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Type-33 needler: Difference between revisions

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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H1|H2|H3|HW|FOR|TF|FS|GOO|HGN|TCP|H3R|}}
{{Disambig header|the models in Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, and Halo 3|other variants of the Needler|Needler}}
{{Weapon
'''Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher (T-33 GML)''', also known as the '''Type-33 Needler''', is the [[United Nations Space Command]]'s [[Type classification system|type classification]] for four distinct patterns of the [[Needler]], a [[Covenant]] [[Needle-based weaponry|needle-based]] infantry automatic weapon that launch [[Subanese crystal]]line shards capable of homing-in on targets.{{Ref/Book|Id=evg128|EVG|Page=128}} Although the four distinct patterns of the Needlers possessed aesthetic and functional differences, their shared UNSC type designation suggests that they were all catalogued and classified in [[2533]].
| image=[[Image:Bnetneedler.jpg|300px]]
| name=Needler
| manufacturer=[[Covenant]]
| model=Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher
| type=Munitions Launcher
| cost=
| size=[[Halo 1]]/[[Halo 3]]: Hand held, Two Handed<br/>
[[Halo 2]]: [[Dual Wield]]able
*Needler (Halo 1)
**length: 66.8 cm (26.29 in.)
**width: 20 cm (7.87 in.)
**height: 60 cm (23.62 in.)
*Needler (Halo 3)
**Length (o/a): 57.8 cm (22.75 in.)
**Length (barrel): 16.25 cm (6.4 in.)
**Weight (empty): 3.74 kg (8.25 lbs)
**Weight (loaded): 4.3 kg (9.5 lbs)
| damage per hit= Variable - Low to Instant Kill
*7 DU (Halo 1)<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/Games/HaloPC/page.aspx?section=Guides&subsection=WeaponsVehiclesPages&page=2 Bungie.net's summary of Halo PC weapons]</ref>
| magazine= *Halo 1: 20 needles
*Halo 2: 30 needles
*Halo 3: 19 needles
| maxammo= *Halo 1: 100 needles
*Halo 2: 120 needles
**Dual-wielding: 240 needles
*Halo 3: 95
| fire= Automatic
| ammotype= Crystalline Explosive Projectiles
| operation= Unknown
| rate of fire= 8.5 rnds/sec (Halo 3)
| velocity= 54 m/s (177 f/s)
| accuracy= High (Homing)
| range=Short-Medium Range
*64 meters (210 ft)
| era=
| counterpart=
*Halo 1: [[MA5B Assault Rifle]]  
*Halo 2: [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun]]
*Halo 3: [[MA5C Assault Rifle]]
| counterwep=
*At Close Range: [[Energy Sword]], [[Shotgun]], [[Gravity Hammer]], [[Mauler]]s
*At Medium Range: [[Battle Rifle]], [[Covenant Carbine]], [[M6D]], [[SMG]]
*At Long Range: [[Beam Rifle]] [[Sniper Rifle]]
| affiliation=[[Covenant]]
}}


{{Article Quote|"First order of business when dealing with a hostile armed with a Needler is finding cover. Second order of business is killing the Mike Foxtrot with the Needler."|Anonymous serviceman}}
==''Nahle'hax-pattern'' needle launcher==
{{Main|Nahle'hax-pattern needler}}
The ''Nahle'hax''-pattern needle launcher is designated as '''T-33 GML'''.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22|Enc22|Page=294}}{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}} This variant was commonly employed by the Covenant and its remnants.{{Ref/Game|HR|gameplay}}{{Ref/Book|Id=h4evg|H4EVG|Page=85}}{{Ref/Game|H4|gameplay}}
<gallery class=center>
File:HReach-NeedlerSide.png|The first chassis with blue lights on side of the upper cowling.
File:Enc22-Nahle'haxNeedler.png|The second chassis with metallic braces on the channel braces.
File:H4-Needler.png|The third chassis with no lights on the side of the upper cowling.
</gallery>


The '''Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher'''<ref>http://www.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3needler</ref>, more commonly known as the '''Needler''', is a [[Covenant]] infantry [[weapon]].
==Fleet of Particular Justice variant==
{{Weapon infobox
|image=[[File:Needler-HaloCE.png|300px]]
|name=Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher
|manufacturer=[[Sacred Promissory]]{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}
|type=[[Needler]]{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}{{Ref/Game|HCE|[[Halo: Combat Evolved manual#Covenant Weapons|game manual]]}}
|cost=
|length=
|weight=
|width=
|height=
|capacity=
|feed=20 shards/magazine{{Ref/Game|Id=hcegameplay|HCE|gameplay}}
|ammotype=Subanese crystalline shards{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}
|operation=
|rate =Automatic{{Ref/Reuse|hcegameplay}}
|velocity=
|optics=
|range=
|service=
;Human-Covenant War
*[[Battle of Installation 04]]{{Ref/Reuse|hcegameplay}}
}}


==Design Details==
This pattern designated as '''Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher''' was manufactured by the [[Sacred Promissory]].{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}
'''The Needler''' is an unusual [[Covenant]] weapon that fires pink, translucent, crystalline projectiles with a tinge of blue. It is most often wielded by [[Grunts]], [[Elites]], [[Drones]], and sometimes even [[Jackals]] have been seen utilizing this weapon, but mostly Grunts are seen wielding it. [[Enforcers]] also have a larger version of the Needler mounted on themselves, along with one [[Sentinel]] which [[Needler Sentinel|equips this weapon through a glitch]].


The Needler takes a general shape of a V with the top and bottom part of the weapon being curved the top of the weapon. The weapon takes on a Purple/Pinkish color, and has 14 holes on the top, with the needles protruding out of the holes. When the trigger is pulled the needle is somehow fed from the top into the "barrel" of the weapon, and fired at high speeds. Once all the ammo has been depleted the ammo is reloaded from a point that to this day remains a mystery, while speculation has varied no definitive answer, or logical conclusion has emerged. One thing that is unique is that the crystals are not individually loaded into the weapon, but rather a big chunk, once loaded into the weapon it somehow splits the chunk into the individual crystals that will then protrude from the top of the weapon. Like all Covenant weapons, the Needler still uses an Energy Coil to power and fire the weapon, should the coil fail the weapon would be rendered useless.<ref> Halo: First Strike Page 82 - 83</ref>
===Design details===
This Needler pattern is characterized by an additional handguard around the grip between the cowlings. It also possesses a longer handguard extending from the lower cowling,{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}} though, unlike other Needlers with this attribute, the handguard is angled downwards rather than curving upwards.{{Ref/Game|HCE|In-game model}}
<gallery class=center>
File:Needler.png|The HUD icon for this T-33 GML pattern.
File:Needlers and Ammo.jpg|Scattered Needlers and their ammunition boxes.
</gallery>


===Ammunition===
===Usage===
[[Image:1211479378 Needler Shard.jpg|thumb|right|A Needler's needle in mid-flight.]]
This pattern of the Needler was commonly employed during the [[Battle of Installation 04|Battle]] of [[Installation 04]] by the forces deployed from the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]].{{Ref/Reuse|hcegameplay}} It was particularly popular among [[Special Operations Unggoy]] combating the [[Flood]].{{Ref/Level|HCE|Keyes (level)|Keyes}}{{Ref/Level|HCE|The Maw}}
Razor sharp crystalline projectiles are fired from this elaborately designed [[Covenant]] weapon; it is widely believed that they use heat or organic signatures to home in on targets and may have some relation to the [[Plasma Grenade]] and the [[Plasma Pistol]]'s charged shots as all of them react, but not exclusively, to living tissues. However when shooting the Needler at an organism with [[Active Camouflage]] on, the Needles do not home. Although easily deflected by [[energy shields]], the needles cause a chemical reaction in close proximity resulting in an explosive effect, which can have a devastating effect on the victim. The shards will enter the victim's body violently, and usually kill the victim<ref>[http://halo3.com halo3.com]</ref>. While a single needle will shatter and cause minor damage, after seven or more needles have entered a opponent, the energy of the needles will combine and cause a explosion, causing massive internal damage that always results in death, sending shrapnel and a pink mist flying through the air. In [[Halo: The Fall of Reach]], it is stated that the micro shrapnel can embed itself in nearby organisms; thus, friendly fire is often a necessary consideration in close quarters combat.
<gallery class=center>
File:Curlback.png|An [[Unggoy Major]] wielding the Needler.
File:HCE Zuka Screenshot 6.jpg|Two SpecOps Unggoy firing their Needlers in the wreckage of {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}.
File:Keyes.jpg|[[Captain (NAVCOM)|Captain]] [[Jacob Keyes]] notably used a Needler after [[Raid on the Truth and Reconciliation|his rescue]].
</gallery>
{{clear}}


It is possible that the brighter section of the projectiles is the "heart". When it embeds in something or goes on for too long a distance, the outer casing is penetrated, hitting the heart, setting off a catalyst, or is worn away too much and then it does the same catalyst effect. This may also fit the fact enough needles put in a target "combine" their catalyst effects, creating a violent explosion wrecking from the very inside.
==Fleet of Sacred Consecration variant==
{{Weapon infobox
|image=[[File:Needler-H2.png|300px]]
|name=Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher
|manufacturer=[[Sacred Promissory]]{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}
|type=[[Needler]]{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}{{Ref/Game|Id=h2manual|H2|[[Halo 2 manual#Covenant Weapons|game manual]]}}
|cost=
|length=
|weight=
|width=
|height=
|capacity=
|feed=30 shards/magazine{{Ref/Reuse|h2manual}}{{Ref/Game|Id=h2gameplay|H2|gameplay}}
|ammotype=Subanese crystal shards{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}
|operation=
|rate =Automatic{{Ref/Reuse|h2gameplay}}
|velocity=
|optics=
|range=
|service=
;Human-Covenant War
*[[Harvest campaign]]{{Ref/Level|HW|Relic Interior}}
*[[Battle of Mombasa]]{{Ref/Reuse|h2gameplay}}
*[[Raid on the Threshold gas mine]]{{Ref/Level|H2|The Arbiter}}{{Ref/Level|H2|The Oracle}}
*[[Battle of Installation 05]]{{Ref/Reuse|h2gameplay}}
*[[Fall of High Charity|Fall of ''High Charity'']]{{Ref/Reuse|h2gameplay}}
}}


[[Image:1208118989_Needlers_and_Ammo.jpg‎|left|thumb|250px|Needlers and their ammunition.]]
This pattern designated as '''Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher''' was manufactured by the [[Sacred Promissory]].{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}


===Reload===
===Design details===
Due to the shape and make of the ammunition crystal there is a theory for how it operates. When the crystal is inserted into the Needler the he operator makes an upward jerking motion. This could be the top of the&#160;crystal inside slicing along the crystals grain forming the individual needles which are then fired from the Needler. As each round is fired the motion could slice deeper into the crystal forming more needles. How this would be done without causing said crystal from exploding is as of yet uncertain.
This Needler pattern is characterized by upper and lower cowlings of congruent lengths.{{Ref/Game|H2|In-game model}}


===Advantages===
===Usage===
This weapon fires homing needles that embed, themselves into the flesh or armor of a target, before exploding to cause massive damage. The rate of fire increases with continuous fire. If seven or more needles strike the target, the needles' combined strength will create a large, chain purple/pink explosion, killing the target and causing splash damage to other nearby enemies. This is another reference to the number [[Seven]] in the [[Bungie]] games. Needles can penetrate the energy [[shields]] of [[Elites]], [[Sentinels]], and [[Spartans]], but bounce off [[Jackal Personal Arm Shields]] and a [[Hunter]]'s large metal shield. In [[Halo CE]], it can be used against Infection forms in a group; if you get enough needles in one then it will explode thereby starting a chain reaction that spreads to the other nearby infection forms. They are especially useful against the [[Brutes]] in [[Halo 2]]'s [[Campaign]] and also in [[Halo 3]]'s [[Campaign]]. If seven needles hit a Brute, the chain reaction will deal a significant amount of damage to them. The Needler is also useful against [[Flood Tank Forms]] as well as [[Flood Combat Forms]] in a group.
This pattern of the Needler was commonly employed by the forces deployed from the [[Fleet of Sacred Consecration]] during the [[Battle of Mombasa]] and [[Battle of Installation 05]]. Members of [[Sesa 'Refumee]]'s [[Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction|heretic faction]], especially the [[Heretic Unggoy|Unggoy]], favored this Needler pattern as well.{{Ref/Reuse|h2gameplay}}
<gallery class=center>
File:HW-NeedlerElite.png|A Stealth Sangheili wielding the Needler during the [[Harvest campaign]].
File:Heretic grunts.jpg|Two Unggoy fielding the Needler in the [[Threshold gas mine]].
</gallery>
{{clear}}


In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], the Needler can be useful for taking out several enemies clumped together; the first seven shots will kill the enemy and the rest of a magazine will set off secondary explosions. In Campaign, the explosions will set off nearby grenades, making the Needler very deadly against groups of enemies or powerful foes such as the Elites. Though Special Operations Elites and Zealots can survive the better part of a magazine on Legendary and Heroic, and Hunters almost always live on the same difficulties. It is also a good weapon in tight corridors, where it is impossible for enemies to dodge the needles by moving left or right, or any wide places with little to no cover. Also, you may use this weapon to kill the driver while not damaging the vehicle, provided you can get close enough for the Needler to even be effective. Besides this, vehicles are the bane of Needlers, because the needles typically bounce off the metal. In multiplayer, the Needler proves to be less devastating than on campaign, due to the fact that nearly everyone can dodge the shots outdoors, and more advanced players can dodge the missiles on inside maps. The Needler also has an extreme lock-on range in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', comparable to the effective range of the [[M6D Pistol]], which is&#160;approximately 120m. This is most obvious in the level [[The Silent Cartographer (Level)|The Silent Cartographer]] after deactivating the security system.
==Truth's fleet pattern==
{{Weapon infobox
|image=[[File:H3-NeedlerProfile.png|300px]]
|name=Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher
|manufacturer=[[Sacred Promissory]]{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}
|type=[[Needler]]{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}{{Ref/Site|Id=h3bnet|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3Needler|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher - 9/6/2007|D=16|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present/Needler}}{{Ref/Game|Id=h3manual|H3|[[Halo 3 manual#Weapons|game manual]]}}
|cost=
|length=
*'''Overall''': {{Convert|57.8|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|h3bnet}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc09|Enc09|Page=323}}
*'''Barrel''': {{Convert|16.25|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|h3bnet}}
|weight=
*'''Empty''': {{Convert|3.74|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|h3bnet}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc09}}
*'''Loaded''': {{Convert|4.3|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|h3bnet}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc09}}
|width=
|height=
|capacity=
|feed=19 shards{{Ref/Reuse|enc09}}{{Ref/Game|Id=h3gameplay|H3|gameplay}}
|ammotype=Subanese crystalline shards{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}
|operation=
|rate =Automatic{{Ref/Reuse|h3gameplay}} (510 rounds/minute){{Ref/Reuse|h3bnet}}
|velocity=54 meter/second (177 feet/second){{Ref/Reuse|h3bnet}}
|optics=
|range={{Convert|64|m|ft}}{{Ref/Reuse|h3bnet}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc09}}
|service=
;Human-Covenant War
*[[Operation: FIRESIDE]]{{Ref/Comic|HHj|Issue=4}}
*[[Battle of Line Installation 1-4]]{{Ref/Comic|HBL|Issue=4}}
*[[Battle of Mombasa]]{{Ref/Game|H3ODST|gameplay}}
*[[Battle of Voi]]{{Ref/Reuse|h3gameplay}}
*[[Battle of Installation 00]]{{Ref/Reuse|h3gameplay}}
}}


In [[Halo 2]], the only game in the trilogy where you can [[dual-wield]] the weapon, the effectiveness and rate of fire of the Needlers can be increased by firing them "out of phase". This is accomplished when the user begins firing one of his Needlers a fraction of a second before the other, and continues to fire them in full-auto so that the shots from each weapon are fired in a "one-two punch" pattern. You can tell when the pattern is just right because the guns will sound as if they are firing much more rapidly. This allows for a more constant and consistent stream of fire. Since each needle is in its own slot in the firing sequence, the failure of one needle to impact the target no longer means that two will fail.  
This pattern designated as '''Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher''' was manufactured by the [[Sacred Promissory]].{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}


In ''[[Halo 3]]'', the '''Needler''' is much more powerful than ever before. The main reason for this is that the needles now do a significant amount of damage immediately when they impact the target, rather than only when they explode. With a faster rate of fire, greater accuracy, quicker projectiles, better homing capabilities and higher damage, the Needler has been improved in virtually every area. As the Needler now behaves more like a rifle than a pistol, it can no longer be dual-wielded. However, it's no longer necessary to do so. [[Frankie]] has been quoted as saying that the Needler is now nearly a power weapon on its own.
===Design details===
This Needler pattern is characterized by upper and lower cowlings of congruent lengths. In addition, there are purple light fixtures around the barrel and its adjoining channel braces.{{Ref/Game|H3|In-game model}}


When playing the ''Halo 3'' Campaign, it's one of the better weapons to kill Brutes and many other opponents such as the [[Flood]]. It only takes those seven needles, even on higher difficulties, and the homing makes it practically unaffected by the difficulty setting. Most [[skulls]] do not alter the Needler's effectiveness. The only skull that makes it less effective is Tough Luck, which makes enemies dodge incoming needles much more effectively.
===Usage===
This pattern of the Needler was commonly employed by the forces deployed from the [[Prophet of Truth]]'s [[Truth's fleet|fleet]] during the [[Battle of Voi]] and the [[Battle of Installation 00]]{{Ref/Reuse|h3gameplay}}
<gallery class=center>
File:BL Thon attacks Three.png|[[Otto-031]] firing a Needler at [[Thon 'Talamee]] during the [[Battle of Line Installation 1-4]].
File:HTMCC-H3ODST DroneNeedler.jpg|A [[Yanme'e Ultra]] firing a Needler during the [[Battle of Mombasa]].
File:HTMCC-H3ODST BruteNeedler.jpg|A [[Jiralhanae Minor]] with a Needler during the Battle of Mombasa.
</gallery>
{{clear}}


===Disadvantages===
==Trivia==
While the Needler is incredibly effective against most infantry, it is much less effective against vehicles. The fired needles are slow and ineffective to the point of just bouncing off them. Unshielded enemies are killed much faster with a precision weapon such as the [[M6D Magnum]], as the needles take time to hit/explode on the target, leaving the target time to move in and inflict some of the explosive splash damage on the shooter. This is best illustrated when dealing with the [[Flood]] or a [[Zealot]] wielding an [[Energy Sword]]. It is nearly impossible to hit [[Active Camouflage|Camouflaged]] enemies with the Needler because  it does not home in on invisible targets, although in ''Halo 3'' the Needler is able to home in on camouflaged [[Brutes]]. The learning curve of the "lead" needed to hit strafing targets is also high, and when faced with experienced opponents in multi-player (who often randomize their strafing patterns) the weapon is almost always overshadowed by better, more reliable options. An enemy who goes in a circular path will always dodge the Needler rounds; you can empty magazines into the air and not hit him or her. Against larger and more heavily armored opponents, such as [[Hunters]] and [[Brute Chieftain|Brute Chieftains]], the Needler is next to useless, as the needles will harmlessly ricochet off of the armor both units possess. The Needler also proves ineffective against [[Jackal|Jackals]] because the needles will harmlessly repel off the shields the Jackals carry, and the aforementioned precision weapons are much more effective. The needles themselves do not inflict much damage, and only the general explosion inside the enemy will kill them. Because of this, in  [[Halo 2]], the Needler should be dual wielded only with another Needler or a plasma weapon for draining Jackal shields.
*On the ''Halo 2'' level ''[[Quarantine Zone]]'', there is [[Needler Sentinel|a lone Sentinel]] that fires Needler rounds and drops a Needler when it is destroyed.
[[Image:H3_needler_sm.gif|thumb|right|250px|A render of the Needler.]]
*In ''Halo 3'', regardless of how many needles are loaded in the weapon, none will appear in the Needler's shadow.
Additionally, the Needler is among the worst of weapons to finish off a player who's shields are drained. This is due to the fact that each needle only inflicts a small amount of damage and that it will still most likely take the seven needles to kill the player despite the fact that only one or a few shots from any other weapon could kill him or her.
*''[[Bungie.net]]''{{'}}s ''Halo 3'' statistics page claims that the Needler has thirty needles per magazine instead of the actual nineteen.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' level ''[[343 Guilty Spark (level)|343 Guilty Spark]]'' and the ''Halo 2 Vista'' map ''[[Uplift]]'' are the only levels to feature Needler ammunition outside the Needler.
*When using Anniversary mode in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'', dropped Needlers are always depicted as either being fully loaded or completely depleted. However, when playing Classic mode, the number of needles can be seen indicating how many remained in the magazine prior to the weapon being picked up.


The Needler's ammunition is limited. Even at maximum magazines, the Needler will run out in a short time, after killing only four or five shielded enemies. Other weapons, like the [[MA5C Assault Rifle]] are more effective, carrying up to five times more ammo, and requiring only half-3/4 of a magazine to kill an enemy.
==Gallery==
===''Halo: Combat Evolved''===
<gallery>
File:HCE_Needler_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the Needler.
File:HCE_Needler_Concept_2.jpg|Concept art of the Needler.
File:HCE EliteEarlyNeedler Screenshot.jpg|A [[Sangheili Minor]] wielding a Needler in an early build.
File:HCE-Needler-FirstPerson.jpg|First-person view of the Needler.
File:HCE - CovSpecOps.jpg|A [[Special Operations Officer|SpecOps Sangheili]] wielding the Needler.
</gallery>


====Changes from [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] to [[Halo 2]]====
===''Halo 2''===
[[Image:1210496382 1203957011 926632 20071030 screen015.jpg|thumb|right|An [[Elite]] armed with a Needler and a [[Gravity Hammer]].]]
<gallery>
*Needler is smaller compared to the player.
File:Needler-H2.png|A profile view of the Needler.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the gun, as well as the needles before and after firing, had a slight blue tinge to them, this has all been eliminated.
File:H2 Elite SpecOps.png|A SpecOps Sangheili wielding the Needler.
*It is wielded far less often by enemy [[Elites]] and [[Grunts]].
File:Heretic grunt.jpg|An [[Heretic Unggoy]] with the Needler.
*The magazine size is increased to thirty needles. Maximum ammunition increases from 100 needles to 120. Maximum amount of magazines decreases by one.
File:H2-DualNeedlers-Gameplay.png|First-person view of dual-wielding Needlers.
*Explosion has significantly less splash damage to harm those nearby.
File:H2-SingleNeedler-Gameplay.png|First-person view of single-wielding a Needler.
*Only one explosion is needed to kill any [[Covenant]] enemy; in [[Halo: CE]], up to three were needed to kill high ranking Elites on difficulties as low as [[Normal]].
File:H2 e304 dualneedlers.jpg|First-person view of dual-wielding Needlers in multiplayer.
*Needles fly faster.
</gallery>
*Only one explosion will go off within an enemy, in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' multiple explosions could go off in one body, even after death.
*The melee attacks are faster than in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
*Slower rate of fire in ''Halo 2''.
*Melee animation is different, and seems to do less damage.
*Dual-wieldable.


====Changes from [[Halo 2]] to [[Halo 3]]====
===''Halo 3''===
*Reticule must be red in order for the needles to seek.
<gallery>
*Magazine size has been decreased to 19 rounds.
File:Bnetneedler.jpg|Promotional image of the Needler.
*Rate of fire has been dramatically increased and faster than Halo CE version.
File:Needler Halo 3.png|An angled view of the Needler.
*Reload time increased.
File:H3-NeedlerProfile.png|A profile view of the Needler.
*Needles appear to travel faster.
File:Halo-3-20070923023617567.jpg|A first-person view of the Needler.
*Weapon can no longer be dual wielded because it was deemed, "Over-powered".
File:Needler123.jpg|A Spartan firing the Needler in multiplayer.
*[[Elites]] will never be holding Needlers unless one is given to them by a player.
File:Halo-3-legendary-map-pack--20080408000202983.jpg|A barrage of blamite shards in multiplayer.
*Power increased.
</gallery>
*Unexploded needles remain impaled to the victim after impact.
*The needles do explode, however, after a given period of time, but the explosions are small and do little to no damage.
*Needler ammunition is not seen outside the weapon.
*Reticule made smaller.
*Multiple explosions on dead bodies can be done like in Halo CE.
 
==Tactics==
 
The Needler is best used at close to medium range against groups of enemies in the open.  The wielder should be familiar with the amount of lead necessary to make the shots connect.
 
===Campaign===
The wielder should target the enemy group leader (the highest-ranking Elite or Brute) unless the leader is an [[Elite Ultra]], [[Brute Chieftain]], or Brute [[War Chieftain]], in which case he or she should target an [[Elite Major]] or a [[Brute Captain]].  The Needler should not be used against:
*Elite Ultras, Brute Chieftains, and Brute War Chieftains:  their shielding will enable them to survive a full magazine, and it is impossible to reload before the needles detonate.
*Enemies with [[Active Camouflage]]:  the needles will not track or their tracking ability will be severely reduced.
*Jackals and Hunters:  the needles will not penetrate their shields or armor.
*Drones: they can easily outmaneuver the needles.
In Halo 2, Needlers should be dual wielded if possible, or it will be nearly impossible to lodge seven needles in an enemy before some of them detonate.
===Multiplayer===
The wielder should lead correctly, anticipate sudden changes in enemy motion, and keep good range.  [[Overshields]] that have not worn down will enable players to survive explosions.  At a range greater than 20 meters, opponents will be able to dodge needles easily.
 
The Needler is also effective against stationary targets at long range who are not paying attention. Fire at full speed, and the target won't have enough time between the first and seventh needle to move out of the way. Particularly effective against snipers who are concentrating on other players.
 
===Advanced===
Try to lure enemies into the open.  Throw grenades to flush enemies out of cover and to prevent them from taking cover.  Fire at least half of a magazine to ensure that at least seven needles embed.  (In Halo 2, fire approximately one sixth of a magazine from each Needler.)  If an enemy chooses cover poorly, charge for an easy kill.
 
==[[UNSC]] Remarks==
*"I don’t know how it works, but it seems the needles can only follow you if they can "see" you."
*"Anything stuck with enough needles will blow sky high—and if a Foxtrot is unlucky enough to be carrying grenades, those are gonna cook off too."
*“I caught three in the leg as I was diving behind a broken wall—they lodged right in there where the greave meets the boot. When they went off it damn near broke my ankle and flung like little splinters of glass or crystal or whatever all up my left side—the corpsman was pulling the shards outta me for the better part of two hours.”
*“Luckily—listen to me “luckily”—the needles only detonate when they’re embedded in living tissue. Now that’s lucky because it’s not gonna blow a hole in the wall you’re hiding behind or tear the tires off of the vehicle you’re trying to escape in.”
*“It’s about as close to a fire-and-forget small arm that we're likely to ever see—and it ain’t ours. This is why we’re losing.”
*“First order of business when dealing with a hostile armed with a Needler is finding cover; second order of business is killing the Mike Foxtrot with the Needler.”
 
==Trivia==
*The only levels in which Needler ammo appears outside the weapon are [[343 Guilty Spark (Level)|343 Guilty Spark]] from [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] and the [[Halo 2 Vista]] map [[Uplift]].
*Instead of each needle on top of the gun pushing into the gun separately as you fire like you may think, like a visible magazine, they all push in slightly for each shot fired.
*It takes seven or more needles to set off the full explosion and kill targets such as Spartans or Elites. This is another early incarnation of [[Bungie]]'s fascination with the number [[7]].
*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' on [[Easy]] difficulty, it is possible to kill a [[Hunter]] using a Needler, but it takes exactly three magazines of ammunition to do so.
*On the level, [[Sacred Icon (Level)|Sacred Icon]], near the first [[Enforcer]] fight, behind the Gondola, there are three overloaded Needlers with 135 ammo each.
*[[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Jacob Keyes]] and [[Sgt. Johnson]] are the only main [[UNSC]] characters that use a Needler in-game.
*In ''Halo 3'', if you look at your shadow while holding a Needler (regardless of how many needles are protruding from the top) there will not be any needles visible in the top of the Needler in your shadow. This is to compensate with simple reloading and the third person perspective of the person with the Needler.
*Only in Halo: Combat Evolved are the Needler's ammunition rounds visible. The cartridge is an oval shaped magazine. Ammunition comes directly from other Needlers on the ground in Halo 2 and 3.
*The ''[[Halo 3]]'' Needler is incorrectly labeled as having 30 needles per magazine, instead of the actual 19.
*Needlers cause two types of damage. ''Penetration'', getting hurt on impact of the crystalline needles, and ''Explosive'', implosion and explosion of needles wedged in the body and splash damage to surrounding units.
*The Needler is [[Fleet Master]] [[Voro Nar 'Mantakree]]'s next-to trademark weapon, the other being the [[Energy Sword]].
*The Needler is one of the few Covenant weapons that use re-loadable ammunition. The others are the [[Fuel Rod Gun]], the [[Carbine]], the [[Spiker]], the [[Mauler]] and the [[Brute Shot]].
*There is a glitch in [[Halo 2]] where you can get a [[Jackal]] to fire a Needler, but no needles will come out. To read more, go to [[Charging Needler glitch|this page]].
*There is a lone [[Sentinel]] that fires Needler rounds and drops a Needler when it is destroyed. It is found on the level [[Quarantine Zone]] in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
*In ''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'' the Needler is referred to as a pistol. This may be because in the large hands of a [[Sangheili]] warrior, it appears on a smaller scale, than if it were in [[Human]] hands.
*The Needler is used to acquire the [[Fear the Pink Mist]] achievement in [[Halo 3]].
*Normally if you shoot at a [[Jackal]]'s shield with a Needler it will bounce off. But if you shoot the center of the shield, it will penetrate and injure or kill the [[Jackal]] (Halo 2).
*Halo 3 is the only game where the needle's smaller explosions after it impacts won't hurt you
*The only level in the series that you start out with a Needler is [[Gravemind (Level)|"Gravemind"]] in Halo 2.
*The ''Needler'' upgrade in ''[[Halo Wars]]'' upgrades the Grunt Plasma Pistol to Needler for more damage.
*In Halo: CE the Needler appears much larger and heavier than in other Halo games, but most weapons appeared so in Halo: CE since dual wielding hadn't been implemented.
*The heavy Needlers were customized to be able to explode in aircraft and vehicles, not just living tissue, as proven by their AA capabilities.
*The Needler seems to be a favorite weapon of the [[Heretic]] [[Grunts]] from [[Halo 2]]. This may be due to personal preference, but is probably more because of their lack of resources.
*There are 14 slots on the top of the Needler, yet another reference to [[7]].
*In the [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] instruction booklet there is a [[Plasma Rifle]] picture over a picture of the [[Needler]].
*It is possible to shoot yourself in the foot on Halo 3, taking damage that drops your shield. (Confirmed in Multiplayer)


==Gallery==
===''Halo Wars''===
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Halo3 Spartan-needler-01.jpg|A Spartan in [[EVA]] armor wields the Needler.
File:HW Jackal Concept 2.jpg|Concept art featuring Kig-Yar armed with Needlers and [[Particle beam rifle|beam rifles]].
Image:Needler-1.jpg|Dual Wielding the Needler.
File:HW deacon.jpg|An Unggoy [[Deacon]] with the Needler.
Image:GruntUltra03.jpg|[[Special Operations Grunt|Spec-Ops]] and [[Ultra Grunt]]s are often seen wielding the Needler.
Image:Needler Halo 3.jpg|The [[Halo 3]] Needler.
Image:1218569564 Needler.jpg|[[Master Chief]] firing a Needler.
Image:NeedlerBoom.jpg|A [[Jackal]] killed by a Needler explosion.
Image:News H3 MP Assembly-1p02.jpg|A player wields the Needler on [[Assembly]].
Image:1225556878 Needler explosion.jpg|A needle exploding.
</gallery>
</gallery>
==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Believe]]'' 
**''[[Enemy Weapon]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo: Helljumper]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Homecoming]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Initiation]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Collateral Damage]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Battle Born]]''
*''[[Halo: Renegades]]''
*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''
**''[[Homecoming (TV Series)|Homecoming]]''
**''[[Reckoning]]''
**''[[Transcendence]]''
{{Col-end}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
==Links==
===Internal===
*[[Heavy Needler]]
*[[Covenant Weapons]]
*[[Fear the Pink Mist]]
*[[Energy Cutlass]]
 
===External===
*[http://halowiki.net/p/Needler Needler at Halowiki]


{{Clear}}
{{Covenant rifles}}
{{Covenant Weapons}}
[[Category:Covenant infantry weapons]]
[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Small arms]]
[[Category:Held Weapons]]
[[Category:Needle weaponry]]
[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:Covenant Weapons]]

Latest revision as of 18:19, August 16, 2023

This article is about the models in Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, and Halo 3. For other variants of the Needler, see Needler.

Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher (T-33 GML), also known as the Type-33 Needler, is the United Nations Space Command's type classification for four distinct patterns of the Needler, a Covenant needle-based infantry automatic weapon that launch Subanese crystalline shards capable of homing-in on targets.[1] Although the four distinct patterns of the Needlers possessed aesthetic and functional differences, their shared UNSC type designation suggests that they were all catalogued and classified in 2533.

Nahle'hax-pattern needle launcher[edit]

Main article: Nahle'hax-pattern needler

The Nahle'hax-pattern needle launcher is designated as T-33 GML.[2][1] This variant was commonly employed by the Covenant and its remnants.[3][4][5]

  • The first chassis with blue lights on side of the upper cowling.

    The first chassis with blue lights on side of the upper cowling.

  • The second chassis with metallic braces on the channel braces.

    The second chassis with metallic braces on the channel braces.

  • The third chassis with no lights on the side of the upper cowling.

    The third chassis with no lights on the side of the upper cowling.

Fleet of Particular Justice variant[edit]

Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher
Needler-HaloCE.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Sacred Promissory[1]

Type:

Needler[1][6]

Specifications

Ammunition type:

Subanese crystalline shards[1]

Feed system:

20 shards/magazine[7]

Rate of fire:

Automatic[7]

Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War
 

This pattern designated as Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher was manufactured by the Sacred Promissory.[1]

Design details[edit]

This Needler pattern is characterized by an additional handguard around the grip between the cowlings. It also possesses a longer handguard extending from the lower cowling,[1] though, unlike other Needlers with this attribute, the handguard is angled downwards rather than curving upwards.[8]

  • The HUD icon for this T-33 GML pattern.

    The HUD icon for this T-33 GML pattern.

  • Scattered Needlers and their ammunition boxes.

    Scattered Needlers and their ammunition boxes.

Usage[edit]

This pattern of the Needler was commonly employed during the Battle of Installation 04 by the forces deployed from the Fleet of Particular Justice.[7] It was particularly popular among Special Operations Unggoy combating the Flood.[9][10]

Fleet of Sacred Consecration variant[edit]

Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher
Needler-H2.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Sacred Promissory[1]

Type:

Needler[1][11]

Specifications

Ammunition type:

Subanese crystal shards[1]

Feed system:

30 shards/magazine[11][12]

Rate of fire:

Automatic[12]

Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War
 

This pattern designated as Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher was manufactured by the Sacred Promissory.[1]

Design details[edit]

This Needler pattern is characterized by upper and lower cowlings of congruent lengths.[16]

Usage[edit]

This pattern of the Needler was commonly employed by the forces deployed from the Fleet of Sacred Consecration during the Battle of Mombasa and Battle of Installation 05. Members of Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction, especially the Unggoy, favored this Needler pattern as well.[12]

Truth's fleet pattern[edit]

Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher
H3-NeedlerProfile.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Sacred Promissory[1]

Type:

Needler[1][17][18]

Specifications

Length:

  • Overall: 57.8 centimetres (22.8 in)[17][19]
  • Barrel: 16.25 centimetres (6.40 in)[17]

Weight:

  • Empty: 3.74 kilograms (8.2 lb)[17][19]
  • Loaded: 4.3 kilograms (9.5 lb)[17][19]

Ammunition type:

Subanese crystalline shards[1]

Feed system:

19 shards[19][20]

Rate of fire:

Automatic[20] (510 rounds/minute)[17]

Muzzle velocity:

54 meter/second (177 feet/second)[17]

Effective range:

64 metres (210 ft)[17][19]

Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War
 

This pattern designated as Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher was manufactured by the Sacred Promissory.[1]

Design details[edit]

This Needler pattern is characterized by upper and lower cowlings of congruent lengths. In addition, there are purple light fixtures around the barrel and its adjoining channel braces.[24]

Usage[edit]

This pattern of the Needler was commonly employed by the forces deployed from the Prophet of Truth's fleet during the Battle of Voi and the Battle of Installation 00[20]

Trivia[edit]

  • On the Halo 2 level Quarantine Zone, there is a lone Sentinel that fires Needler rounds and drops a Needler when it is destroyed.
  • In Halo 3, regardless of how many needles are loaded in the weapon, none will appear in the Needler's shadow.
  • Bungie.net's Halo 3 statistics page claims that the Needler has thirty needles per magazine instead of the actual nineteen.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved level 343 Guilty Spark and the Halo 2 Vista map Uplift are the only levels to feature Needler ammunition outside the Needler.
  • When using Anniversary mode in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, dropped Needlers are always depicted as either being fully loaded or completely depleted. However, when playing Classic mode, the number of needles can be seen indicating how many remained in the magazine prior to the weapon being picked up.

Gallery[edit]

Halo: Combat Evolved[edit]

  • Concept art of the Needler.

    Concept art of the Needler.

  • Concept art of the Needler.

    Concept art of the Needler.

  • A Sangheili Minor wielding a Needler in an early build.

    A Sangheili Minor wielding a Needler in an early build.

  • First-person view of the Needler.

    First-person view of the Needler.

  • A SpecOps Sangheili wielding the Needler.

    A SpecOps Sangheili wielding the Needler.

Halo 2[edit]

  • A profile view of the Needler.

    A profile view of the Needler.

  • A SpecOps Sangheili wielding the Needler.

    A SpecOps Sangheili wielding the Needler.

  • An Heretic Unggoy with the Needler.

    An Heretic Unggoy with the Needler.

  • First-person view of dual-wielding Needlers.

    First-person view of dual-wielding Needlers.

  • First-person view of single-wielding a Needler.

    First-person view of single-wielding a Needler.

  • First-person view of dual-wielding Needlers in multiplayer.

    First-person view of dual-wielding Needlers in multiplayer.

Halo 3[edit]

  • Promotional image of the Needler.

    Promotional image of the Needler.

  • An angled view of the Needler.

    An angled view of the Needler.

  • A profile view of the Needler.

    A profile view of the Needler.

  • A first-person view of the Needler.

    A first-person view of the Needler.

  • A Spartan firing the Needler in multiplayer.

    A Spartan firing the Needler in multiplayer.

  • A barrage of blamite shards in multiplayer.

    A barrage of blamite shards in multiplayer.

Halo Wars[edit]

  • Concept art featuring Kig-Yar armed with Needlers and beam rifles.

    Concept art featuring Kig-Yar armed with Needlers and beam rifles.

  • An Unggoy Deacon with the Needler.

    An Unggoy Deacon with the Needler.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 128
  2. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 294
  3. ^ Halo: Reach, gameplay
  4. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 85
  5. ^ Halo 4, gameplay
  6. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, game manual
  7. ^ a b c d Halo: Combat Evolved, gameplay
  8. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, In-game model
  9. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level Keyes
  10. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level The Maw
  11. ^ a b Halo 2, game manual
  12. ^ a b c d e f Halo 2, gameplay
  13. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Relic Interior
  14. ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Arbiter
  15. ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Oracle
  16. ^ Halo 2, In-game model
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h Bungie.net, Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher - 9/6/2007 (Retrieved on Jan 16, 2021) [local archive] [external archive]
  18. ^ Halo 3, game manual
  19. ^ a b c d e Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 323
  20. ^ a b c d e Halo 3, gameplay
  21. ^ Halo: Helljumper, issue 4
  22. ^ Halo: Blood Line, issue 4
  23. ^ Halo 3: ODST, gameplay
  24. ^ Halo 3, In-game model

v • d • e
 
Service weapons of the Covenant and its remnants
Projectile weapons
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