The most simplistic Covenant firearm. Fires a a regular plasma charge, but can be overloaded and fire a huge, shield-draining charge of plasma. The side effect of the overload? The gun most cool down, and looses plenty of it's energy. Effective on Grunts, any type of energy shield, and when you have backup with bigger guns.
Plasma Rifle
Favored by Elites, but carried by all the Covenant execpt Hunters, the Plasma Rifle is an automatic version of the plasma pistol. Good against Elite's shields, and for blowing the hell out of a bunch of Grunts and Jackals. If fired on full-auto for a while, the gun will overheat and be rendered temporaraly useless. The Brutes also carry a version of the Plasma Rifle with more punch, but it overheats much more quickly.
Needler
The Needler sports a 30 round clip and launches the needles that are sticking out the back of the gun. Needles home in on target, and will puncture soft targets (those with flesh) no matter what the angle. Needles enter flesh, then explode 3 seconds later, sending microshrapnel into their victim and causing even more damage. Pump about 8 to 12 rounds into an opponent to see him blow to hell and any explosives on him make him kill nearby allies. Good for melee as well.
Covenant Carbine
Extremely good version of the Battle Rifle, the Covenant Carbine is equipped with a X2 scope. Rounds are single-shot, and headshots are usually quick-to-kill. Rounds appear radioactive, which causes even more damage to unshielded foes. (Poor Grunts) Can also blast helmets of Brutes, which causes them to turn very primative and charge like a wild monkey.
Beam Rifle
The Covenant Sniper Rifle, the Beam Rifle fires a deadly heated beam. If attempted to fire like an automatic weapon, gun will overheat and be temporarly useless. Good for blasting Hunters, and headshots are usually fatal on all other targets.
Brute Shot
The Covenant Grenade Launcher used by the Brutes. Grenades will bounce once on impact if they do not hit a target, and then explode. If they hit a target, they explode. Also has a large blade on the rear of the gun for deadly melee attacks.
Energy Sword
Carried by high-ranking Elites, the Energy Sword was origionally thought to be a ceremonial weapon. Deadly effective at close range, and a charge attack makes the Energy Sword the Covenant's most deadly weapon. Extremely good for fighting The Flood, the only downside to the Energy Sword is after it's battery runs out, you need a new one. Battery weakens with every hit on a living target.
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The most simplistic Covenant firearm. Fires a a regular plasma charge, but can be overloaded and fire a huge, shield-draining charge of plasma. The side effect of the overload? The gun most cool down, and looses plenty of it's energy. Effective on Grunts, any type of energy shield, and when you have backup with bigger guns. 
Favored by Elites, but carried by all the Covenant execpt Hunters, the Plasma Rifle is an automatic version of the plasma pistol. Good against Elite's shields, and for blowing the hell out of a bunch of Grunts and Jackals. If fired on full-auto for a while, the gun will overheat and be rendered temporaraly useless. The Brutes also carry a version of the Plasma Rifle with more punch, but it overheats much more quickly. 
The Needler sports a 30 round clip and launches the needles that are sticking out the back of the gun. Needles home in on target, and will puncture soft targets (those with flesh) no matter what the angle. Needles enter flesh, then explode 3 seconds later, sending microshrapnel into their victim and causing even more damage. Pump about 8 to 12 rounds into an opponent to see him blow to hell and any explosives on him make him kill nearby allies. Good for melee as well. 
The Covenant Sniper Rifle, the Beam Rifle fires a deadly heated beam. If attempted to fire like an automatic weapon, gun will overheat and be temporarly useless. Good for blasting Hunters, and headshots are usually fatal on all other targets. 
Carried by high-ranking Elites, the Energy Sword was origionally thought to be a ceremonial weapon. Deadly effective at close range, and a charge attack makes the Energy Sword the Covenant's most deadly weapon. Extremely good for fighting The Flood, the only downside to the Energy Sword is after it's battery runs out, you need a new one. Battery weakens with every hit on a living target.