As we continue to wait for news I wanted to take a minute to go through what we know about the Halo Infinite sandbox and how they may fit into the larger Halo sandbox.
Starting with the UNSC weapons we have:
Assault Rifle: Seems to function more or less the same as most later AR variants. Given we haven’t seen any sign of the SMG or SAW(to my knowledge), if the AR is going to be the dedicated bullet hose, I kind of hope they give the AR the full CE treatment with 60round magazines and the high rate of fire.
Battle Rifle: The BR has remained largely consistent throughout the Halo series, likely going to remain a very versatile precision weapon and is probably going to be a common starting weapon if not the starting weapon.
Sidekick: Aesthetics aside, I don’t mind that it seems to be filling that Halo 2 Magnum/Gunfighter Magnum role as a close range oriented precision weapon, I only hope they don’t take the “sidearm” idea too far and make it a complete throwaway weapon.
Commando: Auto weapon with a 3X scope. Unsure of how it is going to fit into the larger sandbox. Something like the ODST SMG? Perhaps even a marksman weapon ala something like the Bozar for the Fallout fans out there?
Bulldog: A new shotgun intended to be a shotgun that isn’t a power weapon. Less powerful than the OG shotty, but more common. I can understand the frustration with the loss of the OG shotgun, I do appreciate the potential for the bulldog to give the Sword some breathing room. From what I could tell it seemed to have better range than most shotguns post CE but its hard to say.
Hydra: Presumably still a lock on weapon, though personally I wouldn’t mind seeing it be player guided ala Ad Victoriam rather than fire and forget but that’s just me.
Rockets: Classic SPNKR returning, personally I hope that rockets are always unguided since the Hydra will be returning, I would prefer the Lock on weapon be kept to a minimum.
Sniper Rifle: I can’t imagine it has changed all that much from previous incarnations. Though I do hope the aim assist and magnetism were toned down.
Frag grenade: Wasn’t exactly clear from the gameplay reveal, possibly CE style frags where they must come to a complete stop before detonating?
Banished
Plasma Pistol: Humble green gun returns, I do hope the single shots are still dangerous ala CE, Reach, Halo 5 rather than the peashooters of Halo 2/3.
Needler: Fear the Pink Mist. Can’t imagine it has changed all that much, but I do hope supercombines are nerfed so that it takes multiple supercombines to kill stronger enemies rather than just making some enemies effectively immune to it.
Pulse Carbine: Despite the name it appears to be filling in the Plasma/Storm Rifle niche rather than the Carbine, seems to have relatively little spread. If it functions more or less like a burst fire CE Plasma Rifle I would be very happy.
Mangler: I question where exactly this weapon fits in with 343’s stated goal of removing redundancy within the sandbox. From what I can tell it trades the rate of fire of the sidekick for higher damage but otherwise seems to fit in that same “close range precision weapon” mold. Almost as if we had both the Halo 2 and Halo 3 Magnum in the same game. I hope that I’m proven wrong. Bayonet.
Ravager: Seems to be fill that mid-tier explosive niche formerly occupied by weapons like the Brute shot/Concussion rifle. Has apparently changed since the E3 reveal to become an “area denial” weapon. Brings back the vent mechanic from Reach. Bayonet.
Skewer: Some type of Anti-armor weapon. Perhaps taking the place of the Railgun? Bayonet.
Shock Rifle: Some sort of electric/EMP weapon? Possibly related to the stun grenade we saw in the post reveal trailer? Bayonet.
Stalker Rifle: Largely unknown, packaged with a Jackal so possibly a Carbine or Beam Rifle replacement?
Energy Sword: Swish swish stab. I personally hope they bring back Halo 3 style sword clashes.
Gravity Hammer: Practically a given, I just hope to see more of it in BTB scenarios. I also would prefer a Halo 3 style hammer where the pulse does less damage but flings vehicles and players around a lot more.
Disruptor?: Forerunner or Banished weapon? Outside of being some sort of energy weapon pistol it is hard to say.
Plasma Grenade: Stickies are back, wouldn’t mind them keeping the blinding characteristic from Halo 5.
Spike Grenade: Another part of the sandbox I am curious about. Fuse time seems pretty long and didn’t seem to insta-kill enemies like they used to. Not really sure how they are going to change it up so it doesn’t feel like a brute themed plasma grenade.
If I missed anything that isn’t part of a leak let me know. I am curious to see other people’s thoughts on the sandbox so far aside ignoring some more controversial changes like the lack of the OG Magnum and shotgun. Happy with what you’ve seen so far? Disappointed? Any hopes you have for how each of these weapons are going to function?
For my part I think the Infinite sandbox has potential to bring us the most diverse and least redundant sandbox since CE if done right(despite some of my misgivings) and at least on paper that seems to be 343’s goal. So fingers crossed.