Microsoft Game Studios - Halo: Combat Evolved for Windows

Covenant Weapons

Be aware of the weapons the Covenant use since you can pick up and use any that you find by walking over them when you see them lying on the ground. The Covenant seem more vulnerable to these weapons, so take advantage of this weakness whenever possible.

The Fuel Rod Gun is a single-shot repeating ballistic weapon employed by the Covenant. Its rounds detonate on impact, creating enough force to invert smaller vehicles. The source of the rounds is not known at this time. We do not know the dangers associated with prolonged exposure to this weapon.

The Plasma Pistol is a semi-automatic directed energy weapon. If you pull and hold the weapon's trigger it may become overcharged; when you release the trigger the overcharged bolt is launched. After the bolt is launched the weapon temporarily stops functioning and it dumps waste heat. Use of the over-charge capability rapidly depletes the weapon's power core. We currently do not understand how to replace or re-charge a power core.

Core power output:
100-150 Kv @ 2-3 dA
Overcharge power output:
1.5 Mv @ 2-3 dA

Note: This weapon will deplete its energy source as you use it. It is wise to replace it as often as possible.

Very little is known about the Needler other than that it is a magazine-fed weapon capable of automatic fire. Its projectiles penetrate soft targets no matter what the angle of impact. They ricochet off hard surfaces at oblique angles, however, and are always deflected by energy fields, the only exceptions to this being the shields generated by the MJOLNIR battle suit and the Elite's combat armor. The composition and energy signature of its projectile is unknown. The manner in which the projectiles home in on their target is also unknown.

The Plasma Rifle is a directed energy weapon. It is capable of either semiautomatic or automatic fire. Continuous rapid fire overheats the weapon; this in turn depletes the weapon's power core. We currently do not understand how to replace or recharge a power core.

Core power output:
100-150 Kv @ 2-3 dA
Rate of Fire:
420 to 600 RD/MIN

Note: This weapon will deplete its energy source as you use it. It is wise to replace it as often as possible.

Human Weapons

The MA5B Assault Rifle is gas-operated and magazine-fed. It fires 7.62mm armor-piercing rounds. Rate of fire is limited by a soldier's ability to aim, fire and change magazines. Short, controlled bursts are more accurate than fully automatic fire.

The MA5B's integrated computer displays rounds left in the magazine and the relative direction of the gas giant, Threshold, for point of reference. This feature is particularly useful for orienting you in areas where it's easy to get turned around and lose your sense of direction.

The M6D Assault Pistol is a recoil-operated, magazine-fed handgun. It is issued with a smart-linked scope capable of 2X magnification. It fires 12.7mm semi-armor-piercing, high-explosive rounds. It can shoot either semi-automatic or automatic fire. Shot placement is very important. The only shot that guarantees immediate and total incapacitation is one roughly centered in the head, above a horizontal line passing through the ear opening and below the crown of the alien skull.

The M9 Grenade is a high-explosive, dual-purpose thrown fragmentation device. Use it to suppress or disable vehicles, except tanks. It can be thrown, rolled, bounced or ricocheted into places direct fire weapons can't reach. Increase the angle of the throw to toss it farther, or to get it over obstacles. Be careful not to throw it too close to your own location.

The M19 SSM Rocket Launcher is a man-portable and shoulder-fired rocket launcher. It has two major components, the launcher and the magazine. The magazine (the expendabe part of the system) contains two 102mm shaped-charge, high-explosive rockets. It is designed for fast, easy detachment from the launcher. The launcher contains the sighting and fire control systems.

The M90 Shotgun is a pump-action magazine-fed (dual tubular non-detachable type) weapon. It fires 8 gauge magnum (3.5") rounds. This weapon is very effective against targets at close range and may be used to engage several targets simultaneously at medium and long range.

The S2 AM Sniper Rifle is a gas-operated magazine-fed weapon. It is issued with a smart-linked scope with two levels of magnification. Also, while in zoom mode you can activate light amplification. The rifle fires 14.5mm armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding-sabot rounds.

WARNING: The 14.5x114mm APFSDS round is an anti-materiel munition. It can easily over-penetrate several armored soldiers. Be sure of what is on the other side of your target before firing.