In the latest update about Halo Infinite, 343 Industries confirms that certain classic Halo weapons wouldn't be returning for the open-world sequel. Halo Infinite had its gameplay debut earlier this month at the Xbox Games Showcase, and fans have been deeply analyzing every frame of gameplay released since then. The footage was criticized for a perceived lack of visual quality that was later explained away by a mixture of lighting difficulties and a return to a more "classic" aesthetic. However, one thing fans were excited about was the multiple new weapons shown off in the trailer. Earlier today, the developer revealed that those newer variations come at the cost of some old favorites.
Of course, that's not the first time this happened in Halo history. Each new game in the franchise has altered the available weaponry significantly. In the most recent game before Halo Infinite, 2015's Halo 5: Guardians, the classic M41 SPANKR Rocket Launcher and the Type-25 Plasma Rifle were replaced with functionally identical weapons that had a less over the top look. Of course, by the end of Halo 5: Guardians' lifespan, both original designs had returned to the sandbox and reclaimed their rightful spots on most multiplayer maps.
In the latest community update on Halo Waypoint, 343 Industries confirmed that the Bulldog shotgun and Sidekick pistol seen in the game's campaign gameplay would replace the classic Magnum and Tactical Shotgun seen in past Halo titles. The Sidekick is described as a true sidearm comparable to the Halo 2 Magnum, a weapon that you only want to use in emergency situations. This is a big change from Halo 5: Guardians, which featured a scoped pistol that could score headshots and take out foes in a pinch. The Halo 2 Magnum was basically a peashooter by comparison, so it's a telling statement to make.
However, Master Chief's pistol has pretty much changed in every new adventure, so that's nothing new. The shotgun is a much bigger shock to the system, as that weapon has functioned the same ever since Halo: Combat Evolved. The new shotgun, named the Bulldog, has a drum magazine that provides a higher rate of fire. This comes in exchange for slightly lower damage than the traditional Halo shotgun. The Tactical Shotgun had a longer range than most video game boomsticks, and it's likely that this will be toned down with the Bulldog as well.
Considering the weapons that 343 added to Halo 5: Guardians over time and the purported lifespan of Halo Infinite, it's almost guaranteed that other shotgun and pistol options will come over time, but it's still a huge game-changer for Halo veterans. The unique shotgun is right up there with the SPANKR rocket launcher in terms of iconic weapons in the series. If 343 is willing to change that, it will be interesting to see what other changes come to the arsenal as more of Halo Infinite is revealed. At least Halo fans everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the Needler is still rocking on the sidelines, providing a constant threat of death via a purple explosion that will never get old.
Halo Infinite will release on Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC in 2020.
Source: Halo Waypoint