Preface: obviously, 343 is too far in development for this to be actually implemented (not that they should take any stock in what a single fan says). However, I think that we as a fan base have done a poor job clarifying what we want in a sandbox other than a unique role for each gun. I would like to start a discussion as to what this would look like in each of your ideal Halo games if you could create a custom sandbox. I am basing my sandbox off of a CE style movement system without dual-wielding. With that said, here are my opinions.
Starting with the weapons introduced in CE:
Magnum - Honestly, I see the BR as the preferable precision weapon. I not only like the burst, but think that a rifle simply makes more sense in terms of standard UNSC infantry use than a high-powered pistol. I would implement an H3 style magnum just so that the iconic magnum would remain in game.
Plasma Pistol - I was a fan of the Reach plasma pistol the most, but think that the honing shots were a bit too accurate. Maybe a mix between H3 and Reach?
AR - The CE AR was magnificent. However, I can definitely see why Bungie decreased the ammo count. Happy medium of 44 rounds?
SPNKR - Perfection
Sniper Rifle - Although I find 2x and 8x zoom to be comparatively useful, I believe that the sniper truly stands on its own when kitted out with 5x and 10x zoom. This prevents it from crossing into standard precision weapon territory.
Shotgun - H2’s shotgun has a rate of fire and tube capacity that are quite easy to use in corridors with multiple enemies. I think that the 6 shell shotguns are more balanced, but honestly don’t care too much in this case.
Needler - The H3 needler was a mess. Little tracking meant this weapon was close to useless in all but very specific medium range combat situations. Any of the other games’ needlers are acceptable.
Plasma Rifle - CE hit this nail on the head.
H2 Weapons:
Battle Rifle - While I understand that some may think the BR leads to a single weapon sandbox, I disagree. It is simply a weapon that balances out the playing field. Halo has always been regarded as a high skill ceiling game (which it should be). However, the frustration of dying before you are able to explore the map to find decent weapons is something many a noob has to deal with. In addition, the idea of being forced to create custom games solely to find firearms is one that many new comers do not have the patience for. Halo as a community has struggled to appeal to players outside its established base, and removing utility weapons would only make things worse.
Energy Sword - The range of the lunge is infuriating, but obviously not unnecessary in some cases. Otherwise, it has every right to stay in the games.
SMG - Without duel wielding, the SMG is conflicting with the AR. I honestly prefer it to the AR, but if one has to go, the AR is far more iconic. Reluctantly kicked.
Beam Rifle - IF the Covenant have to have a sniper, I believe the focus rifle with tweaks would be a far more unique weapon.
Brute Shot - Mixed feelings on this one. The brute shot sure is fun, but has a very specific role to play.
Covenant Carbine - So this is actually one of my favorite weapons in the series. Unfortunately, it just attempts to be a Covenant alternative to the BR. Probably scrapped.
Sentinel Beam - I can’t stand any of the H5 Promethean weapons, so I guess I’d be O.K. with knights being equipped with these.
Fuel Rod - Fine for campaign.
H3:
Missile Pod - Pretty useless.
Chaingun - Also pretty useless, but kinda iconic at this point. Too fun to get rid of
Flamethrower - Only in Flood missions.
Spartan Laser - Plays a pretty different role in PvP than the rocket launcher. I don’t personally like it, but I’d keep it anyway.
Spiker - Just a plasma rifle mod. Toss it.
Mauler - Meh. Maybe convert it into a Reach Evolved eviscerator.
Gravity Hammer - Interesting energy sword alternative without being too similar.
ODST:
Nothing new but silenced magnums and SMGs.
Reach:
DMR - Worse version of the BR.
Reach Grenade Launcher - Fresh, but really bad.
Plasma Repeater - Plasma rifle is just better. Tbh, wouldn’t mind slapping the venting feature on the plasma rifle though.
Needle Rifle - Cool concept, but why use precision needle rounds? The advantages of using either conflict.
Focus Rifle - See beam rifle.
Target Locator - Interesting way to mix things up in the campaign. That’s pretty much it.
Concussion Rifle & Plasma Launcher - I think the plasma caster made these two obsolete.
H4:
Sticky detonator - I guess its a bit different than the plasma caster, but not enough to make it worthwhile.
Storm Rifle - Ugly plasma rifle.
Scattershot - Promethean shotgun. C’mon guys. Come up with something.
SAW - I like the idea of an LMG in Halo, but this was poorly executed. Maybe something like Fuze’s LMG in R6S?
Railgun - Why was this necessary? Just increase the charge speed of the spartan laser…
Light Rifle - Nope.
Suppressor - Nope.
Boltshot - H4 version is definitely more creative than the H5 version. Crawlers need something I suppose.
Binary Rifle - I don’t think we need more than two sniper rifles in the game, so either the binary rifle gets scrapped, or the Covenant don’t get one.
Incinerator Cannon - Prometheans need weapons that do things differently. 343 could have done a lot better with these.
H5:
HYDRA - Lock-on, automatic rocket launcher? NO.
Hunter Arms - Rework necessary.
Plasma Caster - My favorite addition from 343.
Final Results:
Staying
BR
Magnum (H3)
Plasma pistol
Plasma rifle
AR
Sniper rifle
Rocket Launcher
Energy sword
Shotgun
Gravity hammer
Plasma caster
Spartan Laser
Campaign Only
Sentinel Beam
Fuel Rod
Gravity hammer
Boltshot
Everything else is either scrapped or reworked. Please tell me yours down below!