Weapons (gameplay)

For the full list of weapons see Category:Weapons

The Weapons from the Halo universe, available in campaign and multiplayer gameplay, handheld, form the basis of First Player Shooting Gameplay within the Halo games.

An extensive array of weapons are available, each operating differently. This allows players to take different approaches and sometimes forces a change in tactics depending on the strengths and weaknesses of each weapon. Each player will also find a weapon to suit his or her tastes, in terms of power, speed, range, kickback or feedback.

Availability

Within campaign levels, the player often has access to weapons lying around, though killed enemies or allies can be robbed of their dropped weapons as well. Weapons can be reloaded by swapping Master Chief's weapon with, or collecting ammunition from a loaded dropped weapon.

Usage

One concept introduced in Halo: Combat Evolved, is limiting the number of weapons players could carry to two, forcing them to carefully select their preferred armament. But players can only wield one weapon at a time. Players fight with ranged and melee attacks, as well as a limited number of grenades. Bungie refers to the "weapons-grenades-melee" format as the "Golden Triangle of Halo", which has remained fundamentally unchanged throughout the trilogy. The player character's health is measured in both hit points and a continually recharging energy shield. The energy shield absorbs a significant portion of enemy fire, after draining and hurting the player character thereafter, potentially causing death.

Halo 2 introduced new gameplay elements, chief among them the ability to hold and fire two weapons simultaneously, known as "dual wielding".

Halo 3 adds to the series new weapons, and a class of items called Equipment

Types

The types of available weapons follow the basic standards present in real life, Assault, Battle and Sniping.

Grenades are frequently made available, primarily for anti-infantry combat.

Melee attacks are sometimes available, if the player is able to sneak up behind an enemy up close, undetected.

Heavy weapons such as Turrets are also present within Halo levels, either stationary or mounted on Vehicles. Some turrets can be removed from their stands and used as hand held Support Weapons.

Explosives and large scale weapons, Missiles, Nuclear, and Halos are usually involved in the storyline of every game, though not usually playable.

Factions

The player is allowed to use weapons from either of the two primary races, Human or Alien, often turning the enemy firepower against itself.

Human weapons tend to use bullets, explosives and lasers, while Alien weapons are generally Plasma and Energy based. All weapons run out of ammunition or charge when used extensively.

To know more about the weapons from each major Faction:

UNSC Weapons	Covenant Weapons	Forerunner Weapons
A UNSC Battle Rifle	A Covenant Plasma Rifle