Weapon Sandbox #5: Tier 1 Sidearms (2/3)

Games Halo Infinite
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Main Thread: https://forums.halowaypoint.com/t/an-expanded-and-reimagined-halo-infinite-weapon-sandbox/540009

M6 MAGNUM
There have been many variants of the M6 Magnum throughout Halo, but Halo Infinite is the first game to not feature one. It may not be the most popular choice, but my vote for an M6 Magnum would be something similar to the M6G series. Basically a mix of Halo 3 and Halo Reach, a slower RPM and TTK (like Halo 3), but a 2x zoom for use at mid range (like Halo Reach). I think if the M6 Magnum is properly implemented it could be the default secondary weapon in BTB. Theoretically, it would have a slightly faster TTK than the BR75 (specifically when it comes to body shots) however it would be less precise (therefore less lethal over mid range) and it would also have a smaller ammo capacity in comparison.

ANALYSIS

  • Optimal TTK: +1.65s (4 shield, 1 crit)
  • Suboptimal TTK: +2.35s (4 shield, 3 body)
  • Fire Mode: Semi-Auto (~180 RPM)
  • Ammo: Kinetic (Ballistic), 10 Rounds
  • Range: Mid, 2x Zoom (Descope)
  • Notes: Default Secondary in BTB.

VARIANT: CE MAGNUM
Increased damage but decreased bullet velocity.

MANGLER
The Mangler packs a heavy punch, but it’s slow rate of fire combined with projectile lag & drop make it a difficult weapon to use. The ranked community will claim it is OP with its drop combo, however in every other game mode you’d really be reaching for a reason to trade out your AR or Sidekick for a Mangler, especially if you are a casual player. The Mangler needs a little extra something.

From Halopedia: Spikes are capable of piercing armor and flesh, in some cases even capable of pinning a target against an object behind them. It would be cool if the death animations incorporated this somehow, literally pinning ragdolled spartans to objects. Additionally, playing off the ability for spikes to immobilize targets I think it would be interesting if Spike weaponry knocked players out of Sprint, giving the Mangler a little more function.

ANALYSIS

  • Optimal TTK: +1.35s (2 shield, 1 crit)
  • Suboptimal TTK: +1.85s (2 shield, 2 crit)
  • SK Combo TTK: +1.10s
  • Fire Mode: Semi-Auto (~120 RPM)
  • Ammo: Kinetic (Spike), 8 Spikes
  • Range: Short (Projectile Lag & Drop), S-Link (Recoil)
  • Notes: Knocks enemies out of Sprint, pins ragdolled enemies to objects (death animation).

VARIANT: MAULER
Fires a spread of Spikes that deal more damage at the cost of range.

Note: Information in the ANALYSIS sections are pulled from various sources, it may or may not be correct… it is just there to provide additional information for how balancing could look.

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Honestly, since the Great Mangler Nerf, I’d just make the it’s “variant” the Season 1 Mangler. Higher melee damage, capable of the melee → body shot combo. Or vice versa. That melee ability was emergent gameplay that became the Mangler’s niche whether 343 liked it or not.

The other option is to take a page out of Overwatch’s book. Are you familiar with McCree? He carries a revolver and can either fire single rounds or do that old west quickdraw thing where cowboys would fire all of their rounds in a split second. Maybe some thing like that, but it wastes the entire mag?

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That’s kind’ve what I’m going for with a spread that deals more damage instead of a “slug”.

I think the current Mangler variant just fires a burst so it’s basically like that, but a spread instead of a burst.

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Gotcha. Guess I over thought it a bit. :sweat_smile: