Grappleshot

Grappleshot
Production overview
Type:	Equipment
Service history
In service:	Post-Covenant War conflicts

The Grappleshot is a piece of wrist-mounted UNSC equipment.^[2]

Overview

The Grappleshot was the product of Project MAGNES, which began in 2549.^[3] The Grappleshot fires a grappling hook that can attach to a surface and pull its user towards it, allowing for easier traversal of their environment.

Design

The grappleshot consists of a magneto-impulse projector, a high-tensile nanofiber line, and a self-sharpening Titanium-A fluke contained inside a compact, modular casing. The device interfaces directly with the user's MJOLNIR armor and BIOS systems. The grappleshot has a limited range of eight meters and the fluke cannot always attach itself to ultradense armor plating or energy shielded surfaces. Only augmented personnel can use the grappleshot without extreme risk of injury.^[4]

Operational history

In October 2559, Fred-104 uses his grappleshot to strangle an enemy Jiralhanae during Operation: WOLFE, before pulling himself even enough with the Jiralhanae to stab it in the back of the neck.^[5]

John-117 made use of a grappleshot with his MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor [GEN3] Mark VI, during the Battle for Zeta Halo in May 2560.^[1]

Gameplay

Halo Infinite

The Grappleshot is a piece of usable equipment in Halo Infinite, which the player can use to move rapidly towards a location or enemy. It can also be used to retrieve distant items, such as fusion coils or a gravity hammer. The grappleshot can also be used to stagger Kig-Yar Freebooters and Raiders, knocking their hand-held shields aside and briefly rendering them exposed. The grappleshot also deal minor damage, enabling it to finish off severely damaged enemies. After use, the grappleshot has a short cooldown time before it can be used again.^[1] If the grappleshot fails to connect, or is used to stagger a Kig-Yar, the cooldown will not be triggered. Like other pieces of equipment in the campaign, the grappleshot can be upgraded by collecting and spending Spartan cores.

The grappleshot is available in multiplayer as well, but with only 3 to 5 uses before running out of charges.^[2]^[6]

Upgrades

In the campaign, the Grappleshot can be upgraded using Spartan cores.

Voltaic (1 Core): Grappleshot stuns grappled enemies for several seconds. Stunned enemies will either be electrocuted or will assume defensive postures and freeze in place.

Quickshot (2 Cores): Reduces Grappleshot cooldown by 40%.

First Strike (3 Cores): Delivers a powerful shockwave blast when holding the melee button while grappling.

Reachfall (3 Cores): Increases the damage and radius of the shockwave blast. Enemies within it will be stunned.

Notes

The grappleshot's Voltaic attack may not always stun grappled enemies. Typically, high ranking enemies, such as Jiralhanae Chieftains, will not be affected. However, there is a chance that even a common, low-ranking enemy will be able to resist the Voltaic attack.
The player does not need to grapple an enemy to perform a First Strike.

Production notes

While the Grappleshot's first in-game appearance occurred in Halo Infinite, the idea of a grappling hook has been around for many years, with Bungie or 343 Industries trying the mechanic on several prior Halo titles, ultimately shelving it due to the mechanic not working well.^[7]

Gallery

Concept art

Early concept art exploration of the Grappleshot, seemingly making use of a handheld design rather than a wrist-mounted one.
Finalized concept art of the Grappleshot.
Finalized concept art of the Grappleshot, focusing on its function and how it mounts onto the user's arm.

Screenshots

The Grappleshot being used in Halo Infinite.
Grappling the underside of a Gorespike cannon in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Trailer.
Grappling a Fusion coil in Halo Infinite.
A Spartan-IV using the Grappleshot to board an AV-49 Wasp on Behemoth.
An Aviator-clad Spartan-IV grappling with an oddball on Recharge.
A hit from the grappleshot staggers a Kig-Yar Freebooter.
John-117 uses an upgraded Grappleshot to stun a Jiralhanae warrior.
HINF Grappleshot Elite First Strike.png

John-117 uses his Grappleshot to deliver a shockwave attack to a stunned Sangheili mercenary.
The resulting blast from the Grappleshot's shockwave attack.
The grappleshot used to stun a cloaked Special Operations Sangheili.
The grappleshot is used to stun a Jiralhanae Berserker at close range.
The grappleshot being used to hijack a Banished Banshee.
HINF Grappleshot warrior defensive posture.png

A grappled Jiralhanae warrior assumes a defensive posture.
HINF Grappleshot warrior not affected.png

This grappled Jiralhanae warrior continues firing during a First Strike attack.
An AKIS-II GRD-clad Spartan-IV using a grappleshot on Catalyst.
The Chief uses his grappleshot to avoid a hazardous material spill.
Using the grappleshot to electrocute a lone Grunt.
HINF Grappleshot Brute Sniper.png

Using a grappleshot to stun a red Jiralhanae sniper.
Using a grappleshot on a Jiralhanae Chosen Warrior.