The most recognizable character in the Halo series is 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:the Master Chief, but players have ⛎gotten to kno👍w his weapons much more intimately over the years. After all, Halo features some of the most iconic weapons in gaming history to the point where Halo: Combat Evolved’s legendary pistol has become the stuff of video game legend.

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Part of the reason the Halo franchise is still around nearly two decades after making its debut as an Xbox launch title is that the core gunplay is so satisfying. However, Halo has also introduced dozens of𒁃 weapons over the years and not all of them have been winners. With this in mind, let’s take a look at Halo’s most powerful weapons.

Updated April 24, 2023 by Amanda Hurych: We've updated our list of the best weapons in the Halo series to include individual tables per entry of each weapon's playable appearances in the games. Please note the use of the word "playable." Yes, we know the Energy Sword appeared in the first Halo game, but you couldn't pick it up and use it against those invisible sword Elites, now could you?

15 Skewer

The Skewer is a powerhouse of a weapon introduced in Halo Infinite, with the ability to one-shot players and vehicles. However, it suffers from a major drawback. There's only one round per clip before you have to reload, and it takes a while to get another shot in. As a result, you're taking a gamble every time you fire it. If you hit a target, you'll be happily rewarded with a satisfying sound effect and one very wrecked opponent. But if you miss, you'll be left completely vulnerable during the reload animation.

14 ꦜ Plasma Pistol

You may be surprised to find this weapon claiming a spot in a ranking of Halo's best weapons. But the Plasma Pistol is a Halo mainstay because it’s the perfect set-up gun. An overcharged shot decimates an enemy’s shield, leaving them open for a quick headshot. It’s also a pretty effective anti-vehicle weapon, as a fully-charged blast temporarily stuns any vehicle it hits, leaving the occupants stuck and open to attack.

Sure, the Plasma Pistol’s ꦿutility is limited, but when you take into account its upside, it’s easy to understand why the Covenant 🅰makes these things standard-issue.

13 𓃲 Brute Shot

The Brute Shot is ൲one of Halo’s most uꦬnderrated weapons, but its power is undeniable. It’s basically an easier-to-use Rail Gun, as its grenades can be rapidly fired at unsuspecting enemies or vehicles.

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The grenades themselves aren’t super powerful, though. Depending on the game, it can take anywhere from 3-4 shots to put another player down. But the Brute Shot also has a devastating melee attac𝕴k that is beaten only by melee specific weapons such as the Plasma Sword and Gravity Hammer in terms of damage. A Brute Shot in the hands of any decently skilled player is a thing to be feared.

12 Fuel𒉰 Rod Cannon

The Fuel Rod Cannon puts the power of a Covenant Hunter in the palm of your hand. This weapon, in essence, is the Covenant equivalent to the UNSC Rocket Launcher. Its ammo capacity is larger than the Rocket Launcher, but the green plasma bursts that issue from the Fuel Rod can be erratic in desꦰtroying an opponent, frequently bouncing off of surfaces and only bringing down shields. However, with precise aiming and perhaps even using plasma ricochets to your advantage, the Fuel Rod Cannon is a mighty weap🌟on.

11 ꦇ Shock൩ Rifle

The Shock Rifle balances between being a pure utility weapon and one with high-damage output. It's like a strange cross between a Plasma Pistol and a Sniper Rifle. A headshot using a Shock Rifle can mean instant death for an enemy, but even a glancing shot means shields will be drained.

While diving through a multiplayer matc𒉰h in Halo Infinite, if one member of your team stands afar and shoots into a cluster of opponents with a Shock Rifle, even if they're not outright eliminating players, they're going to be doing fine work bringing shields down. And that's not even mentioning how incredibly satisfying it feels to fire it.

10 Graꦰvity H🌄ammer

First introduced in Halo 3, the Gravity Hammer is arguably the best melee weapon in terms of raw power. One swing can send an opponent flying across the map. ꩲLike the Energy Sword, it’s capable of one-hit kills, but its knockback ability gives it some crowd clearing utility. Bonus points for it being a ton of fun to hit enemies off ledges with. Add to the fact the Gravity Hammer can shred vehicles and even deflect Frag Grenades if timed right, and the weapon’s power is simply undeniable.

9 Needler

The Needler has proven to be one of Halo’s most controversial weapons over the years. This is mostly because you never know which version is going to🌳 show up in a given title. With the possible exception of the Pistol, no o✨ther Halo weapon has suffered from widely discrepant balance issues as much as the Needler.

While there is debate in the fan community, it’s generally accepted that Halo 3 and 4 had the most powerful Needlers🌄,𒊎 while Halo: CE and Reach’s iterations were less than great. Totally unique and fun to use, the Needler is an iconic Halo weapon that, when done right, ranks as one of the series’ most powerful.

8 Plasma Grena🐬de ℱ

In general, the UNSC weapons in Halo are better than the ones wielded by the Covenant. But if there’s one area of small arms fire the aliens have the humans beat at, it’s grenades. With its ability to stick to enemies and provide an instant kill, the Plasma Grenade is one of the most entertaining and useful weapons in not only Halo but all of gaming. There are few feelings more gratifying than landing a successful “stick” on another player. The Plasma Grenade's ability to just abolish vehicles is also a plus. Plasma Grenades are truly wondrous creations of mayhem.

7 SAW

Given the tough choice between the classic Assault Rifle and the SAW, you should pick the ✃SAW every time. Halo 4’s Promethean weapons may not have been great additiౠons to the Halo weapon sandbox, but the SAW may just be the best all-around gun introduced in that game.

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The SAW’s damage output is a step up from pretty much every other handheld automatic weapon, and it’s surprisingly accurate given how quickly iꦺt pumps out rounds. It’s that mix of high damage and relative stability that makes the SAW a weapon to be feared.

6 ♋ Energy Sword ও

When Halo 2 released, fans were eager to finally use the Energy Swords only teased in Combat Evolved🐽. No longer were they terrifying weapons in the hands of Elites chasing you down; they were viable tools Master Chief could use as well. At times, the Energy Sword has seemed like a broken weapon, with a far-reaching range that ensures an insta-kill. While some may complain about balancing issues, none can deny that the Energy Sword is one of the most powerful melee weapons in the Halo franchise.