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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H1|H2|H3|HW|FOR|TF|FS|GOO|UP|HGN|TCP|RVB|}}
{{Disambig header|the models in Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, and Halo 3|other variants of the Needler|Needler}}
{{Weapon
'''Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher (T-33 GML)''', also known as the '''Type-33 Needler''', is the [[United Nations Space Command]]'s [[Type classification system|type classification]] for four distinct patterns of the [[Needler]], a [[Covenant]] [[Needle-based weaponry|needle-based]] infantry automatic weapon that launch [[Subanese crystal]]line shards capable of homing-in on targets.{{Ref/Book|Id=evg128|EVG|Page=128}} Although the four distinct patterns of the Needlers possessed aesthetic and functional differences, their shared UNSC type designation suggests that they were all catalogued and classified in [[2533]].
| image=[[Image:Bnetneedler.jpg|300px]]
| name=Needler
| manufacturer=[[Covenant]]
| model=Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher
| type=Munitions Launcher
| cost=
| size=[[Halo 1]]/[[Halo 3]]: Hand held, Two Handed<br/>
[[Halo 2]]: Hand held, One Handed, [[Dual Wield]]able
*Needler (Halo 1)
**length: 66.8 cm (26.29 in.)
**width: 20 cm (7.87 in.)
**height: 60 cm (23.62 in.)
*Needler (Halo 2)
**length: 57.9 cm (22.79 in.)
*Needler (Halo 3)
**Length (o/a): 57.8 cm (22.75 in.)
**Length (barrel): 16.25 cm (6.4 in.)
**Weight (empty): 3.74 kg (8.25 lbs)
**Weight (loaded): 4.3 kg (9.5 lbs)
| damage per hit= Variable - Low to Instant Kill
*7 DU (Halo 1)<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/Games/HaloPC/page.aspx?section=Guides&subsection=WeaponsVehiclesPages&page=2 Bungie.net's summary of Halo PC weapons]</ref>
| magazine= *Halo 1: 20 needles
*Halo 2: 30 needles
*Halo 3: 19 needles
| maxammo= *Halo 1: 100 needles
*Halo 2: 120 needles
**Dual-wielding: 240 needles
*Halo 3: 95
| fire= Automatic
| ammotype= Crystalline Explosive Projectiles
| operation= Unknown
| rate of fire= 8.5 rnds/sec (Halo 3)
| velocity= 54 m/s (177 f/s)
| accuracy= High (Homing)
| range=Short-Medium Range
*64 meters (210 ft)
| era=
| counterpart=
*Halo 1: [[MA5B Assault Rifle]]  
*Halo 2: [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun]]
*Halo 3: [[MA5C Assault Rifle]]
| counterwep=
*At Close Range: [[Energy Sword]], [[Shotgun]], [[Gravity Hammer]]
*At Medium Range: [[Battle Rifle]], [[Covenant Carbine]], [[M6D]], [[SMG]]
| affiliation=[[Covenant]]
}}


{{Article Quote|"First order of business when dealing with a hostile armed with a Needler is finding cover; second order of business is killing the mike foxtrot with the Needler."|Anonymous serviceman}}
==''Nahle'hax-pattern'' needle launcher==
{{Main|Nahle'hax-pattern needler}}
The ''Nahle'hax''-pattern needle launcher is designated as '''T-33 GML'''.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22|Enc22|Page=294}}{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}} This variant was commonly employed by the Covenant and its remnants.{{Ref/Game|HR|gameplay}}{{Ref/Book|Id=h4evg|H4EVG|Page=85}}{{Ref/Game|H4|gameplay}}
<gallery class=center>
File:HReach-NeedlerSide.png|The first chassis with blue lights on side of the upper cowling.
File:Enc22-Nahle'haxNeedler.png|The second chassis with metallic braces on the channel braces.
File:H4-Needler.png|The third chassis with no lights on the side of the upper cowling.
</gallery>


The '''Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher'''<ref>http://www.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3needler</ref>, more commonly known as the '''Needler''', is a [[Covenant]] infantry [[weapon]] that fires a glowing, pink-blue homing projectile capable of doing lethal damage. Once [[List of "Seven" References in Halo|seven]] "needles" (which is a reference to Bungie's love of the number seven) embed themselves into an enemy, they explode, killing the enemy in almost all encounters.The energy signature of this weapon is unknown.
==Fleet of Particular Justice variant==
{{Weapon infobox
|image=[[File:Needler-HaloCE.png|300px]]
|name=Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher
|manufacturer=[[Sacred Promissory]]{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}
|type=[[Needler]]{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}{{Ref/Game|HCE|[[Halo: Combat Evolved manual#Covenant Weapons|game manual]]}}
|cost=
|length=
|weight=
|width=
|height=
|capacity=
|feed=20 shards/magazine{{Ref/Game|Id=hcegameplay|HCE|gameplay}}
|ammotype=Subanese crystalline shards{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}
|operation=
|rate =Automatic{{Ref/Reuse|hcegameplay}}
|velocity=
|optics=
|range=
|service=
;Human-Covenant War
*[[Battle of Installation 04]]{{Ref/Reuse|hcegameplay}}
}}


==Summary==
This pattern designated as '''Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher''' was manufactured by the [[Sacred Promissory]].{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}
'''The Needler''' is one of the less popular weapons of the [[Halo]] trilogy. It is an extremely unusual [[Covenant]] weapon that fires pink, translucent, crystalline projectiles with a tinge of blue. It is most often wielded by [[Grunts]], [[Elites]], [[Drones]], and sometimes even [[Jackals]] have been seen utilizing this weapon, but you will mostly see [[grunts]] wielding it. [[Enforcers]] also have a larger version of the Needler mounted on themselves, along with one [[Sentinel]] which [[Needler Sentinel|equips this weapon through a glitch]]. [[Brutes]] are also compatible to wield the firearm but is only ever seen doing so in cut scenes.


Razor sharp crystalline projectiles are fired from this elaborately designed [[Covenant]] weapon; it is widely believed that they use heat or organic signatures to home in on targets and may have some relation to the [[plasma grenade]] as they both react to living tissues. Although easily deflected by [[energy shields]], the needles cause a chemical reaction in close proximity resulting in an explosive effect, which can have a devastating effect on the victim.<ref>[http://halo3.com halo3.com]</ref>While a single needle will shatter and cause very little damage, after seven or more needles have entered a opponent, the energy of the needles will combine and cause a violent explosion, causing massive internal damage that always results in death and sending micro shrapnel and a pink mist flying through the air.  In [[Halo: The Fall of Reach]] it is stated that the micro shrapnel can embed itself in nearby organisms; thus, friendly fire is often a necessary consideration in close quarters.
===Design details===
This Needler pattern is characterized by an additional handguard around the grip between the cowlings. It also possesses a longer handguard extending from the lower cowling,{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}} though, unlike other Needlers with this attribute, the handguard is angled downwards rather than curving upwards.{{Ref/Game|HCE|In-game model}}
<gallery class=center>
File:Needler.png|The HUD icon for this T-33 GML pattern.
File:Needlers and Ammo.jpg|Scattered Needlers and their ammunition boxes.
</gallery>


It is possible that the brighter section of the projectiles is the "Heart". When it embeds in something or goes on for too long a distance, the outer casing is penetrated, hitting the heart, setting off a catalyst, or is worn away too much and then it does the same catalyst effect. This may also fit the fact enough needles put in a target "Combine" their catalyst effects, creating a violent explosion wrecking from the very inside.
===Usage===
This pattern of the Needler was commonly employed during the [[Battle of Installation 04|Battle]] of [[Installation 04]] by the forces deployed from the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]].{{Ref/Reuse|hcegameplay}} It was particularly popular among [[Special Operations Unggoy]] combating the [[Flood]].{{Ref/Level|HCE|Keyes (level)|Keyes}}{{Ref/Level|HCE|The Maw}}
<gallery class=center>
File:Curlback.png|An [[Unggoy Major]] wielding the Needler.
File:HCE Zuka Screenshot 6.jpg|Two SpecOps Unggoy firing their Needlers in the wreckage of {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}.
File:Keyes.jpg|[[Captain (NAVCOM)|Captain]] [[Jacob Keyes]] notably used a Needler after [[Raid on the Truth and Reconciliation|his rescue]].
</gallery>
{{clear}}


[[Image:1208118989_Needlers_and_Ammo.jpg‎|left|thumb|250px|Needlers and their ammunition.]]
==Fleet of Sacred Consecration variant==
{{Weapon infobox
|image=[[File:Needler-H2.png|300px]]
|name=Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher
|manufacturer=[[Sacred Promissory]]{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}
|type=[[Needler]]{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}{{Ref/Game|Id=h2manual|H2|[[Halo 2 manual#Covenant Weapons|game manual]]}}
|cost=
|length=
|weight=
|width=
|height=
|capacity=
|feed=30 shards/magazine{{Ref/Reuse|h2manual}}{{Ref/Game|Id=h2gameplay|H2|gameplay}}
|ammotype=Subanese crystal shards{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}
|operation=
|rate =Automatic{{Ref/Reuse|h2gameplay}}
|velocity=
|optics=
|range=
|service=
;Human-Covenant War
*[[Harvest campaign]]{{Ref/Level|HW|Relic Interior}}
*[[Battle of Mombasa]]{{Ref/Reuse|h2gameplay}}
*[[Raid on the Threshold gas mine]]{{Ref/Level|H2|The Arbiter}}{{Ref/Level|H2|The Oracle}}
*[[Battle of Installation 05]]{{Ref/Reuse|h2gameplay}}
*[[Fall of High Charity|Fall of ''High Charity'']]{{Ref/Reuse|h2gameplay}}
}}


===Advantages===
This pattern designated as '''Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher''' was manufactured by the [[Sacred Promissory]].{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}
This weapon fires homing needles that embed themselves in the flesh of a target before exploding to cause damage. The rate of fire increases with continuous fire. If seven or more needles strike the target, the needles' combined strength will create a large purple/pink explosion, killing the target and causing splash damage to other nearby enemies. This is another reference to the number [[Seven]] in the [[Bungie]] games. Needles can penetrate the energy [[shields]] of [[Elites]], [[Sentinels]], and [[Spartans]], but bounce off [[Jackal Personal Arm Shields]] and a [[Hunter]]'s large metal shield. They are especially useful against the [[Brutes]] in ''[[Halo 2]]'''s [[Campaign]] mode if many needles hit the Brute. In addition, the secondary explosions often kill surrounding enemies. For example, if you fire an entire magazine into a charging [[Flood]] horde, then you will finish over half of them through secondary explosions of the Needler.


In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', the '''Needler''' can be useful for taking out several enemies clumped together; the first seven shots will kill the enemy and the rest of a magazine will set off secondary explosions. In Campaign, the explosions will set off nearby grenades, making the Needler very deadly against groups of enemies or powerful foes such as the Elites (though Special Operations Elites and Zealots can survive the better part of a magazine on Legendary and Heroic, and Hunters almost always live on the same difficulties). It is also a good weapon in tight corridors, where it is impossible for enemies to dodge the needles by moving left or right, or any wide places with little to no cover. Also, you may use this weapon to kill the driver while not damaging the vehicle, provided you can get close enough for the needler to even be effective. Besides this, vehicles are the bane of Needlers, because the needles typpically bounce off the metal. On multiplayer, the Needler proves to be less devestating than on campaign, due to the fact that nearly everyone can dodge the shots outdoors, and more advanced players can dodge the missles on inside maps.
===Design details===
This Needler pattern is characterized by upper and lower cowlings of congruent lengths.{{Ref/Game|H2|In-game model}}


In ''[[Halo 2]]'', the only game in the trilogy where you can [[dual-wield]] the weapon (which suggests that a lighter model is used in that game), the effectiveness and rate of fire of the Needlers can be increased by firing them "out of phase". This is accomplished when the user begins firing one of his Needlers a fraction of a second before the other, and continues to fire them in full-auto so that the shots from each weapon are fired in a "one-two punch" pattern. You can tell when the pattern is just right because the guns will sound as if they are firing much more rapidly. This allows for a more constant and consistent stream of fire. Since each needle is in its own slot in the firing sequence, the failure of one needle to impact the target no longer means that two will fail.  
===Usage===
This pattern of the Needler was commonly employed by the forces deployed from the [[Fleet of Sacred Consecration]] during the [[Battle of Mombasa]] and [[Battle of Installation 05]]. Members of [[Sesa 'Refumee]]'s [[Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction|heretic faction]], especially the [[Heretic Unggoy|Unggoy]], favored this Needler pattern as well.{{Ref/Reuse|h2gameplay}}
<gallery class=center>
File:HW-NeedlerElite.png|A Stealth Sangheili wielding the Needler during the [[Harvest campaign]].
File:Heretic grunts.jpg|Two Unggoy fielding the Needler in the [[Threshold gas mine]].
</gallery>
{{clear}}


In ''[[Halo 3]]'', the '''Needler''' is much more powerful than ever before. With a faster rate of fire, greater accuracy, quicker projectiles, better homing capabilities and higher damage, the Needler has been improved in virtually every area. As the Needler now behaves more like a rifle than an [[SMG]], it can no longer be dual-wielded. However, it's no longer necessary to do so. [[Frankie]] has been quoted as saying that the Needler is now nearly a power weapon on its own.
==Truth's fleet pattern==
{{Weapon infobox
|image=[[File:H3-NeedlerProfile.png|300px]]
|name=Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher
|manufacturer=[[Sacred Promissory]]{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}
|type=[[Needler]]{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}{{Ref/Site|Id=h3bnet|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3Needler|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher - 9/6/2007|D=16|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present/Needler}}{{Ref/Game|Id=h3manual|H3|[[Halo 3 manual#Weapons|game manual]]}}
|cost=
|length=
*'''Overall''': {{Convert|57.8|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|h3bnet}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc09|Enc09|Page=323}}
*'''Barrel''': {{Convert|16.25|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|h3bnet}}
|weight=
*'''Empty''': {{Convert|3.74|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|h3bnet}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc09}}
*'''Loaded''': {{Convert|4.3|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|h3bnet}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc09}}
|width=
|height=
|capacity=
|feed=19 shards{{Ref/Reuse|enc09}}{{Ref/Game|Id=h3gameplay|H3|gameplay}}
|ammotype=Subanese crystalline shards{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}
|operation=
|rate =Automatic{{Ref/Reuse|h3gameplay}} (510 rounds/minute){{Ref/Reuse|h3bnet}}
|velocity=54 meter/second (177 feet/second){{Ref/Reuse|h3bnet}}
|optics=
|range={{Convert|64|m|ft}}{{Ref/Reuse|h3bnet}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc09}}
|service=
;Human-Covenant War
*[[Operation: FIRESIDE]]{{Ref/Comic|HHj|Issue=4}}
*[[Battle of Line Installation 1-4]]{{Ref/Comic|HBL|Issue=4}}
*[[Battle of Mombasa]]{{Ref/Game|H3ODST|gameplay}}
*[[Battle of Voi]]{{Ref/Reuse|h3gameplay}}
*[[Battle of Installation 00]]{{Ref/Reuse|h3gameplay}}
}}


When playing the ''Halo 3'' Campaign, until reaching [[Legendary]], it will not be considered as too much of a powerful weapon, but when it is, it's one of the best weapons to kill Brutes and many other opponents such as the [[Flood]]. It only takes those seven needles, even on higher difficulties, and the homing makes it practically unaffected by the difficulty setting. Most [[skulls]] do not alter the Needler's effectiveness. The only skull that makes it less effective is Tough Luck, as enemies are liable to dodge the homing needles.
This pattern designated as '''Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher''' was manufactured by the [[Sacred Promissory]].{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}


===Disadvantages===
===Design details===
The fired needles are slow and ineffective against [[vehicles]] to the point of just bouncing off them. In Halo 3 the Needler's magazine size is quite small (19 needles), considering the rate of fire and the fact that you can't dual-wield it. The needles also take time to hit/explode on the target, leaving the target time to move in and inflict some of the explosive splash damage on the shooter. This is best illustrated when dealing with the [[Flood]] or a [[Zealot]] wielding an [[Energy Sword]]. It is nearly impossible to hit [[Active Camouflage|invisible]] enemies with the Needler because in '''Halo: Combat Evolved''' and [[Halo 2]], it does not home in on invisible targets, but in ''Halo 3'' the Needler is able to home in on camouflaged [[Brutes]]. The learning curve of the "lead" needed to hit strafing targets is also high. And when faced with experienced opponents in multi-player (who often randomize their strafing patterns) the weapon is almost always overshadowed by better, more reliable options. An enemy who goes in a circular path will always dodge the Needler rounds; you can empty magazines into the air and not hit him or her. Against larger and more heavily armored opponents, such as [[Hunters]], the Needler is generally ineffective. The Needler also proves ineffective against [[Jackal|Jackals]] because the needles will harmlessly repel off the shields unless flanked. Unless one can fire sideways with the Jackal caught unawares, as the projectiles are slow, and the Jackal will have time to place their shield in front of themselves. The only way to easily kill Jackals with the Needler is to fire at point-blank range, but the proximity would be so close that a melee would be better suited instead. Therefore, any other weapon is preferable to wipe them out. Thus, the needles themselves do not inflict much damage, and that only the general explosion inside the enemy will kill them. Therefore, combination's of shooting/[[melee]]ing to get a kill are not ideal with this weapon. Also, this means that, in  [[Halo 2]], the Needler should be dual wielded only with another Needler or a plasma weapon for draining Jackal shields. In addition, the Needler is more or less useless against enemies with protection (ex. the Hunter's shield). The reason is that the needles will bounce harmlessly away. Only if you aim extremely carefully will you be able to hit them at all, much less fill them up. [[Covenant]] species in this category include [[Hunter]]s and Jackals.
This Needler pattern is characterized by upper and lower cowlings of congruent lengths. In addition, there are purple light fixtures around the barrel and its adjoining channel braces.{{Ref/Game|H3|In-game model}}
[[Image:H3_needler_sm.gif|thumb|right|250px|A render of the Needler.]]
Additionally, the Needler is among the worst of weapons to finish off a player who's shields are drained.  This is due to the fact that each needle only inflicts a small amount of damage and that it will still most likely take the seven needles to kill the player despite the fact that only one or a few shots from any other weapon could kill him or her.


The Needler's ammunition is limited. Even at maximum magazines, the Needler will run out in a short time, after killing only four or five shielded enemies. Other weapons, like the [[MA5C Assault Rifle]] are more effective, carrying up to five times more ammo, and requiring only half-3/4 of a clip to kill an enemy.
===Usage===
This pattern of the Needler was commonly employed by the forces deployed from the [[Prophet of Truth]]'s [[Truth's fleet|fleet]] during the [[Battle of Voi]] and the [[Battle of Installation 00]]{{Ref/Reuse|h3gameplay}}
<gallery class=center>
File:BL Thon attacks Three.png|[[Otto-031]] firing a Needler at [[Thon 'Talamee]] during the [[Battle of Line Installation 1-4]].
File:HTMCC-H3ODST DroneNeedler.jpg|A [[Yanme'e Ultra]] firing a Needler during the [[Battle of Mombasa]].
File:HTMCC-H3ODST BruteNeedler.jpg|A [[Jiralhanae Minor]] with a Needler during the Battle of Mombasa.
</gallery>
{{clear}}


==Description and Appearance==
==Trivia==
While the Needler appeared in the original ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the individual crystalline needles were used as a hand to hand weapon in the novel, [[Halo: Contact Harvest]]. It made a return in ''[[Halo 2]]'', and was made a bit less powerful with the advent of dual wielding. However, after ''Halo 2'''s 1.1 [[multi-player]] patch, the weapon was toned down even more. The weapon returns in ''Halo 3''. This time it is not dual-wieldable, but the weapon has been significantly rebalanced to allow it to stand on its own; it is one of the most effective medium-ranged weapons in the game, especially when used against [[Brutes]] or Flood.  However, some people prefer not to use it. It is noticed that in [[Halo 3]], in front of the barrel of the Needler there is an electricity-like pink plasma channel, similar to the channel on the plasma rifle and pistol. This is probably where the needles become energized.
*On the ''Halo 2'' level ''[[Quarantine Zone]]'', there is [[Needler Sentinel|a lone Sentinel]] that fires Needler rounds and drops a Needler when it is destroyed.
*In ''Halo 3'', regardless of how many needles are loaded in the weapon, none will appear in the Needler's shadow.
*''[[Bungie.net]]''{{'}}s ''Halo 3'' statistics page claims that the Needler has thirty needles per magazine instead of the actual nineteen.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' level ''[[343 Guilty Spark (level)|343 Guilty Spark]]'' and the ''Halo 2 Vista'' map ''[[Uplift]]'' are the only levels to feature Needler ammunition outside the Needler.
*When using Anniversary mode in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'', dropped Needlers are always depicted as either being fully loaded or completely depleted. However, when playing Classic mode, the number of needles can be seen indicating how many remained in the magazine prior to the weapon being picked up.


====Changes from [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] to [[Halo 2]]====
==Gallery==
[[Image:1210496382 1203957011 926632 20071030 screen015.jpg|thumb|right|An [[Elite]] armed with a Needler and a [[Gravity Hammer]].]] Needler is smaller compared to the player.
===''Halo: Combat Evolved''===
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the gun, as well as the needles before and after firing, had a slight blue tinge to them, this is all but eliminated.
<gallery>
*It is wielded far less often by enemy [[Elites]] and [[Grunts]].
File:HCE_Needler_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the Needler.
*The magazine size is increased to thirty needles. Maximum ammunition increases from 100 needles to 120. Maximum amount of magazines decreases by 1.
File:HCE_Needler_Concept_2.jpg|Concept art of the Needler.
*Explosion has significantly less splash damage to harm those nearby.
File:HCE EliteEarlyNeedler Screenshot.jpg|A [[Sangheili Minor]] wielding a Needler in an early build.
*Only one explosion is needed to kill any [[Covenant]] enemy; in [[Halo: CE]], up to three were needed to kill high ranking Elites on difficulties as low as [[Normal]].
File:HCE-Needler-FirstPerson.jpg|First-person view of the Needler.
*Needles fly faster.
File:HCE - CovSpecOps.jpg|A [[Special Operations Officer|SpecOps Sangheili]] wielding the Needler.
*Only one explosion will go off within an enemy, in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' multiple explosions could go off in one body, even after death.
</gallery>
*The melee attacks are faster than in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
*Slower rate of fire in ''Halo 2''.
*Melee animation is different, and seems to do less damage.
*Dual-wieldable.


====Changes from [[Halo 2]] to [[Halo 3]]====
===''Halo 2''===
*Reticule must be red in order for the needles to seek.
<gallery>
*Magazine size has been decreased to 19 rounds.
File:Needler-H2.png|A profile view of the Needler.
*Rate of fire has been dramatically increased.
File:H2 Elite SpecOps.png|A SpecOps Sangheili wielding the Needler.
*Needles appear to travel faster.
File:Heretic grunt.jpg|An [[Heretic Unggoy]] with the Needler.
*Weapon can no longer be dual wielded because it was deemed, "Over powered".  
File:H2-DualNeedlers-Gameplay.png|First-person view of dual-wielding Needlers.
*Will never be wielded by [[Elites]] unless you give them one.
File:H2-SingleNeedler-Gameplay.png|First-person view of single-wielding a Needler.
*Power Increased.
File:H2 e304 dualneedlers.jpg|First-person view of dual-wielding Needlers in multiplayer.
*Unexploded needles remain impaled to the victim after impact.
</gallery>
*The needles do explode, however, after a given period of time, but the explosions are small and do little to no damage.
*Needler ammunition is not seen outside the weapon.
*Reticule made smaller.


==[[UNSC]] Remarks==
===''Halo 3''===
*"I don’t know how it works, but it seems the needles can only follow you if they can see you."
<gallery>
*"Anything stuck with enough needles will blow sky high—and if a Foxtrot is unlucky enough to be carrying grenades, those are gonna cook off too."
File:Bnetneedler.jpg|Promotional image of the Needler.
*“I caught three in the leg as I was diving behind a broken wall—they lodged right in there where the greave meets the boot. When they went off it damn near broke my ankle and flung like little splinters of glass or crystal or whatever all up my left side—the corpsman was pulling the shards outta me for the better part of two hours.”
File:Needler Halo 3.png|An angled view of the Needler.
*“Luckily—listen to me “luckily”—the needles only detonate when they’re embedded in living tissue. Now that’s lucky because it’s not gonna blow a hole in the wall you’re hiding behind or tear the tires off of the vehicle you’re trying to escape in.”
File:H3-NeedlerProfile.png|A profile view of the Needler.
*“It’s about as close to a fire-and-forget small arm that we're likely to ever see—and it ain’t ours. This is why we’re losing.”
File:Halo-3-20070923023617567.jpg|A first-person view of the Needler.
*“First order of business when dealing with a hostile armed with a Needler is finding cover; second order of business is killing the mike foxtrot with the Needler.”
File:Needler123.jpg|A Spartan firing the Needler in multiplayer.
[[Image:1211479378 Needler Shard.jpg|thumb|right|A Needler's needle in mid-flight.]]
File:Halo-3-legendary-map-pack--20080408000202983.jpg|A barrage of blamite shards in multiplayer.
</gallery>


==Character Compatibility==
===''Halo Wars''===
*[[Master Chief]]
*[[Sgt. Johnson]]
*[[Captain Keyes]]
*[[Elites]]
*[[Spartans]]
*[[Drones]]
*[[Jackals]]
*[[Grunts]]
*[[Marines]]
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form|Combat Form (Human)]]
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form|Combat Form (Elite)]]
*[[Needler Sentinel]] [[Easter Egg]] (Bungie Error)
 
==Trivia==
[[Image:1225556878 Needler explosion.jpg|thumb|right|A needle exploding]]
*The only levels in which appears Needler ammo outside the weapon are [[343 Guilty Spark (Level)|343 Guilty Spark]] from [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] and [[Halo 2 Vista]] map [[Uplift]].
*The Needler is part of the infamous [[Noob Combo]] with the [[Rocket Launcher]], it earned this title as it has the ability to lock on to its target.
*Instead of each needle on top of the gun pushing into the gun separately as you fire like you may think, like a visible magazine, they all push in slightly for each shot fired.
*It is highly speculated that the Needler was inspired by Half-Life's Hive Hand (The one that spits out bee-like insects) due to its similar ability to lock on to enemies in a homing manner.
*In the [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] instruction book, there are Needler blueprints under the Plasma Rifle blueprints.
*It takes seven or more needles to set off the full explosion and kill targets such as Spartans or Elites. This is another early incarnation of [[Bungie]]'s fascination with the number [[7]].
*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' on [[Easy]] difficulty, it is possible to kill a [[Hunter]] using a Needler, but it takes exactly three magazines of ammunition to do so.
*In the [[Sacred Icon (Level)|Sacred Icon]] in the first [[Enforcer]] fight behind the Gondola there are three overloaded Needlers with 135 ammo each.
*[[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Jacob Keyes]] and [[Sgt. Johnson]] are the only main [[UNSC]] characters that use a Needler in-game.
[[Image:Plasma Needles Halo 3.jpg|thumb|right|Two needles of a Needler, with one of them exploding.]]
*In ''Halo 3'', if you look at your shadow while holding a Needler (regardless of how many needles are protruding from the top) there will not be any needles visible in the top of the Needler in your shadow. This is to compensate with simple reloading and the third person of the person with the Needler.
*Only in Halo: Combat Evolved that the needler's ammunition rounds are visible. It's an oval-like shape cartridge magazines. Although in the other two sequels, running towards a needler gun would do the reammunition.
*The ''[[Halo 3]]'' Needler is incorrectly labeled as having 30 needles per magazine, instead of the actual 19.
*Needlers cause two types of damage. ''Penetration'', getting hurt on impact of the crystalline needles, and ''Explosive'', implosion and explosion of needles wedged in the body and splash damage to surrounding units.
*The Needler is [[Fleet Master]] [[Voro Nar 'Mantakree]]'s next-to trademark weapon, the other being the [[Energy Sword]].
*The Needler is one of the few Covenant weapons that use re-loadable ammunition. The others are the [[Fuel Rod Gun]], the [[Carbine]], the [[Spiker]], the [[Mauler]] and the [[Brute Shot]]. This is of course simple speculation, as the UNSC has not found a way to reload the battery of any plasma weapon.
*There is a glitch in [[Halo 2]] where you can get a [[Jackal]] to fire a Needler, but no needles will come out. To read more, go to [[Charging needler glitch|this page]].
*Some players amid [[Halo 3]]'s [[Multiplayer]] discern the Needler as a cheap way of getting a simple kill as it does not require much talent to aim a homing weapon.
*There is a [[Sentinel]] that fires Needler rounds and when destroyed it drops a Needler. It is found on the level [[Quarantine Zone]] in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
*In [[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]] the Needler is referred to as a pistol. This may be because in the large hands of a [[Sangheili]] warrior where it appears on a smaller scale than if it were in [[Human]] hands.
*The Needler is used to acquire the [[Fear the Pink Mist]] achievement in [[Halo 3]].
*Normally if you shoot at a [[Jackal]]'s shield with a Needler it will bounce off. But if you shoot the center of the shield, it will penetrate and injure or kill the [[Jackal]] (Halo 2).
*Halo 3 is the only game where the needle's smaller explosions after it impacts won't hurt you
*In [[Halo 3]], [[Elites]] will hold the Needler with one hand, although it is not able to be dual-wielded.
*In the second battle of Harvest, Ustaf 'Nbekee used a needler to kill a [[Spartan-II]] from [[Spartan Group Omega]].
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Halo3 Spartan-needler-01.jpg|A Spartan in [[EVA]] armor wields the needler.
File:HW Jackal Concept 2.jpg|Concept art featuring Kig-Yar armed with Needlers and [[Particle beam rifle|beam rifles]].
Image:Needler-1.jpg|Dual Wielding the Needler.
File:HW deacon.jpg|An Unggoy [[Deacon]] with the Needler.
Image:GruntUltra03.jpg|[[Special Operations Grunt|Specops]] and [[Ultra Grunt]]s are often seen wielding the needler.
Image:Needler Halo 3.jpg|The [[Halo 3]] Needler.
Image:1218569564 Needler.jpg|[[Master Chief]] firing a Needler.
Image:NeedlerBoom.jpg|A [[Jackal]] killed by a Needler explosion.
Image:News H3 MP Assembly-1p02.jpg|A player wields the Needler on [[Assembly]].
</gallery>
</gallery>


==References==
==List of appearances==
<references/>
{{Col-begin}}
 
{{Col-2}}
==Related Pages==
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*[[Heavy Needler]]
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*[[Covenant Weapons]]
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*[[Fear the Pink Mist]]
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*[[Energy Cutlass]]
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*[http://halowiki.net/p/Needler Needler at Halowiki]
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Believe]]'' 
**''[[Enemy Weapon]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo: Helljumper]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Homecoming]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Initiation]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Collateral Damage]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Battle Born]]''
*''[[Halo: Renegades]]''
*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''
**''[[Homecoming (TV Series)|Homecoming]]''
**''[[Reckoning]]''
**''[[Transcendence]]''
{{Col-end}}


<br clear="all">
==Sources==
{{Template:Covenant Weapons}}
{{Ref/Sources}}


[[Category:Weapons]]
{{Covenant rifles}}
[[Category:Held Weapons]]
[[Category:Covenant infantry weapons]]
[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:Small arms]]
[[Category:Covenant Weapons]]
[[Category:Needle weaponry]]

Latest revision as of 18:19, August 16, 2023

This article is about the models in Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, and Halo 3. For other variants of the Needler, see Needler.

Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher (T-33 GML), also known as the Type-33 Needler, is the United Nations Space Command's type classification for four distinct patterns of the Needler, a Covenant needle-based infantry automatic weapon that launch Subanese crystalline shards capable of homing-in on targets.[1] Although the four distinct patterns of the Needlers possessed aesthetic and functional differences, their shared UNSC type designation suggests that they were all catalogued and classified in 2533.

Nahle'hax-pattern needle launcher[edit]

Main article: Nahle'hax-pattern needler

The Nahle'hax-pattern needle launcher is designated as T-33 GML.[2][1] This variant was commonly employed by the Covenant and its remnants.[3][4][5]

  • The first chassis with blue lights on side of the upper cowling.

    The first chassis with blue lights on side of the upper cowling.

  • The second chassis with metallic braces on the channel braces.

    The second chassis with metallic braces on the channel braces.

  • The third chassis with no lights on the side of the upper cowling.

    The third chassis with no lights on the side of the upper cowling.

Fleet of Particular Justice variant[edit]

Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher
Needler-HaloCE.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Sacred Promissory[1]

Type:

Needler[1][6]

Specifications

Ammunition type:

Subanese crystalline shards[1]

Feed system:

20 shards/magazine[7]

Rate of fire:

Automatic[7]

Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War
 

This pattern designated as Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher was manufactured by the Sacred Promissory.[1]

Design details[edit]

This Needler pattern is characterized by an additional handguard around the grip between the cowlings. It also possesses a longer handguard extending from the lower cowling,[1] though, unlike other Needlers with this attribute, the handguard is angled downwards rather than curving upwards.[8]

  • The HUD icon for this T-33 GML pattern.

    The HUD icon for this T-33 GML pattern.

  • Scattered Needlers and their ammunition boxes.

    Scattered Needlers and their ammunition boxes.

Usage[edit]

This pattern of the Needler was commonly employed during the Battle of Installation 04 by the forces deployed from the Fleet of Particular Justice.[7] It was particularly popular among Special Operations Unggoy combating the Flood.[9][10]

Fleet of Sacred Consecration variant[edit]

Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher
Needler-H2.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Sacred Promissory[1]

Type:

Needler[1][11]

Specifications

Ammunition type:

Subanese crystal shards[1]

Feed system:

30 shards/magazine[11][12]

Rate of fire:

Automatic[12]

Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War
 

This pattern designated as Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher was manufactured by the Sacred Promissory.[1]

Design details[edit]

This Needler pattern is characterized by upper and lower cowlings of congruent lengths.[16]

Usage[edit]

This pattern of the Needler was commonly employed by the forces deployed from the Fleet of Sacred Consecration during the Battle of Mombasa and Battle of Installation 05. Members of Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction, especially the Unggoy, favored this Needler pattern as well.[12]

Truth's fleet pattern[edit]

Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher
H3-NeedlerProfile.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Sacred Promissory[1]

Type:

Needler[1][17][18]

Specifications

Length:

  • Overall: 57.8 centimetres (22.8 in)[17][19]
  • Barrel: 16.25 centimetres (6.40 in)[17]

Weight:

  • Empty: 3.74 kilograms (8.2 lb)[17][19]
  • Loaded: 4.3 kilograms (9.5 lb)[17][19]

Ammunition type:

Subanese crystalline shards[1]

Feed system:

19 shards[19][20]

Rate of fire:

Automatic[20] (510 rounds/minute)[17]

Muzzle velocity:

54 meter/second (177 feet/second)[17]

Effective range:

64 metres (210 ft)[17][19]

Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War
 

This pattern designated as Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher was manufactured by the Sacred Promissory.[1]

Design details[edit]

This Needler pattern is characterized by upper and lower cowlings of congruent lengths. In addition, there are purple light fixtures around the barrel and its adjoining channel braces.[24]

Usage[edit]

This pattern of the Needler was commonly employed by the forces deployed from the Prophet of Truth's fleet during the Battle of Voi and the Battle of Installation 00[20]

Trivia[edit]

  • On the Halo 2 level Quarantine Zone, there is a lone Sentinel that fires Needler rounds and drops a Needler when it is destroyed.
  • In Halo 3, regardless of how many needles are loaded in the weapon, none will appear in the Needler's shadow.
  • Bungie.net's Halo 3 statistics page claims that the Needler has thirty needles per magazine instead of the actual nineteen.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved level 343 Guilty Spark and the Halo 2 Vista map Uplift are the only levels to feature Needler ammunition outside the Needler.
  • When using Anniversary mode in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, dropped Needlers are always depicted as either being fully loaded or completely depleted. However, when playing Classic mode, the number of needles can be seen indicating how many remained in the magazine prior to the weapon being picked up.

Gallery[edit]

Halo: Combat Evolved[edit]

  • Concept art of the Needler.

    Concept art of the Needler.

  • Concept art of the Needler.

    Concept art of the Needler.

  • A Sangheili Minor wielding a Needler in an early build.

    A Sangheili Minor wielding a Needler in an early build.

  • First-person view of the Needler.

    First-person view of the Needler.

  • A SpecOps Sangheili wielding the Needler.

    A SpecOps Sangheili wielding the Needler.

Halo 2[edit]

  • A profile view of the Needler.

    A profile view of the Needler.

  • A SpecOps Sangheili wielding the Needler.

    A SpecOps Sangheili wielding the Needler.

  • An Heretic Unggoy with the Needler.

    An Heretic Unggoy with the Needler.

  • First-person view of dual-wielding Needlers.

    First-person view of dual-wielding Needlers.

  • First-person view of single-wielding a Needler.

    First-person view of single-wielding a Needler.

  • First-person view of dual-wielding Needlers in multiplayer.

    First-person view of dual-wielding Needlers in multiplayer.

Halo 3[edit]

  • Promotional image of the Needler.

    Promotional image of the Needler.

  • An angled view of the Needler.

    An angled view of the Needler.

  • A profile view of the Needler.

    A profile view of the Needler.

  • A first-person view of the Needler.

    A first-person view of the Needler.

  • A Spartan firing the Needler in multiplayer.

    A Spartan firing the Needler in multiplayer.

  • A barrage of blamite shards in multiplayer.

    A barrage of blamite shards in multiplayer.

Halo Wars[edit]

  • Concept art featuring Kig-Yar armed with Needlers and beam rifles.

    Concept art featuring Kig-Yar armed with Needlers and beam rifles.

  • An Unggoy Deacon with the Needler.

    An Unggoy Deacon with the Needler.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 128
  2. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 294
  3. ^ Halo: Reach, gameplay
  4. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 85
  5. ^ Halo 4, gameplay
  6. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, game manual
  7. ^ a b c d Halo: Combat Evolved, gameplay
  8. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, In-game model
  9. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level Keyes
  10. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level The Maw
  11. ^ a b Halo 2, game manual
  12. ^ a b c d e f Halo 2, gameplay
  13. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Relic Interior
  14. ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Arbiter
  15. ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Oracle
  16. ^ Halo 2, In-game model
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h Bungie.net, Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher - 9/6/2007 (Retrieved on Jan 16, 2021) [local archive] [external archive]
  18. ^ Halo 3, game manual
  19. ^ a b c d e Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 323
  20. ^ a b c d e Halo 3, gameplay
  21. ^ Halo: Helljumper, issue 4
  22. ^ Halo: Blood Line, issue 4
  23. ^ Halo 3: ODST, gameplay
  24. ^ Halo 3, In-game model

v • d • e
 
Service weapons of the Covenant and its remnants
Projectile weapons
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