Regarding the OP/UP weapons(BR, DMR)-READ OP-

Games Other Halo
1

There are two arguments regarding the two most popular weapons in Halo 4. One is that the BR is under-powered, and the other is that the DMR is overpowered. This is a very persistent argument and I think it needs to be addressed more thoroughly, and there needs to be a thread mainly for suggestions to fix this problem.

Lets lay down some rules here before we go on about this - since I know that it is a rather sensitive topic (for some reason), and it generally starts arguments about peoples’ accuracy and strafing/Gandhi hopping skillz. Lets just agree to not jump to conclusions about other people’s skill levels, and actually discuss the weapons themselves.

First off, since there are two arguments here, I am going to state which one I think is the problem. To me, the BR seems to be the issue here, and is the weapon that needs to be changed majorly whatsoever. This weapon seems like its almost useless compared to the other precision rifles even where its main “niche” is supposed to be, medium/short range.

When comparing this weapon to the DMR, it seems like it becomes completely useless to say that the BR has any place on the battlefield with it. Why would you use the BR when you have a weapon that shoots just as fast, kills just as fast, has more shots in a magazine(this is in comparison to the BR’s 12 bursts, and the DMR’s 14 rounds in a magazine), and is 20x more accurate? Why would you use the BR for short range, when you have a weapon that does just as well, if not better, at close range, and does infinitely more times better at long range. Using the DMR basically prepares you for all situations on the battlefield, whether it be short, medium or long range.

What are some ways to fix this problem? What can we do to make the BR better, and to put it on a more even playing field with the other weapons? I have a few ideas that may help to do just that.

  1. Make the BR a 4-shot again. -

As a counter balance(meaning, a negative effect), the aim assist on the BR should be decreased slightly(by around 1/5 or 1/4 of what it currently is) so that it isn’t just uber rape at long range. The BR will perform perfectly in the ranges it is meant to perform at, while lacking the spread and aim assist help at long range, making it tougher to take someone down. The spread could be raised slightly as a counter balance as well, but I dont think that is as good as an idea as the aim assist decrease.

  1. Increase the fire rate on the BR by 15%. -

As a counter balance, as said before, the aim assist should be dropped a bit, or the spread should increase slightly.

  1. Increase the DMR’s bloom effect. -

This is not a suggested fix, but it is a possible change that would balance the DMR to the other weapons. The bloom effect shouldn’t be as ad as it was in Reach, but it should be increased a significant amount from what it currently is.

Well, that’s really all of the suggestions I have to present to you. You’re free to debate which one is the best thing to do, or whether or not they are even needed. Please keep any flaming to a minimum, and refrain from insulting other people’s accuracy or other gun skills as stated before. Feel free to suggest possible fixes to this problem if you like!

Also, here is a video in which I discuss this problem if you want to watch it - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXSVm-agVEM&feature=plcp

2

Your “argument” is correct, but your solution is flawed.

The only things they need to do is make the DMR’s rate of fire slower so it’s role is long range combat, with decent performance mid range. The carbine’s damage also needs to be buffed.

As for the light rifle, not sure but that’s a story for another day. Right now we need to balance the BR+Carbine with the DMR and an easy solution is reducing the rate of fire for the DMR.

The whole idea of a “choice” is what is best for THE MAP. A BTB map, I will opt for a DMR+LR. A slayer map (4v4/5v5 map), everyone will want either a BR or Carbine. Due to the nerfed rate of fire of the DMR, no one would bother using it since it’s not ideal FOR THE MAP.

People are trying to make that each starting rifle should be balanced for EVERY map. No, it needs to be balanced for the SIZE of the map. You need to make a conscious decision for the rifle you want to use in each map. In this case, everyone uses the DMR because it excels WAYYYY to far in every SIZED map.

The BR and Carbine needs to be the superior weapon for 4v4/5v5 sized maps. Big team battle maps, people need to use the DMR and LR.

The size of the map is what matters the most.

Also, reducing the rate of fire of the DMR will allow it to not be chosen on 4v4/5v5 maps and make it more balanced on bigger maps where you don’t get have a chance to run away from “sniper-like” shots across the map.

3

Both good points but my solution would be for a patch to make the DMR not hitscan as I feel that’s what makes it insanely powerful compared to other gun.

4

I agree BR should be a 4 shot, DMR would still beat it long range…BR would then actually have the advantage mid rang…close range DMR shoots faster so it would be even. Sounds fair in theory to me.

5

I see no such issue. BR and DMR are different and each have their pros and cons. I can see that maybe people are trying to use the BR as if it’s still top dog trying to take down DMR players outside of the BR’s range. This is what I believe to be the issue.

I have no problem using the BR and for a bit there it was my favorite weapon.

6

> Your “argument” is correct, but your solution is flawed.
>
> The only things they need to do is make the DMR’s rate of fire slower so it’s role is long range combat, with decent performance mid range. The carbine’s damage also needs to be buffed.
>
> As for the light rifle, not sure but that’s a story for another day. Right now we need to balance the BR+Carbine with the DMR and an easy solution is reducing the rate of fire for the DMR.
>
> The whole idea of a “choice” is what is best for THE MAP. A BTB map, I will opt for a DMR+LR. A slayer map (4v4/5v5 map), everyone will want either a BR or Carbine. Due to the nerfed rate of fire of the DMR, no one would bother using it since it’s not ideal FOR THE MAP.
>
> People are trying to make that each starting rifle should be balanced for EVERY map. No, it needs to be balanced for the SIZE of the map. You need to make a conscious decision for the rifle you want to use in each map. In this case, everyone uses the DMR because it excels WAYYYY to far in every SIZED map.
>
> The BR and Carbine needs to be the superior weapon for 4v4/5v5 sized maps. Big team battle maps, people need to use the DMR and LR.
>
> The size of the map is what matters the most.
>
> Also, reducing the rate of fire of the DMR will allow it to not be chosen on 4v4/5v5 maps and make it more balanced on bigger maps where you don’t get have a chance to run away from “sniper-like” shots across the map.

Very good point here. I didn’t even think of it!

You are right, it does seem to be a “weapon to map size” issue. Your suggested fix is quite possible, and seems like it would be one of the better solutions to this problem.

7

> I see no such issue. BR and DMR are different and each have their pros and cons. I can see that maybe people are trying to use the BR as if it’s still top dog trying to take down DMR players outside of the BR’s range. This is what I believe to be the issue.
>
> I have no problem using the BR and for a bit there it was my favorite weapon.

They are different in the aspect that one excels in all ranges, and on all maps, and the other excels specifically in a specific size of map and specific ranges.

8

The BR has recoil, spread, it needs to land all 3 of the bullets in each burst to be effective, has less range, etc.

The DMR has almost no bloom, no recoil, only has a single bullet, has the ability to be effective at all ranges, and is easier to get headshots with.

EITHER THE BR NEEDS SOME SORT OF BUFF OR THE DMR NEEDS SOME SORT OF NERF.

9

> I see no such issue. BR and DMR are different and each have their pros and cons. I can see that maybe people are trying to use the BR as if it’s still top dog trying to take down DMR players outside of the BR’s range. This is what I believe to be the issue.
>
> I have no problem using the BR and for a bit there it was my favorite weapon.

What BR pros are you talking about besides maybe headshot sweeping…

10

> I agree BR should be a 4 shot, DMR would still beat it long range…BR would then actually have the advantage mid rang…close range DMR shoots faster so it would be even. Sounds fair in theory to me.

I have tested it out in custom games with the damage modifier set up to 110% to make the BR a 4-shot. It seemed like it worked in a 1v1. We have yet to set up a larger custom game and view the results.

Check the video for weapon spread comparison and 1v1 long range shooting.

11

> I see no such issue. BR and DMR are different and each have their pros and cons. I can see that maybe people are trying to use the BR as if it’s still top dog trying to take down DMR players outside of the BR’s range. This is what I believe to be the issue.
>
> I have no problem using the BR and for a bit there it was my favorite weapon.

Hell it’s still my favorite weapon. :slight_smile:

12

> Hell it’s still my favorite weapon. :slight_smile:

The BR was my favorite weapon. Then I realized that I shouldn’t be doing an injustice to myself by using a weapon that is not as good.

13

> > Hell it’s still my favorite weapon. :slight_smile:
>
> The BR was my favorite weapon. Then I realized that I shouldn’t be doing an injustice to myself by using a weapon that is not as good.

Your call but I have no problem getting just as many kills with it as the DMR.

14

> > > Hell it’s still my favorite weapon. :slight_smile:
> >
> > The BR was my favorite weapon. Then I realized that I shouldn’t be doing an injustice to myself by using a weapon that is not as good.
>
> Your call but I have no problem getting just as many kills with it as the DMR.

Probably because you are not playing against people of equal skill level. You are on a less “base” skill level by using the BR over the DMR.

15

Bumpit

16

I completely agree with this post, and the 1st comment. Something needs to be done. I use the BR, and it’s my “Favorite Weapon” on my Service Record. I’m sure I’d have a lot more fun being able to use the gun the way it’s supposed to be used. I then switched to the DMR and realized I was just hurting myself/my record for using the BR. The DMR EXTREMELY over powers the BR.

17

> I completely agree with this post, and the 1st comment. Something needs to be done. I use the BR, and it’s my “Favorite Weapon” on my Service Record. I’m sure I’d have a lot more fun being able to use the gun the way it’s supposed to be used. I then switched to the DMR and realized I was just hurting myself/my record for using the BR. The DMR EXTREMELY over powers the BR.

This issue is kinda ruining the game for me. And thanks for sharing your experience and opinion.

18

> This weapon seems like its almost useless compared to the other precision rifles even where its main “niche” is supposed to be, medium/short range.

Forget that a carbine is a precision rifle?

19

> Your “argument” is correct, but your solution is flawed.
>
> The only things they need to do is make the DMR’s rate of fire slower so it’s role is long range combat, with decent performance mid range. The carbine’s damage also needs to be buffed.
>
> As for the light rifle, not sure but that’s a story for another day. Right now we need to balance the BR+Carbine with the DMR and an easy solution is reducing the rate of fire for the DMR.
>
> The whole idea of a “choice” is what is best for THE MAP. A BTB map, I will opt for a DMR+LR. A slayer map (4v4/5v5 map), everyone will want either a BR or Carbine. Due to the nerfed rate of fire of the DMR, no one would bother using it since it’s not ideal FOR THE MAP.
>
> People are trying to make that each starting rifle should be balanced for EVERY map. No, it needs to be balanced for the SIZE of the map. You need to make a conscious decision for the rifle you want to use in each map. In this case, everyone uses the DMR because it excels WAYYYY to far in every SIZED map.
>
> The BR and Carbine needs to be the superior weapon for 4v4/5v5 sized maps. Big team battle maps, people need to use the DMR and LR.
>
> The size of the map is what matters the most.
>
> Also, reducing the rate of fire of the DMR will allow it to not be chosen on 4v4/5v5 maps and make it more balanced on bigger maps where you don’t get have a chance to run away from “sniper-like” shots across the map.

There’s one major problem with this solution, too. If not for the rate of fire of the DMR right now absolutely no one would be getting kills. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve encountered this problem with the slower firing LightRifle. By the time I get to the kill shot the target will have been long gone from my sights.

Specially with inbuilt sprint and every player basically glued to cover, a slower RoF DMR would only mean longer dragged out games. It’s fine as it is, the only solution I see is to bring back bloom.

20

NEVER make the over powered weapon less powerful/effective, always make the under powered weapon better! If you do the former all your doing is making the game suck a little bit at a time. Nerfing good guns is call of dutys department coz they’re too lazy to make all the other ones better