Now I know what you may be thinking. Oh boy, here we go with another one of those “nerf/buff” posts, and believe me, you may be correct in thinking that. But this is one part of the Halo 5 sandbox I really believe needs to be addressed. For quite some time now, I’ve been quite frustrated with how the Plasma Pistol functions in Halo 5. The weapon’s primary semi-automatic firing mode is thankfully, more effective than it’s previous Halo 4 counterpart. However, the weapon’s secondary “overcharge” firing mode is seemingly more advanced than it has ever been. And that leads us to the root of the problem.
It would appear that all too often, players forget that the Plasma Pistol is exactly that; a pistol. Focusing instead quite heavily on the aforementioned “overcharge” function. Using it to disable vehicles, and many times energy shielding, leaving opponents vulnerable to precision headshots. And while this primary function certainly is capable of killing, (in a good 9 shots if I may add) the weapon is never used in this way. Why? Why if the weapon is perfectly capable without the use of its EMP effect? The reason is because any weapon in the Halo 5 sandbox is in every way, a more viable and effective solution to defeating an opposing Spartan than attempting to use a Plasma Pistol’s primary firing function. And that wherein is where my frustrations originate.
Let’s take a look at the other two “pistols” Halo 5 has to offer, the Magnum, and the Boltshot. Both weapons are quite effective at dispatching enemy Spartans, both weapons are essentially, classified as pistols, and yet, their Covenant-crafted sister fails to accomplish what they can. Consistent kills. Now that I’ve outlined the issues plaguing the Halo 5 Plasma Pistol, what solutions, exactly would fix this lackluster weapon? The answer, of which I have two, is simple.
Increase rate of fire, decrease heat generated per shot. Time to kill remains the same (Preferred)
Increase damage per shot. (Effectively 6-7 bolts to kill)
Additionally, if need be, the overcharge range and tracking may need to be toned down to ensure the primary function receives a fair bit of use. It is however not a necessity.
In conclusion, if plasma based weapons such as the Storm Rifle are so effective at eliminating the opposition, then why is the Plasma Pistol any different? If Tier 2 weapons such as the Lightrifle are so effective at killing, then why is a Tier 2 weapon like the Plasma Pistol any different? If both the Boltshot and Magnum pistols are consistent killers, why is the Plasma Pistol any different? I believe either of the above options will truly cement this Plasma Pistol as a powerful and useful weapon in the Halo 5 sandbox, not only because of its secondary “overcharge” firing mode but also because of it’s primary semi-auto firing mode.
Thank you.
TL;DR The Plasma Pistol needs a buff to it’s semi-auto fire because the weapon can’t compete with any of the weapons in Halo 5’s sandbox.