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M'tara-pattern focus rifle: Difference between revisions

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{{Era|HCW}}
{{Title|''M'tara''-pattern focus rifle}}
{{Weapon Infobox
{{Status|Canon}}
|image = [[File:Focus_Rifle_Cropped.png|250px]]
{{Weapon infobox
|name = Type-52 Special Applications Rifle
|name=''M'tara''-pattern Fire Rifle
|manufacturer = [[Assembly Forges]]<ref name="guide">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 71''</ref>
|image=[[File:HaloReach-FocusRifle-Profile.png|300px]]
|model = Type-52
|manufacturer=[[Assembly Forges]]{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=71}}{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/focus-rifle|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Focus Rifle|D=14|M=5|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}}{{Ref/Book|Id=EN|Enc22|Page=293}}
|type = Special Applications Rifle
|series=Special Applications Rifle{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|damage per hit = Medium-high
|type=[[Particle beam rifle]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|magazine = 100 battery units
|cost=
|fire = Continuous
|variant=
|ammotype=[[Plasma|Electromagnetically Guided Plasma]]<ref name="guide"/>
|service=*[[Human-Covenant War]]
|rate of fire = Continuous
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|velocity = Very fast
|length={{Convert|57.2|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}}{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}
|accuracy = High
|width={{Convert|7.9|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|range = Long
|height={{Convert|24.3|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|era = [[Human-Covenant War]]
|weight={{Convert|37.7|lb|kg|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}}
|counterpart = [[Sniper Rifle System 99 Anti-Matériel]]
|ammotype=[[Plasma|Electromagnetically guided plasma]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}}
|affiliation = Covenant Empire
|capacity=
|feed=100-shot pulsed power cell{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}}
|operation=Plasma generator{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}}
|rate=Fully automatic{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}}
|velocity=Near-instantaneous
|optics=3.5× and 9.5× magnification{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}
|range=
}}
}}
The '''''M'tara''-pattern Fire Rifle''' {{Type|52|Special Applications Rifle|SAR}}{{Ref/Site|Id=bnet|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=25436|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo: Reach Intel - Ordnance - Focus Rifle|D=7|M=2|Y=2021}} commonly known as the '''focus rifle''', is a [[directed-energy weapon]] used by the [[Covenant]].{{Ref/Reuse|EN}} The marksman rifle is in the same "lineage" as the {{Pattern|Zubo|beam rifle}} and the {{Pattern|Sulok|beam rifle}}.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}


The '''Type-52 Special Applications Rifle''' (or '''T52 SAR''') <ref name="Bnet">[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=25436 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach - Ordnance Page'']</ref>, more commonly known as the '''Focus Rifle'''<ref name="Informer">[http://gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/03/31/exclusive-interview-on-the-halo-reach-sandbox.aspx '''GameInformer''': ''Exclusive Interview On The Halo: Reach Sandbox'']</ref> is a [[directed energy weapon]] used by the [[Covenant Empire]] in [[2552]].<ref name="Reach">'''[[Halo: Reach]]'''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: Reach]]''' - ''[[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Trailer|Multiplayer Trailer]]''</ref>
==Overview==
===Design details===
[[File:Focusrifle.png|thumb|200px|left|The HUD icon for the focus rifle.]]
The focus rifle is a [[sniper]]-style weapon based on reverse-engineered [[Forerunner]] technology.{{Ref/Reuse|EN}} Despite its visual similarities to the {{Pattern|Sulok|beam rifle}}, it functions quite differently, being designed for ranged suppression rather than for anti-personnel roles. The smooth and organic appearance and purple coloration of the weapon are reflective of typical Covenant aesthetic tendencies, as such, its ergonomic grip is designed for [[Sangheili]] use. Although powerful and intimidating, the combat effectiveness focus rifle is crippled by several glaring flaws in the design. The beam fired by the weapon is extraordinarily visible; firing the weapon immediately reveals the user's position. Although highly effective at depleting shields, the weapon is only marginally effective against armored targets, causing negligible damage to vehicles and requiring continuous fire to ensure lethality against organic targets. If the weapon overheats, it will automatically vent excess plasma, burning the user and rendering the weapon inoperable for several seconds.


==Description==
===Operation===
[[File:Focusrifle.png|thumb|left|The Focus Rifle's blueprint]]
The focus rifle copies some elements of the [[Sentinel beam|sterilization beams]] employed by [[Aggressor Sentinel]]s{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}} and [[Z-510 focus turret|focus turrets]]{{Ref/Book|H4EVG|Page=103}}, though the magnetic accelerators and particle guide beam emitters are novel creations of Covenant origin. These features present a counterpoint to the idea that the Covenant never innovated when it comes to technological development.{{Ref/Book|Id=OSFM|OSFM|Page=193}} The focus rifle's electromagnetic compositors are a design shared with the {{Pattern|Elutuzem|stalker rifle}}.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=479}} Instead of firing a single beam of ionised hydrogen in one shot like the Covenant [[particle beam rifle]]s, the rifle fires a continuous purple-tinted beam of magnetically contained plasma, similar in operation to a [[Sentinel Beam]], the [[Forerunner]] weapon from which the ''M'tara'' was reverse-engineered. The plasma is formed in a cylindrical module and directed through a channel of electromagnetic coils, forming a precise beam. Like most Covenant infantry weapons, the weapon draws its power from a battery. The weapon requires high power expenditure and the battery is easily depleted.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} The exact mechanism by which it functions was under investigation by the [[United Nations Space Command]] as of August 2552.{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}}
The Focus Rifle is a [[sniper]]-style weapon, that, despite its visual similarities to the [[Type-50 Sniper Rifle System]], functions quite differently. It fires a continuous purple-tinted beam of magnetically contained plasma, similar in operation to a [[Sentinel Beam]], the [[Forerunner]] weapon from which the T-52 SAR was reverse-engineered. The plasma is formed in a cylindrical module and directed through a channel of electromagnetic coils, forming a precise beam. Like most Covenant infantry weapons, the weapon draws its power from a battery. The weapon requires high power expenditure and the battery is easily depleted.<ref name="guide"/> The exact mechanism by which it functions was under investigation by the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] as of August 2552.<ref name="Bnet"/>


The beam takes approximately 1.5 seconds to kill a fully shielded [[Spartan]], and is designed to emphasize more of a "tracking" skill set than other weapons because this weapon, being a [[sniper]] variant, does not feature any aim assist to compensate for its power. The weapon is equipped with a 3.5-9.5x magnification scope. It is designed for ranged suppression rather than instant death, and is considered a power weapon. The smooth and organic appearance and purple coloration of the weapon is reflective of typical Covenant aesthetic tendencies, as such, it's ergonomic grip is designed for Sangheili use. Although powerful and intimidating, the combat effectiveness Focus Rifle is crippled by several glaring flaws in the design. The beam fired by the weapon is extraordinarily visible; firing the weapon immediately reveals the user's position. Although highly effective at depleting shields the weapon is only marginally effective against armored targets, causing negligible damage to vehicles and requiring continuous fire to ensure lethality against organic targets. If the weapon overheats it will automatically vent excess plasma, burning the user and rendering the weapon inoperable for several seconds.
The weapon's name and visual appearance suggest a shared operating mechanism with the larger [[Scarab]]-mounted [[focus cannon]].
 
===Scope===
The weapon is equipped with a 3.5-9.magnification scope and uses the same [[smart-link]] firmware as Covenant particle beam rifles, but uses a different scope. As with the particle beam rifle, the smart-link feed shows the weapon's remaining power and accumulated heat level. The link also displays diagnostic information and allows semi-automatic adjustment of the plasma beam angle when interlinked with the hardware in [[Sangheili harness|Sangheili combat harnesses]] or [[Kig-Yar targeting headgear|Kig-Yar marksman sets]]. This provides a limited amount of moving-target tracking without the firer having to adjust their aim point at distant targets.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} These targeting protocols are unusual and incompatible with most interlink translation software.{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM}}
 
==History==
Because of the focus rifle's tremendous power requirements which the Covenant was unable to solve, the weapon was primarily utilized by shock troops or used to lay down suppressive fire. Although several patterns were produced, only the ''M'tara''-pattern saw extensive usage throughout the [[Human-Covenant War]], most notably during the [[Fall of Reach]].{{Ref/Reuse|EN}}
 
== Gameplay ==
*It deals relatively low damage compared with the [[sniper rifle]], and it is quite visible and audible when firing. Despite this, if a target is unaware or caught in the open they are very easy targets; the focus rifle can eliminate a fully shielded Spartan in mere seconds, making it a very effective long-range suppression and support weapon.  
*On the [[Firefight]] map [[Waterfront]], [[Kig-Yar sniper]]s with focus rifles will spawn on one of the background hills, and can be deadly to weakened players who are not aware of their surroundings.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*It is similar in name and firing style as the [[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Scarab]]'s [[focus cannon]], indicating that the cannon may be a larger-scale application of the weapon's technology.
*It is similar in name and firing style as the [[Deutoros-pattern Scarab|Scarab]]'s [[focus cannon]], indicating that the cannon may be a larger-scale application of the weapon's technology.
*The [[Forge]] [[Monitor]] in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' appears to possess a Focus Rifle. It appears at the top right when the player first switches from a [[Spartan]] to a [[Monitor]].
*The [[Forge/Halo: Reach|Forge]] [[Monitor]] in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' appears to possess a focus rifle. It appears at the top right when the player first switches from a [[Spartan]] to a [[Monitor]]. In the game files, the monitor's weapon has the id <code>monitor_beam</code>.
*It has relatively low damage compared to the [[Sniper Rifle]], and it is quite visible and audible when firing. Despite this, if a target is unaware or caught in the open they are very easy targets; the Focus Rifle can eliminate a fully shielded [[Spartan]] in just a couple seconds, and is a very effective long-range suppression and support weapon.
*The focus rifle is mainly used by [[Sangheili Ranger]]s, [[Kig-Yar Sniper]]s and occasionally some [[Skirmishers]] and rarely other Sangheili.
*On the [[Firefight]] map [[Waterfront]], [[Jackal Snipers]] with Focus Rifles will spawn on one of the background hills, and can be deadly to weakened players who are not aware of their surroundings.  
*In ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'' and ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'', the focus rifle is only carried by Sangheili Majors.
*The Focus Rifle is mainly used by [[Sangheili Ranger|Sangheli Rangers]], [[Kig-Yar Sniper|Kig-Yar Snipers]] and occasionally some [[Skirmishers]] and rarely other [[Elites]].
*The focus rifle was one of the few weapons found in Bungie's 30th Anniversary Event as the first Legendary Trace Rifle called "[[destinypedia:Retraced Path|Retraced Path]]", in ''Destiny 2''.
*Its name is a reference to [[7]] (5+2=7).
*Sometimes if using the Focus Rifle in Splitscreen, the 1st player may have a glitch that causes a wave to surround the end of the gun, which may be distracting if going for a close-quarters kill, and mostly appears in Forge and Custom Games. {{Verify}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of M'tara-pattern focus rifle}}
===Development images===
<gallery>
File:HR FocusRifle Concept 1.jpg|Initial silhouette exploration for the focus rifle.
File:HR_FocusRifle_Concept_2.jpg|Functional detail refinement for the focus rifle.
File:HR_FocusRifle_Concept_3.jpg|Finalised modelsheet for the focus rifle.
File:HR EarlyFocusRifles 1.png|Early models for the focus rifle in early ''Halo: Reach'' builds, bearing more resemblance to the concept art.
File:HR EarlyFocusRifles 2.png|Early models for the focus rifle in early ''Halo: Reach'' builds, bearing more resemblance to the concept art.
File:Reach FocusRifle Beta.jpg|A Spartan-III firing the focus rifle during the [[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta|''Halo: Reach'' Multiplayer Beta]].
File:focus rifle.jpg|First-person view of the focus rifle during the ''Halo: Reach'' Multiplayer Beta.
File:Halo-reach-20100428014611035.jpg|First-person view of the focus rifle firing during the ''Halo: Reach'' Multiplayer Beta.
File:Halo-reach-20100428021521247.jpg|View through the focus rifle's scope, with a Spartan almost dead center during the ''Halo: Reach'' Multiplayer Beta.
File:Halo-reach-20100428021430811.jpg|View through the focus rifle's scope, with the beam striking a Spartan's shields during the ''Halo: Reach'' Multiplayer Beta.
File:Render - focusrifle.jpg|Renders for the focus rifle.
</gallery>
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:T52sar_ref.png|A turnaround reference of the Type-52 SAR.
File:T52sar_ref.jpg|A turnaround reference of the focus rifle in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Unknown Beam Weapon-Covenant.jpg|A [[Spartan-III Program|Spartan]] firing the Focus Rifle.
File:Focus_Rifle_Cropped.png|Angled view of the focus rifle in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:focus rifle.jpg|The Focus Rifle in first-person during the [[Halo: Reach Beta]].
File:HR-T52SARFocusRifle-Side.png|Profile view of the focus rifle in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HReach - Ranger Sangheili.png|A [[Sangheili Ranger]] wielding the Focus Rifle.
File:HReach - Ranger Sangheili.png|A Sangheili Ranger wielding the focus rifle in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Reach FocusRifle Beta.jpg|A different angle of a [[Spartan-III Program|Spartan]] firing the Focus Rifle during the [[Halo: Reach Beta]].
File:HTMCC-HR EliteRanger&FocusRifle 1.png|A [[Sangheili Ranger]] wielding the focus rifle in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Halo-_Reach-Focus_Rifle_Overheat.png|A Focus Rifle overheating.
File:HTMCC-HR EliteRanger&FocusRifle 2.png|A Sangheili Ranger firing the focus rifle in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HaloReach-FocusRifle-Profile.png|A profile view of the Focus Rifle.
File:Reach 4612386 Full.jpg|A [[Skirmisher Murmillo]] wielding the focus rifle in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Halo-reach-20100428021430811.jpg|View through the Focus Rifle's scope, with the beam striking a SPARTAN's shields.
File:Unknown Beam Weapon-Covenant.jpg|A [[Spartan-III Program|Spartan]] firing the focus rifle in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Halo-reach-20100428021521247.jpg|Another view through the Focus Rifle's scope, with a SPARTAN almost dead center.
File:HR_FocusRifle_Overheat.png|First-person view of a focus rifle overheating in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HSA-FocusRifleDefense.jpg|[[Sarah Palmer]] using a focus rifle during the [[Battle of Draetheus V]] in ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''.
File:HSS-Gameplay-Shielded.jpg|A [[Unidentified Spartan-IV|Spartan]] and Sangheili [[Field Master]] exchange focus rifle fire during the [[Battle of Installation 03]] in ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
*''[[Halo: Flashpoint]]''


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


{{Covenant Weapons}}
{{Covenant rifles}}
[[Category:Covenant infantry weapons]]
[[Category:Covenant infantry weapons]]
[[Category:Directed-energy weapons]]
[[Category:Directed-energy weapons]]
[[Category:Infantry plasma weapons]]

Latest revision as of 19:02, March 8, 2024

M'tara-pattern Fire Rifle
HaloReach-FocusRifle-Profile.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Assembly Forges[1][2][3][4]

Model series:

Special Applications Rifle[2]

Type:

Particle beam rifle[2]

Specifications

Length:

145 centimeters (57.2 in)[2][3][4]

Width:

20 centimeters (7.9 in)[2]

Height:

62 centimeters (24.3 in)[2]

Weight:

17.1 kilograms (37.7 lb)[2][3]

Ammunition type:

Electromagnetically guided plasma[1][4][3]

Feed system:

100-shot pulsed power cell[3]

Operation:

Plasma generator[3]

Rate of fire:

Fully automatic[3]

Muzzle velocity:

Near-instantaneous

Optics:

3.5× and 9.5× magnification[4]

Service history

In service:

 

The M'tara-pattern Fire Rifle (UNSC Type classification: Type-52 Special Applications Rifle, T-52 SAR)[5] commonly known as the focus rifle, is a directed-energy weapon used by the Covenant.[4] The marksman rifle is in the same "lineage" as the Zubo-pattern beam rifle and the Sulok-pattern beam rifle.[2]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The HUD icon for the focus rifle.

The focus rifle is a sniper-style weapon based on reverse-engineered Forerunner technology.[4] Despite its visual similarities to the Sulok-pattern beam rifle, it functions quite differently, being designed for ranged suppression rather than for anti-personnel roles. The smooth and organic appearance and purple coloration of the weapon are reflective of typical Covenant aesthetic tendencies, as such, its ergonomic grip is designed for Sangheili use. Although powerful and intimidating, the combat effectiveness focus rifle is crippled by several glaring flaws in the design. The beam fired by the weapon is extraordinarily visible; firing the weapon immediately reveals the user's position. Although highly effective at depleting shields, the weapon is only marginally effective against armored targets, causing negligible damage to vehicles and requiring continuous fire to ensure lethality against organic targets. If the weapon overheats, it will automatically vent excess plasma, burning the user and rendering the weapon inoperable for several seconds.

Operation[edit]

The focus rifle copies some elements of the sterilization beams employed by Aggressor Sentinels[3] and focus turrets[6], though the magnetic accelerators and particle guide beam emitters are novel creations of Covenant origin. These features present a counterpoint to the idea that the Covenant never innovated when it comes to technological development.[3] The focus rifle's electromagnetic compositors are a design shared with the Elutuzem-pattern stalker rifle.[7] Instead of firing a single beam of ionised hydrogen in one shot like the Covenant particle beam rifles, the rifle fires a continuous purple-tinted beam of magnetically contained plasma, similar in operation to a Sentinel Beam, the Forerunner weapon from which the M'tara was reverse-engineered. The plasma is formed in a cylindrical module and directed through a channel of electromagnetic coils, forming a precise beam. Like most Covenant infantry weapons, the weapon draws its power from a battery. The weapon requires high power expenditure and the battery is easily depleted.[1] The exact mechanism by which it functions was under investigation by the United Nations Space Command as of August 2552.[5]

The weapon's name and visual appearance suggest a shared operating mechanism with the larger Scarab-mounted focus cannon.

Scope[edit]

The weapon is equipped with a 3.5-9.5× magnification scope and uses the same smart-link firmware as Covenant particle beam rifles, but uses a different scope. As with the particle beam rifle, the smart-link feed shows the weapon's remaining power and accumulated heat level. The link also displays diagnostic information and allows semi-automatic adjustment of the plasma beam angle when interlinked with the hardware in Sangheili combat harnesses or Kig-Yar marksman sets. This provides a limited amount of moving-target tracking without the firer having to adjust their aim point at distant targets.[2] These targeting protocols are unusual and incompatible with most interlink translation software.[3]

History[edit]

Because of the focus rifle's tremendous power requirements which the Covenant was unable to solve, the weapon was primarily utilized by shock troops or used to lay down suppressive fire. Although several patterns were produced, only the M'tara-pattern saw extensive usage throughout the Human-Covenant War, most notably during the Fall of Reach.[4]

Gameplay[edit]

  • It deals relatively low damage compared with the sniper rifle, and it is quite visible and audible when firing. Despite this, if a target is unaware or caught in the open they are very easy targets; the focus rifle can eliminate a fully shielded Spartan in mere seconds, making it a very effective long-range suppression and support weapon.
  • On the Firefight map Waterfront, Kig-Yar snipers with focus rifles will spawn on one of the background hills, and can be deadly to weakened players who are not aware of their surroundings.

Trivia[edit]

  • It is similar in name and firing style as the Scarab's focus cannon, indicating that the cannon may be a larger-scale application of the weapon's technology.
  • The Forge Monitor in Halo: Reach appears to possess a focus rifle. It appears at the top right when the player first switches from a Spartan to a Monitor. In the game files, the monitor's weapon has the id monitor_beam.
  • The focus rifle is mainly used by Sangheili Rangers, Kig-Yar Snipers and occasionally some Skirmishers and rarely other Sangheili.
  • In Halo: Spartan Assault and Halo: Spartan Strike, the focus rifle is only carried by Sangheili Majors.
  • The focus rifle was one of the few weapons found in Bungie's 30th Anniversary Event as the first Legendary Trace Rifle called "Retraced Path", in Destiny 2.

Gallery[edit]

Development images[edit]

Screenshots[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 71
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Halo Waypoint, Focus Rifle (Retrieved on May 14, 2021) [archive]
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual, page 193
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 293
  5. ^ a b Bungie.net, Halo: Reach Intel - Ordnance - Focus Rifle (Retrieved on Feb 7, 2021) [archive]
  6. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 103
  7. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 479