Weapons

A size scale chart of some weapons from the Halo Universe.

Human Weapons

The military technology of the Humans in the Halo universe appears to be largely unchanged from that of modern-day reality (aside from the bullets being made from different metals, alternate feed methods such as the bullpup. [1], and computerized ammunition counters and scopes being much more prevalent). Human weapons are still primarily based upon ballistics and explosions from chemical reactions. Weapons more advanced than those portrayed in Halo were available in the U.S., U.K., Russia, Israel, Japan, Egypt and Brazil by 2000. Of course, one has to take into consideration the power of these firearms, for they are formidable and effective against an advanced alien race and, though they have less impact on shields and don't have a "battery," they are still stronger than a plasma weapon on unshielded foes, due to metal bullets' higher penetration through body armour.

It is also notable that the makers were largely influenced by the types of weapons of a previous Bungie Studios game, Marathon, while basing their design on the general characteristics of today's weapons. Though it may seem odd to think that humans would still be using the same basic weapon technology a half-millenia into the future, consider that all of the technology in the Halo universe is roughly equivalent to today's. The advances made in the game's universe seem to be largely improvements on the devices of today, which is actually not that strange, considering historical precedent. Five hundred years ago, the main weapons were guns and cannons, which are really just primitive rifles. The choice to give humans familiar technology was a deliberate act on the part of Bungie, and also you may notice that most of the human weapons use larger sized bullets for the type of gun compared to present day ammunitions. This is probably due to the fact that the Covenant have much more advanced armor and shielding systems. As the saying goes, "if it hurts, it works", and human weapons obviously still work. Credit must also be given to Human weapons for almost never breaking. In five novels and three games, not one Human weapon ever malfunctions. This is obviously another perk of the advanced technology.

The only true variation of human weaponry is that of the MAC guns and the gun of the Guass Warthog. To date, humans have not been able to energize magnets to the point to where a multi-ton piece of metal can be fired at 40% the speed of light.

Weapons usable on Halo:Combat Evolved

MA5B Assault rifle
M6D Pistol
M90 Shotgun
SRS99C-S2 AM Sniper Rifle
M19 SSM Rocket Launcher
M9 High-Explosive Dual-Purpose Grenade
M7057 Defoliant Projector (PC/MAC edition only)(Only Available in multiplayer)(Also Known as a Flamethrower)*
Plasma Rifle
Plasma Pistol
Needler
Fuel Rod Gun (PC/MAC edition only)(Only Available in multiplayer)*
LAAG machine gun
Shade(Stationary Turret)
Plasma Grenade

Weapons usable in Halo 2

BR55 Battle Rifle
SMG
M6C Magnum
Sniper Rifle
M68 Gauss Cannon (vehicle mounted)
M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun (vehicle mounted)
Rocket Launcher
Plasma Pistol
Plasma Rifle
Scarab Gun (secret)
Covenant Carbine
Beam Rifle
Brute Plasma Rifle
Brute Shot
Large Plasma Turret
Energy Sword
M247 General Purpose Machine Gun
Needler

Weapons usable in Halo 3

Covenant

Brute

UNSC

Forerunner

Sentinel Beam

Human Weapons list

See UNSC Weapons.

Covenant Weapons

The advanced technology( mainly plasma/energy based weapons/laser powered) of the Covenant has allowed for them to craft and field many weapons that are all extremely efficient at killing/wounding enemies . There are three dominant types of weapons used: Plasma/Energy weapons, Advanced projectiles and Primitive projectiles.

The Plasma/Energy weapons include the Plasma Rifle, Plasma Pistol, all forms of Plasma Turrets, and the Particle Beam Rifle. The first three fire super-heated bolts of plasma, which according to canon can cause third-degree burns even if they barely miss. A direct hit can result in grotesque burns and melting of flesh. The Beam Rifle fires pure matter at extreme speed and can punch through the thickest of targets, knocking off limbs and destroying weapons with ease. However, these energy-core weapons cannot be reloaded.

Advanced Covenant projectile weapons include the Covenant Carbine, Fuel Rod Gun, and the Needler. Both the Carbine and the Fuel Rod Gun fire highly radioactive projectiles, the former concentrating it in a needle-like lance and the latter in an explosive shell. If either weapon so much as wounds the target, acute radiation sickness can quickly cripple and kill. The Needler fires explosive rounds of unknown crystalline projectiles. If a hit is scored, the needles dig deep into the skin and detonate, severely maiming the flesh of the target and frequently ending its life.

Finally, the Primitive projectiles used by Covenant Brutes are not unlike Human weapons in function. The Brute Shot, Spike Rifle and Mauler are all capable of inflicting grotesque wounds and severe bleeding. The Brute Shot launches grenades that detonate on impact, and can be fired in very rapid succession. The Spiker rapidly fires red-hot blades, each about 6" long. The Mauler also fires short-range bits of high heat flak that can maim flesh and drop targets with ease. All of these are equipped with bayonets for use in CQB situations. Covenant weapons seem to be classified by the date either when they were first used, made, or seen in combat by UNSC forces, or from recorded Covenant files that have been found aboard captured enemy positions.

They may differ in technology, but their purpose is the same. All of this weaponry is used to inflict lethal wounds, strike fear in enemies of the Covenant, and win victory after victory in the name of the Great Journey.