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Z-250 lightrifle: Difference between revisions

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{{Era|Forerunner|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Weapon Infobox
{{Weapon infobox
|image=[[File:H4-Z250LightRifle-Side-Render.png|300px]]
|image = {{tabcontainer|title1=Traditional Variant|content1=[[File:H5G-Lightrifle.png|300px]]|title2=Burst-Fire Variant|content2=[[File:H4-Z250LightRifle-Side-Render.png|300px]]}}
|manufacturer=[[Forerunner]]
|manufacturer = [[Forerunner]]
|type=Energy Rifle
|series = Z-250
|affiliation=[[Forerunner]]
|type = Directed Energy Engagement Weapon
*[[Promethean]]s  
|affiliation = [[Forerunner]]
|length={{Convert|125.7|cm|in|sp=us}}<ref name=H4EVG>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 99''</ref>
* [[Promethean]]s  
|width={{Convert|10.1|cm|in|sp=us}}<ref name="H4EVG"/>
|length = {{Convert|125.7|cm|in|sp=us}}{{Ref/Book|Id=H4EVG|H4EVG|Page=99}}
|height={{Convert|32|cm|in|sp=us}}<ref name="H4EVG"/>
|width = {{Convert|10.1|cm|in|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}}
|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>
|height = {{Convert|32|cm|in|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}}
|feed=*36 rounds (unscoped) {{C|Halo 4 only}}
|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}}
*12 rounds
|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}}
|range=Medium, long  
|capacity =
|rate=
|feed =  
|service=[[Human-Forerunner War]] <br> [[Forerunner-Flood war]] <br> [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]  
* 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 '''LightRifle''' {{ZClass|250|Directed Energy Engagement Weapon|DEEW}} is a [[Forerunner]] [[Directed energy weapon|energy channel weapon]].{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}


The '''Z-250 Directed Energy Engagement Weapon'''<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 ==
=== 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 [[Armiger 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}}


== Overview ==
=== Operational history ===
===Service 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}}
The LightRifle is a precision weapon originally used during the [[human-Forerunner wars]]. Warrior-Servant marksmen utilized them in large sieges on human redoubts. The weapon served well against humans' particle rifles.<ref name="H4EVG"/> 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 faction]] also utilized the Z-250 during the [[Second Battle of Requiem]].<ref>'''Spartan Ops'''</ref>


=== Design details ===
== Variants ==
It is a scoped, mid-range to long-range weapon that normally fires a three-shot burst or a powerful concentrated semi-automatic shot which consumes three units when zoomed in. It holds 36 units per magazine however this provides 12 shots. It fires luminescent orange hardlight rounds. Functionally, the weapon employs componential particle acceleration to fire beams of hard light particles at a high speed and accuracy.<ref name="intel"/>. Using the diffused combination of particle acceleration and hardened photonic matter, it fires fast and accurate beams which are capable of dropping individual enemies in a few well placed shots.<ref name="H4EVG"/>
* '''[[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.}}


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 4x zoom. It features integrated targeting optics.<ref name="H4EVG"/>
<gallery class=center>
File:H5G-Barbed Lance.png|Barbed Lance.
File:H5G-Dying Star.png|Dying Star.
</gallery>


== Gameplay ==
== Gameplay ==
===Halo 4===
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes}}
In ''[[Halo 4]]'' the rifle is essentially a mix between the [[BR85 Heavy Barrel Service Rifle|Battle Rifle]] and the [[M395 Designated Marksman Rifle|DMR]] in that it possesses the three-round burst of the BR while not scoped-in and the single-shot fire of the DMR 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 4x 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.
=== ''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.
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===
=== ''Halo 5: Guardians'' ===
In ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' the lightrifle is no longer capable of a three-round burst like the battle rifle.
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 [[Armiger Soldier]]s can switch to [[Z-130 Suppressor|Suppressors]] if players get too close to them.
{{Expand-section}}
{{Expand-section}}


===Changes from ''Halo 4'' to ''Halo 5: Guardians''===
=== Changes from ''Halo 4'' to Turbo update ===
*Unscoped mode now fires full rounds instead of bursts, though still taking 5 trigger pulls to kill a fully-shielded Spartan.
* The rate of fire of the Lightrifle has been increased when zoomed in.
*Scoped mode now fires a flat, wide projectile.
* The rate of fire of the Lightrifle has been decreased when zoomed out.
*Reduced zoom
* The red reticle range of the Lightrifle now matches the DMR's Turbo-era range.


==Trivia==
=== 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}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Z-250 Directed Energy Engagement Weapon}}
*The Lightrifle was originally conceptualized as the [[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>
=== Illustrations ===
*Curiously, some Sangheili warriors in Spartan Ops are seen wielding the weapon, as well as the Scattershot. It is assumed that 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.
<gallery>
*The weapon's fire rate was lessened and its damage was increased during the 'turbo update', making it different in campaign and multiplayer.
File:Escalation - Installation03Skirmish.png|Promethean Knights armed with lightrifles during the [[Mission to Installation 03]] in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
 
File:HM-I03.png|Ditto, in ''[[Halo Mythos]]''.
==Gallery==
</gallery>
=== ''Halo 4'' ===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H4-Concept-LightRifle-Initial.jpg|Initial concept art of the Lightrifle.
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-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-Concept-Lightrifle.jpg|Updated concept art of the Lightrifle.
File:H4-Z250LightRifle-ImprintSkin.png|The Lightrifle with the "Imprint" skin.
File:H4-Z250LightRifle-Side-Render.png|The Lightrifle in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-Z250LightRifle-SteelSkin.png|The Lightrifle with the "Industrial" skin.
File:Lightrifle_blueprint.png|The blueprint for the Lightrifle from the HUD.
File:Lightrifle_blueprint.png|The blueprint for the Lightrifle from the HUD.
File:H4-MP-Z250Lighrifle-AmmoReload.jpg|A Lightrifle being reloaded in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
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:2821570-gallery.jpg|The Lightrifle wielded by [[Master Chief Petty Officer]] [[John-117]].
File:H4 - HUD Lightrifle.png|First-person view of the Lightrifle.
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.
File:H4 - Lightrifle Zoom.png|First-person view through the Lightrifle's scope in ''Halo 4''.
File:Lightriflehud.jpeg|A render of the light rifle's scope.  
File:H4-MP-Z250Lighrifle-AmmoReload.jpg|A Lightrifle being reloaded in ''Halo 4''.
File:H5GBetaLightrifle.png|The lightrifle's scope being used in the ''[[Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta]]''.
File:H4 Terminal Didact Librarian Knights.jpg|Promethean Knights armed with lighrifles in the ''[[Terminal (Halo 4)|Halo 4 terminals]]''.
File:H5GBLightriflezoom.png|First-person view through the lightrifle's scope in the ''Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta''.
</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-Z250 FP melee1.png|First-person view of John-117 doing a melee attack with the LightRifle.
File:H5G-Z250 FP melee2.png|Ditto, secondary melee animation.
File:H5G-Z250 FP firing.png|First-person view of John-117 firing the LightRifle at an Armiger Soldier.
File:H5G-Z250 FP reload.png|The LightRifle being reloaded.
File:H5G-Fred&Z250.png|Fred-104 armed with a lightrifle on [[Genesis]].
File:H5G-Z250HUD.png|First-person view of the lightrifle on [[Fathom]] in the ''Halo 5: Guardians'' multiplayer.
File:H5G-Z250zoom.png|The lightrifle engaged in smart scope in the ''Halo 5: Guardians'' multiplayer.
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>
</gallery>


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


==Sources==
== Sources ==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}


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

Latest revision as of 14:20, October 10, 2024

Z-250 lightrifle
Traditional Variant
H5G-Lightrifle.png
Burst-Fire Variant
H4-Z250LightRifle-Side-Render.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Forerunner

Model series:

Z-250

Type:

Directed Energy Engagement Weapon

Specifications

Length:

125.7 centimeters (49.5 in)[1]

Width:

10.1 centimeters (4.0 in)[1]

Height:

32 centimeters (13 in)[1]

Weight:

13.2 kilograms (29 lb)[2]

Ammunition type:

Light mass[3]

Feed system:

  • 36 rounds (unscoped) (Halo 4 only)
  • 12 rounds

Effective range:

Medium to long

Service history

In service:

Human-Forerunner War
Forerunner-Flood war
Post-Covenant War conflicts

 

The LightRifle (UNSC Z-classification: Z-250 Directed Energy Engagement Weapon, Z-250 DEEW) is a Forerunner energy channel weapon.[1][2]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

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.[3] Using the diffused combination of particle acceleration and hardened photonic matter, it is capable of dropping individual shielded enemies such as Elites, Spartans, Promethean Knights, and Armiger Soldiers in a few well placed shots.[1]

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.[1] 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.[1] 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.[1] The Light Rifle was manufactured and developed by Ferrarius Assembler Vats.[4]

Operational history[edit]

The Lightrifle is a precision weapon originally used during the human-Forerunner wars. Warrior-Servant marksmen utilized them in large sieges on human redoubts. The weapon served well against the humans' particle rifles.[1] Armigers stationed on Installation 00 used lightrifles against human and Sangheili forces during Operation: FAR STORM.[5] 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-IVs aboard the UNSC Infinity also utilized the Z-250 during the Requiem Campaign.[6] It is ranked a Rare REQ in Warzone simulations, and is available at 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 translocation pad.[7]

Variants[edit]

  • 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.[8]
  • Dying Star: The Dying Star, an advanced Z-250 designed for combat against Flood pure forms, 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.[9]
  • Barbed Lance.

    Barbed Lance.

  • Dying Star.

    Dying Star.

Gameplay[edit]

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to Z-250 lightrifle on its gameplay page.

Halo 4[edit]

In Halo 4 the rifle is essentially a mix between the Battle Rifle and the 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[edit]

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 Prometheans using them than in Halo 4, also due to the fact that Armiger Soldiers can switch to Suppressors if players get too close to them.

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Changes from Halo 4 to Turbo update[edit]

  • 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[edit]

  • 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[edit]

  • The Lightrifle was originally conceptualized as the Binary Rifle in the preliminary phase of development.[10]
  • Some Sangheili Warriors in Spartan Ops are seen wielding lightrifles, as well as 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[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

Illustrations[edit]

Halo 4[edit]

  • Initial concept art of the Lightrifle for Halo 4.

    Initial concept art of the Lightrifle for Halo 4.

  • Early concept art of the binary rifle that would become the lightrifle.

    Early concept art of the binary rifle that would become the lightrifle.

  • Updated concept art of the Lightrifle.

    Updated concept art of the Lightrifle.

  • The Lightrifle in Halo 4.

    The Lightrifle in Halo 4.

  • The blueprint for the Lightrifle from the HUD.

    The blueprint for the Lightrifle from the HUD.

  • Halo 4 Infobox.

    Halo 4 Infobox.

  • A render of the light rifle's scope.

    A render of the light rifle's scope.

  • The Lightrifle wielded by Master Chief Petty Officer John-117.

    The Lightrifle wielded by Master Chief Petty Officer John-117.

  • First-person view of the Lightrifle in Halo 4.

    First-person view of the Lightrifle in Halo 4.

  • First-person view through the Lightrifle's scope in Halo 4.

    First-person view through the Lightrifle's scope in Halo 4.

  • A Lightrifle being reloaded in Halo 4.

    A Lightrifle being reloaded in Halo 4.

  • Promethean Knights armed with lighrifles in the Halo 4 terminals.

    Promethean Knights armed with lighrifles in the Halo 4 terminals.

Halo 5: Guardians[edit]

  • Concept art of the lightrifle's barrel for Halo 5: Guardians.

    Concept art of the lightrifle's barrel for Halo 5: Guardians.

  • Concept art of the lightrifle's scope.

    Concept art of the lightrifle's scope.

  • The lightrifle's scope being used in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.

    The lightrifle's scope being used in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.

  • First-person view of the lightrifle in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.

    First-person view of the lightrifle in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.

  • Smart scope with the lightrifle in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.

    Smart scope with the lightrifle in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.

  • First-person view of the lightrifle in a Halo 5: Guardians screenshot, released during June 2015.

    First-person view of the lightrifle in a Halo 5: Guardians screenshot, released during June 2015.

  • Edward Buck using the LightRifle's scope during the Battle of Kamchatka.

    Edward Buck using the LightRifle's scope during the Battle of Kamchatka.

  • First-person view of the LightRifle by Frederic-104 in the Halo 5: Guardians campaign.

    First-person view of the LightRifle by Frederic-104 in the Halo 5: Guardians campaign.

  • Smart scope with the LightRifle by Fred-104 in the Halo 5: Guardians campaign.

    Smart scope with the LightRifle by Fred-104 in the Halo 5: Guardians campaign.

  • First-person view of John-117 doing a melee attack with the LightRifle.

    First-person view of John-117 doing a melee attack with the LightRifle.

  • Ditto, secondary melee animation.

    Ditto, secondary melee animation.

  • First-person view of John-117 firing the LightRifle at an Armiger Soldier.

    First-person view of John-117 firing the LightRifle at an Armiger Soldier.

  • The LightRifle being reloaded.

    The LightRifle being reloaded.

  • Fred-104 armed with a lightrifle on Genesis.

    Fred-104 armed with a lightrifle on Genesis.

  • First-person view of the lightrifle on Fathom in the Halo 5: Guardians multiplayer.

    First-person view of the lightrifle on Fathom in the Halo 5: Guardians multiplayer.

  • The lightrifle engaged in smart scope in the Halo 5: Guardians multiplayer.

    The lightrifle engaged in smart scope in the Halo 5: Guardians multiplayer.

  • A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV using smart scope with the Z-250.

    A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV using smart scope with the Z-250.

  • A Kig-Yar Ranger using a lightrifle on Skirmish at Darkstar.

    A Kig-Yar Ranger using a lightrifle on Skirmish at Darkstar.

  • A Sangheili Ranger using a lightrifle.

    A Sangheili Ranger using a lightrifle.

  • A Legendary Knight Commander using a scopeless lightrifle.

    A Legendary Knight Commander using a scopeless lightrifle.

  • First-person view of the Barbed Lance.

    First-person view of the Barbed Lance.

  • A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV with the Barbed Lance.

    A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV with the Barbed Lance.

  • First-person view of the Dying Star.

    First-person view of the Dying Star.

  • A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV with the Dying Star.

    A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV with the Dying Star.

  • The Dying Star engaged in smart scope.

    The Dying Star engaged in smart scope.

  • The effect of the Dying Star's ammunition.

    The effect of the Dying Star's ammunition.

Halo 4 skins[edit]

  • Imprint (IPT) skin.

    Imprint (IPT) skin.

  • Industrial (IDT) skin.

    Industrial (IDT) skin.

Halo 5: Guardians REQ cards[edit]

  • LightRifle.

    LightRifle.

  • Barbed Lance.

    Barbed Lance.

  • Dying Star.

    Dying Star.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 99
  2. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Universe - LightRifle (Retrieved on Oct 28, 2021) [archive]
  3. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Halo 4 Interactive Guide - Weapons: Lightrifle (Retrieved on May 1, 2013) [local archive] [external archive]
  4. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 390
  5. ^ Halo: Hunters in the Dark
  6. ^ Spartan Ops
  7. ^ Halo: Renegades, page 285
  8. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, Barbed Lance REQ card: "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."
  9. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, Dying Star REQ card: "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."
  10. ^ Concept art of the Binary Rifle. Note the bottom part that is to be the Lightrifle.

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The Forerunners

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Weaponry
Infantry weapons
Grenades
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For a complete list, check out our Forerunner category.
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