Ok, so I was browsing through Halo 5 Easter Egg videos when I stumbled upon a video showing the Plasma Launcher in Warzone Firefight. Nothing wrong, many people know about that. However, there’s some things I don’t understand that got me wondering… Why didn’t 343 add it to the game?
For those unaware, the Plasma Launcher made a brief appearance in Warzone Firefight, I believe still in the Beta. It would appear under very specific circumstances. Wielded by an UngGoy in March on Stormbreak with a specific boss. When the player kills it, they can see that it has an actual 3rd person model, but upon picking it up, there would be no model, but would function very similarly to Halo Reach. The mechanics were there. 343 just needed to make a 1st person model and animations, fix some stuff and add it to the REQ pool.
I think it’s obvious they were working on it during Warzone Firefight’s development, like the Grenade Launcher and Sentinel Beam discovered by Gamecheat when the PC version came out, before the update that brought those weapons. The Plasma Launcher looked like it was following their path, but for some reason, 343 cut it completely.
I wonder what issues stopped them from adding it. Perhaps the game was too fast for the weapon’s nature? Would it be outperformed by any other weapon?
What are your thoughs on this and why do you think they cut it?
I think it’s possible that they didn’t have the time or resources to fully-develop the Plasma Launcher. A shame really, since it would’ve easily been one of the most fun and destructive weapons in the sandbox. We can hope for its appearance in Halo 6, so there’s that. 
maybe that’s why the plasma caster is in the game (a replacement to the plasma launcher)
> 2535429593088083;2:
> I think it’s possible that they didn’t have the time or resources to fully-develop the Plasma Launcher. A shame really, since it would’ve easily been one of the most fun and destructive weapons in the sandbox. We can hope for its appearance in Halo 6, so there’s that.
Yes, but since Warzone Firefight came before the update that brought the Grenade Launcher and Sentinel Beam, if they didn’t have time for Warzone Firefight, they could have pushed it to the Monitor’s Bounty or Anvil’s Legacy, along with the 2 said weapons (Don’t remember which update brought them). A true shame. I honestly think that it’s a bit far-fetched for it to make an appearance in Halo 6. One can hope tho
> 2533275003302531;3:
> maybe that’s why the plasma caster is in the game (a replacement to the plasma launcher)
Perhaps, that’s the reason. I had completely forgot about it.
> 2533275003302531;3:
> maybe that’s why the plasma caster is in the game (a replacement to the plasma launcher)
It’s probably 343’s way of reintroducing the Brute Shot, actually. They didn’t want to bring Brutes into Halo 5, so they just created a new Covenant weapon which functions quite similarly.
> 2535460550943257;6:
> > 2533275003302531;3:
> > maybe that’s why the plasma caster is in the game (a replacement to the plasma launcher)
>
> It’s probably 343’s way of reintroducing the Brute Shot, actually. They didn’t want to bring Brutes into Halo 5, so they just created a new Covenant weapon which functions quite similarly.
I don’t see how the Brute Shot and Plasma Caster function very similarly. Outside of being Covenant grenade launchers, they don’t have much overlap in terms of function. If anything the Plasma Caster is a modified reincarnation of the Plasma Launcher.
> 2535460550943257;6:
> > 2533275003302531;3:
> > maybe that’s why the plasma caster is in the game (a replacement to the plasma launcher)
>
> It’s probably 343’s way of reintroducing the Brute Shot, actually. They didn’t want to bring Brutes into Halo 5, so they just created a new Covenant weapon which functions quite similarly.
i don`t think in that way
> 2535460550943257;6:
> > 2533275003302531;3:
> > maybe that’s why the plasma caster is in the game (a replacement to the plasma launcher)
>
> It’s probably 343’s way of reintroducing the Brute Shot, actually. They didn’t want to bring Brutes into Halo 5, so they just created a new Covenant weapon which functions quite similarly.
Actually, I think they took the Concussion Rifle - which is similar in shape and function - and turned it into a different weapon that’s more versatile against troops and vehicles alike. Just my thoughts.
> 2535437652903765;7:
> > 2535460550943257;6:
> > > 2533275003302531;3:
> > > maybe that’s why the plasma caster is in the game (a replacement to the plasma launcher)
> >
> > It’s probably 343’s way of reintroducing the Brute Shot, actually. They didn’t want to bring Brutes into Halo 5, so they just created a new Covenant weapon which functions quite similarly.
>
> I don’t see how the Brute Shot and Plasma Caster function very similarly. Outside of being Covenant grenade launchers, they don’t have much overlap in terms of function. If anything the Plasma Caster is a modified reincarnation of the Plasma Launcher.
This.
> 2535429593088083;9:
> > 2535460550943257;6:
> > > 2533275003302531;3:
> > > maybe that’s why the plasma caster is in the game (a replacement to the plasma launcher)
> >
> > It’s probably 343’s way of reintroducing the Brute Shot, actually. They didn’t want to bring Brutes into Halo 5, so they just created a new Covenant weapon which functions quite similarly.
>
> Actually, I think they took the Concussion Rifle - which is similar in shape and function - and turned it into a different weapon that’s more versatile against troops and vehicles alike. Just my thoughts.
Yes I agree It looks just like a reskin of the Concussion Rifle it just shoots little Plasma Balls of death this time around.
Never knew that there was a plasma launcher.
Plasma launcher was added in reach as a very versatile mid to long ordnance weapon. Unlike the fuel rod which is more suited to anti infantry and light ground vehicles the plasma launcher could fit happily as anti infantry by firing one tracking round or multiple rounds for a larger area of effect, as well as being anti vehicle, launching tracking rounds at ground and air dealing decent damage. The fact that you had to charge before firing means it’s much more suited in support roles more so than purely attacking or defending but its high damage allows it destroy those who don’t see it coming.
The plasma caster is an anti infantry weapon, suited to clearing rooms and attacking around corners but its explosive nature and slight tracking when charged means it is viable for anti armour use. This weapon can be used in close and mid ranges in both attack and defend roles, making effective use of its fire rate groups of enemies can be easily dealt with. The nature of its charged rounds means that fast and mobile vehicles like ghosts, warthogs and air vehicles can easily avoid the explosives released from the initial detonation reducing its effectiveness but slowly vehicles can’t escape as easily. All in all in comparison the Plasma launcher is much more suited to anti vehicle roles whereas the caster is suited to infantry. The caster also has the advantage of being able to pick up ammo whereas the launcher is battery based
The concussion rifle of reach (and 4) is odd because it isn’t the most destructive weapon but can seriously push vehicles around. It has a slight advantage over the caster due to the extra round in the mag and the advantage of detonating on impact. The Concussion rifle can be used very aggressively, disrupting players movement and flipping vehicles, it also could block various rounds of weapons, protecting the user from gunfire if fired at the right angle and height. This weapon is more than capable of killing and in good hands will successfully cause some chaos, I’d say this weapon is suited for close to mid range combat and fits an aggressive support role through its disruptive nature.
The H3 brute shot fired linear rounds with limited range and by being a true brute weapon it had increased melee damage. This is the weakest iteration of a covenant grenade launcher as it requires 4 direct hits out of its 6 round magazine but due to the melee damage that’s understandable. This weapon, just like the concussion rifle that came after, can knock light vehicles around and disrupt their movement. All in all this gun was most effective as a close quarter anti infantry weapon and could be used aggressively, defensively or as support.
The H2 Brute shot was powerful, needing 2 rounds to kill and functioned like how the caster does now but with less arc. Being at a disadvantage with only 4 rounds it made up for this by its very high vehicle damage and melee bonus damage. This variation was very well suited to aggressive close to mid range combat and worked as both anti infantry and anti vehicle.
The grenade launcher of reach was the first human version to appear in the games. holding one round which detonates after bouncing or on impact with a player or vehicle. It was also the first human weapon that could EMP. Due to the tiny magazine it couldn’t be used aggressively like the others but worked greatly as a support weapon, it could also be used defensively as you could trap doorways with it. This weapon worked as both anti infantry and anti vehicle.
Sticky Detonator was a strange looking weapon but essentially worked like launch-able C4 and held it’s own motion tracker. This weapon didn’t need the player to hold the trigger but had limited flight range. It also couldn’t EMP like the reach launcher but could stick to just about anything. Although this weapon had enough power to take out light vehicles it worked better as a defensive anti infantry weapon, trapping doorways and corridors.
Hydra launcher functions like the plasma launcher but faster in fire rate and flight speed with half the damage. Unlike the plasma launcher however you need to be scoped in order to lock on. The hydra is great for anti infantry roles and is strong enough to take down light vehicles. Although it can I wouldn’t recommend trying to take on stronger vehicles as your bound to miss a couple rounds or be killed trying.
> 2533275003302531;3:
> maybe that’s why the plasma caster is in the game (a replacement to the plasma launcher)
Which is ten magnitudes of terribleness.
But I do agree, 343 wouldn’t add two of the same weapon.
Unless it’s Promethean.
> 2533275031935123;14:
> > 2533275003302531;3:
> > maybe that’s why the plasma caster is in the game (a replacement to the plasma launcher)
>
> Which is ten magnitudes of terribleness.
>
> But I do agree, 343 wouldn’t add two of the same weapon.
> Unless it’s Promethean.
I think the Plasma Caster and Plasma Launcher can coexist in a similar manner like the Spartan Laser and Railgun, being that they function very similar to each other, although one is obviously an anti-vehicle monster and the other is a general-purpose killing machine.
EDIT: How would you feel if a Plasma Launcher fired rounds similar to that of the White Scar? XD
I wouldn’t mind having it back, especially with the homing rounds.
> 2533275031935123;14:
> > 2533275003302531;3:
> > maybe that’s why the plasma caster is in the game (a replacement to the plasma launcher)
>
> Which is ten magnitudes of terribleness.
>
> But I do agree, 343 wouldn’t add two of the same weapon.
> Unless it’s Promethean.
which promethean weapon is repeated??
> 2533274857165616;13:
> Plasma launcher was added in reach as a very versatile mid to long ordnance weapon. Unlike the fuel rod which is more suited to anti infantry and light ground vehicles the plasma launcher could fit happily as anti infantry by firing one tracking round or multiple rounds for a larger area of effect, as well as being anti vehicle, launching tracking rounds at ground and air dealing decent damage. The fact that you had to charge before firing means it’s much more suited in support roles more so than purely attacking or defending but its high damage allows it destroy those who don’t see it coming.
>
> The plasma caster is an anti infantry weapon, suited to clearing rooms and attacking around corners but its explosive nature and slight tracking when charged means it is viable for anti armour use. This weapon can be used in close and mid ranges in both attack and defend roles, making effective use of its fire rate groups of enemies can be easily dealt with. The nature of its charged rounds means that fast and mobile vehicles like ghosts, warthogs and air vehicles can easily avoid the explosives released from the initial detonation reducing its effectiveness but slowly vehicles can’t escape as easily. All in all in comparison the Plasma launcher is much more suited to anti vehicle roles whereas the caster is suited to infantry. The caster also has the advantage of being able to pick up ammo whereas the launcher is battery based
That’s right. The Plasma Launcher is the Covenant’s answer to the Spartan Laser: A heavy weapon capable of destroying vehicles. It absolutely destroys Light and Air vehicles and heavily damages, perhaps can even destroy a Heavy vehicle, but struggled a bit with Infantry because they’re smaller and agile. But when you get stuck by one of it’s projectiles, you know that’s the moment. A beast and a good one at that. As HaXoR73 said, the Launcher is a vehicle’s bane and the Caster is a general-purpose.
Maybe because lore wise it is old technology to the covenant.
> 2533274805640921;19:
> Maybe because lore wise it is old technology to the covenant.
There’s older weapon right? Also, the Elite factions are now using whatever comes to their hands, using even upgraded, outdated ships, and since the Concussion Rifle is still produced by the Swords of Sanghelios, the Plasma Launcher shouldn’t be any different.