Halo Infinite‘s multiplayer surprise dropped last week, and enough time has passed for players to get a feel for the game’s massive list of 22 weapons. Halo veterans may be surprised to find that many of the best weapons in the game are actually new to the series and fit in perfectly with iconic, returning weapons from past Halo games. There are some clear standout weapons that players will want to look out for on the battlefield to slay their opponents.
While Halo Infinite’s weapon options include iconic gear like the Battle Rifle, Rocket Launcher (renamed the “SPNKR Rocket Launcher”), Gravity Hammer, and Energy Sword, there are some notable weapons that did not make the cut. The DMR, one-shot Shotgun, SMG, and every known Covenant weapon aside from the Plasma Pistol are not currently present in Halo Infinite. Also not included are every known Promethean weapon from Halo 4 and Halo 5. Arguably, though, Halo Infinite’s new weapon additions fill these gaps fairly well.
There are 10 Halo Infinite weapons most every player will want to look for and master to succeed in arenas, ranked, and big team battle matches. Many of Halo Infinite’s best weapons are either brand new or perform differently from their previous iterations, so players will need to spend time with each one to gain the upper hand on other Spartans.
Halo Infinite’s 10 Best Weapons
![Halo Infinite: Best Weapons for Multiplayer (& How They Work)](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Halo-Infinite-Multiplayer-Weapon-Spawns-Reach-Halo-5.jpg)
While many iconic Halo weapons are missing from Halo Infinite, including the DMR, developer 343 Industries has indicated there is a 10-year plan for Halo Infinite. It is possible more will be added later. For now, these are the 10 best options players should learn to use.
Battle Rifle
![The Battle Rifle in Halo Infinite](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Halo-Infinite-Battle-Rifle.jpg)
The BR continues to be the best all-around precision weapon in Halo. Capable of killing a player in four bursts (three bursts to the body, one burst to the head), the BR rewards players who can control its slight recoil and land their final headshots. This weapon is best used at medium range, though skilled players can easily outgun most common weapons at close range. Players will want to become efficient with this weapon, as it’s the only starting weapon in Halo Infinite ranked game modes.
MK50 Sidekick
![A player reloads the MK50 Sidekick in Halo Infinite](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Halo-Infinite-MK50-Sidekick-Reload.jpg)
Halo Infinite’s new pistol is a close-quarters beast. Its rapid-fire allows for six quick shots to the shield and one to the head to kill, making it one of the deadliest CQC weapons in the game. Hitting all shots with the sidekick consistently requires a lot of skill, especially when an opponent is moving and using a more reliable CQC weapon, like the Assault Rifle. This weapon also becomes more difficult to use at medium- to long-range.
Assault Rifle
![The Assault Rifle in Halo Infinite](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Halo-Infinite-Assault-Rifle.jpg)
Halo Infinite’s Assault Rifle is one of the best weapons, which comes as a surprise to many. Previous iterations of the Assault Rifle have been comically outgunned by the majority of other weapons in the sandbox at all ranges, but that’s no longer true. In many cases, the player can outgun an unskilled Sidekick or BR player with this weapon at close to medium range. Controlling the Assault Rifle’s heavy recoil is tricky but can reward the player with reliable kills if they aim for the head.
SPNKR Rocket Launcher
![The SPNKR Rocket Launcher in Halo Infinite](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Halo-Infinite-SPNKR.jpg)
The first power weapon on the list is a familiar favorite; picking up the Rocket Launcher in Halo Infinite can easily secure four or more kills in public matches if used correctly. Players should never aim for another player’s body, but rather the floor, walls, and rooftops closely surrounding them. They should also be aware of the two rockets in the mag, as the launcher has a long reload time.
Skewer
![The Skewer in Halo Infinite](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Halo-Infinite-Skewer.jpg)
The Skewer is one of the new Halo Infinite weapons and comes from the new enemy faction in the campaign, the Banished. The Skewer is a high-risk, high-reward, all-around beast. It’s capable of destroying vehicles in one to two hits, as well as sniping enemies from afar with well-placed shots. Players just need to lead their shots a bit, as well as stay aware of the Skewer’s limited ammo capacity and long reload time.
Heatwave
![A player holds the Heatwave in Halo Infinite](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Halo-Infinite-Heatwave.jpg)
The Heatwave is new in Halo Infinite and is one of the Forerunner weapons in the game. The Heatwave is a shotgun that can shoot projectiles in both horizontal and verticle mode. Its projectiles also have the ability to over-penetrate targets and bounce off walls. Players will want to master the vertical shooting mode in multiplayer, as it is capable of a two-shot kill up close, while horizontal shooting is more for crowd control and finishing low health opponents. It’s also important to note that this weapon has no damage fall-off past a few meters, and can consistently 3 shot players at medium-long range with well-placed verticle shots.
Cindershot
![A player aims the Cindershot in the Courtyard in Halo Infinite](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Halo-Infinite-Cindershot.jpg)
Another new weapon from Forerunner, the Cindershot shoots projectiles of explosive energy at close-medium range. It also has an alternate fire mode that allows players to totally control the movement of the projectile from range, even to bend it around corners. The Cindershot requires a bit of a learning curve, as its projectiles in CQC fire mode usually have to be bounced off another surface before blowing up. It’s best to bounce the projectiles under the feet of the enemy in this fire mode. When switching the fire mode to long-range, players have complete control of the projectile using the aim stick. This mode can be used for direct impacts from range or for bending the projectile around the corner to kill a weak opponent.
Gravity Hammer/Energy Sword
![The Gravity Hammer in Halo Infinite](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Halo-Infinite-Gravity-Hammer.jpg)
Two iconic Halo melee weapons return in Halo Infinite, and they are just as good as they used to be. The Gravity Hammer has the ability to one-hit multiple opponents at close range with its massive blast radius. The Energy Sword allows for singular target damage with a massive melee lunge range, securing easy one-hits on nearby enemies. Players should have similar playstyles with both of these weapons, though. They should avoid running straight toward the opponent and giving them an easy kill. Instead, being sneaky and hiding off the radar will reward the player with many satisfying kills.
S7 Sniper
![The S7 Sniper in Halo Infinite](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Halo-Infinite-S7-Sniper.jpg)
The classic Halo sniper returns, though this version feels much more difficult to aim. The S7 Sniper will still one-shot any opponent hit in the head, and two-shot when aimed anywhere else on the body, but the aim-assist on controller feels a lot more toned down than in previous Halo titles. However, for the skilled mouse-and-keyboard player, the S7 Sniper is a must.
CQS48 Bulldog
![The CQS48 Bulldog in Halo Infinite](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Halo-Infinite-Bulldog.jpg)
Halo Infinite’s new shotgun, the CQS48 Bulldog, builds off its previous iteration but performs much differently. This new shotgun is fully automatic, has a much longer range, and has a bigger ammo capacity. However, the shotgun cannot one-shot opponents, and, while it is a very reliable tw0- to three-shot kill weapon, missing one or two shots can result in losing to a pistol or AR.
Halo Infinite is available now on Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC.