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{{Era|HCW}}
{{Title|''Gadulo''-pattern needle rifle}}
{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Weapon Infobox
{{Weapon infobox
|image = [[File:Type-31 Rifle.png|325px]]
|name=''Gadulo''-pattern Needle Launcher
|name = Type-31 Rifle
|image=[[File:HReach-T31NeedleRifleSide.png|300px]]
|manufacturer = [[Covenant Empire]]
|manufacturer=*[[Sacred Promissory]]{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11|Enc11|Page=335}}{{Ref/Book|Id=evg|EVG|Page=127}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22|Enc22|Page=294}} {{C|formerly}}{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/needle-rifle|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Needle Rifle|D=14|M=5|Y=2021|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/needle-rifle.html}}
|model=Type-31
*[[Maeleesh Bazaar]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|type=Rifle
|series=
|damage per hit = Medium
|type=[[Needle-based weaponry|Needle-based]] [[rifle]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|magazine = 21 Rounds
|cost=
|ammotype = Crystalline Explosive Projectiles
|variant=
|rate of fire = about 150 rpm
|length={{Convert|126.7|cm|in|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}}{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|range = Medium to Long
|width={{Convert|24.1|cm|in|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|era = [[Battle of Reach]]
|height={{Convert|37.4|cm|in|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|counterpart = *[[United Nations Space Command]]
|weight={{Convert|7.9|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
**[[M392 Designated Marksman Rifle]]
|ammotype=[[Subanese crystal]]line shard{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
*[[Covenant Empire]]  
|capacity=
**[[Covenant Carbine]]
|feed=21 shards/magazine{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|affiliation = [[Covenant Empire]]
|operation=Automatic, semi-automatic{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|operation-title=Firing mode
|rate=
|velocity=
|optics=2× magnification optics{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}
|range=Medium to long{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=Reach_Sandbox_Preview|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Point of Impact|D=07|M=02|Y=2021}}
|service=*[[Human-Covenant War]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
}}
}}
The '''Type-31 Rifle'''<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=24583 '''Bungie.net''': ''Type-31 Rifle'']</ref>, also known as the '''Needle Rifle''', is a [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] infantry weapon. It is known to be used by [[Sangheili]], [[Jiralhanae]], and [[Kig-yar]], particularly [[Skirmisher]]s.


==Design details==
The '''''Gadulo''-pattern Needle Launcher''' {{Type|31|Needle Rifle}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}} also known as the '''needle rifle''',{{Ref/Site|Id=hrbnet|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=24583|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo: Reach Ordnance Page - Type-31 Rifle|D=07|M=02|Y=2021}} is an infantry weapon originally manufactured by the [[Covenant]]'s [[Sacred Promissory]], formerly in service with the [[Covenant military]].{{Ref/Book|Id=EN|Enc22|Page=294}} After the [[Fall of High Charity|fall]] of [[High Charity]] in [[2552]], [[Maeleesh Bazaar]] took over the production of the needle rifle.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
[[File:ReachSchematic - NeederRifle.png|thumb|left|150px|A blueprint of the Needle Rifle]]
The Type-31 Rifle fires unconventional, long and razor sharp projectiles similar to the [[Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher|Needler]]. The projectiles detonate several seconds after coming to rest in soft tissue.


Although most players use it as a semi-automatic weapon for medium range, the Needle Rifle is a fully automatic, short to medium range, [[headshot|head shot]]-capable rifle.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=Reach_Sandbox_Preview '''Bungie.net''': ''Reach Sandbox Preview]</ref> Unlike the Needler, however, the needles do not "home", or track on the enemy. They fire in a straight line at high velocities, similar to the [[M392 Designated Marksman Rifle]]. Rounds travel much faster than that of the Needler, leaving the Needle Rifle's only destructive similarity to the Needler being the individual/collected needle explosion. The Needle Rifle also seems similar in appearance and functionality to the Covenant [[Carbine]], and also bears a barrel similar to that of the [[Beam Rifle]]. The Needle Rifle will take out a Spartan's shield in [[Multiplayer]] with 6 rounds, 2 more than the 4 rounds required by the DMR, but does "bonus damage for headshots."<ref name="gameinformer">[http://gameinformer.com/mag/haloreach.aspx '''GameInformer''': February Edition]</ref><ref name="Game Informer">[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/01/25/halo-reach-dev-commentary.aspx '''Game Informer: Halo: Reach Developer Commentary]</ref> Three needles in an unshielded target will cause a 'needle superdetonation', similar to the Needler, killing the victim. Thus, in most [[SWAT]] game types, this weapon is not present due to the fact that it can kill an enemy quickly without the requirement of a head shot.
==Overview==
===Design details===
{{Main|Needle-based weaponry}}
[[File:ReachSchematic - NeedleRifle.png|thumb|left|250px|[[HUD]] icon of the needle rifle.]]
As its name suggests, the ''Gadulo''-pattern needle rifle is one of the many Covenant needle-based projectile weapons, and shares operational functionality with the ubiquitous [[needler]], but notably features an electronic sighting optics system.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The needle rifle fires unconventional, long and razor sharp [[Subanese crystal]]line shards, which detonate several seconds after coming to rest in soft tissue.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The needles are stored within the midsection weapon, with several protruding from the shroud. The rear end of the weapon appears to be on a hinge, indicating it may be able to collapse into a more compact form.


The reload process for the Needle Rifle is very similar to that of the Covenant Carbine. The scope for the weapon acts as a hatch, which flips open to expose a small canister that ejects upon opening, and a new canister is inserted by the user. The only difference between the reloads for the Carbine and the Needle Rifle is that the canister for the Carbine is not covered by any sort of hatch, which in the case of the Needle Rifle is its scope. This reload process implements another difference from the Needler, which actually summons new needles from the inside of the weapon through the operation of what is suspected to be an internal mechanism.
Similar to other needle-based weapons, the needle rifle's internal mechanism snaps off crystalline shards into individual charged projectiles, which are launched linearly at the intended target. However, unlike the needler, the needle rifle's projectiles are not designed to home in on a target.{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} Given that the [[needler]] uses an additional magnetic auger within the weapon to catalyze the shards so they can track heat signatures,{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}} the needle rifle likely lacks a magnetic auger. However, the needle rifle's shards travel much faster than that of the needler, leaving the needle rifle's only destructive similarity to the needler being the individual/collected needle explosion.


Compared to its counterpart, the M392 Designated Marksman Rifle, the Needle Rifle trades in damage per projectile for a faster firing rate, lower recoil/reticle bloom, and larger magazine size, and also has the ability to kill an unshielded enemy with three needles, which will detonate no matter where they hit. The Needle Rifle still retains the ability to kill an unshielded enemy with a headshot.
The rifle's crystalline shards are held in an ammo cylinder. The reload process for the needle rifle is very similar to that of the {{Pattern|Vostu|carbine}} and {{Pattern|Mosa|carbine}}. The only difference between the reloads for the carbine and the needle rifle is that the canister for the carbine is not covered by any sort of hatch, which, in the case of the needle rifle, is the weapon's top module—also where the optics system is mounted. When reloading, the top module flips open to expose the ammo canister that ejects upon opening, allowing the user to insert a new canister. When the top module locks in place, the crystalline shards are splintered and then extrude from apertures on the weapon's shroud.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}
 
===Usage===
Without the needles' tracking ability, the needle rifle must be fired like a marksman rifle.{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} The needle rifle is operated in a similar role to the ''Vostu''-pattern carbine,{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}} and was commonly employed by [[Skirmisher]]s, [[Kig-Yar Sniper]]s, and [[Sangheili]] during the [[Fall of Reach]];{{Ref/Level|HR|ONI: Sword Base}}{{Ref/Level|HR|Nightfall}}{{Ref/Level|HR|Tip of the Spear}} notably, a [[Sangheili Field Marshal]] used a needle rifle to kill [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-III]] [[Catherine-B320]] with a headshot during the [[Siege of New Alexandria|Siege]] of [[New Alexandria (location)|New Alexandria]].{{Ref/Level|HR|New Alexandria}} Within the Covenant and [[Covenant remnants|its splinter factions]], the needle rifle is used by [[Sangheili]], [[Jiralhanae]], [[Kig-Yar]], and [[Yanme'e]].{{Ref/Novel|SOI}} Following the dissolution of the Covenant, the needle rifle was inherited by [[Covenant remnants|its splinter factions]], including the [[Swords of Sanghelios]],{{Ref/Novel|Out|Chapter=1}} [[Merg Vol]]'s [[Merg Vol's Covenant|Covenant]],{{Ref/Level|HSA|Hunt for the Cult Leader}} and [[Sali 'Nyon]]'s [[Sali 'Nyon's Covenant|Covenant]].{{Ref/Comic|HEsc|Issue=23}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*The scope of the Needle Rifle has a hash-mark compass. To the right of the scope, it also features a symbol which turns red when the crosshairs are aimed at an enemy.
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes|gameplaypage=Type-31 needle rifle/Gameplay}}
*The Needle Rifle is in fact a fully-automatic weapon, and will fire continuously when the trigger is held, but its rate of fire is rather low and it suffers reticle bloom. Few players actually make use of its fully-automatic function.
*The scope of the needle rifle has a hash-mark compass. To the right of the scope, it also features a symbol which turns red when the crosshairs are aimed at an enemy.
*[[Catherine-B320]] was killed by a Needle Rifle shot to the head. Strangely, the round went straight through her helmet instead of sticking and detonating on the surface. 
*Killing an opponent with a supercombine of the needle rifle's needles will grant the player a [[Needle Combine Kill|Needle Kill]] [[List of Halo: Reach medals|medal]].
*The Needle Rifle is incredibly effective against [[Brute]]s. As most do not possess shields in ''Halo: Reach'', they can be killed in three shots with a supercombined detonation.
*During the ''[[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta]]'', the needle rifle had an 18-round magazine. This was increased to 21 rounds (to match the three round increase in the DMR's magazine size) for the final game. In both cases, the model for a fully-loaded needle rifle only shows 12 needles sticking out.
*Enemies in Campaign and Firefight are extremely cautious when the Needle Rifle is used against them, regarding its projectiles as if they were explosives. Grunts dodge them the same way they dodge [[Plasma Grenades]], and Brutes will frequently dodge or use [[Armor Lock]] when shot at, and Elites will evade constantly even if their shields are at full strength. This quality makes it a somewhat ineffective long-ranged weapon unless you find yourself able to fire into a crowd of enemies. Noble Team members will also react to enemies using Needle Rifles by Armor Locking, despite the fact they are invulnerable.
*The Needle Rifle can be considered the replacement for the [[Covenant Carbine]], having a similar function. The Needle Rifle, however, is somewhat stronger than the Carbine because of its supercombine ability.
*Killing an opponent with a supercombine of the Needle Rifle's needles will grant the player a [[Needle Combine Kill Medal|Needle Kill Medal]].
*The rear end of the weapon appears to be on a hinge, indicating it may be able to collapse into a more compact form.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
===Concept art and illustrations===
<gallery>
File:HR_NeedleRifle_Concept_1.jpg|Early [[2008]] concept art of the needle rifle.
File:HR_NeedleRifle_Concept_2.jpg|Early 2008 concept art of the needle rifle.
File:HR_NeedleRifle_Concept_3.jpg|Early 2008 concept art of the needle rifle.
File:HR_NeedleRifle_Concept_4.jpg|Early 2008 concept art of the needle rifle.
File:HR_NeedleRifle_Concept_5.jpg|Early 2008 concept art of the needle rifle.
File:HR NeedleRifle Silhouette Concept.jpg|Later 2009 shape exploration for the needle rifle.
File:HR_NeedleRifle_Functional_Concept.jpg|2009 functional studies for the needle rifle's function.
File:HR_NeedleRifle_ModelSheet_Concept.jpg|Finalised modelsheet and functional refinement for the needle rifle.
File:HR_NeedleRifle_Concept_6.jpg|Finalised material pass concept of the needle rifle.
File:HE23-Sali forces.jpg|[[Sangheili Storm]] part of [[Sali 'Nyon's Covenant]] armed with needle rifles during [[Operation: ATHENA]] in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
</gallery>
===Renders===
<gallery>
File:Needle Rifle.png|A pre-Alpha render of the needle rifle in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''; note the green lights and needles.
File:Type-31 Rifle.png|Another early version of the needle rifle in ''Halo: Reach''; note the green lights.
File:HFR_NeedleRifle_Render_1.jpg|A render of the needle rifle from ''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''.
File:HFR_NeedleRifle_Render_2.jpg|Another render of the needle rifle from ''Halo: Fireteam Raven''.
</gallery>
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Needle Rifle - Gameplay.jpg|A Pre-Alpha screenshot of the Type-31 Rifle in use.
File:Needle Rifle - Gameplay.jpg|A pre-Alpha screenshot of the HUD view of the needle rifle in use in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Needle Rifle.png|A Pre-Alpha render of the Type-31 Rifle.
File:HaloReach - Screenshot 07.jpg|A pre-Alpha screenshot of [[Noble Six]] utilizing the needle rifle in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HaloReach - Screenshot 07.jpg|Noble Six utilizing the Needle Rifle.
File:Reach TotS FP02.jpg|First-person view of the needle rifle in the ''Halo: Reach'' campaign.
File:Reach E310 Firefight_Waterfront02.jpg|A [[Skirmisher]] Commando wielding a Type-31 Rifle in [[Firefight]].
File:Reach FF Overlook01.jpg|First-person view of the needle rifle being used in the ''Halo: Reach'' multiplayer.
File:Species inline.jpg|A [[Special Operations Sangheili]] wielding a Type-31 Rifle in [[Multiplayer]].
File:Reach Firefight Versus1.jpg|First-person view of the needle rifle in use in ''Halo: Reach'' Firefight.
File:Needle Rifle Zoom.png|View through the needle rifle's scope in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR AirviewBattle.jpg|A [[Sangheili Ranger]] firing a needle rifle at a Warthog in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR SkirmishersNeedleRifles.png|Two [[Skirmisher Major]]s wielding the needle rifle in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HTMCC-HR SkirmisherCommando&NeedleRifle.png|A [[Skirmisher Commando]] with the needle rifle in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HTMCC-HR DamagedWatchtower.png|A Kig-Yar Sniper firing a needle rifle from a watchtower in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR SkirmisherMurmillones.jpg|A trio of [[Skirmisher Murmillo]]nes with the needle rifles in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR Spartan Commando 1.png|A Spartan carrying a needle rifle in ''Halo: Reach'' multiplayer.
File:Species inline.jpg|A [[Special Operations Sangheili]] wielding a needle rifle  in ''Halo: Reach'' multiplayer.
File:NeedleFace.jpg|A Spartan shot in the head with a needle in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR_JackalSniper_NeedleRifle.jpg|A Kig-Yar Sniper armed with a needle rifle in ''Halo: Reach'' Firefight.
File:Reach FF Courtyard06.jpg|A Sangheili with a needle rifle in ''Halo: Reach''{{'}}s Firefight Versus.
File:H4FUD-JackalSniper-NeedleRifle.jpg|A [[Kig-Yar sniper]] wielding a needle rifle during the [[Battle of Circinius IV]] in ''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo: Retribution]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''


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


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

Latest revision as of 16:03, January 29, 2024

Gadulo-pattern Needle Launcher
HReach-T31NeedleRifleSide.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Type:

Needle-based rifle[4]

Specifications

Length:

126.7 centimeters (49.9 in)[1][2][3][4]

Width:

24.1 centimeters (9.5 in)[4]

Height:

37.4 centimeters (14.7 in)[4]

Weight:

7.9 kilograms (17 lb)[4]

Ammunition type:

Subanese crystalline shard[3][4]

Feed system:

21 shards/magazine[1][3][4]

Firing mode:

Automatic, semi-automatic[2][3][4]

Optics:

2× magnification optics[3]

Effective range:

Medium to long[2][3][5]

Service history

In service:

 

The Gadulo-pattern Needle Launcher (UNSC Type classification: Type-31 Needle Rifle)[1] also known as the needle rifle,[6] is an infantry weapon originally manufactured by the Covenant's Sacred Promissory, formerly in service with the Covenant military.[7] After the fall of High Charity in 2552, Maeleesh Bazaar took over the production of the needle rifle.[4]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

Main article: Needle-based weaponry
HUD icon of the needle rifle.

As its name suggests, the Gadulo-pattern needle rifle is one of the many Covenant needle-based projectile weapons, and shares operational functionality with the ubiquitous needler, but notably features an electronic sighting optics system.[4] The needle rifle fires unconventional, long and razor sharp Subanese crystalline shards, which detonate several seconds after coming to rest in soft tissue.[4] The needles are stored within the midsection weapon, with several protruding from the shroud. The rear end of the weapon appears to be on a hinge, indicating it may be able to collapse into a more compact form.

Similar to other needle-based weapons, the needle rifle's internal mechanism snaps off crystalline shards into individual charged projectiles, which are launched linearly at the intended target. However, unlike the needler, the needle rifle's projectiles are not designed to home in on a target.[2] Given that the needler uses an additional magnetic auger within the weapon to catalyze the shards so they can track heat signatures,[3] the needle rifle likely lacks a magnetic auger. However, the needle rifle's shards travel much faster than that of the needler, leaving the needle rifle's only destructive similarity to the needler being the individual/collected needle explosion.

The rifle's crystalline shards are held in an ammo cylinder. The reload process for the needle rifle is very similar to that of the Vostu-pattern carbine and Mosa-pattern carbine. The only difference between the reloads for the carbine and the needle rifle is that the canister for the carbine is not covered by any sort of hatch, which, in the case of the needle rifle, is the weapon's top module—also where the optics system is mounted. When reloading, the top module flips open to expose the ammo canister that ejects upon opening, allowing the user to insert a new canister. When the top module locks in place, the crystalline shards are splintered and then extrude from apertures on the weapon's shroud.[3]

Usage[edit]

Without the needles' tracking ability, the needle rifle must be fired like a marksman rifle.[2] The needle rifle is operated in a similar role to the Vostu-pattern carbine,[1] and was commonly employed by Skirmishers, Kig-Yar Snipers, and Sangheili during the Fall of Reach;[8][9][10] notably, a Sangheili Field Marshal used a needle rifle to kill Spartan-III Catherine-B320 with a headshot during the Siege of New Alexandria.[11] Within the Covenant and its splinter factions, the needle rifle is used by Sangheili, Jiralhanae, Kig-Yar, and Yanme'e.[12] Following the dissolution of the Covenant, the needle rifle was inherited by its splinter factions, including the Swords of Sanghelios,[13] Merg Vol's Covenant,[14] and Sali 'Nyon's Covenant.[15]

Trivia[edit]

  • The scope of the needle rifle has a hash-mark compass. To the right of the scope, it also features a symbol which turns red when the crosshairs are aimed at an enemy.
  • Killing an opponent with a supercombine of the needle rifle's needles will grant the player a Needle Kill medal.
  • During the Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta, the needle rifle had an 18-round magazine. This was increased to 21 rounds (to match the three round increase in the DMR's magazine size) for the final game. In both cases, the model for a fully-loaded needle rifle only shows 12 needles sticking out.

Gallery[edit]

Concept art and illustrations[edit]

Renders[edit]

Screenshots[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 335
  2. ^ a b c d e f Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 127
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 294
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Halo Waypoint, Needle Rifle (Retrieved on May 14, 2021) [local archive] [external archive]
  5. ^ Bungie.net, Point of Impact (Retrieved on Feb 7, 2021) [archive]
  6. ^ Bungie.net, Halo: Reach Ordnance Page - Type-31 Rifle (Retrieved on Feb 7, 2021) [archive]
  7. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 294
  8. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level ONI: Sword Base
  9. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level Nightfall
  10. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level Tip of the Spear
  11. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level New Alexandria
  12. ^ Halo: Shadow of Intent
  13. ^ Halo: Outcasts, chapter 1
  14. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, campaign level Hunt for the Cult Leader
  15. ^ Halo: Escalation, issue 23