One of the biggest highlights of theHalofranchise has always been its diverse arsenal of weapons. Right out of the gate,Halo: Combat Evolvedshipped with a respectable eight weapons, split between itsUNSC and Covenant factions. Each subsequentHaloentry brought a handful of new weapons to the table, delivering some of the most memorable video game weapons of all time in the process.
The most iconic items inHalo’s arsenal tend to be those branded as “Power Weapons,” such as the rocket launcher, the Fuel Rod Cannon, and the sniper rifle. These Power Weapons can give teams a major tactical advantage in the right hands, and while a rocket launcher can wreak havoc easily, some Power Weapons take a little more skill to wield properly.Halo’s melee weapons are a great example of this, and there’s a case to be made for the nextHaloto make them even more complex.
Why The Next Halo Should Revamp Melee Combat
Melee Weapons Have Always Been a Key Part of Halo’s Multiplayer Scene
Aside fromHalo: Combat Evolved,everyHaloentryhas had at least one type of melee weapon. More often than not, these weapons have been the Energy Sword, a favorite of the Covenant’s Elites, and the Gravity Hammer, a Brute Chieftain’s go-to weapon.
While these melee weapons obviously aren’t suited to longer-range firefights, the Energy Sword and Gravity Hammer can be incredibly effective in a close-quarters arena, netting the wielder a handful of easy kills if opponents are taken by surprise. Along with having distinct roles inHalo’s gameplay formula, the Energy Sword and Gravity Hammer have become iconic symbols for theHalofranchise, offering distinct visual designs that encapsulate the series' Sci-Fi setting.
Halo’s Melee Weapons Feel a Little Outdated
But while the Energy Sword and Gravity Hammer remainHalomainstays, their gameplay is starting to feel a little dated. TheEnergy Sword and Gravity Hammeressentially function the same across every iteration. The Energy Sword always has its lock-on lunge attack and faster-paced swipes, and the Gravity Hammer always has its overhead slam. These attacks get the job done, but players have been using these weapons in the exact same way for the best part of two decades.
Halo Infinite’s campaign introduced three variations of the Energy Sword, but all three had the exact same attack animations. The only core differences between the three were their visual designs, damage output, and recovery speed.
How The Next Halo Could Revamp Melee Weapons
Melee weapons are a staple of theHalofranchise, and they should never be removed. But to ensure melee combat doesn’t grow stale, the nextHalomight want to revamp its melee system and make it a little more involved. For instance,the nextHalocould introduce a new blocking and parrying system for its Energy Sword, letting players engage in proper duels with one another that take a bit more skill than just pressing the lunge button at the right time.
The Gravity Hammer should also get its own set of improvements, such as a greater variety of attacks. Rather than give players just the one overhead slam they’ve been using since 2007, the nextHalo’s Gravity Hammercould let players swing the weapon in a wide horizontal arc in front of them, bouncing opponents to the side, and thus letting players use the environment to their advantage.
Halo Infinite
WHERE TO PLAY
When all hope is lost and humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, the Master Chief is ready to confront the most ruthless foe he’s ever faced. Step inside the armor of humanity’s greatest hero to experience an epic open-world adventure and explore the massive scale of the Halo ring.With Network Campaign Co-Op and Mission Replay, you’re able to relive your favorite moments, rediscover collectibles and explore the wonders of Zeta Halo on your own or with up to three other fireteam members.Experience Halo’s celebrated multiplayer reimagined and free-to-play! With over 70 maps in matchmaking, billions of customization configurations, and countless community Forge creations to experience, Halo Infinite is the franchise’s most expansive multiplayer offering to date.Enjoy an unprecedented variety of gameplay experiences, ranging from fast-paced intense ranked modes to whimsical mayhem in Custom Games, or even co-operative coordination in the wave-based survival mode Firefight: King of the Hill. Assemble your Fireteam and conquer every mode – Halo offers endless opportunities for teamwork, strategy, and unforgettable victories.
