Editing Z-250 lightrifle

{{Era|Forerunner|Post}}
{{Weapon Infobox
|image = [[File:H5G-Lightrifle.png|300px]]
|manufacturer = [[Forerunner]]
|series = Z-250
|type = Directed Energy Engagement Weapon
|affiliation = [[Forerunner]]
* [[Promethean]]s 
|length = {{Convert|125.7|cm|in|sp=us}}<ref name=H4EVG>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 99''</ref>
|width = {{Convert|10.1|cm|in|sp=us}}<ref name="H4EVG"/>
|height = {{Convert|32|cm|in|sp=us}}<ref name="H4EVG"/>
|weight = {{Convert|13.2|kg|lb|sp=us}}<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/light-rifle '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo Universe: LightRifle'']</ref>
|ammotype = Light mass<ref name="intel">[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-ca/intel/inteldetail/c753212e-e69b-4abe-a7e0-b1184fe1bded/lightrifle '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo 4 Intel: Lightrifle'']</ref>
|feed = 
* 36 rounds (unscoped) {{C|''Halo 4'' only}}
* 12 rounds
|range = Medium to long
* 30.5 m (100 ft) {{C|unscoped, ''Halo 5: Guardians''}}<ref name="analysis">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txx3q9MGzps '''YouTube''' - ''Halo 5 | Light Rifles Analysis'']</ref>
* 76.2 m (250 ft) {{C|scoped, ''Halo 5: Guardians''}}<ref name="analysis"/>
|rate = 
* 144 RPM {{Citation needed}} (cyclic)
* 192 RPM {{C|unscoped}}<ref name="analysis"/>
* 153 RPM {{C|scoped}}<ref name="analysis"/>
|service = [[Human-Forerunner War]] <br> [[Forerunner-Flood war]] <br> [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]] 
}}
The '''Z-250 Directed Energy Engagement Weapon''' ('''Z-250 DEEW''')<ref name="gi">'''GameInformer''', ''October 2012 edition'' (digital content)</ref>, also known as the '''LightRifle''', is a [[Forerunner]] [[Directed energy weapon|energy channel weapon]].<ref name="demo">'''[[Halo 4 E3 2012 Stage Demo]]'''</ref>

== Overview ==
=== 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 name="H4EVG"/> [[Armiger]]s stationed on [[Installation 00]] used lightrifles against human and Sangheili forces during [[Operation: FAR STORM]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]'''</ref> 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]]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.

=== 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 name="intel"/> 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 name="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 name="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 name="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 name="H4EVG"/>

== 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 name="H5G">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'''</ref>
* '''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 name="H5G"/>

<gallery>
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 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''.
{{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'''.

== 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.
* Getting a perfect kill with the LightRifle in ''Halo 5: Guardians'' multiplayer rewards the player with a medal unique to the LightRifle.

== Gallery ==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Z-250 Directed Energy Engagement Weapon}}
=== Normal gallery ===
<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 light rifle.
File:H4-Concept-Lightrifle.jpg|Updated concept art of 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]]''.
File:Escalation - Installation03Skirmish.png|Promethean Knights armed with lightrifles during the [[Skirmish on Installation 03]] in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
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 of 2015.
File:H5G-Z250HUD-Campaign.png|First-person view of the lightrifle by [[Fred-104]] in the ''Halo 5: Guardians'' campaign.
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-Buck ADS.png|[[Edward Buck]] using the Lightrifle's scope during the [[Battle of Kamchatka]].
File:H5G-BarbedLanceHUD.png|First-person view of ''Barbed Lance''.
File:H5G-BarbedLance.png|An [[INDOMITABLE-class Mjolnir|Indomitable]]-clad Spartan-IV wielding ''Barbed Lance''.
File:H5G-DyingStarHUD.png|First-person view of ''Dying Star''.
File:H5G-DyingStar.png|A Spartan-IV wielding ''Dying Star''.
File:H5G-DyingStarSS.png|''Dying Star'' engaged in smart scope.
File:H5G-DyingStareffect.png|The effect of ''Dying Star''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s ammunition.
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.
</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:Lightrifle.png|LightRifle.
File:REQ card - Barbed Lance.jpg|''Barbed Lance''.
File:Dyingstar.png|''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]]''

== Sources ==
<references/>

{{Forerunner|weapons|category=no}}

[[Category:Forerunner weapons]]