HaloArray.png

MA5B assault rifle: Difference between revisions

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
m (Removal of design details content: most, if not all, are that of a MA5. Should try to avoid copy-paste content)
Line 19: Line 19:
}}
}}
{{quote|Hey, soldier, is that an assault rifle in your hands or are you just happy to see me?|[[Janissary James]]<ref>'''[[i love bees]]''', [[Media:Hey_soldier.ogg|hey_soldier.ogg]]</ref>}}
{{quote|Hey, soldier, is that an assault rifle in your hands or are you just happy to see me?|[[Janissary James]]<ref>'''[[i love bees]]''', [[Media:Hey_soldier.ogg|hey_soldier.ogg]]</ref>}}
The '''MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System''' ('''MA5B ICWS''' or '''MA5B Assault Rifle''') is a standard-issue service rifle for the [[UNSC Marine Corps]] and the [[UNSC Navy|Navy]]. It is produced by [[Misriah Armory]] as part of its [[MA5 Series]].


The '''MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System''' ('''MA5B ICWS''' or '''MA5B Assault Rifle''') is a standard-issue service rifle of the [[United Nations Space Command]] that is produced by [[Misriah Armory]] as part of its [[MA5 Series]].
== Overview ==
The MA5B Assault Rifle is an air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed, fully-automatic bullpup rifle that fires 60 rounds of 7.62x51mm ammunition. It possesses a built-in ammunition indicator and magnetic compass for orientation similar to that of all other MA5 series rifles.


==Design details==
== Gameplay ==
[[File:Assault-rifle.png|thumb|left|160px|MA5B schematic.]]
=== Accuracy ===
The '''MA5B Assault Rifle''' is an air-cooled, gas-operated and magazine-fed weapon designed for automatic fire. The MA5 series rifle is the workhorse of the [[UNSC Marine Corps]] and has been in service for more than fifty years. The MA5B has an attached electronics suite that provides information on rounds remaining in magazine, compass heading, as well as several other "housekeeping" functions. The rifle performs well in a variety of environments especially given the perceived delicacy of the attached electronics suite. The MA5 rifle can be outfitted with a number of modifications including sound suppressors, a grenade launcher or a standard issue flashlight and more “exotic” ammunition types like [[shredder round]]s; however, these modifications are only available by Mission Conditional Requisition (MCR). The MA5B Assault Rifle is easily one of the most versatile weapons in the UNSC’s arsenal. Due to this versatility, the MA5B is complimented by many of the UNSC's other weapons as either the primary means to a kill or in a secondary role as the fallback weapon.
 
The MA5B rifle is a [[bullpup]] rifle and is made of Titanium Alloy and Polymer - the rifle is a gas-operated weapon with a rotating-bolt and therefore must be cocked before the first shot can be fired. The charging handle used to chamber the round is situated on the left side of the rifle and moves during operation. Once the first round is fired, the gases from that round and those to follow impinge upon a gas piston, which pushes back the bolt carrier, rotating the bolt inside which unlocks it and extracts the spent brass from the chamber and ejects it. As the bolt carrier group is propelled forward, it chambers another round. This cycle continues until the magazine is empty. Once the magazine is empty, the charging handle must both be pulled back and locked or must be fully cycled after a fresh magazine is inserted to chamber the next round. The magazine itself is located at the butt of the rifle and the magazine release button is located above the magazine well and has an arrow pointing down toward the housing. The electronics suite is integrated along the top rail guard of the weapon. The MA5B is designed for the toughest of situations, able to be subjected to elements that would otherwise cause a weapon to malfunction, or render a weapon inoperable. The MA5B has concealed iron sights, although not seen in gameplay. It is used by Marines and other personnel with improper equipment to uploading a targeting reticule to the user's [[heads-up display]] or [[neural interface]].<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 136-138''</ref>
 
===Ammunition===
The MA5B Assault Rifle uses M118 7.62x51mm Armor Piercing, Full Metal Jacket rounds. These rounds are designed to pierce body armor, and are surrounded by a molded jacket of either steel or titanium, which enhances its armor-piercing capabilities. The round might also have a carbide or similar hardened tip, and might also be coated in copper or another metal over the steel, titanium, etc. shell.
 
However, despite these advanced rounds, the damage done by a single round isn't very impressive; neither armor piercing nor FMJ rounds do well against flesh due to the excessive penetration and lack of fragmentation, expansion, or upset. This is made even worse by the Assault Rifle's low accuracy at long ranges. Although performing poorly against Covenant shields, the AP-FMJ round can easily penetrate the lightly armored Grunts and Jackals and finish unshielded Elites very quickly. The AP-FMJ round is especially effective against all manners of Flood as they are not well armored. This is somewhat paradoxical, since the AP-FMJ round is traditionally less effective against flesh and unarmored targets due to its tendency to overpenetrate tissue.
 
<!--
===Accuracy===
The most pressing negative aspect of the MA5B is its inconsistent accuracy. Firing the weapon in short bursts will allow much higher accuracy, as opposed to holding down the trigger. Most of the bullets will stay within the reticule. One round fired may produce a perfect bull's-eye, but the next may fly out of the targeting reticule and slam into the dirt a dozen meters from the same target. This has led to the belief that the rifle is very incapable of hitting targets greater than close-range; this is untrue. If attacking targets at surprisingly long-ranges, one can effectively wound or kill that target by firing in single shots or bursts. Unfortunately, this lack of consistent accuracy has tarnished the image of the rifle, and the problem has kept the MA5B out of the hands of those who prefer less spontaneous weapons.
The most pressing negative aspect of the MA5B is its inconsistent accuracy. Firing the weapon in short bursts will allow much higher accuracy, as opposed to holding down the trigger. Most of the bullets will stay within the reticule. One round fired may produce a perfect bull's-eye, but the next may fly out of the targeting reticule and slam into the dirt a dozen meters from the same target. This has led to the belief that the rifle is very incapable of hitting targets greater than close-range; this is untrue. If attacking targets at surprisingly long-ranges, one can effectively wound or kill that target by firing in single shots or bursts. Unfortunately, this lack of consistent accuracy has tarnished the image of the rifle, and the problem has kept the MA5B out of the hands of those who prefer less spontaneous weapons.


===Advantages===
=== Advantages ===
The MA5B in both offensive and suppressive situations remains the Marine Corps most reliable weapon. When fired in short bursts, or even single shots, there is a significant increase in accuracy, and the rifle's armor penetrating ability makes it key for handling even the toughest of infantry, having the ability to kill an Elite in about 45 rounds in close quarters. The MA5B rifle is effective at killing light armored infantry at close-to-medium range, and the high rate of fire combined with the high ammunition capacity allows its user to spray the whole area with suppressing fire. The MA5B also gives the user an ammo count on its digital readout, as well a compass pointing toward the arbitrary magnetic "north" position. In the hands of someone who can control their trigger finger, the MA5B becomes a deadly weapon in CQB situations.
The MA5B in both offensive and suppressive situations remains one of the UNSC's most reliable weapon. When fired in short bursts, or even single shots, there is a significant increase in accuracy, and the rifle's armor penetrating ability makes it key for handling even the toughest of infantry, having the ability to kill an Elite in about 45 rounds in close quarters. The MA5B rifle is effective at killing light armored infantry at close-to-medium range, and the high rate of fire combined with the high ammunition capacity allows its user to spray the whole area with suppressing fire. The MA5B also gives the user an ammo count on its digital readout, as well a compass pointing toward the arbitrary magnetic "north" position. In the hands of someone who can control their trigger finger, the MA5B becomes a deadly weapon in CQB situations.


===Disadvantages===
=== Disadvantages ===
The MA5B is not without disadvantages, its main disadvantage being its horrible accuracy when fired at a range of more than forty meters. At that range, enemy infantry may be hit by a few bullets, or not be hit by any bullets at all. The MA5B Assault Rifle performs poorly against energy shields unless firing on full automatic at close range without giving a shielded infantry time to cover. In comparison to modern assault rifles it can be more related to an oversized sub-machine gun, as it is underpowered and lacks the ability to select a fire mode.
The MA5B is not without disadvantages, its main disadvantage being its horrible accuracy when fired at a range of more than forty meters. At that range, enemy infantry may be hit by a few bullets, or not be hit by any bullets at all. The MA5B Assault Rifle performs poorly against energy shields unless firing on full automatic at close range without giving a shielded infantry time to cover. In comparison to modern assault rifles it can be more related to an oversized sub-machine gun, as it is underpowered and lacks the ability to select a fire mode.
-->


==Tactics==
== Tactics ==
The MA5B Assault Rifle is one of the weapons which players will love and loathe in equal measures. The rifle's rate of fire makes it a devastatingly powerful weapon in close range combats, and its melee attack usually ensures victory over close quarter battles. The only disadvantage is its reloading time, which takes about 1.5 seconds, which gives your opponent enough time to put you down with a hail of plasma bolts. In a skilled player's hand, the assault rifle can easily put down 2-4 opponents per magazine.
The MA5B Assault Rifle is one of the weapons which players will love and loathe in equal measures. The rifle's rate of fire makes it a devastatingly powerful weapon in close range combats, and its melee attack usually ensures victory over close quarter battles. The only disadvantage is its reloading time, which takes about 1.5 seconds, which gives your opponent enough time to put you down with a hail of plasma bolts. In a skilled player's hand, the assault rifle can easily put down two to four opponents per magazine.


===Campaign===
=== Campaign ===
*The MA5B Assault Rifle has one of the fastest melee speeds in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
*The MA5B Assault Rifle has one of the fastest melee speeds in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
*One strategy is to charge forward while firing in controlled bursts, then when in close range, break out into full auto, followed by a melee or two. This is a tried and true tactic for taking down shielded Elites.
*One strategy is to charge forward while firing in controlled bursts, then when in close range, break out into full auto, followed by a melee or two. This is a tried and true tactic for taking down shielded Elites.
*Another tactic for medium range AR combat is to "rapid-pulse" the trigger; in other words, rapidly press your finger down on the trigger. This will result in rapid, accurate, and controlled bursts. This is very useful in the early levels of the game. However, this is impaired by the fact that the MA5B has somewhat low accuracy, although all projectiles will hit within the reticule with this tactic.
*Another tactic for medium range AR combat is to "rapid-pulse" the trigger; in other words, rapidly press your finger down on the trigger. This will result in rapid, accurate, and controlled bursts. This is very useful in the early levels of the game. However, this is impaired by the fact that the MA5B has somewhat low accuracy, although all projectiles will hit within the reticule with this tactic.
*Combined with grenades, the MA5B decimates enemy ranks. Charge forward and toss some fragmentation grenades to clear out the weaker enemies and soften up the stronger ones, then before the dust clears, hose down anything that's still moving.
*Combined with grenades, the MA5B decimates enemy ranks. Charge forward and toss some fragmentation grenades to clear out the weaker enemies and soften up the stronger ones, then before the dust clears, hose down anything that's still moving.
*If you can't find a [[M90 Shotgun|shotgun]] on a [[Flood]]-infested level, don't panic. Use the MA5B as a primary weapon while backing it with a Plasma Pistol as secondary. When the Flood get too close, just hold down the trigger and watch them wilt under the large volume of bullets. However, do not just stand there shooting, back-pedal into a previously secured area as the Flood can be overwhelming in waves.
*If you can't find a [[M90 Shotgun|shotgun]] on a Flood-infested level, do not panic. Use the MA5B as a primary weapon while backing it with a Plasma Pistol as secondary. When the Flood get too close, just hold down the trigger and watch them wilt under the large volume of bullets. However, do not just stand there shooting, back-pedal into a previously secured area as the Flood can be overwhelming in waves.
*Use melee on [[Flood infection form|infection forms]] to save ammo - though if your shields are at max, do not even worry about them. Unless there is an entire swarm of them, they will simply burst on your shields, doing no substantial damage.
*Use melee on [[Flood infection form|infection forms]] to save ammo - though if your shields are at max, do not even worry about them. Unless there is an entire swarm of them, they will simply burst on your shields, doing no substantial damage.
*On [[Normal]], less experienced players find that a good tactic is to use a Plasma Rifle to deplete an Elite's shielding, and then switch to Assault Rifle to finish them off. The player can do the same thing with an assault rifle, followed up by a headshot from the M6D magnum, if the player chooses not to carry two full auto weapons at once. This is handy as even on Heroic the assault rifle can drop an Elite's shields at close range, if the player uses an entire magazine and follows up with a melee attack in order to drop the shields and cause said Elite to stagger back, which they can follow up by shooting it in the head.
*On [[Normal]], less experienced players find that a good tactic is to use a Plasma Rifle or Plasma Pistol to deplete an Elite's shielding, and then switch to Assault Rifle to finish them off. The player can do the same thing with an assault rifle, followed up by a headshot from the M6D magnum, if the player chooses not to carry two full auto weapons at once. This is handy as even on [[Heroic]] the assault rifle can drop an Elite's shields at close range, if the player uses an entire magazine and follows up with a melee attack in order to drop the shields and cause said Elite to stagger back, which they can follow up by shooting it in the head.
*When you fight a large number of Grunts of any kind, hold down the firing trigger to send a full-auto landslide of bullets, and if the group consists of more than half a dozen, side-to-side sweeping motions will result in every target receiving fire. Since they are unshielded and will flinch when hit by anything, the bullets will kill them quickly. This is one of the most convenient ways to kill a medium-sized group of Grunts.
*When engaging a lone Elite, simply fire in short burst to break its shield then advance towards it and finish it off with a melee, as the Elite will repeatedly flinch making the target easier to kill. This is usually done on Elite Minors on Easy or Normal mode in close quarters or open plane.
*Do not underestimate the assault rifle's strength against [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]]s. It can be useful against them if you can dodge their swipes at the right time. It's best to empty out the entire magazine into a Zealot before he charges at you. Try to dodge his attacks while you're reloading, then put a couple of rounds into him and he will be down in no time.


===Multiplayer===
=== Multiplayer ===
*The MA5B's accuracy degrades after exactly 1.5 seconds of sustained fire. In order to use this weapon to its fullest, you must learn the most efficient bursts to use at different ranges. It takes just 16 rounds to kill one opponent.
*The MA5B's accuracy degrades after exactly 1.5 seconds of sustained fire. In order to use this weapon to its fullest, you must learn the most efficient bursts to use at different ranges. It takes just 16 rounds to kill one opponent.
*When used with effective [[M9 High-Explosive Dual-Purpose Grenade|grenades]], the AR can hold its own. Backpedal and use any grenade you have handy, and let the weapon take care of your enemy after his shields are down.
*When used with effective [[M9 High-Explosive Dual-Purpose Grenade|grenades]], the Assault Rifle can hold its own. Back-pedal and use any grenade you have handy, and let the weapon take care of your enemy after his shields are down.
*A combo of either [[plasma rifle]] or [[plasma pistol]] with the Assault Rifle is effective in killing the enemy; the plasma weapons can down the enemy's shields with ease and the Assault Rifle can reduce their health in seconds.  
*A combo of either [[plasma rifle]] or [[plasma pistol]] with the Assault Rifle is effective in killing the enemy; the plasma weapons can down the enemy's shields with ease and the Assault Rifle can reduce their health in seconds.  
*The weapon can be used to suppress enemy's movement and/or vision with great effect; at medium range, it can deliver sufficient damage to down the enemy's shields; its sustained fire will cause many flashes on an enemy's screen enabling for a more effective retreat. This helps when facing vehicles since it can give the driver a hard time keeping control.
*The weapon can be used to suppress enemy's movement and/or vision with great effect; at medium range, it can deliver sufficient damage to down the enemy's shields; its sustained fire will cause many flashes on an enemy's screen enabling for a more effective retreat. This helps when facing vehicles since it can give the driver a hard time keeping control.


==Trivia==
== Trivia ==
*The MA5B was heavily inspired by the [[w:c:marathongame:MA-75 Assault Rifle/Grenade Launcher|MA–75B assault rifle]] from the ''[[Marathon]]'' series.
=== References ===
*The MA5B was heavily inspired by the [[w:c:marathongame:MA-75 Assault Rifle/Grenade Launcher|MA–75B assault rifle]] from the ''[[Marathon]]'' series.  
*[[Robert McLees]] at [[Bungie]] has compared the basic design of the MA5B to that of the [[Wikipedia:FN F2000|Fabrique-Nationale, FN F2000]]. According to ''[[The Art of Halo]]'', McLees did not know of the F2000 until after the game was even finished; ''"I don't know when the images of the FN F2000 appeared, but I didn't see them until three or four months after the game shipped, and I thought 'Oh great. Now everyone's going to think I swiped the design from Fabrique National.' It was surreal to see how close the Halo assault rifle was to its real-life counterpart... and it was all totally by accident."''
*[[Robert McLees]] at [[Bungie]] has compared the basic design of the MA5B to that of the [[Wikipedia:FN F2000|Fabrique-Nationale, FN F2000]]. According to ''[[The Art of Halo]]'', McLees did not know of the F2000 until after the game was even finished; ''"I don't know when the images of the FN F2000 appeared, but I didn't see them until three or four months after the game shipped, and I thought 'Oh great. Now everyone's going to think I swiped the design from Fabrique National.' It was surreal to see how close the Halo assault rifle was to its real-life counterpart... and it was all totally by accident."''
=== Miscellaneous ===
*There is a second melee animation for the MA5B, in which the user holds the weapon vertically and clubs anyone in front of them with the back end of the weapon. This animation is used in a few ''[[Halo Custom Edition]]'' maps, but was taken out of the official game. This animation is similar, if not identical, to the melee animation used for the MA5C from ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
*There is a second melee animation for the MA5B, in which the user holds the weapon vertically and clubs anyone in front of them with the back end of the weapon. This animation is used in a few ''[[Halo Custom Edition]]'' maps, but was taken out of the official game. This animation is similar, if not identical, to the melee animation used for the MA5C from ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the compass on the MA5B Assault Rifle points "north" to [[Threshold]], seen in the sky. Since compasses operate on a magnetic principle, this is likely because Threshold provides the greatest nearby magnetic signal, and is arbitrarily designated 'north'. In ''Halo: The Flood'', it seems that Ensign Lovell designated west randomly.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the compass on the MA5B Assault Rifle points "north" to [[Threshold]], seen in the sky. Since compasses operate on a magnetic principle, this is likely because Threshold provides the greatest nearby magnetic signal, and is arbitrarily designated 'north'. In ''Halo: The Flood'', it seems that Ensign Lovell designated west randomly.
Line 76: Line 66:
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:MA5B.png|The MA5B as seen in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:MA5B.png|The MA5B as seen in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:MA5B AR ammo.jpg|A 7.62mm NATO FMJ cartridge from the MA5B.
File:HCE AR.png|Side profile view of the MA5B in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.   
File:MA5B ammopack.png|An ammo package containing 7.62mm rounds.
File:HCE AR.png|Profile view of the MA5B in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.   
File:MA5B Assault Rifle.png|The MA5B viewed in different angles.
File:MA5B Assault Rifle.png|The MA5B viewed in different angles.
File:Assault Rifle.png|The MA5B showing its digital ammo counter.
File:Assault Rifle.png|First person view of the MA5B.
File:1771660-gallery.png|The Assault Rifle as it appears in ''[[Halo Legends]]: [[Homecoming]]''.                                                                                 
File:MJOLNIR HUD.jpg|The MJOLNIR [[Heads-up display|HUD]], showing the targeting reticule for the MA5B and ammo readout.
File:MJOLNIR HUD.jpg|The MJOLNIR [[Heads-up display|HUD]], showing the targeting reticule for the MA5B and ammo readout.
File:Master Chief Points Gun.jpg|Down the barrel of an MA5B.
File:Master Chief Points Gun.jpg|Down the barrel of an MA5B.
File:Marines on the Battlefield.jpg|Marines on Installation 04 with MA5B's.
File:Marines on the Battlefield.jpg|Marines on Installation 04 with MA5B's.
File:Chief-Marine.jpg|John-117 and a Marine with an MA5B.
File:Chief-Marine.jpg|John-117 and a Marine with an MA5B.
File:AR.jpg|Models for the cinematic appearance of the ''Halo Wars'' MA5B.
File:HaloWars - MA5.png|The MA5B as it appears in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HaloWars - MA5.png|The MA5B as it appears in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:AR.jpg|Models for the cinematic appearance of the ''Halo Wars'' MA5B.
File:Unsc marine.gif|The in-game model of the MA5B being wielded by marines in ''Halo Wars''.
File:Unsc marine.gif|The in-game model of the MA5B being wielded by marines in ''Halo Wars''.
File:AssaultRifle2011.png|A profile view of the MA5B in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:AssaultRifle2011.png|Side profile view of the MA5B in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:CE_AR.PNG|A first-person view of the MA5B in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.  
File:CE_AR.PNG|A first-person view of the MA5B in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.  
File:2817467-gallery.jpg|John-117 using the MA5B in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:2817467-gallery.jpg|John-117 using the MA5B in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:1771660-gallery.png|The Assault Rifle as it appears in ''[[Halo Legends]]: [[Homecoming]]''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Revision as of 06:34, August 31, 2012

Template:Weapon Infobox

"Hey, soldier, is that an assault rifle in your hands or are you just happy to see me?"
— Janissary James[1]

The MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System (MA5B ICWS or MA5B Assault Rifle) is a standard-issue service rifle for the UNSC Marine Corps and the Navy. It is produced by Misriah Armory as part of its MA5 Series.

Overview

The MA5B Assault Rifle is an air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed, fully-automatic bullpup rifle that fires 60 rounds of 7.62x51mm ammunition. It possesses a built-in ammunition indicator and magnetic compass for orientation similar to that of all other MA5 series rifles.

Gameplay

Accuracy

The most pressing negative aspect of the MA5B is its inconsistent accuracy. Firing the weapon in short bursts will allow much higher accuracy, as opposed to holding down the trigger. Most of the bullets will stay within the reticule. One round fired may produce a perfect bull's-eye, but the next may fly out of the targeting reticule and slam into the dirt a dozen meters from the same target. This has led to the belief that the rifle is very incapable of hitting targets greater than close-range; this is untrue. If attacking targets at surprisingly long-ranges, one can effectively wound or kill that target by firing in single shots or bursts. Unfortunately, this lack of consistent accuracy has tarnished the image of the rifle, and the problem has kept the MA5B out of the hands of those who prefer less spontaneous weapons.

Advantages

The MA5B in both offensive and suppressive situations remains one of the UNSC's most reliable weapon. When fired in short bursts, or even single shots, there is a significant increase in accuracy, and the rifle's armor penetrating ability makes it key for handling even the toughest of infantry, having the ability to kill an Elite in about 45 rounds in close quarters. The MA5B rifle is effective at killing light armored infantry at close-to-medium range, and the high rate of fire combined with the high ammunition capacity allows its user to spray the whole area with suppressing fire. The MA5B also gives the user an ammo count on its digital readout, as well a compass pointing toward the arbitrary magnetic "north" position. In the hands of someone who can control their trigger finger, the MA5B becomes a deadly weapon in CQB situations.

Disadvantages

The MA5B is not without disadvantages, its main disadvantage being its horrible accuracy when fired at a range of more than forty meters. At that range, enemy infantry may be hit by a few bullets, or not be hit by any bullets at all. The MA5B Assault Rifle performs poorly against energy shields unless firing on full automatic at close range without giving a shielded infantry time to cover. In comparison to modern assault rifles it can be more related to an oversized sub-machine gun, as it is underpowered and lacks the ability to select a fire mode.

Tactics

The MA5B Assault Rifle is one of the weapons which players will love and loathe in equal measures. The rifle's rate of fire makes it a devastatingly powerful weapon in close range combats, and its melee attack usually ensures victory over close quarter battles. The only disadvantage is its reloading time, which takes about 1.5 seconds, which gives your opponent enough time to put you down with a hail of plasma bolts. In a skilled player's hand, the assault rifle can easily put down two to four opponents per magazine.

Campaign

  • The MA5B Assault Rifle has one of the fastest melee speeds in Halo: Combat Evolved.
  • One strategy is to charge forward while firing in controlled bursts, then when in close range, break out into full auto, followed by a melee or two. This is a tried and true tactic for taking down shielded Elites.
  • Another tactic for medium range AR combat is to "rapid-pulse" the trigger; in other words, rapidly press your finger down on the trigger. This will result in rapid, accurate, and controlled bursts. This is very useful in the early levels of the game. However, this is impaired by the fact that the MA5B has somewhat low accuracy, although all projectiles will hit within the reticule with this tactic.
  • Combined with grenades, the MA5B decimates enemy ranks. Charge forward and toss some fragmentation grenades to clear out the weaker enemies and soften up the stronger ones, then before the dust clears, hose down anything that's still moving.
  • If you can't find a shotgun on a Flood-infested level, do not panic. Use the MA5B as a primary weapon while backing it with a Plasma Pistol as secondary. When the Flood get too close, just hold down the trigger and watch them wilt under the large volume of bullets. However, do not just stand there shooting, back-pedal into a previously secured area as the Flood can be overwhelming in waves.
  • Use melee on infection forms to save ammo - though if your shields are at max, do not even worry about them. Unless there is an entire swarm of them, they will simply burst on your shields, doing no substantial damage.
  • On Normal, less experienced players find that a good tactic is to use a Plasma Rifle or Plasma Pistol to deplete an Elite's shielding, and then switch to Assault Rifle to finish them off. The player can do the same thing with an assault rifle, followed up by a headshot from the M6D magnum, if the player chooses not to carry two full auto weapons at once. This is handy as even on Heroic the assault rifle can drop an Elite's shields at close range, if the player uses an entire magazine and follows up with a melee attack in order to drop the shields and cause said Elite to stagger back, which they can follow up by shooting it in the head.

Multiplayer

  • The MA5B's accuracy degrades after exactly 1.5 seconds of sustained fire. In order to use this weapon to its fullest, you must learn the most efficient bursts to use at different ranges. It takes just 16 rounds to kill one opponent.
  • When used with effective grenades, the Assault Rifle can hold its own. Back-pedal and use any grenade you have handy, and let the weapon take care of your enemy after his shields are down.
  • A combo of either plasma rifle or plasma pistol with the Assault Rifle is effective in killing the enemy; the plasma weapons can down the enemy's shields with ease and the Assault Rifle can reduce their health in seconds.
  • The weapon can be used to suppress enemy's movement and/or vision with great effect; at medium range, it can deliver sufficient damage to down the enemy's shields; its sustained fire will cause many flashes on an enemy's screen enabling for a more effective retreat. This helps when facing vehicles since it can give the driver a hard time keeping control.

Trivia

References

  • The MA5B was heavily inspired by the MA–75B assault rifle from the Marathon series.
  • Robert McLees at Bungie has compared the basic design of the MA5B to that of the Fabrique-Nationale, FN F2000. According to The Art of Halo, McLees did not know of the F2000 until after the game was even finished; "I don't know when the images of the FN F2000 appeared, but I didn't see them until three or four months after the game shipped, and I thought 'Oh great. Now everyone's going to think I swiped the design from Fabrique National.' It was surreal to see how close the Halo assault rifle was to its real-life counterpart... and it was all totally by accident."

Miscellaneous

  • There is a second melee animation for the MA5B, in which the user holds the weapon vertically and clubs anyone in front of them with the back end of the weapon. This animation is used in a few Halo Custom Edition maps, but was taken out of the official game. This animation is similar, if not identical, to the melee animation used for the MA5C from Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, the compass on the MA5B Assault Rifle points "north" to Threshold, seen in the sky. Since compasses operate on a magnetic principle, this is likely because Threshold provides the greatest nearby magnetic signal, and is arbitrarily designated 'north'. In Halo: The Flood, it seems that Ensign Lovell designated west randomly.
  • In the Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary announcement trailer, the MA5B uses the MA37 assault rifle's model as a placeholder.[2][3] The weapon's model has since been changed to the MA5C model from Halo 3.[4]
  • Typically, the MA5B is not a headshot-capable weapon, however, in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, if the Grunt Birthday Skull is activated, it is clearly seen scoring headshots on Grunts.[citation needed]

Gallery

  • The MA5B as seen in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    The MA5B as seen in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • HCE AR.png

    Side profile view of the MA5B in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • The MA5B viewed in different angles.

    The MA5B viewed in different angles.

  • First person view of the MA5B.

    First person view of the MA5B.

  • The MJOLNIR HUD, showing the targeting reticule for the MA5B and ammo readout.

    The MJOLNIR HUD, showing the targeting reticule for the MA5B and ammo readout.

  • Down the barrel of an MA5B.

    Down the barrel of an MA5B.

  • Marines on Installation 04 with MA5B's.

    Marines on Installation 04 with MA5B's.

  • John-117 and a Marine with an MA5B.

    John-117 and a Marine with an MA5B.

  • Models for the cinematic appearance of the Halo Wars MA5B.

    Models for the cinematic appearance of the Halo Wars MA5B.

  • The MA5B as it appears in Halo Wars.

    The MA5B as it appears in Halo Wars.

  • The in-game model of the MA5B being wielded by marines in Halo Wars.

    The in-game model of the MA5B being wielded by marines in Halo Wars.

  • AssaultRifle2011.png

    Side profile view of the MA5B in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

  • CE AR.PNG

    A first-person view of the MA5B in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

  • John-117 using the MA5B in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

    John-117 using the MA5B in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

  • 1771660-gallery.png

    The Assault Rifle as it appears in Halo Legends: Homecoming.

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ i love bees, hey_soldier.ogg
  2. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary announcement trailer
  3. ^ Halo Waypoint: Halo: Anniversary Exclusive
  4. ^ Youtube: Halo: Anniversary Exclusive Pre-Order Grunt Funeral Skull

v • d • e
 
List of rifles and carbines used by humanity
MA series MA1 • MA2B • MA3A • MA40 (Longshot)
MA5 series variants MA37 • MA5B • MA5C • MA5D
Other assault rifles HMG-38 Monitor Rifle • VK78 Commando (Impact)
CM 300 • M6J/C • MA5K
BR55 series XBR55 • BR55 • BR55HB
BR75 series BR75 • BR75 Breacher
BR85 series BR85 • BR85HB • BR85N
Other BR series rifles BRXX Lightfire
Other battle rifles "Maestro"
M295 • M392 • M395 (M395B)
Retrieved from "https://www.halopedia.org/index.php?title=MA5B_assault_rifle&oldid=997128"