The Halo series has many iconic weapons. Only a few weapons 343 Industries introduced in Halo Combat Evolved have made it into every major Halo game. Each game has introduced some fan-favorite weapons, but no weapon is as iconic as the Needler. The Needler is a Covenant infantry support weapon in Halo Infinite. This weapon has a compact and distinctive design that has bright pink and sharp crystalline shards sticking out of the top of the gun.
The Needler has seen some different designs over the years, sometimes it has gotten bigger. But it still can fit into the Covenant and Spartan’s hands. Halo Infinite’s Needler still has all of the features that make it unique and dangerous.
Needler General Information
- Weapon Type: Guided Munitions Launcher
- Manufacturer: Lodam Armory
- Ammunition Type: Plasma
- Magazine Size: 26
- Rate of Fire: Automatic
- Perfect Time To Kill (Multiplayer): 12 Shots. The target will explode when the 12th crystal hits.
The Needler is one of the most iconic weapons in the Halo franchise, known for its unique design and pink crystals sticking out on top of the weapons. The Needler is also a favorite among Halo fans for its gameplay feature: your unique bullets can track the enemy as long as they are in the correct range and your crosshair turns red. It has only slight tracking; players can dodge this easily depending on the range.
This weapon is mostly used among the Covenant. The Needler deals plasma typed damage in Halo Infinite and holds 26 crystalline shards. It has one of the fastest firing rates in the game, along with the Assault Rifle. You will need to hit your enemy with 12 shots fired from this gun. Hitting all 12 crystals will cause them to explode, instantly killing the opponent.
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Best Maps for the Needler in Halo Infinite
The Needler is a great weapon to use on any map, but it excels on smaller maps. The tracking can be difficult to master, but once you get the hang of it, the Needler can be a deadly weapon. Stay close to the enemy and ensure your reticle is red before firing shots. If you want the best chance at scoring kills, these maps are the best for the Needler.
Aquarius
Another small map on Halo Infinite, Aquarius, works well for the Needler. The map is primarily close quarters with some open areas. Halo Infinite players can use the Needler to clear out rooms quickly with its fast fire rate. The tracking can also be helpful in the map’s open areas but isn’t ideal.
Recharge
Recharge has some great spots for the Needler. The upper narrow corridor that leads to the battery center location is easy to get kills. Because it is so thin, players won’t have any space to strafe, making the kill almost guaranteed. This map also has a good elevation that works well for the Needler.
Always stay in the closed-in structures that will help make your shots count. It is very possible to catch players on the Energy Sword pad where they can’t move.
Tips and Tricks to Using the Needler in Halo Infinite
The Needler gameplay hasn’t changed much since its debut back in 2001. It still tracks opponents, and the shards will explode once enough of them hit the enemy. It will take a few matches to get used to this weapon, but it isn’t tricky to use. The tips below will help you get in the best situation when using this weapon.
Stay Close to The Enemy When Using the Needler in Halo Infinite
Staying close to the enemy is always good when using The Needler in Halo Infinite. The tracking on this weapon is very slight, so staying close guarantees more hits and a higher chance of getting a kill. You don’t want to get into open areas because it will be easy for your opponent to dodge the tracking needles.
Look for choke points where you can funnel your opponents towards you. The Needler isn’t made for long-range combat, so getting up close is always the best option.
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Reticle Must Turn Red
The reticle must turn red for The Needler to track correctly in Halo Infinite. If it isn’t red, your shots won’t follow well and will miss most of the time. The accuracy on this weapon is already low, so you need to be in close range and have a red reticle to increase your chances of hitting shots. The tracking isn’t perfect, but it is still reliable if you are in close range.
Go Full Auto with the Needler in Halo Infinite
When using the Needler, there is no point in trying to control your fire. The projectiles do very little damage and move slower compared to other weapons. It is best to go full auto and use the whole clip. The Needler has a swift fire rate, so make good use of it. Doing so will increase your probability of getting the kill.
Strafe to the Sides
When facing the Needler, try to be out in the open and strafe directly to the side. This will help you dodge the tracking crystalline needles being shot at you. If you are using the Needler in Halo Infinite’s multiplayer and your opponent is strafing, try to match their strafing while also leading your shots. This will help the needles track the target much better, but it still isn’t guaranteed.
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Conclusion
In short, the Needler has been a staple in the Halo series for years, and it looks like that won’t change anytime soon. While it may not be as powerful as it once was, it is still a force to be reckoned with in the right situations.
The Needler in Halo Infinite continues to have a fast rate of fire. Moreover, its crystalline shards can track opponents, making it lethal in the right hands. Sometimes the fragments can track opponents around corners, scoring some lucky kills for you.
What do you think of the Needler in Halo Infinite? Please sound off in the comments and let us know your strategy when using this iconic weapon.
For more great Halo insights, check out our review of the best guns and weapons in Halo Infinite. We have ranked them all in a tier list according to their value in Halo Infinite’s multiplayer.
