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Mk50 Sidekick

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Mk50 Sidekick
An Mk50 Sidekick product logo.

A transparent crop of the Mk50 Sidekick in-game model. Courtesy of User:BaconShelf.

Production overview

Manufacturer:

Emerson Tactical Systems[1]

Type:

Pistol[1][2]

Variants:

Striker Sidekick

Specifications

Length:

32.8 centimetres (12.9 in)[1]

Ammunition type:

M135 10x31mm SAP[1]

Feed system:

12-round detachable box magazine[1]

Rate of fire:

Semi-automatic[1][3]

Effective range:

Close to medium[3]

Service history

In service:

 
“ Though it lacks big-bore stopping power, the Mk50 Sidekick is very responsive and accurate at short range. Spartans are drilled to equip the pistol very quickly, which allows them to finish off a target if their primary runs out of ammo and they can't take the time to reload.[5] ”

The Mark 50 Sidekick,[1][6] or simply Mk50 Sidekick (stylized as MK50 Sidekick),[2] is a type of human specialized pistol manufactured by Emerson Tactical Systems in service with the UNSC.[1] It is a rapid fire sidearm that performs optimally at close to medium range, although accuracy loss is considerable when fired in restless succession.[3][7]

Overview

Design details

Manufactured by Emerson Tactical Systems, the Mk50 Sidekick is a semi-automatic handgun in service with the United Nations Space Command armed forces. Described as "powerful and compact", it fires 10mm rounds from a detachable box magazine that typically holds 12 rounds. It differs significantly from the M6 series, the UNSC's most prominent sidearm, lacking the M6's signature hand-guard and smart-linked optic, the KFA-2 x2, while also firing a lower caliber round. The design of the Mk50 is relatively simplistic, with a segmented slide and basic, analogue iron sights. A safety switch is present on the left side of the weapon, above the trigger-guard. Emerson Tactical Systems' emblem is worked into the grip.[1] The weapon usually sports an olive green and matte black finish.[8][9]

Usage

The Mk50 Sidekick was in service with UNSC forces as early as 2551.[4] Spartans are drilled to equip the pistol very quickly.[5] By December 2559, the weapon was in service with UNSC forces aboard the UNSC Infinity, serving as primary personal sidearm of Spartans and other special forces units onboard,[1] and saw action at the Battle for Zeta Halo.[7]

Variants

  • Mk50 Groovegrip: A variant with a different muzzle design favored by tech-savvy mercenary groups and security firms.[10]
  • Mk50 Swiftguard: A variant with beta-build firmware to improve end-to-end data encryption and increase compatibility with vintage UNSC protocols.[11]
  • Striker Sidekick: A yellow-painted variant of the Mk50 Sidekick that holds 14 rounds, can kill in a minimum of five shots, and features less bloom, at the cost of stronger recoil.[12]
  • Vicious Sidekick: A Mk50 Sidekick modified and used by Banished personnel.[13]
  • Mk50 Groovegrip

    Mk50 Groovegrip

  • Mk50 Swiftguard

    Mk50 Swiftguard

  • Striker Sidekick

    Striker Sidekick

  • Vicious Sidekick

    Vicious Sidekick

In-game information

“ Semi-automatic firearm effective at close to medium range.[3][14] ”

The Mk50 can hold 12 rounds with at least 72 rounds in reserve. It takes six shots to drain shields, with four subsequent body shots, or one headshot resulting in a kill. It is headshot-capable, features a very rapid reload, more bloom, and also possesses a swift draw time, making it a perfect sidearm to the MA40 assault rifle.[1]

MK50 Sidekick
v • d • e
Weapon Model Manufacturer Lore Rarity Unlock Requirements
Icon of the Critpoint Shroud Weapon Model.
Critpoint Shroud 		343 Industries Exponentially increases the weapon's visual appeal. It also makes it look cooler. Epic Purchase "Maltese Mayhem Weapon Set" bundle from the Shop for 1,500 cR (or 800 cR during a sale)
Always against the current. (Fracture: Tenrai/Legendary)
Leaping Bounty 		Fracture: Tenrai Always against the current. Legendary Purchase "Kendo Master" bundle from the Shop for 2,200 cR
Icon of the M90 Shroud Weapon Model.
M90 Shroud 		Weapon System Technology Marketed towards the police and self-defense markets. Legendary Purchase "Pop Weapon Set" bundle from the Shop for 800 cR
Icon of the Mk50 Groovegrip weapon model.
MK50 Groovegrip 		Lux Voluspa A favorite sidearm of tech-savvy mercenary groups and security firms. Epic Cyber Showdown II Event Pass level 5
MK50 Swiftguard weapon model menu icon.
MK50 Swiftguard 		Emerson Tactical Systems Emerson-developed data acquisition suite with real time targeting telemetry meant to integrate directly with the latest VISR displays and tactical uplink protocols. The latest beta-build firmware provides improved end-to-end data encryption and increased compatibility with vintage UNSC protocols. Epic Purchase "Warning Signs" bundle from the Shop for 1,500 cR
Icon for the Photon Exciter MK50.
Photon Exciter 		Fracture: Firewall The battle is on. Playtime is over. Legendary Purchase "Molten Chrome" bundle from the Shop for 2,200 cR
Icon of the "Stocking Stuffer" armor model for the Mk50 Sidekick
Stocking Stuffer 		343 Industries High-velocity holiday cheer. Legendary Purchase "Santa's Little Helper" superbundle from the Shop for 1,000 cR
Icon of the Tacticlamp Weapon Model.
Tacticlamp 		Weapon System Technology A frame-mounted, non-reciprocating shroud with accessory rails. Rare Purchase "Tacticlamp 117" bundle from the Shop for 1,000 cR
Legendary, Banished, Chop chop.
Vicious Sidekick 		Banished Chop chop. Epic Purchase the "Cestus" bundle from the Shop for 2,400 cR

Production notes

The Sidekick was designed as a true sidearm pistol, being lightning fast to draw and fire, acting as a reliable backup when the player's primary weapon is depleted. Compared to the Magnums of previous titles, the Sidekick was described being closest in function to Halo 2's M6C magnum.[15] In April 2021, it was shown that the Sidekick had received a redesign since its reveal in July 2020. It would now include an underbarrel attachment similar to those featured on the M6C/SOCOM and the Tactical variant of the M6H2 magnum, as well as some other small changes.[16]

Gallery

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

Developmental images

  • HUD Icon of the Mk50 Sidekick.

    HUD Icon of the Mk50 Sidekick.

  • An early render of the Mk50, featuring the Adrenal coating.

    An early render of the Mk50, featuring the Adrenal coating.

  • First-person view of the Mk50 in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere.

    First-person view of the Mk50 in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere.

  • First-person view of the Mk50 Sidekick, prior to its redesign.

    First-person view of the Mk50 Sidekick, prior to its redesign.

  • First-person view of the Mk50's reload in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere, displaying the magazine.

    First-person view of the Mk50's reload in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere, displaying the magazine.

  • First-person view of the Mk50's reload in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere, with 10mm rounds visible in the magazine.

    First-person view of the Mk50's reload in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere, with 10mm rounds visible in the magazine.

  • Finalized concept art of the Mk50 Groovegrip model.

    Finalized concept art of the Mk50 Groovegrip model.

  • Concept exploration of the Mk50 Swiftguard model.

    Concept exploration of the Mk50 Swiftguard model.

  • Concept refinement of the Mk50 Swiftguard model.

    Concept refinement of the Mk50 Swiftguard model.

  • Finalized concept art of the Mk50 Swiftguard model.

    Finalized concept art of the Mk50 Swiftguard model.

Promotional images

  • Concept art featuring a Marine holding the Mk50 Sidekick while carried by John-117.

    Concept art featuring a Marine holding the Mk50 Sidekick while carried by John-117.

  • The redesigned Mk50 Sidekick with the Watchdog coating.

    The redesigned Mk50 Sidekick with the Watchdog coating.

  • A Yoroi-clad Spartan-IV wielding an Mk50 in multiplayer.

    A Yoroi-clad Spartan-IV wielding an Mk50 in multiplayer.

  • A Mk50 Sidekick holstered on a pink Spartan in the A New Generation trailer.

    A Mk50 Sidekick holstered on a pink Spartan in the A New Generation trailer.

Screenshots

  • A Spartan holding the redesigned Mk50.

    A Spartan holding the redesigned Mk50.

  • A Spartan firing the Mk50.

    A Spartan firing the Mk50.

  • Close-up of the Mk50 while firing, with the slide at the rear of travel exposing the barrel assembly with empty chamber as well as the next unfired cartridge.

    Close-up of the Mk50 while firing, with the slide at the rear of travel exposing the barrel assembly with empty chamber as well as the next unfired cartridge.

  • A Spartan with the Mk50.

    A Spartan with the Mk50.

  • A customized Mk50 Sidekick.

    A customized Mk50 Sidekick.

  • Close-up of the Mk50 Groovegrip.

    Close-up of the Mk50 Groovegrip.

  • A Spartan with the Mk50 Groovegrip.

    A Spartan with the Mk50 Groovegrip.

  • First-person view of the MK50 Swiftguard.

    First-person view of the MK50 Swiftguard.

  • A Conqueror-clad Spartan-IV looking at a Vicious Sidekick.

    A Conqueror-clad Spartan-IV looking at a Vicious Sidekick.

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 166
  2. ^ a b Halo Support, Halo Infinite Weapon, Equipment, and Vehicle Inventory: "Mk50 Sidekick. Quick-draw pistol." (Retrieved on May 5, 2023) [archive]
  3. ^ a b c d Halo Infinite, Weapons Bench description: "Semi-automatic firearm effective at close to medium range."
  4. ^ a b Halo: Winter Contention
  5. ^ a b Halo Infinite, Forge - Mk50 Sidekick description: "Though it lacks big-bore stopping power, the Mk50 Sidekick is very responsive and accurate at short range. Spartans are drilled to equip the pistol very quickly, which allows them to finish off a target if their primary runs out of ammo and they can't take the time to reload."
  6. ^ Halo Infinite, multiplayer: When the player gets a kill with the Mk50 Sidekick. "Mark 50 kill confirmed." - LUMU
  7. ^ a b Halo Infinite, gameplay
  8. ^ Halo Infinite, Mk50 Sidekick in-game model
  9. ^ Xbox Wire, Bank Now, Play Later: Halo Infinite Meets Monster Energy Global Partnership (Retrieved on Aug 6, 2021) [archive]
  10. ^ Halo Infinite, Mk50 Groovegrip description: "A favorite sidearm of tech-savvy mercenary groups and security firms."
  11. ^ Halo Infinite, Mk50 Swiftguard description: "Emerson-developed data acquisition suite with real time targeting telemetry meant to integrate directly with the latest VISR displays and tactical uplink protocols. The latest beta-build firmware provides improved end-to-end data encryption and increased compatibility with vintage UNSC protocols."
  12. ^ Halo Infinite, Forge - Striker Sidekick description: "Precision Mk50 Sidekick modified for improved stopping power."
  13. ^ Halo Infinite, Vicious Sidekick description: "Chop chop."
  14. ^ Halo Infinite, Academy - Weapon Drills - Mk50 Sidekick description
  15. ^ Halo Waypoint, Infinite Inquiries: "The “Sidekick” is a true sidearm pistol that is lightning fast to draw and fire – truly exceling as a reliable backup when your primary weapon is depleted and a Brute is bearing down on you. Compared to previous titles, this weapon is closest to Halo 2's version of the Magnum." - John Junyszek (Unyshek) (Retrieved on Jul 30, 2020) [archive]
  16. ^ Twitter, John Junyszek (@Unyshek): "That's not an attachment on the Sidekick. That's the Sidekick" (Retrieved on Apr 29, 2021) [archive]

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List of sidearms and melee weapons produced and used by humans
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