Does anyone know the secret to getting kills with the needler? I noticed that most of the time when I encounter a needler I die extremely quicky. And there have been a couple times when I got a combine explosion with it and got kills quickly but it seems like a majority of the time I unload an entire needle clip and the enemy never dies.
I’m assuming you know about the basics, such that the needles only lock on a home when fired with a red reticule.
Other than that, it works best as a surprise weapon. Catch your targets from behind or the side from a bit of a distance. Or surprise them with Camo, or Hologram.
And remember to conserve ammo. I’ve got a habit to fire off the entire clip until the target is dead but that is extremely wasteful of needles, and possibly damming should the target dodge the first salvo.
Lead your enemy just like the suppressor or storm rifle.
> Lead your enemy just like the suppressor or storm rifle.
Lead slightly, reticule has to remain in “contact” with the target for the needles to home.
I try to use it close because that gives me a bigger chance to stay locked on. As sais before, it really helps if they don’t know you’re there.
Use it when they are out in the open/can’t get to cover. If they get to cover, the supercombine may not occur.
I honestly have no tips, I just destroy people with it for some reason. Also try using the ammo upgrade, I was able to get an overkill with one Needler ordinance.
The best thing to do is definitely just get them while they’re in the open. If they can go into cover, you’re basically just wasting ammo. Oh, it also works great against people using the jetpack!
> The best thing to do is definitely just get them while they’re in the open. If they can go into cover, you’re basically just wasting ammo. Oh, it also works great against people using the jetpack!
It also works extremely well if YOU use a jetpack. One thing to remember too is not to waste ammo, if you know you have the kill it only takes a burst.
The individual needles last long enough so don’t go around holding down RT…
Oh and stay in it’s niche range, I think it has bullet drop.
It’s best to lead your shot, and use it to kill enemies that are either out in the open with no cover around, or trapped with nowhere to go.
As for how long to kill, I’ve found myself firing off about half a clip and still getting a Supercombine with it. I don’t know the exact amount of needles it takes to kill, though.
It’s very much so a niche weapon, so don’t go trying to use it in uber close ranges, and ridiculously long ranges. Well, you could try, you just won’t have much success. 
It is very ineffective in close range. Use it at medium range and you will be surprised by how effective it is.