.
</gallery>

== List of appearances ==
* ''[[Scanned]]'' {{1st}}
* ''[[Halo 4]]'' 
** ''[[Terminal (Halo 4)|Terminals]]''
** ''[[Spartan Ops]]''
* ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
* ''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''
* ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
* ''[[Halo Mythos]]''
* ''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''
* ''[[Halo: Renegades]]''
* ''[[Halo: Point of Light]]''
* ''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''

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

{{Forerunner|weapons|category=no}}
[[Category:Forerunner weapons]]