Gameplay

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__NOINDEX__
{{Status|Gameplay}}
{{Disambig header|the weapon featured in most ''Halo'' games|other uses of the term "sniper rifle"|Sniper rifle (disambiguation)|l1=its disambiguation page}}
{{Notice/Gameplay}}
{{Infobox/Weapon/Gameplay
{{Infobox/Weapon/Gameplay
|name=Sniper Rifle
|name=Sniper Rifle
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|tier=[[Power weapon]]
|tier=[[Power weapon]]
|type=[[Precision weapon]]
|type=[[Precision weapon]]
|dmgtype=Kinetic
|dmgtype=[[Kinetic]]
|counterparts=
|counterparts=
[[Covenant]]:
[[Covenant]]:
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|damage=High
|damage=High
|rof=Low
|rof=Low
|accuracy=Very high
|projspeed=Very high, near instantaneous
|projspeed=Very high, near instantaneous
|mag=4 bullets
|mag=4 bullets
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==Universe and lore==
==Universe and lore==
{{Main|Sniper rifle (fiction)}}
{{Main|Sniper rifle (fiction)}}
Most of the sniper rifles seen in the ''Halo'' games are part of the [[SRS99 series|SRS99 family]], a series of rifles produced by [[Misriah Armory]] for the [[United Nations Space Command]] armed forces. The original SRS99 AM rifle entered service in [[2460]] with the [[UNSC Army]], and the SRS99 series was eventually adopted by all remaining branches in [[2521]], thanks to its impressive modularity and continuing support on behalf of Misriah.{{Ref/Book|EVG|Pg=179|Detail=Sniper Rifle}} Having gone through at least three further revisions since its initial adoption, the series remains in service as of [[2558]], with the Series-5 model being in mass production at that time.{{Ref/Book|H4EVG|Pg=66|Detail=Sniper Rifle}}
Most of the sniper rifles seen in the ''Halo'' games belong to the [[SRS99 series|SRS99 family]], a series of rifles produced by [[Misriah Armory]] for the [[United Nations Space Command]] armed forces. The original SRS99 AM rifle entered service in [[2460]] with the [[UNSC Army]], and the SRS99 series was eventually adopted by all remaining branches in [[2521]], thanks to its impressive modularity and continuing support on behalf of Misriah.{{Ref/Book|EVG|Pg=179|Detail=Sniper Rifle}} Having gone through at least four further revisions since its initial adoption, the series remains in service as of [[2558]], with the Series-5 model being in mass production at that time.{{Ref/Book|H4EVG|Pg=66|Detail=Sniper Rifle}}


Another prominent sniper rifle is the [[M99 Stanchion]], a now-defunct weapon that has been out of production since [[2521]].{{Ref/Comic|HGN|Pg=122}} The Stanchion bears more resemblance to a [[Wikipedia:Coilgun|coilgun]] or [[Wikipedia:Railgun|railgun]] than a traditional chemical propellant-based firearm, using electromagnetism to launch its projectiles.{{Ref/Site|https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/railgun|Halo Waypoint|Section=Universe|Railgun}} It was used by the crew of the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} during the [[Second Ark Conflict]], along with another sniper rifle known as the [[signature-suppressed anti-materiel rifle]].{{Ref/Site|https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/the-art-of-war-s|Halo Waypoint|Section=Canon Fodder|The Art of War(s)}}{{Ref/Game|HW2|campaign}} Additionally, an [[Unidentified insurrectionist group|Insurrectionist group]] active on [[Harvest]] and [[Arcadia]] was known to equip its soldiers with an as-of-yet [[unidentified sniper rifle]].{{Ref/Game|HW|multiplayer}}
Another prominent sniper rifle is the [[M99 Stanchion]], a now-defunct weapon that has been out of production since [[2521]].{{Ref/Comic|HGN|Pg=122}} The Stanchion bears more resemblance to a [[Wikipedia:Coilgun|coilgun]] or [[Wikipedia:Railgun|railgun]] than a traditional chemical propellant-based firearm, using electromagnetism to launch its projectiles.{{Ref/Site|https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/railgun|Halo Waypoint|Section=Universe|Railgun}} It was used by the crew of the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} during the [[Second Ark Conflict]], along with another sniper rifle known as the [[signature-suppressed anti-materiel rifle]].{{Ref/Site|https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/the-art-of-war-s|Halo Waypoint|Section=Canon Fodder|The Art of War(s)}}{{Ref/Game|HW2|campaign}} Additionally, an [[Unidentified insurrectionist group|Insurrectionist group]] active on [[Harvest]] and [[Arcadia]] was known to equip its soldiers with an as-of-yet [[unidentified sniper rifle]].{{Ref/Game|HW|multiplayer}}
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The following is a list of all sniper rifles in ''Halo'' lore that have appeared in the games:
The following is a list of all sniper rifles in ''Halo'' lore that have appeared in the games:


<gallery>
<gallery widths="210px">
File:CE+H2 Render SniperRifle.png|'''[[SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' and ''[[Halo 2]]''}}
File:CE+H2 Render SniperRifle.png|link=SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle|'''[[SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' and ''[[Halo 2]]''}}
File:H3-SRS99D-S2AM-Profile.png|'''[[SRS99D-S2 AM sniper rifle]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''}}
File:H3-SRS99D-S2AM-Profile.png|link=SRS99D-S2 AM sniper rifle|'''[[SRS99D-S2 AM sniper rifle]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''}}
File:HaloReach - SRS99.png|'''[[SRS99-AM sniper rifle]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo: Reach]]'', ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Halo: CE Anniversary]]'' and ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''}}
File:HaloReach - SRS99.png|link=SRS99-AM sniper rifle|'''[[SRS99-AM sniper rifle]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo: Reach]]'', ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Halo: CE Anniversary]]'' and ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''}}
File:H4-SniperRifle.png|'''[[SRS99-S5 AM sniper rifle]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo 4]]'', ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'', ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'' and ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''}}
File:H4-SniperRifle.png|link=SRS99-S5 AM sniper rifle|'''[[SRS99-S5 AM sniper rifle]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo 4]]'', ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' and ''[[Halo Online]]''}}
File:HW RebelSniperRifle.png|'''[[Unidentified sniper rifle]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo Wars]]''}}
File:HINF-SRS99S7.png|link=SRS99-S7 AM sniper rifle|'''[[SRS99-S7 AM sniper rifle]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo Infinite]]''}}
File:HW2-SignatureSuppressed.png|'''[[Signature-suppressed anti-materiel rifle]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo Wars 2]]''}}
File:HW RebelSniperRifle.png|link=Unidentified sniper rifle|'''[[Unidentified sniper rifle]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo Wars]]''}}
File:M99 Stanchion.png|'''[[M99 Stanchion]]'''<br/>{{Small|''Halo Wars 2''}}
File:SS Icon SniperRifle.png|link=Unidentified sniper rifle (Halo: Spartan Assault)|'''[[Unidentified sniper rifle (Halo: Spartan Assault)|Unidentified sniper rifle]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'' and ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''}}
File:HW2-SignatureSuppressed.png|link=Signature-suppressed anti-materiel rifle|'''[[Signature-suppressed anti-materiel rifle]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo Wars 2]]''}}
File:M99 Stanchion.png|link=M99 Stanchion|'''[[M99 Stanchion]]'''<br/>{{Small|''Halo Wars 2''}}
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Overview==
==Overview==
General info here
The Sniper Rifle is a powerful precision weapon, featured in every notable ''Halo'' game since the series' inception in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''. Typically dark grey or black in color, the weapon features one of the longest barrels of any weapon, as well as a large boxy scope and a prominent stock, making it very easy to identify. It is capable of killing enemy players in as little as one or two shots depending upon accuracy, and deals a large amount of damage. To compensate for this, it has a slow rate of fire compared to most weapons, usually only carries four shots per magazine, and is very rare.


===Unlock and acquisition requirements===
===Unlock and acquisition requirements===
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In ''Halo 5: Guardians''{{'}} campaign and [[Arena]] [[multiplayer]] modes, the Sniper Rifle can be found on the level or map as usual, and does not need to be unlocked.{{Ref/Game|H5G|campaign|Id=H5GCamp}}{{Ref/Game|H5G|multiplayer|Id=H5GMP}}
In ''Halo 5: Guardians''{{'}} campaign and [[Arena]] [[multiplayer]] modes, the Sniper Rifle can be found on the level or map as usual, and does not need to be unlocked.{{Ref/Game|H5G|campaign|Id=H5GCamp}}{{Ref/Game|H5G|multiplayer|Id=H5GMP}}


However, in [[Warzone]], the weapon can only be acquired via the [[Requisition system|REQ system]]. To unlock the Sniper Rifle, the player must acquire a Sniper Rifle certification, an Uncommon REQ card that can be found randomly in all types of REQ packs. Upon receiving the certification, the player will also be given a number of Sniper Rifle REQ cards, and will begin to randomly receive more when opening future packs. Each of these cards can be redeemed in a Warzone match to spawn a Sniper Rifle, at the cost of {{Energy|6}}. Doing so will consume the card. Alternatively, the cards can be sold for {{RP|75}} each.{{Ref/Game|H5G|requisition system}}{{Ref/Game|H5G|REQ card|Detail=Sniper Rifle}}
However, in [[Warzone]], the weapon can only be acquired via the [[Requisition system|REQ system]]. To unlock the Sniper Rifle, the player must acquire a Sniper Rifle certification, an Uncommon REQ card that can be found randomly in any REQ pack that can contain Uncommon cards. Upon receiving the certification, the player will also be given a number of Sniper Rifle REQ cards, and will begin to randomly receive more when opening future packs. Each of these cards can be redeemed in a Warzone match to spawn a Sniper Rifle, at the cost of {{Energy|6}}. Doing so will consume the card. Alternatively, the cards can be sold for {{RP|75}} each.{{Ref/Game|H5G|requisition system}}{{Ref/Game|H5G|REQ card|Detail=Sniper Rifle}}
 
{{Infocard/REQ|Sniper Rifle}}


<gallery>
<gallery>
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</gallery>
</gallery>


====''Halo: Spartan Assault'' and ''Spartan Strike''====
====''Halo: Spartan Assault''====
... Loadout stuff ...
In ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'', the Sniper Rifle can only be acquired via the [[loadout]] screen. It does not need to be unlocked, but costs {{CR|25}} or {{XP|500}} to equip. Once equipped, you will spawn with the Sniper Rifle at the start of the level and every time you die, so long as you do not quit back to the menu. It is single use - that is, it will not carry over to the next level, nor will it be available next time you play the level on which you purchased it.{{Ref/Game|SA|loadout screen}}
 
'''Cost:''' {{CR|25}} / {{XP|500}}
----
 
====''Halo: Spartan Strike''====
''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'' is similar to ''Spartan Assault''; the Sniper Rifle is unlocked by default, but costs {{XP|500}} to equip for a single play session. The Sniper Rifle will not carry over to subsequent missions, and you will no longer spawn with it on that mission after quitting to the menu or beating the level.{{Ref/Game|SS|loadout screen}}
 
'''Cost:''' {{XP|500}}
 
However in ''Spartan Strike'', the Sniper Rifle also spawns in the campaign itself, exclusively on the final mission: [[Mission E-6: Hold the Line|E-6: Hold the Line]]. In total, four Sniper Rifles spawn on this mission, along with four [[Spartan Laser]]s and four [[Rocket Launcher]]s, the two other previously loadout-exclusive weapons.{{Ref/Level|SS|Mission E-6: Hold the Line|LevelLinkText=E-6: Hold the Line}}
----


===Variants===
===Variants===
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[[File:Halo 5 Sniper EotL.png|thumb|right|300px|End of the Line in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.]]
[[File:Halo 5 Sniper EotL.png|thumb|right|300px|End of the Line in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.]]
{{Main|End of the Line}}
{{Main|End of the Line}}
{{Quote|All good things must come to and end. Improved Sniper Rifle with reduced recoil, but emphasis on faster rate-of-fire has slightly reduced damage|REQ description{{Ref/Game|Id=EotLCard|H5G|REQ card|Detail=End of the Line}}}}
{{Quote|All good things must come to and end. Improved Sniper Rifle with reduced recoil, but emphasis on faster rate-of-fire has slightly reduced damage.|REQ description{{Ref/Game|Id=EotLCard|H5G|REQ card|Detail=End of the Line}}}}
End of the Line is a Rare REQ variant of the Sniper Rifle, featured in ''Halo 5: Guardians]]''. It boasts a faster rate of fire and significantly reduced recoil, but deals slightly less damage per shot - though it is still capable of killing an enemy player in two body shots or one headshot. Should the player have an End of the Line REQ card, the weapon can be acquired in [[Warzone]] via the REQ system for a cost of {{Energy|6}}, or alternatively the card can be sold for {{RP|100}}.{{Ref/Reuse|EotLCard}}
End of the Line is a Rare REQ variant of the Sniper Rifle, featured in ''Halo 5: Guardians''. It boasts a faster rate of fire and significantly reduced recoil, but deals slightly less damage per shot - though it is still capable of killing an enemy player in two body shots or one headshot. Should the player have an End of the Line REQ card, the weapon can be acquired in [[Warzone]] via the REQ system for a cost of {{Energy|6}}, or alternatively the card can be sold for {{RP|100}}.{{Ref/Reuse|EotLCard}}
 
{{Infocard/REQ|End of the Line}}
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}
====Arrow of Time====
====Arrow of Time====
[[File:H5G Arrow of time.png|thumb|right|300px|Arrow of Time in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.]]
[[File:H5G Arrow of time.png|thumb|right|300px|Arrow of Time in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.]]
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{{Quote|There's no going back. Advanced Sniper Rifle with extended magazine and heavy-duty cyberlink that prevents descope. Unfortunately, the weapon does have extra recoil to compensate for.|REQ description{{Ref/Game|Id=AoTCard|H5G|REQ card|Detail=Arrow of Time}}}}
{{Quote|There's no going back. Advanced Sniper Rifle with extended magazine and heavy-duty cyberlink that prevents descope. Unfortunately, the weapon does have extra recoil to compensate for.|REQ description{{Ref/Game|Id=AoTCard|H5G|REQ card|Detail=Arrow of Time}}}}
Arrow of Time is an Ultra-Rare REQ variant of the Sniper Rifle in ''Halo 5: Guardians''. It features a larger magazine than the standard Sniper, with 6 shots instead of 4, and the player will not be [[descope]]d when shot whilst zoomed in with the weapon. However, it also has increased recoil compared to the normal Sniper Rifle. Its REQ card costs {{Energy|7}} to use in-game, or can be sold for {{RP|150}}.{{Ref/Reuse|AoTCard}}
Arrow of Time is an Ultra-Rare REQ variant of the Sniper Rifle in ''Halo 5: Guardians''. It features a larger magazine than the standard Sniper, with 6 shots instead of 4, and the player will not be [[descope]]d when shot whilst zoomed in with the weapon. However, it also has increased recoil compared to the normal Sniper Rifle. Its REQ card costs {{Energy|7}} to use in-game, or can be sold for {{RP|150}}.{{Ref/Reuse|AoTCard}}
{{Infocard/REQ|Arrow of Time}}
{{Clear}}


====Nornfang====
====Nornfang====
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Nornfang also appears in ''Halo 5: Guardians''{{'}} campaign. It can be found abandoned in the troop bay of the [[ONI Acrisius]] on the level [[Unconfirmed]], and on the [[Blue Team]] missions in [[Cooperative play|co-op]], the player playing as Linda-058 will spawn with the weapon at the start of the level (but not upon respawning). However, in campaign, the weapon is significantly less powerful, retaining none of its bonus abilities from the multiplayer.{{Ref/Reuse|H5GCamp}}
Nornfang also appears in ''Halo 5: Guardians''{{'}} campaign. It can be found abandoned in the troop bay of the [[ONI Acrisius]] on the level [[Unconfirmed]], and on the [[Blue Team]] missions in [[Cooperative play|co-op]], the player playing as Linda-058 will spawn with the weapon at the start of the level (but not upon respawning). However, in campaign, the weapon is significantly less powerful, retaining none of its bonus abilities from the multiplayer.{{Ref/Reuse|H5GCamp}}
{{Infocard/REQ|Nornfang}}
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}


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The most prominent counterpart to the Sniper Rifle is the [[Covenant]]'s [[Beam Rifle]], a long-range weapon with two levels of zoom, which is similar in operation to the Sniper Rifle. The Beam Rifle was first introduced in ''Halo 2'', but has reappeared in several games since. It fires a beam of light with a practically instant travel time, which behaves similarly to a Sniper Rifle bullet; a hit to the body will remove an opponent's shields, whereas a headshot will instantly kill them. Unlike the Sniper, however, the Beam Rifle uses a battery system for its ammo, typically with ten shots in total, and the weapon cannot be reloaded. In most games, the weapon will overheat after two or three shots in rapid succession.
The most prominent counterpart to the Sniper Rifle is the [[Covenant]]'s [[Beam Rifle]], a long-range weapon with two levels of zoom, which is similar in operation to the Sniper Rifle. The Beam Rifle was first introduced in ''Halo 2'', but has reappeared in several games since. It fires a beam of light with a practically instant travel time, which behaves similarly to a Sniper Rifle bullet; a hit to the body will remove an opponent's shields, whereas a headshot will instantly kill them. Unlike the Sniper, however, the Beam Rifle uses a battery system for its ammo, typically with ten shots in total, and the weapon cannot be reloaded. In most games, the weapon will overheat after two or three shots in rapid succession.


Another Covenant counterpart to the Sniper Rifle is the [[Focus Rifle]], first introduced in ''Halo: Reach''. Unlike the Sniper Rifle and Beam Rifle, the Focus Rifle fires a continuous beam which deals heavy damage to enemy units, but will overheat if fired continuously for too long. However, the Focus Rifle takes longer to kill enemies than the Sniper Rifle does, and the brightly colored beam will expose the location of the player. Like the Beam Rifle, the Focus Rifle uses a battery ammo system, and cannot be reloaded. It also has two zoom levels, similar to the Sniper and Beam Rifle.
Another Covenant counterpart to the Sniper Rifle is the [[Focus Rifle]], first introduced in ''Halo: Reach''. Unlike the Sniper Rifle and Beam Rifle, the Focus Rifle fires a continuous beam not unlike that of the [[Sentinel Beam]], which deals heavy damage to enemy units, but will overheat if fired continuously for too long. However, the Focus Rifle takes longer to kill enemies than the Sniper Rifle does, and the brightly colored beam will expose the location of the player. Like the Beam Rifle, the Focus Rifle uses a battery ammo system, and cannot be reloaded. It also has two zoom levels, similar to the Sniper and Beam Rifle.


The [[Forerunner]] counterpart to the Sniper Rifle is known as the [[Binary Rifle]]. This rifle operates using a similar ammunition system as the Sniper Rifle, albeit with two shots per magazine rather than four. It features two levels of zoom, just as the Sniper does, however with one major difference: whilst zoomed, a distinct red targeting laser will shine out from the barrel - even before the weapon is fired - which will alert enemies to the fact they're being targeted, and will also highlight the user's location. The projectile fired by the Binary Rifle varies by game. In ''Halo 4'', it fires a bolt of light that travels instantaneously and will always immediately kill an enemy player regardless of where it hits them. In ''Halo 5: Guardians'', it fires a continuous beam for a brief period of time, which deals very heavy damage and can easily kill an enemy player if held on them for long enough - though the strong recoil can make this difficult.   
The [[Forerunner]] counterpart to the Sniper Rifle is known as the [[Binary Rifle]]. This rifle operates using a similar ammunition system as the Sniper Rifle, albeit with two shots per magazine rather than four. It features two levels of zoom, just as the Sniper does, however with one major difference: whilst zoomed, a distinct red targeting laser will shine out from the barrel - even before the weapon is fired - which will alert enemies to the fact they're being targeted, and will also highlight the user's location. The projectile fired by the Binary Rifle varies by game. In ''Halo 4'', it fires a bolt of light that travels instantaneously and will always immediately kill an enemy player regardless of where it hits them. In ''Halo 5: Guardians'', it fires a continuous beam for a brief period of time, which deals very heavy damage and can easily kill an enemy player if held on them for long enough - though the strong recoil can make this difficult.   


<gallery>
<gallery widths="210px">
File:H5G Beam rifle render.png|'''[[Beam Rifle]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo 2]]'', ''[[Halo 3]]'', ''[[Halo 4]]'', ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' and ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''}}
File:H5G Beam rifle render.png|link=Beam Rifle|'''[[Beam Rifle]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo 2]]'', ''[[Halo 3]]'', ''[[Halo 4]]'', ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' multiplayer, ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' and ''[[Halo Online]]''}}
File:Focus Rifle Cropped.png|'''[[Focus Rifle]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo: Reach]]'', ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'' and ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''}}
File:Focus Rifle Cropped.png|link=Focus Rifle|'''[[Focus Rifle]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo: Reach]]'', ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'' and ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''}}
File:H5G-Z750.png|'''[[Binary Rifle]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo 4]]'', ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'' and ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''}}
File:H5G-Z750.png|link=Binary Rifle|'''[[Binary Rifle]]'''<br/>{{Small|''[[Halo 4]]'', ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'' and ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''}}
</gallery>
</gallery>


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FPS info here
FPS info here


====Stats====
{{/Stats/FPS}}
{{/Stats/FPS}}
====Advantages====
====Disadvantages====
====Tactics and strategies====


===Twin-stick shooters===
===Twin-stick shooters===
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Twin-stick info here (Spartan Assault, Spartan Strike, etc)
Twin-stick info here (Spartan Assault, Spartan Strike, etc)


====Stats====
{{/Stats/TSS}}
{{/Stats/TSS}}
====Advantages====
====Disadvantages====
====Tactics and strategies====


===Real-time strategy games===
===Real-time strategy games===
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* Noticeably higher bullet magnetism, increasing ease of use.
* Noticeably higher bullet magnetism, increasing ease of use.
* Anti-vehicle properties reduced.
* Anti-vehicle properties reduced.
==Skins and coatings==
The Sniper Rifle has seen many equipable weapon skins and coatings across the various games it's been featured in.
===''Halo: Combat Evolved''===
{{Main|Skins (Halo: Combat Evolved)}}
''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' for ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' features weapon skins for all its weapons, including the Sniper Rifle. These were added into the game with an update on [[2020|July 14, 2020]], alongside the beginning of [[Season 2: Spark]] and the launch of ''[[Halo 3]]'' for PC.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/halo-3-now-available-for-pc|Site=Halo Waypoint|Section=News|Page=Halo 3 Now Available for PC}}
{| class="wikitable"
!Icon
!Image
!Name
!Description
!Unlock requirements
|-
|
|
|Default
|Default skin
|N/A
|-
|[[File:HCE SniperRifle Golden Skin.png|75px]]
|
|Golden
|Bling on the ring.
|Season 2 [[Challenges/Halo: The Master Chief Collection|Challenge]]: Zero Five Eight<br/>Defeat 150 opponents with the Sniper Rifle in any game mode.
|-
|[[File:HCE SniperRifle Woodland Skin.png|75px]]
|
|Woodland
|[[Camping]] is a legitimate strategy.
|Purchase for {{SeasonPoint|1}} at Season 2, Tier 52
|-
|[[File:HCE SniperRifle Desert Skin.png|75px]]
|
|Desert
|Looks very stylish with a poncho.
|Purchase for {{SeasonPoint|1}} at Season 2, Tier 10
|-
|[[File:HCE SniperRifle GreatJourney Skin.png|75px]]
|
|Great Journey
|Don't worry... I know what the aliens like.
|Purchase for {{SeasonPoint|1}} at Season 2, Tier 42
|-
|[[File:HCE SniperRifle Avalanche Skin.png|75px]]
|
|Avalanche
|Like [[Sidewinder]], but with more polygons.
|Purchase for {{SeasonPoint|1}} at Season 2, Tier 80
|}
===''Halo 3''===
{{Main|Skins (Halo 3)}}
===''Halo Infinite''===
{{Main|Weapon coatings (Halo Infinite)}}


==Medals==
==Medals==
The following medals are exclusive to the Sniper Rifle and its alien counterparts. The Sniper Rifle does also inherit some other [[precision weapon]] and [[power weapon]] medals such as [[Headcase]] and [[Power Play]], but these are not listed here.
The following medals are exclusive to the Sniper Rifle and its alien counterparts. The Sniper Rifle does also inherit some other [[precision weapon]] and [[power weapon]] medals such as [[Headcase]] and [[Power Player]], but these are not listed here.


{{Col-begin}}
{| class="wikitable"
{{Col-2}}
!Icon
===Sniper Kill===
!Name
[[File:H5G Medal Sniper Kill.png|74px|frameless|right]]
!Games
{{Main|Sniper Kill}}
!Unlock requirements
The Sniper Kill medal features in ''Halo 2'', ''Halo 3'', ''Halo: Reach'', ''Halo 4'' and ''Halo 5: Guardians''. It is awarded in ''Halo 3'' and ''Reach'' for killing an enemy with a Sniper Rifle headshot, but will be granted for any Sniper Rifle kill (headshot or otherwise) in ''Halo 2'', ''Halo 4'' and ''Halo 5: Guardians''. In ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'', this medal will also be granted for Beam Rifle kills.
|-
{{Clear}}
|[[File:H5G Medal Sniper Kill.png|74px]]
===Sniper Headshot===
|[[Sniper Kill]]
[[File:H5G Medal SniperHeadshot.png|74px|frameless|right]]
|
{{Main|Sniper Headshot}}
*''Halo 2''
{{Clear}}
*''Halo 3''
===Snipunch===
*''Halo: Reach''
[[File:H5G Medal Snipunch.png|74px|frameless|right]]
*''Halo 4''
{{Main|Snipunch}}
*''Halo 5: Guardians''
{{Clear}}
|
===Hat Trick===
''Halo 2'':
[[File:H5G Medal HatTrick.png|74px|frameless|right]]
*Kill an enemy with a Sniper Rifle or Beam Rifle.
{{Main|Hat Trick}}
''Halo 3'', ''Halo: Reach'':
{{Clear}}
*Kill an enemy with a Sniper Rifle (or Beam Rifle) headshot.
===Snapshot===
''Halo 4'':
[[File:Halo5snapshot.png|74px|frameless|right]]
*Kill an enemy with a Sniper Rifle.
{{Main|Snapshot}}
''Halo 5: Guardians'':
Snapshot is a medal awarded in ''Halo 4'' and ''Halo 5: Guardians'' for killing an enemy with the Sniper Rifle, Beam Rifle or Binary Rifle while not zoomed in. This is commonly known as [[no-scoping]].
*Kill an enemy with a Sniper Rifle, but not by a headshot.
{{Clear}}
|-
===Airborne Snapshot!===
|[[File:H5G Medal SniperHeadshot.png|74px]]
[[File:H5G Medal AirborneSnapshot.png|74px|frameless|right]]
|[[Sniper Headshot]]
{{Main|Airborne Snapshot!}}
|''Halo 5: Guardians''
{{Clear}}
|Kill an enemy with a Sniper Rifle headshot.
{{Col-2}}
|-
===Snipeltaneous!===
|[[File:HR Medal Sniper Spree!.png|74px]]
[[File:H5G Medal Snipeltaneous.png|74px|frameless|right]]
|[[Sniper Spree]]
{{Main|Snipeltaneous!}}
|
{{Clear}}
*''Halo 3''
===Buckle Up===
*''Halo 3: ODST''
[[File:H5G Medal BuckleUp.png|74px|frameless|right]]
*''Halo: Reach''
{{Main|Buckle Up!}}
|
{{Clear}}
''Halo 3'', ''Halo 3: ODST'':
===Sniper Spree===
*Kill 5 enemies '''consecutively''' with the Sniper or Beam Rifle, without dying.
[[File:HR Medal Sniper Spree!.png|74px|frameless|right]]
''Halo: Reach'':
{{Main|Buckle Up!}}
*Kill 5 enemies with the Sniper Rifle without dying.
{{Clear}}
|-
===Sharpshooter===
|[[File:HR Medal Sharpshooter!.png|74px]]
[[File:HR Medal Sharpshooter!.png|74px|frameless|right]]
|[[Sharpshooter]]
{{Main|Buckle Up!}}
|
{{Clear}}
*''Halo 3''
===Be the Bullet===
*''Halo 3: ODST''
[[File:HR Medal Be the Bullet!.png|74px|frameless|right]]
*''Halo: Reach''
{{Main|Buckle Up!}}
|
{{Clear}}
''Halo 3'', ''Halo 3: ODST'':
{{Col-end}}
*Kill 10 enemies '''consecutively''' with the Sniper or Beam Rifle, without dying.
''Halo: Reach'':
*Kill 10 enemies with the Sniper Rifle without dying.
|-
|[[File:HR Medal Be the Bullet!.png|74px]]
|[[Be the Bullet]]
|''Halo: Reach''
|Kill 15 enemies with the Sniper Rifle without dying.
|-
|[[File:Halo5snapshot.png|74px]]
|[[Snapshot]]
|
*''Halo 4''
*''Halo 5: Guardians''
|Kill an enemy with the Sniper Rifle, Binary Rifle or Beam Rifle while not zoomed in. This is commonly known as [[no-scoping]].
|-
|[[File:H5G Medal AirborneSnapshot.png|74px]]
|[[Airborne Snapshot]]
|''Halo 5: Guardians''
|While airborne, kill an enemy with the Sniper Rifle, Binary Rifle or Beam Rifle while not zoomed in.
|-
|[[File:H5G Medal HatTrick.png|74px]]
|[[Hat Trick (medal)|Hat Trick]]
|''Halo 5: Guardians''
|Kill three enemies with Sniper Rifle or Beam Rifle headshots in a row.
|-
|[[File:H5G Medal Snipeltaneous.png|74px]]
|[[Snipeltaneous]]
|''Halo 5: Guardians''
|Kill two or more enemies with a single Sniper Rifle shot.
|-
|[[File:H5G Medal Snipunch.png|74px]]
|[[Snipunch]]
|''Halo 5: Guardians''
|Shoot an enemy with the Sniper Rifle, then finish them off with a [[melee]].
|-
|[[File:H5G Medal BuckleUp.png|74px]]
|[[Buckle Up]]
|''Halo 5: Guardians''
|Kill the driver of an enemy vehicle while it is moving, using the Sniper Rifle.
|}


==Achievements==
==Achievements==
Discussion of achievements related to the weapon.
The following achievements involve the use of the Sniper Rifle:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 226: Line 366:
|''[[Halo 2 (Windows Vista)|Halo 2 for Windows Vista]]''
|''[[Halo 2 (Windows Vista)|Halo 2 for Windows Vista]]''
|Kill an opponent with the sniper rifle or the beam rifle.  
|Kill an opponent with the sniper rifle or the beam rifle.  
|{{Gamerscore|10}}
|style="text-align: center;"|{{Gamerscore|10}}
|[[File:H2V Achievement Sniper Kill.png]]
|style="text-align: center;"|[[File:H2V Achievement Sniper Kill.png]]
|-
|[[Headshot Honcho]]
|''[[Halo 3]]''
|Killed 10 enemies with headshots in a ranked free for all playlist or in campaign.{{Ref/Note|Although not mentioned in the official description, the Headshot Honcho achievement can only be acquired using the Sniper Rifle or Beam Rifle.}}
|style="text-align: center;"|{{Gamerscore|5}}
|style="text-align: center;"|[[File:H3 Achievement Headshot Honcho.png]]
|-
|-
|[[Close Quarters Combat]]
|[[Close Quarters Combat]]
Line 234: Line 380:
*''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''
*''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''
|Complete the level "[[The Truth and Reconciliation|Truth and Reconciliation]]" with at least four rounds left in your Sniper Rifle.
|Complete the level "[[The Truth and Reconciliation|Truth and Reconciliation]]" with at least four rounds left in your Sniper Rifle.
|{{Gamerscore|25}}
|style="text-align: center;"|{{Gamerscore|25}} {{C|''CEA''}}<br/>{{Gamerscore|10}} {{C|''MCC''}}
|[[File:HR Achievement Close Quarters Combat.png]]<br/>
|style="text-align: center;"|[[File:HR Achievement Close Quarters Combat.png]]<br/>
[[File:HTMCC Achievement Close Quarters Combat Steam.jpg]]<br/>
[[File:HTMCC Achievement Close Quarters Combat Steam.jpg]]<br/>
[[File:HTMCC HCE Achievement CloseQuartersCombat.jpg|150px]]
[[File:HTMCC HCEA Achievement CloseQuartersCombat ThatJustHappened.png|150px]]
|}
|}


==Production notes==
==Production notes==
Usual production notes section
{{Quote|[[Robert McLees]] is definitely the go-to guy for the gun stuff. I wanted to come up with an animation for the sniper scope, an 'idle cycle'. If you activate the scope, and then sit too long without doing anything, the animation would kick in periodically, just to keep things interesting... Simple, right...? He replied, 'No way. If you adjust your scope in the field, you're dead. Snipers don't do that.' That's how detailed his weapon designs are -- not just guns, but how they work, and how a sniper would fire them. Amazing.|Animator [[William O'Brien]], regarding the Robert McLees and his weapon designs for ''Halo 2''.{{Ref/Book|Id=McLeesAnimation|The Art of Halo: Creating a Virtual World|Page=100}}}}
The earlier games' depictions of the Sniper Rifle, notably those from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', ''Halo 2'', ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST'', bear significant resemblance to and were likely inspired by the real-world [[Wikipedia:Denel NTW-20|Denel NTW-20]], an anti-material rifle developed in the 1990s by Denel Mechem.
 
[[Robert McLees]] was known within [[Bungie]] for being the expert to consult when doing work related to the games' weapons during ''Halo 2''{{'}}s development. At one point, animator [[William O'Brien]] sought to create an idle animation for the Sniper Rifle, in which the player character would adjust the scope if the player zooms in and then remains idle for a while. McLees shot down this idea, claiming that in reality, no sniper would ever adjust their scope on the field.{{Ref/Reuse|McLeesAnimation}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Trivia here
*In the original [[Xbox 360]] version of ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'' the Sniper Rifle's [[reticle]] is far larger than it is in the original ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' on [[Xbox]] and PC. In the ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' version of ''Halo: CEA'', the reticle returns to its original size.
*In the ''[[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta]]'', the scope shows the identity of the weapon's user as "ID-[[SPARTAN-B312|NOBLE6]]", regardless of who wields it. This is not present in the final build.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 257: Line 407:
===Renders===
===Renders===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:S2 AM Sniper Rifle.png|The Sniper Rifle, as it appears in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:S2 AM Sniper Rifle.png|The Sniper Riflae, as it appears in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:H2-SRS99CS2AM-Angles.png|''Halo 2''{{'}}s version of the Sniper Rifle.
File:H2-SRS99CS2AM-Angles.png|''Halo 2''{{'}}s version of the Sniper Rifle.
File:H3-SRS99D-S2AM-Profile.png|The Sniper Rifle's appearance in ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:H3-SRS99D-S2AM-Profile.png|The Sniper Rifle's appearance in ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST''.
Line 266: Line 416:
File:H2A SRS99.png|''Halo 2: Anniversary''{{'}}s Sniper Rifle.
File:H2A SRS99.png|''Halo 2: Anniversary''{{'}}s Sniper Rifle.
File:H5G-SRS99S5.png|The Sniper Rifle in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:H5G-SRS99S5.png|The Sniper Rifle in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
</gallery>
===HUD icons===
<gallery>
File:ReachSchematic - Sniper.png|The Sniper Rifle HUD icon in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:SniperRifle-HUD.png|The Sniper Rifle HUD icon in ''Halo 4''.
File:SS Icon SniperRifle.png|The Sniper's HUD icon in ''Halo: Spartan Strike''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 312: Line 469:
*''[[Halo Online]]''
*''[[Halo Online]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
Line 317: Line 478:


{{Navbox/Weapons/Gameplay}}
{{Navbox/Weapons/Gameplay}}
<!--
[[Category:Human weapons (gameplay)|Sniper Rifle]]
[[Category:Semi-auto weapons|Sniper Rifle]]
[[Category:Power weapons|Sniper Rifle]]
[[Category:Precision weapons|Sniper Rifle]]
[[Category:Magazine reloaded weapons|Sniper Rifle]]
[[Category:Halo: Combat Evolved weapons|Sniper Rifle]]
[[Category:Halo 2 weapons|Sniper Rifle]]
[[Category:Halo 3 weapons|Sniper Rifle]]
[[Category:Halo 3: ODST weapons|Sniper Rifle]]
[[Category:Halo: Reach weapons|Sniper Rifle]]
[[Category:Halo 4 weapons|Sniper Rifle]]
[[Category:Halo: Spartan Assault weapons|Sniper Rifle]]
[[Category:Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer weapons|Sniper Rifle]]
[[Category:Halo: Spartan Strike weapons|Sniper Rifle]]
[[Category:Halo 5: Guardians weapons|Sniper Rifle]]
[[Category:Halo Online weapons|Sniper Rifle]]
-->

Latest revision as of 11:25, September 23, 2022


This article is about the weapon featured in most Halo games. For other uses of the term "sniper rifle", see its disambiguation page.
HP-Icon-Gameplay.svg
This article documents its subject as it pertains to the gameplay of the Halo games, rather than the lore.
Sniper Rifle
H5G-SRS99S5.png
Gameplay role

Faction:

Human (UNSC)

Weapon tier (?):

Power weapon

Weapon type (?):

Precision weapon

Firing mode:

Semi-automatic

Effective range:

Long to medium

Counterparts:

Covenant:

Forerunner:

Weapon stats

Damage:

High

Damage type (?):

Kinetic

Projectile speed:

Very high, near instantaneous

Rate of fire:

Low

Accuracy:

Very high

Magazine size:

4 bullets

Variants and attachments

Halo 5 REQ variant(s):

 

The Sniper Rifle, sometimes shortened to just Sniper or Snipes, is a human precision power weapon featured in all major Halo games, starting with Halo: Combat Evolved. It is a long-range weapon which typically has two levels of scope, and is best used to pick off enemies at a great distance. The Sniper deals a large amount of damage per shot, but has a slow rate of fire and usually only carries four shots per magazine.

Universe and lore

Main article: Sniper rifle (fiction)

Most of the sniper rifles seen in the Halo games belong to the SRS99 family, a series of rifles produced by Misriah Armory for the United Nations Space Command armed forces. The original SRS99 AM rifle entered service in 2460 with the UNSC Army, and the SRS99 series was eventually adopted by all remaining branches in 2521, thanks to its impressive modularity and continuing support on behalf of Misriah.[1] Having gone through at least four further revisions since its initial adoption, the series remains in service as of 2558, with the Series-5 model being in mass production at that time.[2]

Another prominent sniper rifle is the M99 Stanchion, a now-defunct weapon that has been out of production since 2521.[3] The Stanchion bears more resemblance to a coilgun or railgun than a traditional chemical propellant-based firearm, using electromagnetism to launch its projectiles.[4] It was used by the crew of the UNSC Spirit of Fire during the Second Ark Conflict, along with another sniper rifle known as the signature-suppressed anti-materiel rifle.[5][6] Additionally, an Insurrectionist group active on Harvest and Arcadia was known to equip its soldiers with an as-of-yet unidentified sniper rifle.[7]

The following is a list of all sniper rifles in Halo lore that have appeared in the games:

Overview

The Sniper Rifle is a powerful precision weapon, featured in every notable Halo game since the series' inception in Halo: Combat Evolved. Typically dark grey or black in color, the weapon features one of the longest barrels of any weapon, as well as a large boxy scope and a prominent stock, making it very easy to identify. It is capable of killing enemy players in as little as one or two shots depending upon accuracy, and deals a large amount of damage. To compensate for this, it has a slow rate of fire compared to most weapons, usually only carries four shots per magazine, and is very rare.

Unlock and acquisition requirements

In the majority of Halo games, the Sniper Rifle does not need to be unlocked, and is simply acquired by finding it on the map, or, in the case of some game modes or campaign missions, spawning with it. However, there are three notable exceptions:

Halo 5: Guardians

In Halo 5: Guardians' campaign and Arena multiplayer modes, the Sniper Rifle can be found on the level or map as usual, and does not need to be unlocked.[8][9]

However, in Warzone, the weapon can only be acquired via the REQ system. To unlock the Sniper Rifle, the player must acquire a Sniper Rifle certification, an Uncommon REQ card that can be found randomly in any REQ pack that can contain Uncommon cards. Upon receiving the certification, the player will also be given a number of Sniper Rifle REQ cards, and will begin to randomly receive more when opening future packs. Each of these cards can be redeemed in a Warzone match to spawn a Sniper Rifle, at the cost of 6 energy. Doing so will consume the card. Alternatively, the cards can be sold for REQ Points 75 each.[10][11]


REQ information
Category Power weapon
Rarity Uncommon
Energy cost 6 energy
Sale price REQ Points 75
  • Sniper Rifle certification REQ card.

    Sniper Rifle certification REQ card.

  • Sniper Rifle REQ card.

    Sniper Rifle REQ card.

Halo: Spartan Assault

In Halo: Spartan Assault, the Sniper Rifle can only be acquired via the loadout screen. It does not need to be unlocked, but costs CR 25 or XP 500 to equip. Once equipped, you will spawn with the Sniper Rifle at the start of the level and every time you die, so long as you do not quit back to the menu. It is single use - that is, it will not carry over to the next level, nor will it be available next time you play the level on which you purchased it.[12]

Cost: CR 25 / XP 500

Halo: Spartan Strike

Halo: Spartan Strike is similar to Spartan Assault; the Sniper Rifle is unlocked by default, but costs XP 500 to equip for a single play session. The Sniper Rifle will not carry over to subsequent missions, and you will no longer spawn with it on that mission after quitting to the menu or beating the level.[13]

Cost: XP 500

However in Spartan Strike, the Sniper Rifle also spawns in the campaign itself, exclusively on the final mission: E-6: Hold the Line. In total, four Sniper Rifles spawn on this mission, along with four Spartan Lasers and four Rocket Launchers, the two other previously loadout-exclusive weapons.[14]

Variants

There are three variants of the Sniper Rifle, all of which are REQ variants from Halo 5: Guardians.

End of the Line

Cropped screenshot of End of the Line.
End of the Line in Halo 5: Guardians.
Main article: End of the Line

"All good things must come to and end. Improved Sniper Rifle with reduced recoil, but emphasis on faster rate-of-fire has slightly reduced damage."
— REQ description[15]

End of the Line is a Rare REQ variant of the Sniper Rifle, featured in Halo 5: Guardians. It boasts a faster rate of fire and significantly reduced recoil, but deals slightly less damage per shot - though it is still capable of killing an enemy player in two body shots or one headshot. Should the player have an End of the Line REQ card, the weapon can be acquired in Warzone via the REQ system for a cost of 6 energy, or alternatively the card can be sold for REQ Points 100.[15]


REQ information
Category Power weapon
Rarity Rare
Energy cost 6 energy
Sale price REQ Points 100

Arrow of Time

Cropped screenshot of Arrow of Time.
Arrow of Time in Halo 5: Guardians.
Main article: Arrow of Time

"There's no going back. Advanced Sniper Rifle with extended magazine and heavy-duty cyberlink that prevents descope. Unfortunately, the weapon does have extra recoil to compensate for."
— REQ description[16]

Arrow of Time is an Ultra-Rare REQ variant of the Sniper Rifle in Halo 5: Guardians. It features a larger magazine than the standard Sniper, with 6 shots instead of 4, and the player will not be descoped when shot whilst zoomed in with the weapon. However, it also has increased recoil compared to the normal Sniper Rifle. Its REQ card costs 7 energy to use in-game, or can be sold for REQ Points 150.[16]


REQ information
Category Power weapon
Rarity Ultra-Rare
Energy cost 7 energy
Sale price REQ Points 150

Nornfang

A cropped screenshot of Nornfang.
Nornfang in Halo 5: Guardians.
Main article: Nornfang

"A master-crafter instrument of death and destruction. Mythic Sniper Rifle firing high explosive armor piercing (APHE) rounds that increases overall damage. In addition, Linda's modifications ensure the Motion Tracker is visible even when using Zoom."
— REQ description[17]

Nornfang is a Mythic, Legendary REQ variant of the Sniper Rifle in Halo 5: Guardians, and is the personal sniper rifle of the SPARTAN-II Linda-058. The weapon fires rounds that explode on impact, dealing damage to any nearby enemies, and instantly killing them if hit directly. Additionally, when scoped in, the motion sensor will not be hidden while using Nornfang. To balance this out, the player gains the Damage Boost visual effect when they equip the weapon, making them very easy to spot. Nornfang can be requisitioned in Warzone for 7 energy, provided the player has a spare Nornfang REQ card, or alternatively the card can be sold for REQ Points 200.[17]

Nornfang also appears in Halo 5: Guardians' campaign. It can be found abandoned in the troop bay of the ONI Acrisius on the level Unconfirmed, and on the Blue Team missions in co-op, the player playing as Linda-058 will spawn with the weapon at the start of the level (but not upon respawning). However, in campaign, the weapon is significantly less powerful, retaining none of its bonus abilities from the multiplayer.[8]


REQ information
Category Power weapon
Rarity Legendary, Mythic
Energy cost 7 energy
Sale price REQ Points 200

Counterparts

The most prominent counterpart to the Sniper Rifle is the Covenant's Beam Rifle, a long-range weapon with two levels of zoom, which is similar in operation to the Sniper Rifle. The Beam Rifle was first introduced in Halo 2, but has reappeared in several games since. It fires a beam of light with a practically instant travel time, which behaves similarly to a Sniper Rifle bullet; a hit to the body will remove an opponent's shields, whereas a headshot will instantly kill them. Unlike the Sniper, however, the Beam Rifle uses a battery system for its ammo, typically with ten shots in total, and the weapon cannot be reloaded. In most games, the weapon will overheat after two or three shots in rapid succession.

Another Covenant counterpart to the Sniper Rifle is the Focus Rifle, first introduced in Halo: Reach. Unlike the Sniper Rifle and Beam Rifle, the Focus Rifle fires a continuous beam not unlike that of the Sentinel Beam, which deals heavy damage to enemy units, but will overheat if fired continuously for too long. However, the Focus Rifle takes longer to kill enemies than the Sniper Rifle does, and the brightly colored beam will expose the location of the player. Like the Beam Rifle, the Focus Rifle uses a battery ammo system, and cannot be reloaded. It also has two zoom levels, similar to the Sniper and Beam Rifle.

The Forerunner counterpart to the Sniper Rifle is known as the Binary Rifle. This rifle operates using a similar ammunition system as the Sniper Rifle, albeit with two shots per magazine rather than four. It features two levels of zoom, just as the Sniper does, however with one major difference: whilst zoomed, a distinct red targeting laser will shine out from the barrel - even before the weapon is fired - which will alert enemies to the fact they're being targeted, and will also highlight the user's location. The projectile fired by the Binary Rifle varies by game. In Halo 4, it fires a bolt of light that travels instantaneously and will always immediately kill an enemy player regardless of where it hits them. In Halo 5: Guardians, it fires a continuous beam for a brief period of time, which deals very heavy damage and can easily kill an enemy player if held on them for long enough - though the strong recoil can make this difficult.

Gameplay

Gameplay info here

First-person shooters

Main article: First-person shooter

FPS info here

Stats

CE H2 H3 ODST Reach H4 H2A H5G

MP
Weapon type Power Power Power Power Power Power Power Power
Damage type Kinetic Kinetic Kinetic Kinetic Kinetic Kinetic Kinetic Kinetic
Firing mode Semi-auto Semi-auto Semi-auto Semi-auto Semi-auto Semi-auto Semi-auto Semi-auto
Precision weapon ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Zoom levels 2x, 10x 5x, 10x 5x, 10x 5x, 10x 5x, 10x ?, ? 5x, 10x 4x, 9x
Shots per trigger pull 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Magazine/clip size 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Reserve ammo (reserve mags) 24 (6) 20 (5) 20 (5) 20 (5) 20 (5) 24 (6) 16 (4) 16 (4)
Headshots to kill 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 1
Shots to kill 2 2 2 - 2 2 2 2
Headshots to break shields 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 1
Shots to break shields 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 1
Red reticle range (Hip fire) 0m 0m 15.94m 15.94m 22.89m 38.5m 0m 38.0m
Red reticle range (Zoom level 1) 106.6m - 63.21m 63.21m 91.45m 152.7m 122.0m 152.4m
Red reticle range (Zoom level 2) 426.6m - 141.87m 141.87m 228.51m 343.1m 274.4m 342.9m

Advantages

Disadvantages

Tactics and strategies

Twin-stick shooters

Main article: Twin-stick shooter

Twin-stick info here (Spartan Assault, Spartan Strike, etc)

Stats

Spartan Assault Spartan Strike
Weapon type Power Power
Damage type Kinetic Kinetic
Firing mode Semi-auto Semi-auto
Precision weapon ✓ ✓
Shots per trigger pull 1 1
Magazine/clip size ∞ ∞
Reserve ammo (reserve mags) - -

Advantages

Disadvantages

Tactics and strategies

Real-time strategy games

Main article: Real-time strategy

Wars info here

Evolution

Changes from Halo: Combat Evolved to Halo PC

  • Maximum telescopic zoom reduced from 10× to 8×.

Changes from Halo: Combat Evolved to Halo 2

  • Minor cosmetic changes and shorter overall length.
  • Decreased the maximum reserve ammunition capacity down from 28 to 24.
  • Medium telescopic zoom increased from 2× to 5×.
  • Night vision function has been removed.

Changes from Halo 2 to Halo 3 and ODST

  • Overall higher damage and slower fire rate.
  • New muzzle brake with front iron sight.
  • Handguard, body, and stock has been altered.
  • The scope now shows real-time with an LCD screen and infrared vision.
  • It now has a trigger guard.
  • The Sniper Rifle now has a new flat matte black color finish to it.
  • Recoil now affects accuracy.

Changes from Halo 3 and ODST to Halo: Reach

  • Increased damage against vehicles, destroying them with four to six rounds.
  • Has a thumbhole stock rather than a pistol grip.
  • Updated colors.
  • Scope is smaller.
  • Can neutralize a Scorpion tank in two shots, one to destroy the canopy, and a headshot to kill the now-exposed driver.

Changes from Halo: Reach to Halo 4

  • Spare ammunition reduced from 20 rounds to 16 (without ammo).
  • Reticle bloom reduced marginally.
  • Reloads slightly slower.

Changes from Halo 4 to Halo 5: Guardians

  • Zoom reduced to 4× and 9×.
  • While scoped in, the weapon's scope will glimmer bright white, giving away the user's position.
  • Noticeably higher bullet magnetism, increasing ease of use.
  • Anti-vehicle properties reduced.

Skins and coatings

The Sniper Rifle has seen many equipable weapon skins and coatings across the various games it's been featured in.

Halo: Combat Evolved

Main article: Skins (Halo: Combat Evolved)

Halo: Combat Evolved for Halo: The Master Chief Collection features weapon skins for all its weapons, including the Sniper Rifle. These were added into the game with an update on July 14, 2020, alongside the beginning of Season 2: Spark and the launch of Halo 3 for PC.[18]

Icon Image Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin N/A
HCE SniperRifle Golden Skin.png Golden Bling on the ring. Season 2 Challenge: Zero Five Eight
Defeat 150 opponents with the Sniper Rifle in any game mode.
HCE SniperRifle Woodland Skin.png Woodland Camping is a legitimate strategy. Purchase for Spartan Point 1 at Season 2, Tier 52
HCE SniperRifle Desert Skin.png Desert Looks very stylish with a poncho. Purchase for Spartan Point 1 at Season 2, Tier 10
HCE SniperRifle GreatJourney Skin.png Great Journey Don't worry... I know what the aliens like. Purchase for Spartan Point 1 at Season 2, Tier 42
HCE SniperRifle Avalanche Skin.png Avalanche Like Sidewinder, but with more polygons. Purchase for Spartan Point 1 at Season 2, Tier 80

Halo 3

Main article: Skins (Halo 3)

Halo Infinite

Main article: Weapon coatings (Halo Infinite)

Medals

The following medals are exclusive to the Sniper Rifle and its alien counterparts. The Sniper Rifle does also inherit some other precision weapon and power weapon medals such as Headcase and Power Player, but these are not listed here.

Icon Name Games Unlock requirements
File:H5G Medal Sniper Kill.png Sniper Kill
  • Halo 2
  • Halo 3
  • Halo: Reach
  • Halo 4
  • Halo 5: Guardians

Halo 2:

  • Kill an enemy with a Sniper Rifle or Beam Rifle.

Halo 3, Halo: Reach:

  • Kill an enemy with a Sniper Rifle (or Beam Rifle) headshot.

Halo 4:

  • Kill an enemy with a Sniper Rifle.

Halo 5: Guardians:

  • Kill an enemy with a Sniper Rifle, but not by a headshot.
H5G Medal SniperHeadshot.png Sniper Headshot Halo 5: Guardians Kill an enemy with a Sniper Rifle headshot.
HR Medal Sniper Spree!.png Sniper Spree
  • Halo 3
  • Halo 3: ODST
  • Halo: Reach

Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST:

  • Kill 5 enemies consecutively with the Sniper or Beam Rifle, without dying.

Halo: Reach:

  • Kill 5 enemies with the Sniper Rifle without dying.
HR Medal Sharpshooter!.png Sharpshooter
  • Halo 3
  • Halo 3: ODST
  • Halo: Reach

Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST:

  • Kill 10 enemies consecutively with the Sniper or Beam Rifle, without dying.

Halo: Reach:

  • Kill 10 enemies with the Sniper Rifle without dying.
HR Medal Be the Bullet!.png Be the Bullet Halo: Reach Kill 15 enemies with the Sniper Rifle without dying.
Halo5snapshot.png Snapshot
  • Halo 4
  • Halo 5: Guardians
 Kill an enemy with the Sniper Rifle, Binary Rifle or Beam Rifle while not zoomed in. This is commonly known as no-scoping.
H5G Medal AirborneSnapshot.png Airborne Snapshot Halo 5: Guardians While airborne, kill an enemy with the Sniper Rifle, Binary Rifle or Beam Rifle while not zoomed in.
H5G Medal HatTrick.png Hat Trick Halo 5: Guardians Kill three enemies with Sniper Rifle or Beam Rifle headshots in a row.
H5G Medal Snipeltaneous.png Snipeltaneous Halo 5: Guardians Kill two or more enemies with a single Sniper Rifle shot.
H5G Medal Snipunch.png Snipunch Halo 5: Guardians Shoot an enemy with the Sniper Rifle, then finish them off with a melee.
H5G Medal BuckleUp.png Buckle Up Halo 5: Guardians Kill the driver of an enemy vehicle while it is moving, using the Sniper Rifle.

Achievements

The following achievements involve the use of the Sniper Rifle:

Name Game Description Gamerscore Image
Sniper Kill Halo 2 for Windows Vista Kill an opponent with the sniper rifle or the beam rifle. 10 gamerscore H2V Achievement Sniper Kill.png
Headshot Honcho Halo 3 Killed 10 enemies with headshots in a ranked free for all playlist or in campaign.[Note 1] 5 gamerscore H3 Achievement Headshot Honcho.png
Close Quarters Combat Complete the level "Truth and Reconciliation" with at least four rounds left in your Sniper Rifle. 25 gamerscore (CEA)
10 gamerscore (MCC) 		HR Achievement Close Quarters Combat.png

Steam Achievement Icon for the Halo: The Master Chief Collection - Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary achievement Close Quarters Combat
HTMCC HCEA Achievement Close Quarters Combat / That Just Happened achievement art

Production notes

"Robert McLees is definitely the go-to guy for the gun stuff. I wanted to come up with an animation for the sniper scope, an 'idle cycle'. If you activate the scope, and then sit too long without doing anything, the animation would kick in periodically, just to keep things interesting... Simple, right...? He replied, 'No way. If you adjust your scope in the field, you're dead. Snipers don't do that.' That's how detailed his weapon designs are -- not just guns, but how they work, and how a sniper would fire them. Amazing."
— Animator William O'Brien, regarding the Robert McLees and his weapon designs for Halo 2.[19]

The earlier games' depictions of the Sniper Rifle, notably those from Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST, bear significant resemblance to and were likely inspired by the real-world Denel NTW-20, an anti-material rifle developed in the 1990s by Denel Mechem.

Robert McLees was known within Bungie for being the expert to consult when doing work related to the games' weapons during Halo 2's development. At one point, animator William O'Brien sought to create an idle animation for the Sniper Rifle, in which the player character would adjust the scope if the player zooms in and then remains idle for a while. McLees shot down this idea, claiming that in reality, no sniper would ever adjust their scope on the field.[19]

Trivia

  • In the original Xbox 360 version of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary the Sniper Rifle's reticle is far larger than it is in the original Halo: Combat Evolved on Xbox and PC. In the Halo: The Master Chief Collection version of Halo: CEA, the reticle returns to its original size.
  • In the Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta, the scope shows the identity of the weapon's user as "ID-NOBLE6", regardless of who wields it. This is not present in the final build.

Gallery

Main article: User:Dab1001/PitchSniper Rifle image gallery

Concept art

  • Concept art of the rebel sniper unit and their sniper rifle, from Halo Wars.

    Concept art of the rebel sniper unit and their sniper rifle, from Halo Wars.

  • Concept art of the Sniper Rifle as it appears in Halo: Reach.

    Concept art of the Sniper Rifle as it appears in Halo: Reach.

  • Concept art of the Sniper Rifle's scope in Halo 4.

    Concept art of the Sniper Rifle's scope in Halo 4.

Renders

  • The Sniper Riflae, as it appears in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    The Sniper Riflae, as it appears in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • Halo 2's version of the Sniper Rifle.

    Halo 2's version of the Sniper Rifle.

  • The Sniper Rifle's appearance in Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST.

    The Sniper Rifle's appearance in Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST.

  • A render of the Sniper Rifle from Halo Wars.

    A render of the Sniper Rifle from Halo Wars.

  • The Sniper Rifle as it appears in Halo: Reach.

    The Sniper Rifle as it appears in Halo: Reach.

  • A render of the Sniper Rifle in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

    A render of the Sniper Rifle in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

  • An image of the Halo 4 Sniper Rifle.

    An image of the Halo 4 Sniper Rifle.

  • Halo 2: Anniversary's Sniper Rifle.

    Halo 2: Anniversary's Sniper Rifle.

  • The Sniper Rifle in Halo 5: Guardians.

    The Sniper Rifle in Halo 5: Guardians.

HUD icons

  • The Sniper Rifle HUD icon in Halo: Reach.

    The Sniper Rifle HUD icon in Halo: Reach.

  • The Sniper Rifle HUD icon in Halo 4.

    The Sniper Rifle HUD icon in Halo 4.

  • The Sniper's HUD icon in Halo: Spartan Strike.

    The Sniper's HUD icon in Halo: Spartan Strike.

Screenshots

  • A player holding the Sniper Rifle on Blood Gulch.

    A player holding the Sniper Rifle on Blood Gulch.

  • The Sniper Rifle's night vision mode in Halo: CE.

    The Sniper Rifle's night vision mode in Halo: CE.

  • Master Chief holding a Sniper Rifle in a Halo 2 promotional image.

    Master Chief holding a Sniper Rifle in a Halo 2 promotional image.

  • Zooming in with the Sniper Rifle in Halo 2.

    Zooming in with the Sniper Rifle in Halo 2.

  • A first-person view of the Sniper Rifle, on Guardian in Halo 3.

    A first-person view of the Sniper Rifle, on Guardian in Halo 3.

  • Zooming in with the Sniper in Halo 3.

    Zooming in with the Sniper in Halo 3.

  • Halo Wars' rebel sniper unit, equipped with a pair of Sniper Rifles.

    Halo Wars' rebel sniper unit, equipped with a pair of Sniper Rifles.

  • A player with a Sniper Rifle, on Lost Platoon in Halo 3: ODST's Firefight.

    A player with a Sniper Rifle, on Lost Platoon in Halo 3: ODST's Firefight.

  • Zooming in with the Sniper Rifle in Halo 3: ODST.

    Zooming in with the Sniper Rifle in Halo 3: ODST.

  • A player holding a Sniper Rifle in the Halo: Reach campaign mission Nightfall.

    A player holding a Sniper Rifle in the Halo: Reach campaign mission Nightfall.

  • The Sniper Rifle in first person in the Halo: Reach multiplayer beta.

    The Sniper Rifle in first person in the Halo: Reach multiplayer beta.

  • Holding the Sniper Rifle in first person, in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

    Holding the Sniper Rifle in first person, in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

  • Zooming in with the Halo: CEA Sniper Rifle.

    Zooming in with the Halo: CEA Sniper Rifle.

  • Two players with Sniper Rifles on Ragnarok, in Halo 4.

    Two players with Sniper Rifles on Ragnarok, in Halo 4.

  • A player with a Sniper Rifle in a Halo 4 match of Capture the Flag on Exile.

    A player with a Sniper Rifle in a Halo 4 match of Capture the Flag on Exile.

  • The Sniper Rifle in first person in Halo 4's campaign.

    The Sniper Rifle in first person in Halo 4's campaign.

  • A first person view of the Sniper Rifle in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

    A first person view of the Sniper Rifle in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

  • A first person view of the Sniper Rifle in its multiplayer.

    A first person view of the Sniper Rifle in its multiplayer.

  • A player with the Sniper on Lockdown.

    A player with the Sniper on Lockdown.

  • A player crouching with the Sniper Rifle on Shrine.

    A player crouching with the Sniper Rifle on Shrine.

  • Holding the Sniper Rifle in Halo 5: Guardians.

    Holding the Sniper Rifle in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • The Sniper's scope in Halo 5.

    The Sniper's scope in Halo 5.

  • A first-person view of the Sniper Rifle in Halo Online.

    A first-person view of the Sniper Rifle in Halo Online.

  • A sniper unit in Halo Wars 2, equipped with a Sniper Rifle.

    A sniper unit in Halo Wars 2, equipped with a Sniper Rifle.

  • A close-up of the Halo Wars 2 Sniper.

    A close-up of the Halo Wars 2 Sniper.

List of appearances

Notes

  1. ^ Although not mentioned in the official description, the Headshot Honcho achievement can only be acquired using the Sniper Rifle or Beam Rifle.

Sources

  1. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 179: Sniper Rifle
  2. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 66: Sniper Rifle
  3. ^ Halo Graphic Novel, page 122
  4. ^ Halo Waypoint - Universe, Railgun
  5. ^ Halo Waypoint - Canon Fodder, The Art of War(s)
  6. ^ Halo Wars 2, campaign
  7. ^ Halo Wars, multiplayer
  8. ^ a b Halo 5: Guardians, campaign
  9. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, multiplayer
  10. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, requisition system
  11. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, REQ card: Sniper Rifle
  12. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, loadout screen
  13. ^ Halo: Spartan Strike, loadout screen
  14. ^ Halo: Spartan Strike, campaign level E-6: Hold the Line
  15. ^ a b Halo 5: Guardians, REQ card: End of the Line
  16. ^ a b Halo 5: Guardians, REQ card: Arrow of Time
  17. ^ a b Halo 5: Guardians, REQ card: Nornfang
  18. ^ Halo Waypoint - News, Halo 3 Now Available for PC (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  19. ^ a b The Art of Halo: Creating a Virtual World, page 100

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Weapons by faction

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Human (UNSC)
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Covenant
Italics indicate Brute weapon.
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Banished
v • d • e
 
Forerunner
Italics indicate Promethean weapon.
v • d • e
 
Multiplayer
v • d • e
 
Easter egg


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